Green and thriving neighbourhoods

As cities continue to grow, the way we plan and develop urban areas has a profound impact on both people and the environment. The green and thriving neighbourhoods (GTN) approach presents a powerful opportunity to create healthier, more connected, and inclusive communities while addressing challenges such as limited access to services, car dependency, environmental degradation, and inefficient land use.

Since the modernist movement in urban planning and architecture emerged in the early 20th century, many have challenged its promotion of the rigid separation of land uses and car-centric development models. Among them, Jane Jacobs (1916–2006), an influential urban planner, argued for people-centred, walkable neighbourhoods that prioritise local services, vibrant street life, and accessible green spaces. Cities across the world are now embracing this vision, moving away from sprawling, disconnected development towards integrated, sustainable urban models. Urban sprawl has increased globally by 95.2% since 19901, with the most significant growth occurring in Europe followed by North America and Oceania.

This expansion has resulted in unsustainable land consumption, higher greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and increased car dependency. Additionally, it has led to the development of peripheral urban neighbourhoods that lack basic amenities and services, leaving residents with limited access to jobs, education, retail, healthcare and public transport. These challenges underscore the pressing need for polycentric urban models, which incorporate multiple urban nodes that bring essential services, employment opportunities, and green spaces closer to residents. By enhancing proximity to these resources, such models can reduce travel times, bolster local economies, and create a stronger sense of community.

The GTN approach offers transformative solutions for rethinking and planning urban life at a human scale.
By ensuring that all neighbourhoods, not just affluent or central ones, have access to essential services and opportunities, cities will not only accelerate their climate action but also reduce inequalities, fostering a healthier and more vibrant urban environment for everyone.

source:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/maltamvivian_2025-green-and-thriving-neighbourhoods-ugcPost-7335591555413467151-GNtZ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAtGGkQBsxwMBmX3lEJO8btihnfBCaHqTz4