enbe report




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For this assignment, we were tasked to create a city that would include

both the elements of the natural and built environment. From the natural aspect,

the designed city would have to be self-sustainable and be able to co-exist

harmoniously with nature and its surroundings. Besides, the designed city would

also have to satisfy the requirements of becoming a well-organized and

capable built environment.

To be able to successfully design such a city, we would have to research

on cities that existed, cities that still exist, and cities that will or might exist.

Through these cities, we would study on the advantages and disadvantages,

learn from their mistakes and achievements.

During the process of designing the city, we would have to apply all the

information we have gathered from the cities that we have studied. The final

version of our proposed city must be a city that self-sustains and satisfies the

needs of the citizens.




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The definition of a city:

“A place where people live that is larger or more important than a town” –

Merriam Webster Dictionary

“A centre of population, commerce and culture; a town of significant size and

importance” – The Free Dictionary

The first cities were built during the Neolithic revolution where hunting

and gathering transitioned to agriculture and settlement. People settled down

in an area abandoning nomadic lifestyles. From this, the human population-

density in the settlements increased and relied on agriculture means for food

production. Not only that, hierarchy systems, commerce, social organisations

started to appear resulting in proper and well-organised cities being formed.

In 1950, according to archaeologist V. Gordon Childe, for a settlement

to qualify as a city, it must have enough surplus of raw materials to support

trade and a relatively large population. He also came up with 10 general

metrics that define a historic city:

1. Size and density of the population should be above normal.

2. Differentiation of the population. Not all residents grow their own food,

leading to specialists.

3. Payment of taxes to a deity or king.

4. Monumental public buildings.

5. Those not producing their own food are supported by the king.

6. Systems of recording and practical science.

7. A system of writing.

8. Development of symbolic art.

9. Trade and import of raw materials.

10. Specialist craftsmen from outside the kin-group.




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The following categorisation is used generally when defining ancient

cities but not all satisfy each of its characteristics. However, one

characteristic that can be used to define a city is an organised

government. A city has proper administrators, law and regulations, and

some form of taxation to feed the government workers.




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Pompeii The city of Pompeii was an ancient Roman city near modern Naples. A

170 acres big and founded in the 6th/7th century BC, the population of Pompeii

was approximately 20,000 and had a complex water system, an amphitheatre,

gymnasium and a port.

One of the advantages of

being part of the Roman Republic was

having access to advanced

technology. Therefore, in the early first

century AD, Pompeii constructed an

aqueduct system to bring fresh, clean

water. Not only that, they also

gathered rainwater that was collected

from roofs. Pipes would then supply

water to the public fountains, houses, shops and facilities such as baths.

Lavatories (toilets) were rare in other parts of the world during this time but

were common in the advanced Pompeii.

For leisure, Pompeii citizens

would turn to bathing. It was

regarded as a public activity rather

than a private one. Public baths were

important social meeting places. In

addition to the bathing areas, there

was usually an adjoining gymnasium

for exercise. After the aqueduct

system was built, a swimming pool was

even added.




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Besides bathing, the amphitheatre conquered most of the entertainment

in Pompeii. The contests/ performances that the people of Pompeii enjoyed

were extreme and violent which included gladiators combatting each other or

fighting against dangerous animals.

Events that took place in the

amphitheatre were highly publicised

and well attended even by people

from nearby towns. Besides extreme

and gory events, another gentler form

of popular entertainment were

theatrical performances. An odium/

concert hall was also built next to the

theatre to provide an additional

venue for musical performances.

Tragically, Pompeii was located 8km away from Mount Vesuvius and was

vulnerable to its eruption. In 79 AD, the infamous volcano erupted and

destroyed Pompeii, burying it under 4 to 6m of ash and pumice.

An element from the city of

Pompeii that can be included in

my proposal is its rainwater

management and complex water

systems that efficiently supplied

water to its citizens. Moreover,

entertainment and leisure in a city

is equally important to satisfy the

citizens’ pleasure and happiness. For example, Pompeii has an amphitheatre

and bathing places that were significant to the growth of the city. Most

importantly, we can learn from Pompeii’s downfall, an un-strategically placed

city and its inability to escape danger. Imagine if Pompeii was a movable city. It

would have escaped the wrath of Mount Vesuvius and continued to prosper

on. A moveable city capable of escaping catastrophic dangers such as

tsunamis, earthquakes, incoming attacks and etc. is definitely an advantage.




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VENICE

In addition to being a hot tourist attraction spot, Venice’s greatest

feature is its car-free society.

Urban life has been

greatly impacted by the

existence of automobiles as its

primary source of mobility. Many

disadvantages are brought such

as the loss of street life and

social fabric of communities. Not

only that, street users are

constantly endangered along

with the excessive usage of resources. Most importantly, vehicles are one of the

primary causes to air pollution and global warming.

A car-free city is a significant solution to the problem. For example, we

have Venice, a city in northeastern Italy sited on a group of 118 small islands

separated canals and linked by bridges. This city is renowned for the beauty of

its setting, architecture and artworks. Venice, a 414.57 km2 area is the home to

271,000 people.

According to tradition, Venice was founded in 421 AD. At that time a

Celtic tribe called the Veneti lived along the coast of what is now Northeast

Italy. Since 49 BC, they had become

Roman citizens. In the Middle Ages, Venice continued to flourish as a

port and trading centre. During the 19th century, it became a fashionable

centre for the rich and famous.




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Today, Venice’s economy is based

mainly on tourism, trade and Murano glass

production. On a daily basis, the city has

an average of 50,000 tourists a day.

However, Venice’s popularity as a major

tourist destination has caused the city to

be very overcrowded at some point of the

year.

Since Venice is a car-free city, the

main public transportation are motorised

waterbuses. Citizens also commute

around by foot.

In conclusion, it is important that I add the car-free element of Venice

into my proposed city. A car-free city is what we need desperately. It

encourages community cohesion. Positive communication and relationships

among the people will be further developed compared to cities with vehicles

as a primary means of transport. Moreover, there will be lesser deaths caused

by vehicles. Citizens will be confident to walk the streets freely without fearing

the risks brought upon by automobiles. Not only that, a car-free city is an eco-

friendly city. There will be decreased air pollution and global warming.




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Water-Scraper During the 2010 eVolo Skyscraper Competition, Malaysian architect

Sarly Adre Bin Sarkum designed the Water-Scraper, a futuristic self-sustainable

floating city. The design involves the concept of a floating island transformed

into full-fledged underwater skyscraper that gathers renewable energy and

grows its own food.

As a self-sustainable floating city, the

Water-Scraper makes use of a variety of

green technologies. For example, it

generates electricity using wave, wind and

solar power and it also produces its own

food through farming, aquaculture and

hydroponic techniques. The surface of the

underwater skyscraper contains a small

forest while the lower levels (underwater)

contain spaces for its residents to live and

work. The cylindrically-long building is kept

upright using a system of ballasts and

balancing tanks. It is also aided by a set of

squid-like tentacles that generate kinetic

energy using the rhythm of the tide. The wind

generators are placed on the roof garden

island where the livestock farming

components are. The living areas are

placed just below sea level where natural

sunlight in the best.




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Such design is aimed to

create an oasis with zero negative

impacts to the environment, not

only that but also improves on it.

In the future, it is inevitable

that land area will be scarce

either due to the rise of sea level

or over-construction.

Approximately 71% of the Earth’s

surface is ocean. The numbers

might even increase due to the

unpredictable climate change. It is

only natural that we make use of

the open area on the seas

someday. This design of a city

does not consume nature but

creates and produces nature.

There are numerous

elements in this city’s design that

can be incorporated in my

proposed city such as its self-

sustainable features and how it

aims to co-exist harmoniously with

nature.




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NOVUS LUX The name Novus Lux derives from Latin meaning New Light. It is named

New Light because it serves as a new haven for the survivors of the nuclear war.

Among the darkness of the nuclear fallout, survivors would look upon Novus Lux

as a new light of hope.

My proposed city’s main feature would be to mimic the water strider’s

structure and its ability to efficiently float on water. As a water city, its primary

focus is to first be able to float on water. Therefore, the city is shaped exactly

like a water strider with its long legs evenly distributing its weight. Not only that,

the surface of the legs that comes in contact with the water is layered with

aerogel. It is an extremely light but buoyant hydrophobic substance capable

of carrying a heavy weight similar to the water strider’s legs.




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Besides being able to float, my proposed city is also able to move using

similar methods as the water strider. The front legs act as aerodynamic fronts to

decrease air resistance. The middle legs are used for rowing and have the

ability to thrust. The rear legs with rotatable thrusters have the ability to steer

the city.




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The highest level of the city

is where most of the buildings are

(besides residential and

industrial). It is covered by a solar

dome capable of shading the city

from the hot climate. Moreover,

the large surface area of the

solar panels on the solar dome

are also capable of harvesting

high amounts of energy. The city

will then successfully produce

more energy than it consumes.

The ground of the city is

layered with grass and only the

walkways and bicycle lanes are

paved. This is to allow natural

cooling to occur and a surplus of

oxygen to be supplied.

Furthermore, the aesthetic value

of the city will be improved.




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The zoning of the

city’s main level is divided

into # categories.

Starting from the

top, at the head of the

city: the government

buildings are shown in

(RED). Buildings such as

the town hall,

courthouses, post offices,

etc. are located in the

area surrounding a green

park (GREEN) that is no

more than a 5 minutes’

walk away.

Separating the

government area/ head

from the rest of the city/

body is the protection of

the military (GREEN). Its

task is to protect the

government area and city from exterior threats. In some emergency occasions,

the military would assist the police in enforcing the law.

Located adjacent of the military area is the services area (ORANGE).

Buildings such as fire stations, police stations, clinics and hospitals are

commonly found in the area.




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Opposite of the services area is the agriculture area (YELLOW). This is

where all the vertical farming and vertical hydroponics are done on terraced

hills because of the shortage of land.

Next to the agriculture area is the urban

area (PURPLE) where most of the office

buildings are. Located less than a 5 minutes’

walk away is a sports centre where citizens can

exercise or relax after long hours of work.

After passing the urban area is the

commercial area (BLUE) where all the shops,

malls and markets are located. Located inside

the commercial area is the education area

(LIGHT BLUE) where academic buildings are

located such as kindergartens, schools and

universities. Students can then easily access

the commercial area that is nearby. Not only

that, it is also placed near the protection of

the police station, fire station, and hospital in

the services area.




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Next to the services area is the central park of the city (GREEN). It is

located in the centre of the city so that it can be easily accessed from all

sides. Besides, its purpose is also to equalise the surroundings because of the

huge amount of buildings present in the area.

Opposite of the central park is the religious area (INDIGO). Religious

buildings such as temples, mosques, churches and kuils can be found here.

Located at the bottommost part of the city is the second agriculture

area (YELLOW) where livestock is also present in the area.

On the left side of the city near the middle leg is the man-made beach. It

faces the West side because of the presence of the sunset view that is

favoured by many.




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Transportation wise, as this city is a car-free city, the commonly used

mode of transportation will be by foot, bicycles, and the Horizontal Escalator

(HE). The walkways are wide enough for both pedestrians and cyclists to

access. Surrounding the body of the city is the Horizontal Escalator (HE) transit

system.

The HE transit system is a wide travelator/ moving walkway that runs

around the city. Pedestrians that wish to travel to further places or are unable

to walk much can board the HE transit system at stations. Seats, food and drinks

are provided for the comfort of the HE users.




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Electric bikes will be used by

pedestrians as it is able to carry more load

without using much energy. Especially for

emergency responders, they can travel to

a location in a short amount of time without

wasting much energy. Bicycle carts can

also be used for those travelling in groups

or carrying heavy load.

To travel from level to level, pedestrians use the main elevator that

connects all the three floors of the city. The main elevator is located in the

centre of the city for all three floors for easy access.




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The 2nd highest level of the city just below the main level is the residential

area. As the citizens exit the main elevator, they will enter a park that surrounds

the elevator. The residential buildings in the city follow the townhouse concept

for maximum community cohesion. This is to strengthen relationships between

communities and societies. It is a must for every residential building to have a

green roof with water feature and a green wall. This is to allow cooling and

oxygen supply.

The blue coloured circles shown in the picture are 2-family townhouses

called the Duplex Avenue. The smallest and green coloured circles shown are

1-family houses called the Singulus Avenue. The purple coloured circles are the

Porterit Avenue for 4-family townhouses.




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Shops, hospital, police

station, fire station and pocket

parks are placed near to the

housing areas. Similar to the

highest level of the city, the

ground is grass and pavements

for cooling and aesthetic

purposes.

The lowest level of the city is the industrial area. In this area, buildings

such as factories, warehouses, power stations, waste management systems,

recycling stations and etc. can be found. Service such as fire stations, police

stations, hospitals and shops can also be found.

Smoke filters are added to

factories to decrease the

percentage of dangerous gases

released. Not only that, due to the

harmful and dull nature of the

industrial area, efforts to beautify the

area been made. Green roofs are

placed on almost every building

possible. The ground is also covered

with grass and walkways.




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A new system will also be included in the city of Novus Lux whereby the

wealth of an individual is based on his or her contributions to the society. The

wealthier a person gets, the higher his or her rank will be in the society. This will

urge the people to contribute more to the society in order to become wealthy.

In conclusion, Novus Lux is a city that adapts to the future conditions

such as the rise of sea levels and the insufficient amount of energy resources. Its

self-sustainable features will allow it to be an independent city. Not only that,

its ability to move will allow it to escape danger as well as move to new areas

with much more favourable conditions.




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Cities are a crucial part of humanity. Civilizations begin and prosper

after the birth of cities. Without it, we will still be stuck in the Stone Age

practising nomadic lifestyles. Since the first cities until now, there has been a

drastic change. The function, size, density and design has evolved.

However, the birth of industrialisation and automobiles has have made a

bad image out of cities. Most of the present cities are filled with dense

population, high-rise buildings and vehicles that are constantly threatening the

environment.

Through this assignment, I have learned that cities are important and must

be further improved in countless ways to harmonize with Mother Nature. Not

only that, future cities will definitely have to adapt to new environments due to

mankind’s harmful behaviours.

We must learn to appreciate the beauty of the natural environment and

at the same time incorporate its elements into the built environment in order for

both of them to coexist harmoniously. In order to do so, we must further study on

the elements of both the natural and built environment.




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http://www.evolo.us/competition/water-

scraper-underwater-architecture/

http://inhabitat.com/underwater-

skyscraper-is-a-self-sufficient-city-at-

sea/waterscraper-ed05/

http://www.localhistories.org/venice.html

http://www.veniceword.com/vehistory.html

http://www.monarch.co.uk/italy/venice-

and-venetian-riviera/lifestyle

http://www.greenenergyinvestors.com/ind

ex.php?showtopic=3186

http://www.carfree.com/intro_cfc.html

http://www.pompei.it/pompeii/daily-life-

pompeii.htm

http://museum.wa.gov.au/pompeii/daily-

life/

http://wikitravel.org/en/Venice

http://faculty.washington.edu/plape/cities

aut11/readings/Childe-

urban%20revolution%201950.pdf

http://www.evolo.us/competition/water-scraper-underwater-architecture/

http://www.evolo.us/competition/water-scraper-underwater-architecture/

http://inhabitat.com/underwater-skyscraper-is-a-self-sufficient-city-at-sea/waterscraper-ed05/



http://www.localhistories.org/venice.html

http://www.veniceword.com/vehistory.html

http://www.monarch.co.uk/italy/venice-and-venetian-riviera/lifestyle

http://www.monarch.co.uk/italy/venice-and-venetian-riviera/lifestyle

http://www.greenenergyinvestors.com/index.php?showtopic=3186

http://www.greenenergyinvestors.com/index.php?showtopic=3186

http://www.carfree.com/intro_cfc.html

http://www.pompei.it/pompeii/daily-life-pompeii.htm

http://www.pompei.it/pompeii/daily-life-pompeii.htm

http://museum.wa.gov.au/pompeii/daily-life/

http://museum.wa.gov.au/pompeii/daily-life/

http://wikitravel.org/en/Venice

http://faculty.washington.edu/plape/citiesaut11/readings/Childe-urban%20revolution%201950.pdf



enbe report

Art & Photos

city of pompeii

designed city

proposed city

historic city

ancient roman city

taylors university

enbe final project

group thornandos leader