A conference: “Systems, cities and Sustainable Mobility” was held this week, summarising development proposals for the Pasadena region of Los Angeles, USA. Gary Lawrence, the Urban Strategies spokesman for ARUP introduced ideas for Dongtan into the discussion. Sustainability was an ongoing theme, the idea that it must be promoted as a political concept with technical challenges was predominant. The discussion continued to whether sustainability must be based on an educational model, focusing on changing behaviour and attitudes, or on a design model, centred on overcoming technical hitches and increasing the efficiency with which systems work. On relieving this debate, it must be noted that technology can only provide directions for change and that these must be coupled with conscious human choice.Materialization of Dongtan as an eco-city is amidst flourishing new concepts. New examples of how the development will work have come to light today, within this conference. Dongtan is designed for a scenario in which sea level will rise by 3m, rice husks from local agricultural practices will be used to fuel a huge combined heat and power station and although cars are not excluded, we are continually reminded how they will become the least attractive transportation option.
Stewart, J., 2008. Art Centre Mobility Summit: A field report.
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