Constructive Voices
Urban Design
Urban DesignThe Walkable City: How Urban Design Enhances Community and Connectivity
Urban design is undergoing a transformative shift, moving away from car-dominated planning towards the creation of walkable cities that enhance quality of life. The Arup Group’s report, “Cities Alive: Towards a Walking World,” highlights 50 substantial benefits of increased walkability across social, environmental, economic, and political domains1. This report analyses research and trends in city […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/18/2024
Urban DesignTimeless Cities: How Urban Design Preserves History While Embracing Change
The essence of a city lies not just in its modern architecture or bustling streets, but in the intricate tapestry of its urban fabric. This fabric, woven with threads of history, culture, and innovation, shapes the character and identity of a place. Urban design plays a crucial role in preserving the past while adapting to […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/18/2024
Urban DesignThe Art of Density: Balancing Growth and Liveability in Urban Design
Urban density has a profound impact on the socioeconomic conditions of a city, influencing factors such as accessibility, social diversity, affordability, and economic vitality. In recent years, urban planners and designers have sought to strike a balance between accommodating growth and fostering liveable communities, exploring innovative approaches to1 enhance the quality of life for city […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/18/2024
Urban DesignPlaygrounds for All Ages: Redefining Urban Spaces for Recreation and Wellness
Playgrounds have evolved from their origins as early 20th-century “play gardens” to become inclusive spaces catering to individuals of all ages. Visionaries like Maria Montessori and Friedrich Froebel recognised the profound impact of play on children’s holistic development1. Today, modern playgrounds foster creativity, social skills, and physical well-being, serving as hubs for community connection and […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/18/2024
Urban DesignDesigning for Diversity: How Inclusive Urban Spaces Shape Societies
Cities are increasingly recognised as hubs for inclusive and sustainable urban growth, with culture, art, and design playing crucial roles. The New Urban Agenda emphasises the need for urban areas to promote social cohesion, resilience, and liveability by embedding these elements into planning and governance processes1. Cultural diversity contributes to the economic vitality and social […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/18/2024
Urban DesignShaping Tomorrow: The Role of Urban Design in Building Resilient Cities
As cities across the United States undergo a profound transformation, urban design has emerged as a crucial factor in fostering resilient and vibrant environments. The evolution of American cities has been marked by significant changes, driven by economic advancement, technological progress, and shifting societal needs1. CBRE’s analysis of real estate implications offers valuable insights into […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/18/2024
Urban DesignReimagining Public Spaces: Urban Design for People, Not Cars
Urban spaces have traditionally prioritised cars, shaping cities in ways that often overlooked the needs of pedestrians. However, city planning is now shifting towards a vision that places people at the centre of urban design. This approach aims to enhance quality of life, promote sustainability, and foster greater community interaction. The concept prioritises walking, cycling, […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/18/2024
Urban DesignFrom Concept to Community: How Urban Design Impacts Everyday Lives
Urban design profoundly shapes our daily experiences, influencing how we interact with our environment and one another. Everyday Urbanism, a transformative approach, celebrates the small, ordinary moments that define city life. It recognises that the bustling markets, lively street corners, and daily routines give a city its soul, emphasising sustainability, cultural expression, and community participation1. […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/18/2024
Urban DesignBridging the Gap: Urban Design’s Role in Social Equity
In the dynamic urban landscapes of the 21st century, the role of urban design has become increasingly pivotal in promoting social equity and creating inclusive communities. The concept of the “1/18 Hour City” has shed light on the stark realities faced by many low-income households and marginalized communities, where limited access to public transportation, affordable […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/18/2024
PodcastsS3, E19: The Nature of Our Cities with Dr. Nadina Galle, Part 2
The Nature of Our Cities with Dr. Nadina Galle, Part 2 In this engaging second installment with Nadina Galle, on Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca delves into the fascinating world of urban nature and environmental technology with Nadina, an ecological engineer and National Geographic explorer, widely recognised for her contributions to BBC Earth and […]
Dr. Nadina Galle · 11/12/2024
Solar EnergyWhat is Solar Energy and How Does It Work?
Discover how solar energy works, its benefits for the environment, and why it's becoming a leading renewable power source. Learn about solar technology and its applications.
Jackie De Burca · 11/4/2024
FloodingValencia Floods 2024: The Role of Climate Change and the 1957 Turia River Diversion
Valencia Floods 2024: The Role of Climate Change and the 1957 Turia River Diversion Photos and videos by Patricia Sousa Sardinha “Seeing the water rise up to my sofa and then up to my kitchen work surface was so scary. I live alone in a ground floor apartment. Unless I had my washing machine in […]
Jackie De Burca · 11/3/2024
PodcastsS3, E18: The Nature of Our Cities with Dr. Nadina Galle, Part 1
The Nature of Our Cities with Dr. Nadina Galle, Part 1 Main feature photo credit: Roger Cremers for National Geographic In this thought-provoking episode of Constructive Voices, host Jackie De Burca sits down with the remarkable Dr. Nadina Galle, a Dutch-Canadian ecological engineer, technologist, and the author of the new book The Nature of Our Cities: […]
Dr. Nadina Galle · 11/1/2024
GreenhousesS3, E17: Designing for a Healthier Tomorrow: Sustainable Greenhouses with Josh Holleb of Ceres
S3, E17: Designing for a Healthier Tomorrow: Sustainable Greenhouses with Josh Holleb “The goal has always been, how can we do this better? We live in Colorado with extreme weather, and the world was working off a European greenhouse model that didn’t fit our environment. So, we set out to design something different, something more […]
Josh Holleb · 10/23/2024
Urban DesignVancouver’s Walkable Wonders: Urban Design Secrets Behind a Pedestrian Paradise
Vancouver’s Walkable Wonders: Urban Design Secrets Behind a Pedestrian Paradise Vancouver, the crown jewel of Canada’s Pacific Northwest, has transformed itself into a veritable pedestrian paradise, captivating visitors and residents alike with its meticulously planned urban design. The city’s walkable neighbourhoods, seamlessly integrated with natural wonders, paint a vibrant tapestry of cultural riches and sustainable […]
Jackie De Burca · 10/20/2024
Urban DesignDensity Done Right: What Vancouver Can Teach Other Cities About Urban Living
Density Done Right: What Vancouver Can Teach Other Cities About Urban Living As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of urban sprawl and its detrimental impacts, Vancouver has emerged as a global model for successful high-density development. This coastal Canadian city has demonstrated that it is possible to double urban density while maintaining […]
Jackie De Burca · 10/20/2024
BiodiversityS3, E16: The Future of Urban Greening: A Conversation with Angus Cunningham
S3, E16: The Future of Urban Greening: A Conversation with Angus Cunningham “My vision is to cover cities with green. Imagine looking at a city from above and seeing a verdant blanket of greenery. Nature isn’t just something to visit—it should be where we live, work, and play.” – Angus Cunningham In this episode of […]
Angus Cunningham · 10/8/2024
Australia Built EnvironmentS3, E2: Urban Design in Western Australia With Dr. Julian Bolleter, Australian Author, Director and Lecturer
S3, E2: Urban Design in Western Australia With Dr. Julian Bolleter, Australian Author, Director and Lecturer Building Better Cities: A Journey Through Urban Design Host: Jackie De Burca Guest: Dr. Julian Bolleter, Co-Director of the Australian Urban Design Research Centre Below are a few of his books and you can check out Dr. Julian Bolleter […]
Dr. Julian Bolleter · 3/12/2024
Biodiversity10 Top Cities Leading For Biodiversity in the Built Environment
Welcome to our article on the top 10 cities in the world that are leading the way for biodiversity in the built environment. In today’s world, sustainable urban living has become a necessity, and these cities are making a profound difference in promoting urban biodiversity. In this article about the cities leading for biodiversity, we’ll […]
Jackie De Burca · 7/11/2023
BiodiversityWhat Architecture Increases Biodiversity?
Updated November 2024 Have you ever wondered how architecture can promote biodiversity? There is a growing trend in the design industry to create nature-positive buildings that prioritize environmental sustainability and enhance biodiversity. Nature-positive architecture considers the ecological impact of buildings and aims to create structures that work in harmony with nature. Here is how architecture […]
Jackie De Burca · 7/11/2023