Urban planning involves designing layouts in urban areas. This takes into consideration the environment and socioeconomic impacts designs could have to specific areas. Urban planning looks at both open places and regenerating existing layouts of an area. This can be for permanent structures but is also necessary for temporary events such as major sporting events, large conventions or festivals.
Each Australian state will have their own rules when it comes to urban planning, so always check to see what the laws are in your area before proceeding. Despite some differences state to state, these are the general key factors involved in urban planning.
The Environment and Climate
We’re becoming increasingly aware of the importance of protecting our environment and creating sustainable communities for the future. There are various aspects to consider when it comes to planning and the environment. Emissions from transport and energy and water usage should be included in any planning with the aim of sustainability and eco-friendliness. Waste management also needs to be well-thought out. Population growth must be considered and how it will affect the other aspects.
In addition to what we can control, urban planning includes what we can’t control too. The climate plays a major role. Some areas in Australia are prone to bushfires, storm surges, coastal erosion and flooding, but strategic urban planning can help reduce the risks involved.
The Residents
Today, many cities are opting to involve the residents in the area in effort of understanding their needs. While this won’t eliminate any resistance towards plans, it can help limit public outcry by making residents aware of any planning in their area.
All urban planning must take the residents into consideration. Small towns with a lot of history may not agree with having large chain stores being built in the area to take away from the quaintness of the town, but rural areas might have the need for such.
Areas in Need of Regeneration
There may need to be focus on struggling areas that are in desperate need of regeneration, especially those that may have been affected by a natural disaster of some sort. Despite the level of disrepair an area or specific building may be experiencing, urban planners will need to understand any historical significance. This area may need to be preserved the best way possible instead of just knocking down to start again.
Urban planners will want to discover new ways to bring new life into an area with attractive, affordable accommodation, better transport links and new buildings for businesses to be attractive to people. It is the people who live there and run businesses, both big and small, which will make the regeneration a success.
Resources Available
Urban planners must have the right skills and tools at their disposal to make the very best out of an area. They should know how to find and collect the right kinds of data that determines the best way forward for current and future residents. This may include GIS (Geographic Information System) maps. GIS gives urban planners an accurate view of the area as well as various types of data that helps analyse spatial patterns. 3D mapping is also often generally used. Urban planners should also have access to information on historical building and landmarks as well as data on trends in the land, climate and population.
The Future
While residents and businesses want to know how new developments will affect them now, urban planners also need to see how this will affect the future. Things like population growth and climate change could have a drastic impact which is why urban planners will look at trends to get an idea of how to move forward. If trends indicate a steady population growth, the need for accommodation will need to be addressed. A solution may be in the form of high-rises. If a busy city is over-populated, rural areas outside of the city may incur suburban development to attract people.
