AR2222 FINAL ESSAY EVELIEN FLORIJN A0145263J
HOW TECHNOLOGY CAN CHANGE OUR URBAN ENVIRONMENT : CREATING INTERACTIVE URBAN LANDSCAPES The objective of this essay is to research how technology influences the use of urban spaces, by exploring current research and future possibilities and relating this back to Singapore. Urban space should be regarded as an outdoor room within a neighbourhood. It is a venue for a range of different activities from walking, sitting out and entertainment. These spaces work best when they establish a direct relationship between the space and the people who live and work around it (Thompson 2002, 61). In general, there are two kinds of urban spaces, namely green spaces such as parks, and paved spaces which include squares, streets and shopping malls. The use of urban parks has been researched extensively over time. Survey of urban park use indicates that the majority of users want to come by foot, and will only do so on a regular basis if the park is within 3-5 minute walk of their home or workplace (Thompson 2002, 61). However, it seems that some cultures prefer pathways, such as streets, as there are many more opportunities to engage with other people and with the environment (shops, cafes, shady boulevards) in streets than in parks or plazas (Corraliza 2000). In this research Corraliza (2000) also wonders whether urban public parks are becoming places for special categories of people e.g. children, old people etc. and that the street is the truly representative public open space. Within Europe it is the Mediterranean countries that have a long tradition of promenading in the street, whereas in Britain, and perhaps in other more northern countries, the promenade has conventionally taken place in the Royal or public park (Thompson 2002, 63). It seems that within Singapore there is a similar affiliation for the streets, and mostly malls as preferred recreational places. Thompson (2002) describes three main factors as central drivers of change within urban landscape network: 1. Technical revolution; centred on information technology and global to local networks connecting people; 2. The ecological threat, with its implications for the importance of sustainable development; 3. Social transformation with life patterns reflecting increasing life expectancy and new lifestyle choices.