The Better Livable Town of Santorini

Content:
1. Introduction (describe the project brief, the things that you have to do etc)
2. A Town (describe the definition, your findings and information on what is a
city-characteristic etc) Investigation on Better Township or Town or City
Guidelines and Issues (Information that may help you with your city
proposal)
3. Investigation & Data Collection: Ancient and old cities/town (describe the
city.. give a conclusion. 1-2 cities preferably almost similar to your selected
future city )
4. Investigation & Data Collection: The present towns/cities (describe the city..
give a conclusion. 1-2 cities preferably almost similar to your selected type of
city )
5. Investigation & Data Collection: The future and better township (1-2 towns
preferably almost similar to your selected type of town )
6. The New “X” Town / Or the new name (describe the new facilities, characters
etc of the new town)
7. The Conclusion (describe what was important and others should follow or
perhaps should know and what did you learned)
8. References list
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1.Introduction
The
ENBE final
project is about investigations of towns, including past, present and future. The
objectives are to expose elements of natural and built environment in their basic
unit, form and function, to understand their relationship and to analyse the impact
between them.
This project consists of 2 parts. In part A, students are required to individually
propose a better future town layout because it is overcrowded. After understanding
the components of environment and what makes a better livable town, students, as
town mayors should plan for the town, including zoning, people needs, connectivity,
infrastructures, sustainable approaches etc. and create a video presentation. For
part B, in a group of 5, the chosen individual town proposal will be improved and
made into a 3D model and be presented in boards.
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In the town proposal progress, students are able to learn and explore deeper
into elements of natural and built environment, including space, landscape,
building, infrastructure and sustainability.
2.The Town
2.1 The Town Definition
Town is a built-up area with a name, defined boundaries and local
government, that is larger than a village and generally smaller then a city.
The size definition for what constitutes a “town” varies considerably in
different parts of the world. Population of a town is about 100,000-999,999
unit.
2.2 What is the brief history
Each town, whether in America, England, Canada or China, has its own
story to tell. Sometimes the great events of history will have affected the
community, while other times the community will have generated its own
fascinating dramas. Researching the local history of the town, village or
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city where our ancestors lived is a big step toward understanding what
their life was like - the people, places and events that impacted the
course of their own personal history.
Australian geographer Thomas Griffith Taylor proposed a classification of
towns based on their age and pattern of land use. He identified five types of
town:
- Infantile towns, with no clear zoning
- Juvenile towns, which have developed an area of shops
- Adolescent towns, where factories have started to appear
- Early mature towns, with a separate area of high-class housing
- Mature towns, with defined industrial, commercial and various
types of residential area
2.3 What makes a city / town
A town should be livable by humans. It should have special powers called
town privileges which have been given by the government of the country,
or its ruler. Besides, in a town, there must be places to shelter, to provide
food, to get public services etc. It should also have a centre where
business and local government takes place.
2.4 What makes a good town/ township (guidelines etc)
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A good town should fulfil all the
needs of people, with
complete facilities and
infrastructure such as
education areas,
transportation, health services,
security and urban spaces. A
good town has stable politics,
economy and social. It should have a good management in energy
sources, environment, water and waste management so that it is able to
sustain itself in the future.
Furthermore, a good town is ruled by good
governance, where participation of both men
and women in decision making is allowed.
There is rule of law to protect human rights. A
leader must have a good vision. Equity is given.
A good town has places to walk in and stay in. Residents are provided
rooms to walk with dignity, integrity and not overcrowding. There are well-
situated cafes and restaurants, pleasant façade at street level and
comfortable climate.
In a good town, residents can
have social and cultural
exchanges. There are places to
have cultural activities and
communication among people.
Democratic public spaces are
provided as well.
A good town comforts everyone in it. It should have spaces for talking,
watching and experiencing. There is low noise level, wide variety of uses
both day and night, has fine views and good details and is interesting,
lively, diverse and safe to live in.
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3.Investigation & Data Collection:
Ancient Cities / towns
3.1 What ancient city are you concentrating on?
Santorini is an island in the
southern Aegean Sea, about
200km southeast of Greece’s
mainland. It is the most active
volcanic centre in the South
Aegean Volcanic Arc. There is
a popular theory holds that
the Thera eruption is the
source of the legend of
Atlantis.
3.2 When did it start? History and all
• The oldest signs of human settlement are Late Neolithic (4th
millennium BC or earlier).
• This Bronze Age civilization thrived between 3000 to 2000 BC, and
reached its peak in the period 2000 to 1580 BC.
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• Santorini remained unoccupied throughout the rest of the Bronze
Age, during which time the Greeks took over Crete.
• Probably after what is called the Bronze Age collapse, Phoenicians
founded a site on Thera. Herodotus reports that they called the
island Callista and lived on it for 8 generations.
• In the 9th
century BC,
Dorians founded the main
Hellinic city on Mesa
Vouno, 396m (1.299 ft)
above sea level. This
group later claimed that
they had named the city
and the island after their
leader, Theras. Today, that
city is referred to as
Ancient Thera.
• Santorini became independent from Ottoman rule in 1821.
3.3 What makes it a significant city and what are the details?
• Thousands of tourists come every year to
gape at the caldera of volcano in
Santorini, a vestige of what was probably
the world’s largest volcanic eruption
ever.
• There is a theory, one that has fired the
imagination of writers, artists and mystics
since ancient times that postulates that
the island was part of the lost continent
of Atlantis.
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• The spectacular and unique landscape, the distinctive vernacular
architecture and the long runway.
• The common utilization of the hyposkapha: extensions of houses dug
sideways or downwards into the
surrounding pumice.
• Excellent masonry and fine wall-
paintings.
• Santorini also had a highly developed
drainage system and, judging from the
fine artwork, its citizens were clearly
sophisticated and relatively wealthy people.
3.4 Conclusion about the cities
In conclusion, Santorini is a very well-planned city on island although it is
an active volcanic area. Its unique architecture and landscape makes it
more attractive. It has good system which shows its prosperity in the
ancient period. It is a good ancient town example.
3.5 What information or element that you can use to your new future city
From Santorini, what I can put in my future town is its very well-planned city
on island although it’s an active volcanic area, unique architecture, good
drainage system and disaster relief system.
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Present Towns / township
4.1 What town are you concentrating on?
Marblehead is a
coastal town along the
Atlantic Ocean, in
Essex Country,
Massachusetts, United
States. It enjoyed a
long history as a fishing
port. It now focuses
more on yachting and
boating in Marblehead
harbor. Due to its role in
the Revolutionary War, the town claims the (disputed) title of Birthplace of
the American Navy.
4.2 When did it start? History and all
• In 1629, it was first settled by Joseph
Doliber on the shore near the end of
what is now Bradlee Road.
• Originally called Massebequash
after the river which ran between it
and Salem.
• The land was inhabited by the
Naumkeag tribe of Indians under
the sachem Nanepashemet.
• 1615–1619 and 1633- Believed to be smallpox, devastated the tribe.
• Named Marblehead by settlers who mistook its granite ledges for
marble.
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• Began as a fishing village with narrow, crooked streets, and grew inland
from the harbor.
• Peaked economically just prior to
the Revolution, as locally financed
privateering vessels pirated the
seas for bounty from large
European ships.
• Much early architecture survives
from the era, including the Jeremiah Lee Mansion.
• A large percentage of residents became involved early in the
Revolutionary War, and the sailors of Marblehead are generally
recognized by scholars as forerunners of the United States Navy.
• Late 19th century, experienced a short-term boom from shoe-making
factories.
• At the same time, the exceptional harbor attracted yachting and yacht
clubs.
• After World War II, the town enjoyed a population boom as a bedroom
community for nearby Boston, Lynn, and Salem.
4.3 What makes it a significant town and what are the details?
Maritime Attractions
• Pirate Museum- specializes in pirate lore.
• The Peabody Essex Museum- discover the fascinating maritime history of
Salem and take a look at rare oddities collected from around the world
by Salem's old sea captains.
• Fort Sewall- waterfront fort used by
the United States army to keep
British invaders at bay, but today it
is a serene park with some of the
finest views of Marblehead Harbor.
• Boston Whale Watch Cruise- offers
a 3-hour whale watch cruise on a
high speed catamaran.
• Castle Rock Park- provides scenic views of the Atlantic Ocean as well as
sailing and fishing.
• Marblehead is famous for its
unsurpassed contributions to the
American Revolution and Civil War.
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• Marblehead is blessed with many parks, playgrounds and beaches for
the enjoyment of residents and visitors of all ages. There are also several
conservation areas and walking trails as well as other town jewels and
little-known ways open for public passage.
4.4 Conclusion about the towns
Marblehead is a beautiful harbor town with pirate-rich history. It is a
perfect place to take the kids for some sea-related adventures. It is also
a good town example as it is environmental friendly.
4.5 What information or element that you can use to your new town
• Environmental friendly- green parks, playground, conservation areas
and walking trails.
• Residents with liberty, human rights.
The future of towns and Better Towns
1. China- Car free city
China is creating a totally car-free
city from scratch, building a new urban
center around a high-rise core housing
80,000 people. Great City, planned for a
rural area outside Chengdu, will be
entirely walkable and surrounded by
green space. Getting from the center to
the outer ring of parks on foot takes just
ten minutes. Other nearby urban centers will be accessible via mass transit.
2. Masdar- Zero-Carbon City
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Masdar, the world’s first zero-carbon, zero
waste city, will feature a public rapid transit
system in place of personal automobiles, and
will be fueled by solar, wind and geothermal
power. Giant ‘sunflower umbrellas’ designed
for the city center will provide movable shade
during the day, store heat, and then close and
release heat at night.
3. Dubai - Sustainable City
Baharash Architecture
proposes a sustainable Dubai
incorporating “the best practices in
environmental building
technologies,” with a strong focus
on community connections and
social interaction in green spaces.
The design consists of 550 residential
villas, organic farms, educational
facilities and 600,000 square feet of solar panels.
4. Gothenburg- Green future city
Gothenburg, Sweden could be
much greener, especially as envisioned by
Kjellgren Kaminsky Architecture. ‘Super
Sustainable City’ makes Gothenburg self-
sufficient in terms of energy and food,
making use of the city’s rooftops to add
space for growing crops and installing solar
panels and wind mills. Denser housing
reduces traffic, and the river becomes a
more important avenue for transport.
6.The New “X” Town- Vitadelco
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6.1 How did you came up with the solution to create this new town
From all the information gathered about the past, present and future of
town, what I learn is that to live on this earth, we need to adapt to the
environment and every changes on it, not changing it to suit ourselves.
Therefore, I wanted to create a sustainable eco town to not pollute and
destroy this good natural environment created for humans.
From the sustainable approaches I had discovered, I came up with the
solution for the overcrowded situation in the “X” town. For example,
vertical farming and straddling buses which save more spaces for
residents to live in.
6.2 What is the important characteristic and elements
6.2.1 Characteristics of town
• Sustainability- greatly implemented eco-
friendly facilities
• Walkability- public transportation system is
efficient to comfort the residences as well as
sustain energy.
• Liberty- provides places for relaxation and
socialism such as green parks and recreational areas.
• Fulfil the needs of residences- settlements, healthcare, security etc.
6.2.2 Important elements
• Residences- houses, apartments
• Water and electricity
• Health services- hospitals, clinics, medical centers, pharmacies
• Education- schools
• Transportation- bicycle path, roadway, railway system, airport
• Security- police station
• Government buildings
• Business and commercial- shopping malls, shops etc.
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• Recreational areas- urban spaces (waterfronts, urban parks, streetscapes,
plazas, playgrounds etc.)
• Religious and cultures- temples, churches, mosques, museums
• Port and shipping- harbor
• Hospitality and tourism- hotels, resorts
• Industry- agriculture, fishery, food processing
6.2.3 Zoning
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6.2.4 Transportation
Public transportation system is
greatly implemented in
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Vitadelco. There are sufficient LRT station and straddling bus station that
eliminate the usage of private vehicles. Besides, public bike sharing
system is provided as well along with annual bike fee system and bike
parking area every 1 km approximately. Harbour trade centre is provided
with a large port to upgrade the trading system to global standard.
Domestic Airport is located near the tourism zone for tourism purposes and
allows residents to travel to other places.
6.2.5 Sustainable Approaches
• Straddling Bus System. The bus will run along
a fixed route, and its passenger
compartment spans the width of two traffic
lanes. Far quicker and cheaper to build
than a subway or monorail system.
• Plentiful parks- plants regulate the air/lung
of the town
• Efficient public transportation- bus lanes, transit, public bike sharing system
• Solar energy- installation of solar system in houses and
public buildings, hybrid vehicles
• Wind energy- installation of windmill near the beach for
electricity supplies and to propel ships at harbor.
• Improving energy efficiency- electric vehicles and
charging points, LED technology (smart street lighting
system)
• Waste management system- comprehensive recycling
and composting programs (not only recycle cans and bottles, but also
water and food waste).
• Mixed use and infill development- combine public facilities (UTC)
• Quality public spaces- for walking, watching, experiencing, social, cultural
exchange.
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6.2.6 Other
• Tourism hub
Vitadelco is a good place to travel to, especially its beach area.
Therefore, lots of facilities are provided for the tourists.
It includes picnic sites, boating, canoe, fishing spot,
rest area, cafes, surfing board rental booth,
waterfront, lighthouse etc.
It is a sustainable tourism too. The resorts are air-
conditioner free and the fans are generated using
wind and solar energy. Recycling bins are provided
near the beach for collecting the waste and to be
recycled. The area will be clean with minimal littering.
Tourists will be glad to come as there is pleasant landscape and complete
facilities are provided.
6.3 Conclusion about the new X town- Vitadelco
Overall, Vitadelco is a better livable future town. It is able to overcome
the overcrowded situation and improve the sustainability so that it can last
longer in the future. Residents will have more spaces to live in and carry
out many activities they would like to. There are enough places for job
opportunities, business area, commercial area and urban places to relax
and enjoy their leisure time. Vitadelco, comfort the people, care for the
mother earth!
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7.Conclusion
Land use regulations and the built environment have posed significant
impacts on natural resources. Sustainability is one of the most important
elements should be concerned and focused on in a future town planning.
Sustainable environmental practices are needed in order to support smart
growth. It helps to retain residents in the town and preserve opportunities for
future generations. Everyone must be aware and start to follow greener lifestyles
in daily lives.
What I learn is that to live on this earth, we need to adapt to the environment
and every changes on it, not changing it to suit ourselves. I learn to be more
alert of the environmental issues and understand the ideals and requirements of
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sustainability. On the contrary, it means sustaining the supply of resources so
that we can, in turn, sustain human development.
8.Reference Links
Active healthy communities. (2002). CASE STUDY: Characteristics of a Good City. [Website]
Retrieved from http://www.activehealthycommunities.com.au/content/case-study-
characteristics-good-city
Berlinger J. (2012). The 10 Best Small Towns In America. [Website] Retrieved from
http://www.businessinsider.com/the-ten-best-small-towns-in-america-2012-11?IR=T&op=1
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Bbonline. (2012). Marblehead Things to Do: Maritime Attractions for Kids.[Website] Retrieved
from http://www.bbonline.com/articles/massachusetts/marblehead/marblehead-maritime-
attractions-for-kids.html
Burke K. (2011). Archaeology and Relaxation in Santorini. [Website] Retrieved from
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/lifelists/archaeology-and-relaxation-in-santorini-38091963/?
no-ist
Davis A. (2014). 24 Small New England Towns You Absolutely Need To Visit. [Website]
Retrieved from http://www.buzzfeed.com/adamdavis/charming-small-new-england-towns-
you-absolutely-need-to-v
Explainity. (2012). Sustainability explained. [Website] Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5r4loXPyx8
Grozdanic L. (2013). Giant Lane-Straddling Land Airbus Could be Coming to China.
[Website] Retrieved from http://inhabitat.com/land-airbus-straddling-bus-as-the-future-of-
public-transportation-in-the-city/
Meyers J. (2013) If you think your city needs smarter energy, you’re half right. [Website]
Retrieved from http://blog.schneider-electric.com/smart-grid/2013/03/20/if-you-think-your-city-
needs-smarter-energy-youre-half-right/
Smith M. (2011). What is a city? Definitions of the urban. [Website] Retrieved from
http://wideurbanworld.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-is-city-definitions-of-urban.html
Steph. (2014). Walkability & Hyperdensity: 14 Concepts for Future Cities. [Website] Retrieved
from http://weburbanist.com/2014/01/06/walkability-hyperdensity-14-concepts-for-future-
cities/
Touropia. (2014). 10 Island Cities around the World. [Website] Retrieved from
http://www.touropia.com/island-cities-around-the-world/
Town of Marblehead. (2014).
Visiting & Town History. [Website] Retrieved from http://www.marblehead.org/index.aspx?
NID=10
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Verticalfarm. (2010). A Potential Solution: Farm Vertically. [Website] Retrieved from
http://www.verticalfarm.com/
Visit-santorini. (2014). History of the island of Santorini- Thira. [Website] Retrieved from
http://www.visit-santorini.com/site/history.htm
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