Abstract
This presentation, drawing upon case studies from both industrialized and developing countries, revisits the key tenants in planning to support the transition to low-carbon, resilient and sustainable cities, in the context of the post-COVID-19 city. Specifically it re-examines compact and connected city goals, with their emphasis on density, proximity to high volume services, and a focus on mass public transport systems. How can practitioners, professionals and policy makers support 'good' density, as critical to achieving efficient and affordable service delivery and lower carbon cities, in the context of COVID-19? This requires reflection on the debates around density, public health and the intersections between low-carbon and post-COVID-19 urban and regional planning. Without such a clear re-positioning and alignment of 'green' goals and those of public health and well-being, urban resilience will likely be undermined and a sense of increased urban vulnerability will be pervasive for a generation. The demand for healthier urban spaces will likely then re-shape urban and regional planning for some time, providing opportunities to further green the urban agenda. There will also be demand for investment in green space, and quality of life outcomes. This is an important challenge for OECD countries with respect to broadening agendas and stakeholders, but also developing countries where we see more density without benefit. However, in the latter case, such urban transitions could now encompass and build-in outcomes which support healthy and green transitions at an earlier stage of development, planning and investment.
