
Urban space is changing fast and despite the potential to increase urban space through growth, technology and social progress, the reality is often increasing exclusion and isolation. My own experience is one of a city increasingly paved over, squared off, noisier and lacking in calm spaces. Traffic, busy people and blank commercial facades have replaced more welcoming districts, because accessibility and family-friendly features are not a developer priority – they maximise borrowings, ramp up local property prices, take the increase in plot value and move on. Sustainable community is not a short-term money-spinner.
My perspective is very much the social exclusion and sensory impact of unsympathetic development. This post includes some images of Cork City and data maps of changing city demographics, at the level of the 74 electoral districts, to outline how the city is changing.
Further reading:
- Department of Housing “Review of Delivery Costs and Viability for Affordable Residential Developments“
- Dubin City Council “Maximising the City’s Potential“, particularly Paul Keogh’s presentation on “Urban Design“
- An Taisce “Building Height Guidelines 2018 Consultation“
- An Taisce “Urban Development and Building Heights Guidelines for Planning Authorities“, particularly section 6.0 on “High Density – Low Rise” development