Desert Cities: What can they teach us ?

Modern Desert Cities like Phoenix are different- they have cars and low density

Greater Phoenix Growth from 1900 to 2000 This graph, from the Greater Phoenix Historical Atlas by ASU, forecasts populations of between 28,202,125 and 9,633,832 by Also a land area of between 10,467 and 3,575 sq. miles if development continues at present densities of 2.7 thousand per sq. mile.

Greater Phoenix Total Land area is 17,700 sq. miles of which about 7,800 sq. miles would be available for urban development. Room for about 21,000,000 people at current densities.

Low Density Sprawl has Serious Problems Traffic breeds pollution and accidents A sedentary life can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease Depression is a growing mental health problem Asthma increasingly threatens the lives of children The “Bowling Alone” syndrome erodes civic life Society is increasingly “ghettoized” economically Journey to work time and distance increases All trips require access to an expensive automobile The sick and the elderly are increasingly isolated or institutionalized

The Compact Desert City as an Alternative to Sprawl

Jaipur in Phoenix The adapted fabric of the Indian Rajasthani desert city of Jaipur is superimposed on the East Roosevelt district of Phoenix Mitu Singh

Marrakesh in Phoenix Marrakesh modified to fit Phoenix; El Fna moved to light rail stop; palaces and gardens moved to extend down-town campus; souk adapted to linear market; major buildings retained.

Sana’a in Phoenix Sana’a modified To fit Phoenix site: mosque gardens become Community Gardens and retention basins; Yemen gate to Light Rail stop; edges strengthened.

Lima modified to Phoenix site. The Plaza is moved to the light rail stop on Central; the grid is made parallel to Phoenix’s; a “green” route connects the Deck Park to a possible University Campus at Phoenix Union High School.

Compact Desert Cities Cusco Peru Fez MoroccoJodhpurCoastal City ChileIndia