Compact City

Compact city concept is an emerging trend worldwide. Apart from the scarcity of land problem, people are talking about putting mix development and use of land together for saving the need for travelling, and hence the emission of green house gas. It is in a way a concept of low carbon city. However, implementation of the concept need compliment from other concept as well. For example, transit oriented development to ease the travelling with multiple transportation accessibility. Similarly, multiple management tools should be applied such as development charge and transfer of development right. It is a concept worth exploring as an alternative to solve the present problem of urban sprawl.

Having said this, the concept cannot be applied in total for every individual city. Adjustment based on local circumstances is essential. For example, allowing higher density in an already congested urban area is unbecoming. It is important to find amicable solution acceptable to both the development proponents and residents. In doing so, a lot of innovation is required and thinking out of box is a must.