Urban Environment / Green Urbanism

Both readings discussed the importance of both the government (especially local) and the general public in creating more sustainable cities. The readings stress the importance of citizens taking responsibility and finding new methods different from the status quo. Both readings also discuss the importance of different groups and systems working together (not just local).

Much of the reading and examples reminded me of work (and frustration) being done in New Orleans. The art egg works to create more green friendly buildings and city environments. They utilize permaculture as well as recycled materials. The organization however is mostly unconnected with the local government. While the organization found a use for many different materials post Katrina the organizations ideas did not spread past the one building. For this organization work with the local government would have caused them directly after Katrina to have more force, and become more recognized as a form of building for the city in the future.

Green urbanism presents many possible ideas for greening the city, many of them either require (or in theory require) very little upkeep. Beatley emphasizes the aesthetic value of this new green land. The question is how to keep these areas as pleasant areas away from trash and crime? Also how to (or should they be at all) regulate these areas? How much of these areas become open to the public and how much remains private? Are they equal spaces, and who are they available to?