PORTFOLIO
POSSIBLE CITIES ARK-E5001 17.12.2014 -Eve Żórawska
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 Summary of contents Summary of learning process Profile of personal skills -CHAPTER 2 Application of learned concepts -CHAPTER 3 Summary of group dynamics & Course feedback Concluding Remarks --
CHAPTER 1: SUMMARIES
This chapter briefly elaborates on the contents of this portfolio, my learning process and experience throughout the course and finally a scope of my planning knowledge with my profile of skills.
1.1 1.2 1.3
Summary of Contents Summary of Learning Process Profile of Planning Skills
1.1 SUMMARY OF CONTENT
A region functions very much like a complex organism composed of a series of elements, one not withstanding without the other. Each influences and affects the main network of function as well as all other elements and factors connected. The role of the planner is to best predict and plan a balance of the network, identifying all key elements of the region, such as mobility, demographic changes, landuse, economy, etc. and how they can affect and influence each other to work positively in future scenarios. Planning begins with a series of objectives of a region, ideally improving or better accommodating present and most importantly future needs and development trends. These are then located and identified on a large scale with a regional plan. A general plan elaborates the location and influence of these elements and the necessary steps to realize these intentions on a more detailed level. Finally, on a more meticulous scale, a detailed plan is used to design and fully realize these objectives in built form. --
The Possible Cities course covers a series of Strategic Urban Planning elements, concepts and tools which are introduced and discussed in this portfolio. The structure of the portfolio begins with a brief of my learning experience and my new set of acquired skills. In the second chapter each element, concept or tool is discussed in more detail in tandem with the related assignments. In the third and final chapter, I conclude with my opinions of the course, group dynamics and my concluding remarks regarding the process as a whole. --
URBAN ELEMENTS
USERS
SERVICES
STRUCTURES
1.2 SUMMARY OF LEARNING PROCESS
With a fast-paced turnover of densely packed and new information, the learning process has been personally challenging. The subject of urban planning was entirely new to me in the beginning of the course. Nevertheless, the lectures were constructed in a way that allowed me to get a basic understanding of the most vital elements of the planning process, instructed by specialists in each sector. The assignments elaborated on the information acquired in class, allowing me to test my knowledge in practice. For example, assessing a region’s connectivity by studying all levels of transportation, from parcel shipping to international flights as well as mobility within the region. Another example was benchmarking of a city and its strategic plan. This allowed me to identify what is working in the city’s planning and what could be identified as lacking and why. Overall I am under the impression that I have good yet basic understanding of urban planning, one which I would like to elaborate on in the future with more learning. In this portfolio I will include the assignments I have completed for this course, what I have learned from them in hindsight. In the chart, I have marked out my learning progress and understanding of specific elements throughout the course. --
1.3 PROFILE OF PLANNING SKILLS
URBAN ELEMENTS
CITY TYPES
CONCEPTS & TOOLS
. Users . Services . Structures
Participatory City: Interaction based, citizen participation.
. Structure of Planning . Learning Regions . Benchmarking . Swot Analysis . Urban Fallows . Mobility . Smart Cities . Urban Economics
STRUCTURE OF PLANNING . 1 National / Regional Objectives’ . 2 Regional Plan . 3 General Plan . 4 Detailed Plan DESIGN PROCESSES Closed loop cycle of the following elements: . Analysis . Synthesis . Evaluation . Conception . Realization . Communication . Hypothesis . Design . Experiment
Learning City: Learning process based. Knowledge networks and Learning Region theory applied. Creative City: Culture driven and based. Innovative City: New application of administrative and economic processes. SECTORS . Landuse . Transportation . Housing . Business . Education . Services . Demographics . Leisure / Culture . Nature
CHAPTER 2: APPLICATIONS
This segment includes a more detailed summary of the information learned throughout the course. Starting with a brief of my understanding of each planning element, summaries of learned concepts, and any relevant tasks or their application in the final group project.
2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8
Summary of Planning Criteria Learning Regions Analytical Investigation Mobility & Transportation Benchmarking of a Region Urban Fallows Smart City Planning for Users Urban Economics Basic Strategy*
2.0 PLANNING CRITERIA
1
Innovation
2
Connections
Innovative planning demands taking objectives and responding to them in new yet simultaneously well-informed and intelligent ways. For example, one of the most fascinating and innovative resolutions to stimulating economies and growth is the Learning Region concept. Although currently still in infant stages, it redefines our current concept of currency from monetary to knowledge based, offering an alternative and sustainable source of growth for a region. Innovation is about thinking in unconventional ways as a means to improve.
The overall positioning of a region plays a pivotal role in the region. The assessment here is crucial to better understand what opportunities lay in connecting with specific surrounding regions and countries, and how these connections can be made and/or improved. For example, connecting with a neighbouring country boosts tourism, but more importantly, this also can also improve educational, economic, business, and political collaborations when done strategically.
3
4
Built Environments
Assessing built environments enables a planner to identify how an area has developed within itself as well as in regard to its surrounding landscapes. This also includes potential changes to better accommodate current and future needs. Demands from actors, stakeholders, sectors, often dictate and are the primary drivers for changes in built environments. For example, one of the most common objective today for many major coastal cities in Europe, is reclaiming harbours for public leisure use, predominantly due to the decline of industry within larger cities.
Mobility
Mobility connects us to where we need to be. This is the most rudimentary aspect of planning and consists of several scales and layers and greatly influences growth in cities. Transportation influences regions on global, continental, national and regional scales. From arterial roads or municipal metro connections to transnational connections such as the E-18, high speed Trans-European rail or airports.
2.0 PLANNING CRITERIA
5
Economy
Economies often dictate growth and change in regions. However, regional planning can in turn influence economies. Ways in which planners can influence economic growth is dependent on the demands of a particular region and its needs. However, some examples include urbanizing built environments which increases land value for municipalities, studying and improving problematic or lacking mobility and connections, planning for private-sector success, among many others.
7
Flexibility
As planners we can only predict the future, however it is important to lay the groundwork as it does influence regional and municipal paths into the future. With all elements considered, a good strategy includes enough legroom for potential shifts or unpredictable events that could occur in the future, without having devastating effects to an area. This also grounds a strategy in reality.
6
Living
The human perspective is necessary when examining a region. Globally, we have varying ideas of the essential elements of living, leisure, work and education as well as a varying scale of what level of quality is acceptable. I would consider this the starting point for any planner, as this first identifies a region’s needs and objectives, which then dictate the actual planning process. In layman’s terms, a region or municipality which values leisure time, will plan for an abundance of leisure space and elements that could positively influence an increase of available leisure time.
2.1 LEARNING REGIONS
SUMMARY
CONCEPT
POLICY
Learning Region as a concept is a way of analyzing, understanding and proposing sustainable economic growth. It sees economies as an evolutionary process driven by technical and organizational innovations, facilitated by knowledge networks and by the co-evolution of supportive institutions. It leads to a new interpretation of regional economic development, the Territorial Innovation Models (TIMs) which stresses the importance of building trust through knowledge transactions within a place. A place is defined by the important interactions occurring within which are measured by available networks that facilitate learning and knowledge exchange.
As a policy a ‘Learning Region’ has its focus on strategies that aim to facilitate the generation of knowledge, innovation and learning possibilities in Less Favourable Regions (LFRs) with the help of institutions. These regional and urban innovation strategies aim to connect a wide range of actors that have the potential to be connected to each other by a set of key policy principles and implementation of relevant support structures.
THEORY As a theoretical term the notion of a ‘Learning Region’ refers to regional actors collaborating and cooperating in order to gain mutual benefit. They form networks that result in regional learning and possibly for regional economic revival.
SPATIAL PLANNING Spatial planning contributes to the growth of knowledge networks through creating hard and soft infrastructures, such as transportation and innovation networks. It plays an important role in enhancing interactions and trust between the actors as they facilitate connectivity and provide a platform for the concept to thrive. The main qualities that spatial planning concentrates on are the natural resources, geographic characteristics and the possible knowledge networks specific to a place. --
2.1 LEARNING REGIONS
CRITICAL ESSAY : H1 During the initial downturn of the free-market capitalist model in the 1980s, the Learning Regions concept arose as an economic and planning alternative to address the failing economies of the First World, primarily the rising number of Less Fortunate Regions, otherwise known as LFRs. The basic theory and policy principles of Learning Regions propose shifting away from the failing capitalist model and towards a knowledge centric system. The exchange and evolution of knowledge would ideally serve as the primary resource of a given community, thus enabling regions to become economically self-sufficient and capable of endogenous innovation. Some key elements of Learning Regions include effective spatial planning and connectivity. More specifically the planning of so called Knowledge Networks, such as hard and soft infrastructure as well as physical and virtual proximity of contributing local institutions and actors. The Learning Regions concept keys and theories are quite vast in that they involve several dimensions of a regional society including economy, communication, spatial planning and infrastructure as well as a multitude of other smaller contributing factors.
THEORY
And although critics currently argue that the concept lacks specification and is therefore too vague for tangible application, the initial frameworks as well as several existing Territorial Innovation Models (TIMs) are a license to further define and pursue the possibilities of this holistic approach to spatial planning and regional economies. Evolution from A Failing Economy The Learning Regions concept emerged in the 1990s as a response to resolve the increasing economic asymmetry and social dichotomy between First World major cities and LFRs. The major theme was to propose a knowledgebased exchange in lieu of the previous capitalist model, making innovation and the exchange of knowledge the primary, renewable and democratic resource of a regional economy. Knowledge, its constant evolution, accessibility and efficiency of deployment is argued in the Learning Regions concept as the most neutral and open currency, as opposed to the existing model of profit and markets. In an attempt to balance and ideally unify regions, the Learning Regions concept could potentially enable all regions, LFRs included, to then actively participate in the global economy by deploying and absorbing knowledge alongside major cities.
Policy Principles and Theory of Learning Regions There are two distinct definitions of Learning Regions: the theoretical proposal and the policy principles or prescriptions as defined by Simmie in his essay Learning City Regions. The theoretical proposal defines an alternative understanding of regional economic drivers and their application in reality as well as the process of regional learning and how it may lead to the evolution or improvement of a regional economy. Subsequently, the policy principles attempt to define the required strategies that generate the desired regional economic innovation. For example, to enable the frequency and ease of knowledge exchange in a region, the implementation of superior hard connectivity, such as efficient transportation infrastructure or soft connectivity, such as superior virtual communication platforms, can serve as keys to the realization of successful economic innovation. Knowledge Networks Knowledge Networks, and their hard and soft connectivity, are both in theory and in principle an essential factor for a successful Learning Region. Knowledge Networks function as the underpinning of knowledge exchanges, the Learning Region’s proposed currency, and thus the proposed networked economy. The exchange of knowledge, facilitated communication and
2.1 LEARNING REGIONS
[continued] ideally increased activity and production, would ideally empower a region, in particular an LFR, to network within itself but more importantly with external regions, enabling it to then compete in a more global market. Knowledge networks range on a multitude of levels and include but are not limited to: virtual connections within communication platforms, physical connections within infrastructure, spatial planning and geography, communication and co-evolution between private and public sectors and their respective actors. Criticisms of the Learning Regions Concept Although Learning Regions are conceptually applicable, there are several concrete components that continue to remain unclear. The vastness of the Learning Region concept is criticized as too large of an umbrella term, spanning seemingly too infinite of a range in topics, inevitably creating a multitude of dark spots in regards to guidelines for more practical applications. For example there is a distinct lack of specification on how LFRs, typically deficient in existing private and public infrastructure and funding, are intended to initially integrate into a networked economy with major cities. Despite the new currency of knowledge, a seemingly
democratic economic resource, the preceding hierarchical structure remains as major cities continue to be better equipped with existing resources and knowledge networks while LFRs could remain lacking in incentives for funding, investments and development. Concluding Remarks The Learning Regions concept acts as a commendable response to a failing economy, giving light to a new and alternative perspective of globalization and economic evolution. While shifting away from the existing freemarket model, the concept proposes the new democratic and ideally renewable resource of knowledge as a currency. While the initial theories and policies, albeit still vague in distinct specifications and guidelines for tangible applications beyond TIMs, do nevertheless provide the early underpinnings to help map and formulate a path towards a more holistic future in planning and network economies. -James Simmie (2012): Learning City Regions: Theory and Practice in Private and Public Sector Spatial Planning, Planning Practice and Research
2.1 LEARNING REGIONS
For the final project, located in the municipality of Salo, I proposed a learning region structure which could address the current development concerns of Salo, and many other municipalities similar in size in Finland. -STRUCTURE Primary Cities National Scale Region Finland example: Helsinki Principal driver of national economy Connection to Global Market Secondary Cities Regional Scale Learning Region Finland example: Turku Primary drivers of regional economies, supports of capital economy Connection to local national markets Tertiary Cities Learning Region Support Force Finland example: Salo Specialized production & research Satellite support hub for both LR city types Primary cities [Capitals] serving as primary hubs for the country and also connecting the nation
APPLICATION
globally. Secondary cities [Regional Capitals], serving as primary hubs on the regional scale, also connecting neighbouring secondary cities as well as connecting the region to the capital. Finally, cities or towns that are identifiable at regional level as LFR’s could be considered Tertiary cities in this framework. These would act as innovation and/or production hubs with specialized services, that provide a niche support structure for secondary and primary cities. This would create regional hubs for services that may not necessarily be offered in capitals or regional hubs. By identifying opportunities based on local strengths that may be developed for satellite towns, this could expand and contribute to the formation of knowledge networks. In the present case, Helsinki would remain the primary city in the Learning Region hierarchy, given its existing status of a National hub for connections, mobility, innovation, economy and education. On the regional level, for example in the Varsinais-Suomi region, the secondary city of Turku would remain as the hub of the region with its regional scale radial influence in connections, mobility, innovation, economy and education. Tertiary cities however, could potentially be supported to develop further resilience that would improve their future outlook and help them move away from being LFRs, by pinpointing specialized resources and improving
connectivity and cooperation between primary and secondary cities. In the case of Salo in particular, through careful analysis, we have pinpointed a possibility for a renewable resource, which would support its own economy by servicing a specialized form of innovation and production to the major cities and global networks.
2.1 LEARNING REGIONS
This diagram shows the proposed learning region network and structure as described in the previous section. The existing Finnish city network could extend connections to support cities, allowing an improved flow of exchanges.
LEGEND Salo Specialized Support City Secondary City Primary City Existing Major Knowledge Network Proposed Support Network Proposed Salo Network
PRACTICE
2.1 LEARNING REGIONS
LOIMAA UUSIKAUPUNKI
TURKU
SALO
HELSINKI
LEGEND
Specialized Support City Secondary City Primary City Proposed Exchange of Support Developed Connections
2.2 ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATION
Investigation serves as a tool to identify the current situation, potential and possible futures of a region on a multitude of levels and sectors. From here, the information acquired can guide objectives and potential resolutions. Areas of investigation are the sectors of planning: housing, business/industry, services, land use, transportation, population/ demographics, leisure/culture and nature. The quantitative data paints a picture of the past, present and can help planners anticipate future trends. Some of the examples of analytical investigation tools used during the course, for the final project and previous tasks include: . SWOT Analysis of the Varsinais-Suomi Region . Example of reading statistics . GIS data research of protected natural areas
SUMMARY
?
2.2 ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATION
SWOT ANALYSIS
The SWOT analysis tool was used in the final project to analyze our area of interest, the Varsinais-Suomi region. It provided information regarding the current standing of the region, threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strengths. --
[ EXTERNAL ORIGIN ]
[ INTERNAL ORIGIN ]
[ HELPFUL ]
[ HARMFUL ]
STRENGTHS
WEAKNESSES
Rich historical and cultural environment Highly productive agricultural industry Satellite Turku University Campus Beneficial positioning between Turku & Helsinki
Strong borders and weak co-operation between municipalities Insufficient public services & mobility infrastructure Local industry high susceptible to fluctuation in economy Weak city self-image and branding
OPPORTUNITIES
THREATS
Increased mobility throughout region: Logistic development: new train corridor Helsinki-Turku, E18 and maritime connections Technical expertise Recreation, culture, tourism & holiday living Expanding existing Turku University satellite campus
Centralizing infrastructure & services Local businesses resigning to foreign markets Decline in local economy and public services Unsustainable transportation
2.2 ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATION
For the final project and previous tasks, our group did a series of different analytical investigations with statistics. For example, the demographic statistics gave us the ability to understand the typologies of the population living, working or visiting the Varsinais-Suomi region. Below are some of the conclusions we came to based on data. --
READING STATISTICS
Income Both city regions have had very similar changes through time in their population’s incomes. However the share of population in the highest income decile in Salo has risen since 1987 forming an equilibrium with Turku’s downward trend suggesting that the richest portion of the population has moved from Turku to the Salo municipality throughout the years. The mirroring consequence of this is that after the recession period of the early 90’s the percentage of population in the lowest income decile diminished in Salo and in contrast rose sharply in Turku. Working and Living Turku acts as the main hub of private and public work for the whole region with a high level of commuting from the neighbouring counties.
Unemployment 1990’s recession hit both of the cities reaching it’s peak in 1993. From then on there has been concerted but slow recovery. Aging Population Both Salo and Turku face the nationwide phenomenon of aging population as the large age groups of baby boomers are slowly reaching their retirement age. Future cities have to adapt to better serve this.
According to the data from 2007 however, many people from Turku commute to work in Salo. Salo is self sufficient when it comes to jobs as most of the people living in Salo also work in the city. Nokia’s departure might have disrupted these conditions. Tourism and Holiday Living Archipelago of Turku attracts more tourist than Salo but they are both popular areas for second homes.
2.2 ANALYTICAL INVESTIGATION
For the H2 task, one of the many tools we used to analyze the Varsinais-Suomi region was GIS data. This spatial analysis allowed our group to understand how the area is being used. For example, the following maps visualize the nationally important natural areas. This allowed us to know which areas are protected from being developed. --
GIS DATA
2.3 MOBILITY & TRANSPORTATION
SUMMARY Mobility connects us to where we need to be. This is the most rudimentary aspect of planning and consists of several scales and layers and greatly influences growth in cities. Transportation influences regions on global, continental, national and regional scales. For example, arterial roads, municipal metro connections, transnational connections such as the E-18, high speed Trans-European rail or airports. PRACTICE For the H3 task, our group had to investigate the Varsinais-Suomi region’s global, national and regional connections for shipping and various transportation types. This research allowed us to understand the connection hierarchy of the country and the region and which areas might need improvement. For example when studying international flight connections and freight shipping to Salo city, we were able to identify that Helsinki enables these connections over any other city in Finland and that Salo is not very well connected on a global scale. The city is most reliant on the E-18 which connects it to the hubs such as Helsinki and Turku.
2.3 MOBILITY & TRANSPORTATION
LEGEND
PRACTICE
2.3 MOBILITY & TRANSPORTATION
2.4 BENCHMARKING OF A REGION
SUMMARY The benchmarking tool allows planners to further elaborate the understanding of the data and information acquired during analytical investigations. By subjecting the information to evaluation, planners are able to identify which elements have positive affects, negative affects, are in need of improvement, and the like. PRACTICE For the H4 task, our group performed a detailed evaluation of the Varsinais-Suomi region, using all of our acquired research, data, analysis and personal interviews with planning officials. This analysis allowed us later to understand which aspects of the area could be improved and how. -Method of Analysis: Comparing 3 Subjects A. B. C.
TURKU CITY REGION SALO CITY REGION VARSINAIS-SUOMI [V-S] REGION
7 Categories of Evaluation 1.INNOVATIVE: Innovative nature of proposed future region vision 2.CONNECTIONS: Overall positioning of region [Baltic, EU and Global Scales] 3.BUILT ENVIRONMENTS: Quality of the region’s built and green environment 4.MOBILITY: Efficiency and quality of transportation networks 5.ECONOMY: Extent and quality of economic infrastructure 6.LIVING: Quality and accessibility of built environments [Housing, Workplaces, Services, Recreational and Leisure] 7.FEASIBILITY: Flexibility and possibility of incremental realization Scale 1 [Worst] - 10 [Best]
2.4 BENCHMARKING OF A REGION
APPLICATION
1. INNOVATIVE: Innovative nature of proposed future region vision A.
[TURKU]
6.8
On the European and Global scales, the nature of Turku’s proposed development and vision is innovative relative to the city’s size and population. The region is ambitious in pursuing the newest and most promising trends of growth in sustainability, tech and research based industries, and continental and global mobility improvements.
B.
[SALO]
4.2
Much of Salo’s projected vision is centered on a humble yet entrepreneurial approach, suitable for the city’s scale and in its relationship to Helsinki and Turku. Although not innovative on Global or National scales, the city’s focus on developing along the continental artery, the future E-18 remains very appropriate.
C.
[VS REGION]
5.8
The Regional Council of Southwest Finland strongly relies on Turku for influence in innovation and future visions of the area. The vision for the region is not particularly innovative in comparison to Uusimaa Region, however the focus on improving Baltic connections could be a pivotal positive in the area’s future.
2. CONNECTIONS: Overall positioning of region [Baltic, EU and Global Scales] A.
[TURKU]
8.2
Currently, Turku city is well positioned in relation to the Baltic scale due to its southern coastal location and existing marine connections. The international connections are also bound to improve with future acquisitions of TEN-T Scandinavian transport corridor, the E-18 and the distant projection for the EU speed train.
B.
[SALO]
5.8
Salo city connectivity on Baltic, European and Global scales is entirely dependent on Helsinki or neighbouring city of Turku. And although Salo is a seaside town, it does not have a functioning harbour due to shallow waters. The city thus concentrates proposals and improvements in the E-18 and rail projects.
C.
[VS REGION]
7.8
Although marine and more so airline travel are relatively limited in the region, Varsinais-Suomi is well positioned due to the area’s physical proximity to Baltic countries. The region also plays a pivotal role on a National scale with E-18 and the projected fast train, directly connecting neighbouring Sweden, Turku and Helsinki.
2.4 BENCHMARKING OF A REGION
3.
BUILT ENVIRONMENTS: Quality of the region’s built and green environment A.
[TURKU]
6.4
Turku city has a strongly defined city core, however the city has had a tendency for pockets of urban sprawl. Currently, the city is also poorly connected to its seaside due to the current industrial harbour. Nevertheless development proposals include reclaiming the coast for public use as well as densifying the city center in lieu of continuing sprawl.
B.
[SALO]
6.4
Salo city region features many national green areas and protected natural reserves, as well as the city area itself. This limits and affects possible growth areas, particularly in the city center. Currently, the municipality has an abundance of space allocated for business. For example it is estimated that at least half of previous Nokia premises are vacant.
C.
[VS REGION]
6
Varsinais-Suomi is sparsely populated with the exception of very few larger municipal areas. The unique archipelago, which attracts visitors nationwide, is the primary strength of the region, as well as the noted agricultural areas. Urbanized areas however do not take full advantage of their natural surroundings.
4. MOBILITY: Efficiency and quality of transportation networks A.
[TURKU]
6.4
The current networks are effective, with city plans for continuing expansion and improvement. Turku city also envisions reintroducing tramlines by 2035, better connecting the municipality to the archipelago and surrounding boroughs, as well as new bike lanes throughout the area.
B.
[SALO]
4.3
The primary and preferred mode of transportation in Salo city is by private car. Although there are 6 bus lines, they are currently insufficiently useful to the population. This makes commuting within the city and from neighbouring municipalities inconvenient if not difficult.
C.
[VS REGION]
5.8
Presently, Turku city acts as the center of the regional transport system, with Northern cities connecting to it, but not with each other. Proposed developments focus primarily on the E-18 and high-speed train connections from Turku city to the capital, with possible connections to Tampere and Uusikaupunki, but do not include ring road plans for the region.
2.4 BENCHMARKING OF A REGION
5. ECONOMY: Extent and quality of economic infrastructure A.
[TURKU]
6.6
Turku city faces many challenges in its economic infrastructure, such as the increasing number of brownfields and urban fallows, as many industries are closing or relocating to more rural and inexpensive locations. The city also fails to preserve their large influx population of university students, who often leave due to lack of professional employment.
B.
â‚Ź
[SALO]
5.2
Salo city has a relatively good local commerce, which is fed by the regional agricultural business. The municipality’s small city status however fails to generate a pull for commerce outside this category. Consequently this negatively affects the quality of business infrastructure.
C.
[VS REGION]
5
Regional economic growth is concentrated in Turku city, although there is a diverse base of industries in the region as a whole. Pharmaceuticals, maritime industry and agriculture are major leaders in the area, with the recent exception of technology, which took a set back with the closing of Nokia in Salo city. The region also faces demographic challenges ahead and increasingly aging population.
6. LIVING: Quality and accessibility of built environments [Housing, Workplaces, Services, Recreational and Leisure] A.
[TURKU]
7.4
The quality of built environments in Turku city are considerably the best in the region due to the concentration of services and amenities, well connected and well priced housing, and abundance of historical areas. Despite the current disconnect from the nearby sea, the city is planning to transform the harbour area for public use. Future also looks green in Turku, with many eco villages underway.
B.
[SALO]
6.4
The quality of built environments in Salo city is relative to the city’s population and size, with sparse amenities, services and business areas, despite the satellite Turku University campus. Nevertheless, the municipality boasts a fair amount of well priced, albeit poorly connected, housing and second homes.
C.
[VS REGION]
7.1
The region is home to many national natural and historic sites. Services are centered concentrated only within the few urban centers, making the remainder of the sparsely population areas primarily dependent on them.
2.4 BENCHMARKING OF A REGION
7. FEASIBILITY: Flexibility and possibility of incremental realization A.
[TURKU]
5.8
With the growing interest and development of Turku city’s existing Learning Region actors, the city and its economy can start to make a significant mark on Finland’s map. The increase of mobility to and within the region will also increase the possibility to incrementally realize the city’s vision for growth. Nevertheless, many of the visions remain mildly over ambitious with remaining probes into their feasibility and flexibility.
B.
[SALO]
5
The Salo city future vision is centered on the development of the E-18 and the new developments it could bring. The city’s economic value remains attached to agriculture – thus the future is projected to combine this alongside historic and technological resources. The feasibility however to turn Salo into a garden city is still lacking much needed business actors, a private initiative.
C.
[VS REGION]
5.6
The diverse base of industries allows for flexibility of development of the region, though certain areas are more monotonous and thus vulnerable to economic shifts. The region’s primary strategies on developing connections on both national and Baltic scales appear feasible.
2.4 BENCHMARKING OF A REGION CURRENT
Compilation & Regional Potential Best
7.FEASIBILITY 6. LIVING ENVIRONMENTS 5. ECONOMY 4. MOBILITY 3. BUILT ENVIRONMENTS 2. CONNECTIONS 1. INNOVATIVE
RPB
The RPB-index is hereby determined by selecting the best values from the regional matrix, and rounding them to the closest value in increments of 0,5 units. This value represents the regions best possible performance within it’s current situation. This value is further contrasted with hypothetical but realistic improvements to the model in order to increase the potential of the whole region.
Notable in the chart is, that practically every regional best value settles within the Turku region. According to our evaluations, Salo performs the worst, thus embodying the greatest potential for improvement.
2.4 BENCHMARKING OF A REGION
MEANS TO INCREASE RBP 1. INNOVATIVE
- Utilize and employ unemployed specialists. [Salo] - Enhance communication between actors on all levels from city planning, businesses to citizens. - Improve economic safety net for start-up businesses.
2. CONNECTIONS
- Small chance in improving accessibility with the possibility of the tunnel/bridge between Sweden and Turku.
3. BUILT ENVIRONMENTS
- No suggestions for improvement.
4. MOBILITY
- Seaport in Salo - Net junctions to E18 - Improve connectivity between regional sub-centers - Introduce HSL’s “KutsuPlus” framework for public transportation to the whole region.
5. ECONOMY
6. LIVING ENVIRONMENTS
7. FEASIBILITY
MAXIMAL INCREASE + 2 pt
+ 0.5 pt
NEW BEST
7
9
0 pt
8.5
+ 2 pt
8.5
- Create systematic means to respond to fluctuations in employment rate, dependency ratio and other city life variables. - Better distinguishing and utilizing the regional differences between Salo and Turku.
+ 2 pt
6.5
- Promote life cycle living. - Aim to energy efficient housing. - Increase connectivity to natural areas. - Utilize seaside for leisure, [primarily Salo region].
+1.5 pt
8.5
+ 1 pt
9
- Add a governing entity to monitor regional development as a whole, used as mid-ware to systematically increase communication between planners and builders. - Utilize the added value of suggestions for other parameters in order to increase flexibility.
2.4 BENCHMARKING OF A REGION VIRTUAL MODEL
Regional Potential Best Optimized
7.FEASIBILITY 6. LIVING ENVIRONMENTS 5. ECONOMY 4. MOBILITY 3. BUILT ENVIRONMENTS 2. CONNECTIONS 1. INNOVATIVE
RPB
The RPB-index is hereby improved by introducing suggestions for improving the situation in each of the indexed parameters. The improved model is introduced as a virtual model to be used for setting a realistic upper limit for development within the parameters and scale of benchmarking.
2.4 URBAN FALLOWS
SUMMARY
Analysis of Urban Fallows:
Urban Fallows are identified areas that are either abandoned or housing a dying industry. Since most developed countries are facing the change of major industry leaving cities to relocate in more affordable areas, the built environments left behind are up for reimagination.
. Land use . Plot Division . Building analysis . Accessibility [public and private access by traffic] . Land values [distance from centers, nature areas] . Creative actors
Not all areas are ideal for development at any given time and should be subject to analysis to assess their potential and use type. With the use of GIS data and mapping, planners are able to propose concepts and visions of future use. Most often, urban fallows serve well to inject culture, leisure or even innovation to a city when planned well given their proximity to the city centers. Development Process: . Identifying and analyzing an abandoned space . Informal interventions & interactions - Beta projects . Small introduction of new development . Larger and more formal development
PRACTICE For the final project, located in the municipality of Salo, our group sought to use some of the city’s existing urban fallows for production purposes. The abandoned areas were proposed to be used to grow fungal mycelium from the region’s agricultural waste. A sort of urban farming to create materials to produce entirely biodegradable products. --
2.5 SMART CITIES
SUMMARY Smart city is a term to describe a typology of city that facilitates many of the projected objectives of major developed cities in the Western world. Smart cities are predominantly high density and have excellent transportation networks, both essential for connecting people effectively. Good mobility and accessibility of a population within a region is often a catalyst for increased GDPs and facilitates sustainable futures for cities. Many North American and European countries are beginning to respond to the typology as it has been analyzed to improve function, growth and economic value in cities.
Sprawl City [ PAST ]
Smart City [ FUTURE ]
. Spread out . Low density . Private transportation network . Privatized built environment . Unconnected . Suburban
. Compact . High density . Public transportation network . Sustainable built environment . Polycentric region . Urban
SPRAWL CITY Atlanta, GA. USA
SMART CITY Paris, France
2.6 PLANNING FOR USERS
THEORY
SUMMARY People, actors, and stakeholders compromise the urban form of users. This is the most volatile and least predictable urban element, however, this element is the very ingredient which dictates objectives and direction in planning. EXAMPLE
Customers Interests are simplicity of shopping, such as: Easiest, closest and fastest access to home.
RETAIL NODE
Interests are simplicity of logistics such as: Cheap land, rent, space, access. Developers Interests are simplicity of construction processes, such as: Easiest, fastest possible construction opportunity.
* Users have major power of influence in where and how the retail node will be.
Retail Companies
2.6 PLANNING FOR USERS
With the analytical investigation, our group was able to identify demographic statistics as well as existing/potential actors and stakeholders for the Varsinais-Suomi region. These users, their current and future needs, created an outline for our objectives and their hierarchies for our final strategic plan. Below are the users, both existing and proposed which drove our objectives and our strategy.
APPLICATION
EXISTING Existing Users Elderly, Families, Nursing students, Farmers, Orion Company, Medical Professionals and Vacationers. Agriculture Farming and agricultural residues.
-Education Institutions Tourists Engineers
Natural Areas Abundance of Nationally protected areas and archipelago.
SALO
Technology Existing Nokia infrastructure and available engineering skills. Healthcare Existing elderly healthcare infrastructure.
PROPOSED ADDITIONS + Additional Users New tourist typologies,Tech & Engineering students, Engineers, Medical Researchers and Bio Tech Industry.
+ Eco Housing New housing areas. Prototyped bio composite houses.
Researchers + Research Facility Companies Families
Proposed Innovation Hub, housing new researchers and engineers specializing in fungal materials from agricultural waste.
+ Recreation Improved access to green areas and proposed new leisure areas.
2.7 URBAN ECONOMICS
SUMMARY Urban economics drive regional and national GDP values. They are also directly affected and influenced by planning strategies. This influences a nation’s urbanization, market mechanism and urban development, land use and value, urban housing markets, as well as the public sector. For example, in layman’s terms, the effects on quality of life, international image and local economies. Three of the means to improve urban economics is by increasing densities, shortening distances and lowering divisions.
EXAMPLE
Housing Value Value
Density Height
City Center
--
City Center
City Margins
City Margins
2.8 BASIC STRATEGY
THEORY
SUMMARY With strategic planning tools and investigation results, planners are able to create and design strategies to achieve their new objectives. Strategies consist of implementation plans, timelines, and other deliverables. For example, the Helsinki 2050 strategy as discussed by Douglas Gordon in the course, includes the following elements among others to improve the existing urban network of the city: -EXAMPLE Volume Map Determines density and estimated amount of square meters to be built. This may include local details for each area together with a set of illustrations showing development potential.
Transport proposals These are identified separately. An example includes the proposal for inner-city motorways to be developed for mixed-use housing and work places.
The Implementation Schedule Divides the time dimension into groups of 10 years and sets out the priority areas to be developed, taking into account the strategic areas first
Densification City Centre to be widened up to the Ring Road 1
2.8 BASIC STRATEGY
APPLICATION
With our analytical investigations of the Salo city region, we proposed a basic strategic system to improve the quality of life and growth of the area, both economically and in size. With this in mind, we created incremental maps of development to predict the type of development the city could see.
Prototype testing Fabrication
--
1 2015
Education
UTILIZING AGRICULTURAL RESIDUES & BY PRODUCTS
+ SUSTAINABLE GROWTH Using existing Nokia infrastructure Salo Urban Fallows Technological Innovation Medical Innovation Boosting Salo economy and tourism STAKEHOLDERS Unemployed tech workers Salo residents Turku Satelitte campus Orion Company Proposed: Applied Department of Engineering: Robotics, Chemical, Mechanical. New vacationers
2 2030
3 CENTRE FOR RESEARCH & INNOVATION SYSTEMS
2045
LANDMARK DESTINATION & END GOAL
Sightseeing destination Winter Leisure Summer Leisure
SALO 2015 E-18
Industrial building Commercial / public building Housing Commercial center Research & Development Developed housing area Landmark building Leisure park Natural park Node New train connection Developed connections Leisure connection
Fast train connection to Turku
Research Center & Start-Up Area in old industrial buildings
Improving Connections between Research Center and EcoVillage
Preparing Proto Park Eco-Village starts as a test site for Prototype Housing
Fast train connection to Helsinki
SALO 2025
Existing development area - used for Prototype and mixed housing - creates an entrance to Salo
Salo Center grows together with Research & Development area
Industrial building Commercial / public building Housing Commercial center Research & Development Developed housing area Landmark building Leisure park Natural park Node New train connection Developed connections Leisure connection
Salo Center: Compact Commercial and Public services around new train station Proto Park opens as a happening and recreation area
Eco-Village expands and offers a new housing area next to the shoreline
Proto Park connects to the center
Bi-annual exhibitions on material technology, construction, medicine and healthcare.
SALO 2035 Turku University forms a permanent side campus on the Research Area
Industrial building Commercial / public building Housing Commercial center Research & Development Developed housing area Landmark building Leisure park Natural park Node New train connection Developed connections Leisure connection
Eco Village further expands to form a Node that can support small Local Services
Research and Development area expands as new businesses arrive
High density housing area forms around the center - special attension to multigenerational living and senior housing
Excisting development area - makes use of the new Prototype Materials - housing area with detached and small scale housing ties Salo Center to the Sea
New areas have vast green infrastructure
Locally produced Bio-Gas is sold at the new entrance area
SALO 2045 Industrial building Commercial / public building Housing Commercial center Research & Development Developed housing area Landmark building Leisure park Natural park Node New train connection Developed connections Leisure connection
Landmark building completes Eco-Village as a new node - it works as a symbol for New Salo and attracts visitors
New areas are bound together with routes going through Coastal Nature Park - the park sustains existing Natura-areas as nature reserve
New city structure opens to the natural seaport and densifies Salo Center around the new train station. The vast nature and culture heritage areas become a part of the growing city.
CHAPTER 3: CONCLUSIONS
To conclude, I would like to discuss the group work dynamics, my impression of the course, teaching style, content and workload.
3
COURSE & GROUP WORK
COURSE EVALUATION Overall, I have had a very positive response to the course. Despite not anticipating that the course would be slightly more advanced than my starting knowledge and skills, I feel as though I have been able to grasp most concepts presented during the semester due to the clarity and good presenting skills of the lecturers. In comparison to other studios, the Possible Cities course has an exponentially larger workload. This is likely due to the reality that Strategic Urban Planning is incredibly complex. There are vast and various amounts of information that need to be taught to have at the least a basic understanding of the subject. My suggestion for future iterations of this course is dividing it into two studios, perhaps following each other consecutively in a later semester. Another critique of my experience in the course is the delivery of expected assignments. A way for students to be better prepared is to be able to anticipate what is expected of them throughout the course. Much like a Strategic Urban Plan, the course needs an outline of deliverables at the beginning of the course. On a more positive note, the tutors were very helpful and added a much needed educational element to the course. My suggestion for future
iterations of Possible Cities is to take better advantage of their availability. For example, assigning small group work tasks that would be completed during the tutoring hours, perhaps based on the topics discussed in the lecture. That way students can learn with the tutor as much as during the presentations. -GROUP WORK DYNAMICS Given the diverse background of students attending the course, the group work dynamics were very positive for learning. In my group, each student provided a different area of expertise and knowledge, thus enabling us to learn from each other. In this particular experience, our dynamic was very democratic, where each student handled the workload equally or helped out where we knew how. In my opinion no student worked more or harder than any other and each offered equally important and pertinent information to the assignments. --