CURRUMBIN ECOVILLAGE - Planning process & Sustainable Outcomes

CURRUMB ECO VILLAGE GOALD COAST, AUSTRALIA

CITIZENS DEVELOPING PLANNED SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD Montserrat Delpino-Chamy

4 Through a selection of Australian case studies, this collection aims to present community-based planning processes and design techniques used by different groups of citizens in building new neighbourhoods, or improve existing ones, independent of governmental sponsorship.

• BOOK I - “Tools & Strategies”. The first book offers guidance to plan community-based processes, and methodological tools to assess design outcomes for sustainable neighbourhoods initiatives. Finally, it presents a review of the main strategies that led to achievement and failure in developing planned sustainable neighbourhoods, based on grassroots processes.

• BOOK II - “Christie Walk”. The second book summarized the analysis of an eco-city residential project located 1km from Adelaide CBD. • BOOK III - “Northey Street City Farm”. The third book covers the case of an urban farm located 12km from Brisbane CBD • BOOK IV - “Currumbin Ecovillage”. The final book presents the result regarding a private development project located 7km from the Gold Coas.

This work is the result of a Research Project developed at the School of Geography, Planning & Environmental Management of the University of Queensland. The research was presented as final project to get the grade of Master in Urban and Regional Planning, in 2011, directed by the prof. Yusnani Mohd Yusof, with the support of the prof. Greg Brown.

ISBN: 978-956-401-819-5 May, 2020

INDEX CURRUMBIN ECOVILLAGE

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COMMUNITY-BASED PLANNING PROCESS

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SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES

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Food & Farming 9 Medicine & Health 10 Education 11 Economy 12 Transport 14 Energy 15 Water 16 Housing 17 Governance 18 Natural Environment 19 Built environment & Sense of community 20 Density 21 RELATING SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES TO PLANNING PROCESS

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CURRUMBIN ECOVILLAGE

Figure 22 - Location Currumbin

Figure 23 - Currumbin Ecovillage

Currumbin Ecovillage is a private development project located 7km from the Gold Coast. This project was recognised as the Best Gold Coast Urban Design award for built environment in 2009. Besides this honour it had also been honoured by over 30 different international awards. Currently, it is a popular case study being studied by at least 4 different universities across Australia.

The Ecovillage offers a natural lifestyle for more than 400 residents. Lots sizes between 450 and 6000sqm surrounded by trees and native vegetation create a 6.5 persons/ha project, where dwellings are highly connected with the natural resources of its environment. This project includes a community hall (with a pool), a water treatment plant, 20km of cycling paths and an Interpretative Centre (that is no longer working). Originally it had been planned with a Village Centre, but after 16 years this has not yet being constructed.

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COMMUNITY-BASED PLANNING PROCESS Landmatters was an existing private company. After the acquisition of the 110ha land, Landmatters Currumbin Valley Pty Ltd was established, to lead the development process of the project.

Since the beginning their idea to:

“inspire sustainable living and development practice awareness by creating a world-class ecologically sustainable village” (Currumbin Ecovillage, n.d.).

The design began with a community consultation exercise involving different local actors. The idea was to collect information regarding the nature of the site and local impressions to define technical guidelines. This process was an essential strategy to generate awareness between neighbours and build trust with the local government. Ideas such as offering 40% of the land for conservation purposes complemented with reforestation programs were implemented.

The planning and construction of Currumbin Ecovillage was developed by Landmatters Currumbin Valley Pty Ltd following real estate principles and techniques. The process involved many consultants such as Town Planners, Landscape Architects, Urban Designers, Civil Engineers, Water/ Waste Management Consultants, Flora and Fauna Consultants, Traffic Engineers, Tenure Consultants, Architects, Cultural Heritage Consultants, Marketing and Media Consultants, etc (developer’s interview).

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Once the sites were sold, residents started to get involved with their neighbours in the construction of a new community. This process was guided and supported by Landmatters Currumbin Valley Pty Ltd. The strategies involved the establishing a community webpage facilitating different interest groups to relate with each other, organising social events inside the Ecovillage, Earth Careers and Coffee Connects group meetings, decision-making meetings using a facilitator, and the release of a monthly newsletters called ‘Village Well’ (CSIRO, n.d.)

Once the community was consolidated external stakeholders became interested in the project. In 2003 the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) nominated Currumbin Ecovillage as its first Innovation Estate (Sustainable Green, 2010). This fostered a partnership between the Ecovillage and the GCCC to promote sustainable practices through the Interpretive Centre located inside the village. However once the partnership finished the Centre stop working.

Thanks to this partnership, the Ecovillage found a breach to open themselves to the rest of the community through education and knowledge, while outside companies offer them sponsorship to try new materials and technologies.

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SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES As a result of the interviews conducted with the developers of Currumbin Ecovillage, field trip visits, and selected literature, the following analysis presents findings regarding actions and design techniques that had been used by this development in order to achieve Sustainable Neighbourhood outcomes as defined in the “Tool to assess sustainable neighborhood projects” presented in Book 1 of this collection, called “Citizens developing planned sustainable neighbourhoods - Tools & Strategies”.

Figure 24 - Real Estate Marketing strategy

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Figure 25 - Currumbin Ecovillage residential

Food and Farming NSCF has developed 4ha of small-scale agriculture land. Being located in an accessible position inside a consolidated neighbourhood, the Farm enjoys a favourable location to celebrate organic markets every Sunday morning.

Table 27 - Currumbin Ecovillage - Food and Farming Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

Food and farming

Promote local food production and consumption

• home gardens and smallscale agriculture

1 2 3 4 5

L M H Every house has its own

1 2 3 4 5

L M H after 16 years it has not yet

Promote healthy eating

OBSERVATIONS

food garden

• • Food shops and cafes being in close proximity to where people live.

• Urban Market Gardens

The project has considered the creation of urban centre, been developed

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

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Medicine and Health The development has included a Village Hall related with recreational and sporting facilities. In the Old Dairy Village Hall Tai chi, yoga, Pilates and meditation classes are offered. Currumbin Ecovillage also offers a gym, lap pool, outdoor pavilion areas and childrens playgrounds

Table 28 - Currumbin Ecovillage – Medicine and Health Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

Medicine and health

Contribute and promote the concept of ‘healthy lifestyles’

• Encourage participation in sport and recreation, art, culture and heritage opportunities

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

OBSERVATIONS Common facilities include gym, pool, playgrounds and community kitchen. Also

• • food

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Access to healthy

Not enough information

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

Education Conservation, reforestation and sustainable development activities have been proposed and implemented by developers and community since the beginning. After being recognised by GCCC with the best Urban Design award, Currumbin Ecovillage and the local government started a partnership to run an interpretative centre to generate awareness regarding sustainable development projects. However, when the partnership ended the centre closed. The project also considers the construction of a local school, although this idea is not yet implemented.

Table 29 - Currumbin Ecovillage - Education Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

Education

Natural Environment Awareness

• Promote participation in biodiversity conservation activities

LEVEL IMPLEM.

1 2 3 4 5

PLANNING IMPORT.

L M H

OBSERVATIONS Community activities related with environmental conservation

•

Reinforce lifelong learning alternatives

Interpretative centre is closed, and RRR facilities to promote recycling practices. (under construction). CD tours.

• Increase awareness and promote, education for sustainable development

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Presence of schools

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Promote and support opportunities to participate in lifelong learning for everyone

1 2 3 4 5

L M H Through volunteers par-

• Teaching sustainable skills

Not yet implemented

ticipation

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

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Economy Community has organised to promote diverse voluntary activities, mostly related to the maintenance and enjoyment of natural landscapes. The development included the design of a Building Code, highly strict in relation to the quality of the architectonic design and building materials, as well as the implementation of The Ecovillage Community Network offering fibreoptic cabling for high speed internet, free internal telephone calls and cheaper external ones (facilitating working from home).

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Table 30 - Currumbin Ecovillage - Economy Design Techniques

PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

Economy

Promote a diverse and local economy

• Provide satisfying and fairly paid work, with opportunities for the local workforce, including training

1 2 3 4 5

L M H Just in the maintenance

1 2 3 4 5

L M H Ecovillage Earthcarers Group

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Offer opportunities for voluntary and unpaid work

• Use local goods and services wherever possible • Businesses own by local people

• Provide or support business 1 2 3 4 5 opportunities in the environment sector

field. Village Centre not yet implemented.

(EVE), working bees

L M H

• Food shops and cafes being 1 2 3 4 5 in close proximity to where people live.

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Telephone and high speed internet

Considered in the building code Planned but not yet implemented

L M H Through its popularity the

1 2 3 4 5

• Incorporate good environmental management practices

OBSERVATIONS

village had been offer to try and implement innovative green products. However it has not yet generated business on their own

Planned but not yet implemented The Ecovillage Community Network: fibreoptic cabling offers TV reception, high speed internet, free internal telephone calls and cheaper external ones

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

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Transport Currumbin Ecovillage incorporates a 20km walking and biking network, however the topography and long distances connecting dwelling with public services discourage their use for daily trips.

In response to this, residents organise to implement car-sharing behaviours (1).

Table 31 - Currumbin Ecovillage - Transport Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

Transport

Promote and encourage active transportation to access daily needs

• Improve facilities and conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport

Diversity of land use. Locating jobs, services, schools and shops close to where people live;

• Including more efficient use of the car eg car-sharing, private vehicles powered by renewable fuels • Promoting density around hubs;

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

1 2 3 4 5

PLANNING IMPORT.

L M H

L M H

L M H

OBSERVATIONS

The infrastructure have been provide, but topography and density not support Residents have organized themselves to promote car sharing Even though social infrastructure have been plan in the centre of a higher density area, close to the only bus stop, it has not yet been develop

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

(1) Not enough information to know if this measure is being successful

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LEVEL IMPLEM.

Energy Currumbin Ecovillage building code encourages the use of renewable energy sources. Houses are served with solar and photovoltaic panels. The reduction in energy use is constantly monitored by the Ecovision computational system, which informs the levels of consumption of each house. .

Table 32 - Currumbin Ecovillage - Energy Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

Energy

energy efficient

• Promotion of renewable energy sources

1 2 3 4 5

L M H Considered in the building

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Reduction in energy consumption

OBSERVATIONS

code

Monitored by the Ecovision system

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

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Water Currumbin Ecovillage has completely autonomy in water provision. Grey water is recycled through the Water Reclamation Plant and is being used for gardening and toilets. In addition, every house is supplied with water-saving systems as well as rainwater tanks. The natural features of the development support good ground permeability, to favour continuity of the natural water cycle.

Table 33 - Currumbin Ecovillage - Water Design Techniques

PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

Water

Water consumption is not faster than the ratio it can be naturally replenished

• Recycled grey water

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Water Reclamation Plant

• Reduce household water consumption (restriction on watering of gardens, promote dual-flush toilets, low-flow shower heads)

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Considered in the building code

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Design of arterials and collectors streetscapes and parkways

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Collect rainwater

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

More efficient use of water

• Reduce water landscape consumption with native plants

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Every house has water tanks. Considered in the building code.

Housing Currumbin Ecovillage offers an exclusive sustainable living product, not affordable for most Australian citizens. Those who can afford it, enjoy a high quality bioclimatic housing design, guaranteeing a favourable inner temperature supported by the use of recycle materials. However the size of each lot ranges from 450 to 6000sqm, acquiring sprawl characteristics.

Table 34 - Currumbin Ecovillage - Housing Design Techniques

PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

Housing

Safe, affordable and resource efficient houses

• Wide range of houses types and prices

1 2 3 4 5

L M H Even though the web page

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• reuse of building materials

1 2 3 4 5

L M H code.

• Compact housing

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

• Green roofs

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Promote sustainability in building and construction

• Bioclimatic design (solar access; indoor air quality and ventilation to minimise the need for air conditioning)

OBSERVATIONS

suggest this, in practice the project is not affordable for the majority of citizens.

Considered in the building code.

Considered in the building

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

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Governance Residents are connected through a community website (The Village Hub), which perform as the main information and organisational link, involving citizens in a common decision-making process.

With this communication tool thematic groups are organised, activities are informed and meeting are held to discuss main issues defined.

Table 35 - Currumbin Ecovillage - Governance Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

Governance

Community co-operation, collaboration and consensus

• Citizens become informed and involved in deci1 2 3 4 5 sion-making

High levels of participation at all levels of governance: neighbourhood, city and region

• Equality of access to information by communicating in different ways

• Take into account the needs of special groups

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LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

OBSERVATIONS

Just when they become residents. Not during the previous planning process community portal website (The Village Hub) catering for a multitude of online communication needs

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

Natural Environment The 110ha development has been conceived in relation to nature; where buildings cover only 20% of the total surface area. The remaining 80% is defined as open space, specifying that half of this land will remain for nature conservation purposes.

Table 36 - Currumbin Ecovillage - Natural Environment Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

Natural Environment

People acknowledge the interconnectedness of all life, put the needs of the ecosystems and the human spirit above special interests

• Include a network of open spaces consisting of both natural land and constructed public realm (“the lungs of the community”).

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

Conserve, enhance and encourage people to enjoy the characteristic landscape and features

• Increase land conservation

OBSERVATIONS

80% of the land surface is for natural conservation

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

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Built environment and Sense of community The presence of the Village Hall with sporting facilities and activities is a close destination encouraging social interactions.

Outdoors features, supported by 20km of walking and cycling network also promote physical activities. However the delay on the construction of the Village Centre forces residents to leave the development in order to access shops and services - generally by car. In the absence of the Village Centre, the only bus stop is hardly used. On this Greenfield site, mixed land use has been proposed but not yet developed.

Table 37 - Currumbin Ecovillage - Built Environment / Sense of Community Design Techniques

PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

Built Environment – Sense of Community

People honour and uphold the well-being of the whole community

• Shops, services and other destinations can encourage physical activity, social interaction and conviviality.

Ensure a ‘sense of community’ and neighbourhood

Facilitate social interactions Ensure safety community spaces. Minimize crime and promote community safety

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• Community Spaces (both outdoor and indoor) for recreation and social interaction

• Homes and services easily accessible by active transportation modes

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS Village Hall community centre. Shops not yet implemented

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H features

1 2 3 4 5

L M H Low density encourage

Village Hall and landscape

car use

PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL IMPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

OBSERVATIONS

1 2 3 4 5

L M H Low density development.

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

1 2 3 4 5

L M H Greenfield development

• Built Environment – Sense of Community

Protect local heritage and promote local diversity and distinctiveness

• High density around transportation corridors

Village Centre not yet implemented

•

• Mix land use programs • Make use of previously developed land (‘PDL’) or vacant buildings rather than green field sites

Currently just Village Hall.

Interpretative centre closed and Village Centre not yet implemented

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

Density With 4 inhabitants per hectare, Currumbin Ecovillage is characterised as being a low density development.

Table 38 - Currumbin Ecovillage - Density Design Techniques PLANNING DOMAIN

SUSTAINABLE SCOPE

ACTION / DESIGN TECHNIQUE

LEVEL I MPLEM.

PLANNING IMPORT.

Density

Stable population, within the carrying capacity of the land

• Compact developments

1 2 3 4 5

L M H

OBSERVATIONS

1: not considered;

3: basic implementation;

L: Low importance

2: considered but not implemented;

4: good implementation;

M: Medium importance

5: excellent implementation

H: High importance

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RELATING SUSTAINABLE OUTCOMES TO PLANNING PROCESS

The description of previous sections regarding community-based planning process and sustainable outcomes achieved by Currumbin Ecovillage are used to recognise the main strategies on the implementation of this project.

Food & Farming

Medicine & Health

Education

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In Currumbin Ecovillage Food and Farming presents minimal sustainable outcomes (Table 27). Even though every dwelling has its own food garden, delays in the construction of the proposed Village Centre (see Figure 26) and the absence of urban markets and economic activities regarding food, are impacting the promotion of healthy eating.

In contrast, Medicine and Health (Table 28) shows good levels of implementation. The incorporation of sporting infrastructure (see Figure 27) in the technical project has promoted the concept of ‘healthy lifestyles’.

Education outcomes (Table 29) are encouraged by the residents’ organisation based on interest groups that promote biodiversity conservation activities. However, not planning for long-term functioning of the Interpretative Centre beyond governmental support, impacted the promotion of education for sustainable development.

Economy (Table 30) is another planning domain impacted upon by the delay on the construction of the proposed Village Centre.

This delay is stopping it from providing fairly paid work and businesses opportunities close to where people live. However, the Ecovillage does provide a fibre-optic communication network that supports the possibility of working from home. The developers also promoted residents’ organisation based on interest groups, which generates volunteer opportunities.

Regarding Transportation (Table 31), Currumbin Ecovillage had developed a cycling network that supports active transportation behaviours, however the homogeneity of land uses and topography discourage its use.

Figure 26 - Village Centre Proposal

Economy

Transportation

Figure 27 - Healthy activities

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Energy

Water

Housing

Governance

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Energy (Table 32) and Water (Table 33) show high levels of implementation in this case study. The design of dwellings promoting efficiency, self-provision and constant monitoring of energy and water use with a high-tech Ecovision system has characterised houses of the Ecovillage with outstanding sustainable outcomes.

This achievement is directly related to the strategy of defining a Building Code to standardise construction under sustainable principles inside the development (see Figure 28). This Code is presented as part of the technical project of Currumbin Ecovillage development, and is the result of multidisciplinary work lead by the developers and involving a wide range of professionals.

In relation to the Housing domain (Table 34), Currumbin Ecovillage has been extremely successful in the incorporation of bioclimatic design and reuse of building materials on its dwellings, as defined in the community Building Code. However, by transferring the costs of high quality sustainable design to homebuyers, sustainable outcomes related with affordability show low levels of implementation (see Figure 29).

Governance (Table 35) structure promotes the involvement of residents once the project was developed. Nevertheless the implementation of a communication channel based on a communal website allows members to coordinate activities and efficiently discuss internal issues.

Regarding the Natural Environment planning domain (Table 36), the specification of conservation areas and landscape features into the technical project initially designed produced outstanding sustainable outcomes in this area.

Natural Environment

Built Environment and Sense of Community (Table 37) sustainable outcomes are diminished by delay on the construction of the Built Environment & proposed Village Centre. At the same time, the project had been Sense of Community developed on a Greenfield site, and designed for low density and homogeneity of land uses. These features encourage car use, reducing the possibility of social interactions to occur.

Figure 26 - Energy and Water Efficiency in dwellings

Figure 29 - House prices

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To my teacher Yusnani Mohd Yusof, for her support, trust and guidance. To the prof. Greg Brown, for its methodological rigor, and encouraging me to explore both the campus and the country.

To my roommates in Drury St, and friends, who gave me the inspiration and support to travel, visit and learn from these communities.

To Becas Chile, openning the world to me and many others.

And finally, to my family, from where I got the values, and freedom, to explore new ways for a more sustainable future.

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MURRUC OCE EGALLIV

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