URBAN DESIGN FOR SUSTAINABILITY

Final Report of the Working Group on Urban Design for Sustainability to the
European Union Expert Group on the Urban Environment
23 January 2004

This is the interim report by the Working Group on Urban Design for Sustainability, reporting to the EU Expert Group of the Urban Environment. It should be read in conjunction with the reports of the Working Groups on Sustainable Urban Transport, Urban Management and Sustainable Construction. Together with the outputs of these other groups, its main objective is to deliver a set of recommendations to the European Commission to inform the Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment. It should also be read in conjunction the earlier EU Expert Group report on Sustainable Urban Land Use as there is a large degree of overlap between the two study areas and this report draws on the contents of that earlier report.The report identifies models and strategies of good practice in urban design to support sustainability in EU and EU-accession countries, and presents a review of best practice and recommendations for action at all levels. It explores the themes of re-designing and retro-fitting existing urban areas, designing for greenfield sites, and knitting the urban fabric together to achieve an integrated city-wide vision. These themes are explored within the broader context of achieving sustainable urban development in Europe. The report sets out the main issues to be faced on a Europe-wide scale in response to a common set of ‘mega trends’.
Read the report here