Ecological Urban Restructuring. Theoretical Foundation and concept for action

Abstract

Cities are «built thought». They represent the most materialized form of the relation between society and environment. Cities worldwide have become a symbol of the environmental crisis because they transform valuable nature resources into waste and pollutants. Cities, however, are also places of innovation. Solutions emanate from people whose living conditions are threatened. Many signs indicate that the time is ripe for basic changes in production and consumption processes, in people's attitudes and behaviour, and also in the built-up structures of cities. The concept of Ecological Urban Restructuring has been theoretically developed and empirically tested in an international comparative research project. The four elements of the concept are the following: a. ((Eight ecological orientations» were compiled as guidelines for concrete projects, strategies and measures. b..4 «model of fields of activity and building blocks» was developed as a thinking and working aid to overcome the concentration between sectorally oriented conventional planning and policies, and the necessary new integrated thought and action. c. The «conception of ecological neighbourhood development» refers to neighbourhoods as to be the most important level of action for the ecoligical urban restructuring. d. The «concept of eco-stations». Eco-stations are an infrastructural prerequisite for ecological urban restructuring. They should be ecologically oriented communication, culture and trade centers which are communally supported.