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Cities may have loads of opportunities and energy but have also been linked to a variety of issues affecting human well-being. Traffic noise, commutes, and pollution all end up affecting our stress levels and even our sleeping habits. City planners have the responsibility to ensure that we don’t all go crazy just living our lives.

As awareness about urban development grows, different online groups have formed that are devoted to showcasing the best designs or shaming the worst. We also reached out to Professor Alan March from the Melbourne School of Design to learn more about urban planning in general. So get comfortable and be sure to upvote your favorite examples. If you want to see more, check out our other article on this topic here

More info: Reddit | Reddit

#1

The Speed Camera Lottery In Stockholm, Sweden

The Speed Camera Lottery In Stockholm, Sweden

Drive at or under the speed limit and you'll be entered into a lottery where the prize fund comes from the fines that speeders pay. Average speed reduced from 32 km/h to 25 km/h (a reduction of 22%)

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#2

Luminous Pedestrian Crossing In France, When A Person Is Detected The Lights Turn On To Warn The Drivers

Luminous Pedestrian Crossing In France, When A Person Is Detected The Lights Turn On To Warn The Drivers

Kemro59 Report

#3

It's Never Too Late To Acknowledge The Reality That Urban Highways Are A Fixable Mistake

It's Never Too Late To Acknowledge The Reality That Urban Highways Are A Fixable Mistake

Thereaper29 Report

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Ivo H
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was FAST! Only 29 years for change of this extent is incredible. In Czechia, I'm affraid, the whole thing would probably not be even approved in this time (not to mention that the money would already be gone too)

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We asked Professor Alan March to give a few examples of what are core principles he believes help a city become more livable for its residents. “High enough density to allow services such as schools, parks, infrastructure, healthcare, etc to be provided at an affordable cost. Diverse types of housing and affordable housing. A mix of rent-to-buy, rent, and purchase options, in addition to legal structures that allow co-ownership between non-family members. The ability to move housing according to life circumstances without excessive costs such as stamp duties and other fees.”

“Low energy use, access to a range of green and other recreational spaces. Excellent schools, jobs, transit, and stable representative democracy. Help for poorer, disabled, elderly, and other people with limited life choices. A relatively equal society whereby birth circumstances in terms of location and Socio-Economic Status of parents do not set out one’s life course,” he added as important things for city planners to design for.

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#4

Apartment Building With A Park At Its Center, Berlin

Apartment Building With A Park At Its Center, Berlin

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#6

Planned This Shot For Months Before Coming To The Us, But I Didn't Expect The Sun To Make The Rails Golden. Sometimes Photography Is Just About Being A Lucky Bastard

Planned This Shot For Months Before Coming To The Us, But I Didn't Expect The Sun To Make The Rails Golden. Sometimes Photography Is Just About Being A Lucky Bastard

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 As the popularity of walkable cities spreads, many urban areas are making streets smaller, removing parking lots, and expanding bicycle infrastructure and walkways. The most hardline advocates actually want to fully remove most cars from urban areas and replace them with robust and extensive public transportation alternatives. We wanted to know his take on the growing anti-car movement and whether it is too extreme of a solution.

#7

I Dont Know Why, But I Just Love When City Elements Wrap Around Nature Like This. [oc] Photo Taken In Stockholm, Sweden

I Dont Know Why, But I Just Love When City Elements Wrap Around Nature Like This. [oc] Photo Taken In Stockholm, Sweden

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peace
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the reason could simply be that nature means life... trees keep our air clean.... thanks to this city planner, well done! what a beautiful tree!

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#8

Comfort Town, An Old Industrial Site In Kyiv Built In Response To Brutalist Soviet Era Apartments Buildings

Comfort Town, An Old Industrial Site In Kyiv Built In Response To Brutalist Soviet Era Apartments Buildings

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#9

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh, Scotland

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Ael
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It makes a difference, to live in a city as beautiful as Edinburgh. Imagine looking forward to your commute, because the sights are so nice (and no, after 10 years they haven't become 'boring'). ♥

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“The idea of a carless city has merit. Designing the city with few or no cars will mean we emit considerably fewer greenhouse gases and have cheaper and more equitable transport via mass transit and walking (and for the many people who cannot drive for many reasons). We will waste fewer resources on car spaces and freeways, get to know our neighbors better, have lower obesity in children (eg walking to school) and adults, and have fewer accidents and other health impacts from pollution. It will depend on cities being designed properly to achieve this.”

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#10

Concrete Sewer Pipes Used As Outdoor Seating

Concrete Sewer Pipes Used As Outdoor Seating

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#11

These Public Benches Are Reversible, So You Can Choose To Look At People, Or Boats

These Public Benches Are Reversible, So You Can Choose To Look At People, Or Boats

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Sofia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wouldnt have been simpler a bigger bench with the element for the back in the middle so can sit double people and not to have to argue if someone wants to see the street and the other the boats?

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Lastly, for some contrast, we were curious to know if he had any examples of cities that made terrible design choices. Professor Alan March specified that Houston was a ‘good’ example of a bad city, due to “environmental degradation, huge inequality of wealth and housing provisions, gated communities for rich.” It also suffers from an overreliance on cars, as over 75% of residents have stated that they need a motor vehicle to go about their daily tasks.

#13

Paris, 9th Arrondissement. These Miniature Gardens Used To Be Car Parking Spaces Until A Few Years Ago. The City Reclaimed Them, And Replanted Them With Fruit Trees And Flowering Shrubs

Paris, 9th Arrondissement. These Miniature Gardens Used To Be Car Parking Spaces Until A Few Years Ago. The City Reclaimed Them, And Replanted Them With Fruit Trees And Flowering Shrubs

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#14

This Does Put A Smile On My Face

This Does Put A Smile On My Face

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kaycee14
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One benefit of the pandemic. My town blocked off streets in the historic area so that restaurants and cafes could have outdoor seating. It worked out so well, they decided to keep it. Now it's a pretty, flower-filled area for strolling, shopping, and dining. Small boutiques have moved into the empty storefronts and thrived because of the great foot traffic.

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#15

Vienna Gasometers, Gas Storage Tanks First Built In 1896 And Converted Into Mixed-Use Developments Between 1995 And 2001

Vienna Gasometers, Gas Storage Tanks First Built In 1896 And Converted Into Mixed-Use Developments Between 1995 And 2001

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The abundance of cars on the street creates congestion that had led to Houston having one of the longest average commute times in the United States. This is a result of a comparatively low urban density compared to other US cities, as services, jobs, and public facilities are rarely close together. It’s not all doom and gloom, however, the city authorities are planning to introduce more bicycle infrastructure.

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#16

My City, Delhi Is Redesigning Its S**tty Car Centric Good For Nothing Roads, Here's Half Of A Wide A** Road Reclaimed

My City, Delhi Is Redesigning Its S**tty Car Centric Good For Nothing Roads, Here's Half Of A Wide A** Road Reclaimed

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RaptorNXT
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If there was a way that no more car registrations were approved by the Transport Authorities. Or at least no family of two adults could own more than one car, or similar. Excessive car ownership and usage is a problem. As well as the logic of owners that since a new car has been acquired, the universe owes them parking spaces.

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#18

Urban Space Is Complex. But The Math Is Relatively Simple

Urban Space Is Complex. But The Math Is Relatively Simple

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#19

Heated Sidewalks

Heated Sidewalks

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#20

Quince Street, Philadelphia. Legalize Narrow Streets!

Quince Street, Philadelphia. Legalize Narrow Streets!

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#21

How Things Would Be Different With A Little Bit Of Rezoning And A Land Value Tax

How Things Would Be Different With A Little Bit Of Rezoning And A Land Value Tax

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Oerff On Tour
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This will never happen. You really think that the elite will give up their exclusive retreat to spend their fortune on totally unnecessary things and place for showing off their wealth and power, for something as mundane as housing for Plebs?

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#22

Bumpy Plates For Blind People, Everywhere In France, I Hope It's The Same For The Other Countries Too

Bumpy Plates For Blind People, Everywhere In France, I Hope It's The Same For The Other Countries Too

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dan martyr
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You don’t have tactile paving in the US? There are several types in the UK; top & bottom of stairs, crossings, edge of platforms, cycle paths etc.

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#23

Traffic Light With A Mirror To Allow The Drivers To See The Pedestrians/Cyclists That Are In Their Blind Spots

Traffic Light With A Mirror To Allow The Drivers To See The Pedestrians/Cyclists That Are In Their Blind Spots

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#24

“Forget The Motor Car And Build Cities For Lovers And Friends.” - Lewis Mumford

“Forget The Motor Car And Build Cities For Lovers And Friends.” - Lewis Mumford

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#25

There's A Map Of The District On This Plate In The Street

There's A Map Of The District On This Plate In The Street

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#26

So We Got The Possibility To Redesign Our Street A Year Ago And We're Quite Happy With The Result

So We Got The Possibility To Redesign Our Street A Year Ago And We're Quite Happy With The Result

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#27

Car Wash Replaced By Beautiful New Georgian Townhouses During 2017 In Stamford UK

Car Wash Replaced By Beautiful New Georgian Townhouses During 2017 In Stamford UK

TheLewishPeople Report

#28

New Mixed Use Flats In Colombes, France Near Paris

New Mixed Use Flats In Colombes, France Near Paris

TheLewishPeople Report

#30

A Roundabout In Nantes (France) With An Underground Car Park Entrance

A Roundabout In Nantes (France) With An Underground Car Park Entrance

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#31

With And Without Trees, What A Difference It Makes

With And Without Trees, What A Difference It Makes

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Edward Finger Hands
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

From Reddit: “ This is Lincoln St in Portland. Fortunately, the second picture was taken at the start of a street redesign that brought in light rail, bike lanes, and improved water drainage. And they planted new trees. Most recent street view of the same POV.”

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#32

My City Has Been Removing Some Street Parking And Making These "Parklets". It's A Much Better Use Of Space

My City Has Been Removing Some Street Parking And Making These "Parklets". It's A Much Better Use Of Space

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Justin Thyme
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In your opinion-- not in mine-- and having been a NYC Paramedic, these blocked off areas are a royal pain to get around, and maneuver emergency equipment around-- try carrying a cardiac patient down, having the street blocked by these idiotic bumpouts, , and trying to load into the ambualnce while traffic drives down the sidewalk to get through.- The ultimate in lazy, stupid design.

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#33

Roundabout With Some Nature In The Middle, France

Roundabout With Some Nature In The Middle, France

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Stary_cat
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretty much every rounda bout in australia has this there amazing homes for birds especially plovers.

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#34

This Shot I Took Of The Snow Storm In Tokyo Last Week

This Shot I Took Of The Snow Storm In Tokyo Last Week

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#35

Aerial Shot Of The Forbidden City, Beijing

Aerial Shot Of The Forbidden City, Beijing

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#36

World's Tallest Indoor Waterfall

World's Tallest Indoor Waterfall

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Becklass
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s the jewel gardens in Changi airport, Singapore. I’ve been though it and it’s breathtaking!

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#37

Professor Carlos Moreno's Urban Theory Of ‘15-Minute City’ - A Concept Where Everyone Has Access To All Facilities And Resources Within A 15-Minute Walk Or Bike Ride

Professor Carlos Moreno's Urban Theory Of ‘15-Minute City’ - A Concept Where Everyone Has Access To All Facilities And Resources Within A 15-Minute Walk Or Bike Ride

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The Scout
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A lot of european cities strive for this as the ideal city development. Unfortunately it is commonly assumed that its complete realisation is not yet attainable. But some cities (especially Barcelona has been a pioneer at this) try to do their best. It is generally met with concerns as usually a lot of parking spaces are removed. Only that once the transformation is complete, those parking spaces are not really needed any more. Most people in "accessible" cities do not have the need for a car, and more and more of them do not own one.

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#38

This Is Why We Should Prioritize Infrastructure For Bicycles And Pedestrians Over Infrastructure For Cars

This Is Why We Should Prioritize Infrastructure For Bicycles And Pedestrians Over Infrastructure For Cars

TrueNorth2881 Report

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David
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This ignores weather, total distance needed to be traveled and the effect of the difference in relative speed when trying to show how many people travel down the road. Bikes are great but the solution is more complex than just, "DUH! Get rid of all cars, have lots of bikes"

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#40

Green Houses In Berlin

Green Houses In Berlin

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#41

Green Quarantine. Tucuman, Argentina. Photo By Diego Araoz

Green Quarantine. Tucuman, Argentina. Photo By Diego Araoz

reddit.com Report

#43

Metal Equipment That Allow Cyclists To Stand Up Straight While Being Stationary Waiting For The Green Light. Spain

Metal Equipment That Allow Cyclists To Stand Up Straight While Being Stationary Waiting For The Green Light. Spain

Kemro59 Report

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Bored Seb
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

first time I experienced that, it was so delightful... the kind of thing you didn't know you need before you use them!

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#44

One Of The Numerous City Canals In Leipzig, Germany

One Of The Numerous City Canals In Leipzig, Germany

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JuJu
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't forget our parks! Clara Park is just a 5min walk from the city center

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#46

Anybody Know Why This Is Designed Like This? (Copenhagen Denmark)

Anybody Know Why This Is Designed Like This? (Copenhagen Denmark)

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#47

The Outer Battery, Newfoundland, Canada

The Outer Battery, Newfoundland, Canada

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#48

Planned City - La Plata, Argentina

Planned City - La Plata, Argentina

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Fembot
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is grid planning and common all over North and South America, in cities that were founded and expanded under colonial rule. The opposite are cities that expand over time, organically. In Barcelona you can see both: a medieval old town and this colonial style grid expansion.

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#49

Unique Types Of Urban Blocks That Are Just Amazing!!

Unique Types Of Urban Blocks That Are Just Amazing!!

SophiaJohnson123 Report

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Adam Jeff
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These designs look good from above, but I'm not sure that 'It should look cool on google maps' is a good metric to design cities by.

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#50

Las Vegas Creatively Getting Around Laws

Las Vegas Creatively Getting Around Laws

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Note: this post originally had 80 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.