If you believe that the city you live in serves your needs, think again. (published in Car Magazine's Greek Issue Nov'10 by E.P.)
From 1950 to 2005, the annual growth rate of urban population was stable between 2% and 3%. In 2005, it started shrinking and will continue to fall to 1.5% and 1% without, however, reaching zero or negative values. In other words, cities will continue to attract new residents. Meanwhile, according to the UN report, the population in rural areas will continuously be decreasing.
Since the '80s, having lost control of their daily life, people live as dictated by their cities of residence
The growth of population in cities becomes problematic when the "rate of newcoming residents" is bigger than the "rate of infrastructures' improvement". This leads to reduced personal space, undermining the quality of life. Since 1980, many cities are far from their original target to "serve the people". Having lost control of their personal lives, citizens today live as dictated by the cities of residence. The economically strong cities, have already invested heavily in studies, public awareness and infrastructure projects aimed at optimizing quality of life. In other cities, people are forced to reduce their personal space, consequently suffering of mental illness. In areas where infrastructure cannot cope with the demands of the public, high rates of unrest are recorded. Air pollution and noise pollution, traffic jams and over-concentration of people in the streets, lack of open spaces that would allow sport and leisure activities, trigger nervousness and irritability.
According to a report of the United Nations for the past and the future of the World Population in Cities -published in 2007- during the '50s, about 737 million people lived in cities, representing 29,1% of world population. During the same period, rural areas have provided housing for 1.8 billion people (70.9%). By 2050 the scenery will be completely different, with 69.6% (6.4 billion) residing in large urban areas and only 30.4% (1.8 billion) in the province.
From 1950 to 2005, the annual growth rate of urban population was stable between 2% and 3%. In 2005, it started shrinking and will continue to fall to 1.5% and 1% without, however, reaching zero or negative values. In other words, cities will continue to attract new residents. Meanwhile, according to the UN report, the population in rural areas will continuously be decreasing.
Since the '80s, having lost control of their daily life, people live as dictated by their cities of residence
The growth of population in cities becomes problematic when the "rate of newcoming residents" is bigger than the "rate of infrastructures' improvement". This leads to reduced personal space, undermining the quality of life. Since 1980, many cities are far from their original target to "serve the people". Having lost control of their personal lives, citizens today live as dictated by the cities of residence. The economically strong cities, have already invested heavily in studies, public awareness and infrastructure projects aimed at optimizing quality of life. In other cities, people are forced to reduce their personal space, consequently suffering of mental illness. In areas where infrastructure cannot cope with the demands of the public, high rates of unrest are recorded. Air pollution and noise pollution, traffic jams and over-concentration of people in the streets, lack of open spaces that would allow sport and leisure activities, trigger nervousness and irritability.
For future cities of the world, the main concern will be to offer the best quality of life. Public Transport will dominate, green areas will be increased, distances for the average citizen will be reduced. Vehicles will be free of emissions and noisy engines will only be heard in digital libraries. Projects already presented, refer to urban centers where noises will not exceed the noise levels of the countryside.Developed countries such as Germany, have already taken measures, enforcing laws that allow any citizen to sue the city where he resides, if bothered by noise.
The ultimate aim of the projects is to allow people to live in cities, without compromising the quality of life. If all these plans become reality, it is clear that many present cities will be labelled as a new "Middle Age". Future citizens will wonder how was it possible for someone to dealing with traffic jams, spending one more hours on the road to reach his office, alone in a private vehicle, inhaling harmful substances and how exactly his auditory system dealt with the horrendous noises. Ultimately, they will wonder how could 50,6% of us could be stacked in cities, that did not serve even the basic of needs. When refering to us, they will most probably be using words such as "uncivilized" and "primitive". What else could someone be called for suppressing his basic needs and sacrifising his personal freedom in order to worship his present Totems made of concrete, steel and glass.
1950: 29.1% of the world's population lives in cities
Comfortable transportation
Working areas, are separated by areas of residence. Distances are small, people and goods move easily.
1960: 32.9% of the world's population lives in cities
Friendly cities
The population is growing. Creation of new infrastructure to facilitate movement. People start living in the suburbs. Roads are increasing in length, width and number.
1970: 36.0% of the world's population lives in cities
Urbanism
The influx of new residents in the cities increases. The need for even more facilities increases proportionally.
1980: 39.1% of the world's population lives in cities
Saturation
Many cities are 'stifled' by the people and the demands of transportation. Many cities are unable to sustain new infrastructure. Appearance of first residents leaving urban centers.
1990: 43% of the world's population lives in cities
Standards of living, are deteriorating
Traffic jams and noise pollution, are everyday routine. Air pollution and toxic rains are common. The major cities of Western countries review their road plans.
2000: 46.6% of the world's population lives in cities
Looking ahead
Developed countries pay attention to residents. A city is not functional if people are not satisfied. Public transportation becomes extremely important.
2010: 50.6% of the world's population lives in cities
Today
Citizens in developed countries start feeling "relieved".
2020 - 2050: 54.9% - 69.6% of the world's population lives in cities
The future
Transportation problems and unrest of citizens are past. Despite the great numbers of people in cities, correct infrastructure provides quality of life.
*Leipzig Charter 2007
The studies concerning cities, change over time and are constantly improved based on prediction models. This theme was based on «Leipzig Charter» 2007, passed by the European Minister for the creation of urban centers, based on sustainable development.
The ultimate aim of the projects is to allow people to live in cities, without compromising the quality of life. If all these plans become reality, it is clear that many present cities will be labelled as a new "Middle Age". Future citizens will wonder how was it possible for someone to dealing with traffic jams, spending one more hours on the road to reach his office, alone in a private vehicle, inhaling harmful substances and how exactly his auditory system dealt with the horrendous noises. Ultimately, they will wonder how could 50,6% of us could be stacked in cities, that did not serve even the basic of needs. When refering to us, they will most probably be using words such as "uncivilized" and "primitive". What else could someone be called for suppressing his basic needs and sacrifising his personal freedom in order to worship his present Totems made of concrete, steel and glass.
1950: 29.1% of the world's population lives in cities
Comfortable transportation
Working areas, are separated by areas of residence. Distances are small, people and goods move easily.
1960: 32.9% of the world's population lives in cities
Friendly cities
The population is growing. Creation of new infrastructure to facilitate movement. People start living in the suburbs. Roads are increasing in length, width and number.
1970: 36.0% of the world's population lives in cities
Urbanism
The influx of new residents in the cities increases. The need for even more facilities increases proportionally.
1980: 39.1% of the world's population lives in cities
Saturation
Many cities are 'stifled' by the people and the demands of transportation. Many cities are unable to sustain new infrastructure. Appearance of first residents leaving urban centers.
1990: 43% of the world's population lives in cities
Standards of living, are deteriorating
Traffic jams and noise pollution, are everyday routine. Air pollution and toxic rains are common. The major cities of Western countries review their road plans.
2000: 46.6% of the world's population lives in cities
Looking ahead
Developed countries pay attention to residents. A city is not functional if people are not satisfied. Public transportation becomes extremely important.
2010: 50.6% of the world's population lives in cities
Today
Citizens in developed countries start feeling "relieved".
2020 - 2050: 54.9% - 69.6% of the world's population lives in cities
The future
Transportation problems and unrest of citizens are past. Despite the great numbers of people in cities, correct infrastructure provides quality of life.
*Leipzig Charter 2007
The studies concerning cities, change over time and are constantly improved based on prediction models. This theme was based on «Leipzig Charter» 2007, passed by the European Minister for the creation of urban centers, based on sustainable development.