ENBE FINAL REPORT

ENBE | Final Project | Part A – Report | The Future City Representation

LEE YAUE SHEN | 0315381 | Group w | FNBE April 2013 | Taylor’s University

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The Future City Representation

THE ARC

LEE YAUE SHEN 0315381

FNBE April 2013 | Taylor’s University



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Content:

1. Introduction 3

2. A City 4-5

3. Investigation & Data Collection: The Ancient cities 6-9

4. Investigation & Data Collection: The present city/cities 10-13

5. Investigation & Data Collection: The future city/cities 14-16

6. The “X” City The New “X” City / Or the new name 17-25

7. The Process and Progress The Conclusion 26-30

8. The Conclusion 31

9. References list 32



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1. Introduction

The Future City Representation is the final project for Elements of Natural Built

Environment (ENBE). This project contains of 20% individual work and 10% group work. In

this project students are required to investigate and research about an ancient, present and

future city. With those information collected students have to propose a future city which

focus on the needs of people, facilities, infrastructures, and how it sustain itself.

This final project is divided into 2 parts. Part A is an individual component while Part

B which is a group component. Submission for Part A is a video presentation ( or slide

presentation) plus an A4 booklet report. Submission for Part B is a model of the selected city

and one A1 presentation board.

In this project, each student will have to pretend that they are the mayor of city “X”.

As a mayor students will need to propose a new layout of the new city because of reasons that

the city “X” is no longer livable.



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2. The City

2.1 The City Definition

A city is a form of social organization which consists of transportation, sanitation,

housing, land usage, utilities, education system, building and business center. Besides,

city also is a large community for people to live and have interaction between each

other’s. City is the home for many people and sometimes for animals and plants too.

2.2 What makes a good city

A Green City - Build environmentally sound and carbon efficient cities.

An Inclusive City - Build socially inclusive, accessible, pro-poor, equitable and

gender sensitive cities.

A Planned City - Plan the cities of tomorrow for sustainable decision-making

processes. Sustainable planning and a planned city are fundamental to make a good

city.

A Resilient City - Prepare cities for change, managing adversity, resilience and take

action to reduce risk.

A Productive City - Make cities more efficient and better places to ensure decent

work.

A Safe and Healthy City - Make cities safer and healthier. Reduce and prevent urban

crime and violence.



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2.3 What makes a city

The combination of large community and social organization including natural

elements will make a city. A city is a place for living things and non-living things to

interact between each other’s, it also a place for human to live, play, learn and work.

2.4 How cities sustain itself ?

A sustainable city should be a city with low carbon urban transportation. Besides, a

sustainable city will has energy efficient buildings and also access to healthy food.

Renewable energy is also very important for a sustainable city. In a sustainable city,

walking and cycling is safe and public transport is safe.



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3. Investigation & Data Collection:

Ancient Cities

Tenochtitlan

3.1History

Tenochtitlan was an Aztec city that flourished between A.D. 1325 and 1521.

Built on an island on Lake Texcoco, it had a system of canals and causeways that

supplied the hundreds of thousands of people who lived there. Tenochtitlan is the

capital city and center of the Aztec Empire.

According to legend, the Aztec people left their home city of Aztlan nearly

1,000 years ago. Scholars do not know where Aztlan was, but according to ancient

accounts one of these Aztec groups, known as the Mexica, founded Tenochtitlan in

1325.



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3.2Tenochtitlan

Location

Tenochtitlan is located on a swampy island in Lake Texcoco in what is today

south central Mexico. Aztecs were able to settle there because no one else wanted the

land. Tenochtitlan wasn't a great place to start a city, but Aztecs built up islands where

they could grow crops. The water road also worked as a natural defense against

attack from other cities.

How big was it?

Tenochtitlan is a large city that covered around 5 square miles.

According to the estimation of historians, there are nearly 200,000

people lived in the city during its peak.\

3.3Details

Causeways and Canals

The causeways and canals is for transportation to and from the city. Besides,

the causeway is a raised road that allowed the people to easily travel over the swampy

and wet areas. There were three major causeways.

There were bridges that allowed small boats and canoes to travel under them.

These bridges could be removed when being attacked. Moreover, many canals built

throughout the city. The canals acted like water roads that allowed people to easily



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travel around the city in boats. The city was well planned and laid out in a grid that

made traveling around the city easy.

City Center

City center is at the center of the city there was a large area where many of the

public activities took place. Besides that, the largest temple was a pyramid called the

Templo Mayor. It was the tallest building in the city in order to be closest to the gods.



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Interesting Facts about Tenochtitlan

There were two aqueducts over 2.5 miles long leading into the city that

provided fresh water to the people. Large crowds of as many as 8,000 people would

sometimes gather in the central area.

The Aztec Emperors built their palaces near the temple district. They were

large stone structures with as many as 50 rooms as well as their own gardens and

ponds. The Aztecs built a 10 mile long dike that sealed off a portion of the lake. It

helped keep the water fresh and protected the city from flooding.

3.4Conclusion

I like the way how Aztec built their causeways and canals as their main

transportation. Besides, I also like the planning of the city such as the center of the

city has a large area where many of the public activities took place. I like it because

all the citizens can gather and focus at the center of the city.



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Present Cities

Venice

3.1History

According to the tradition, Venice was founded in 421 AD on April 25th, Saint Mark’s

day, who is the patron saint of Venice. During the Romanic period Venice was not the name

of the city we know now but it was the name given to the northern region of Italy. Moreover,

it was just after the fall of the Empire and the arriving of the Longboards that the name

started to be used in indicating the settlements that born in a group of small islands in the

lagoon.

For nearly 1400 years, the two or three miles of shallow water separating Venice from

mainland Italy, had protected and isolated Venice from invaders and from the Italian political

life. Untouched by the Pope and imperialism warfare, feudalism and territorial squabbles,

they fixed their attention toward the East and the rich market of Levantine and

Constantinople. It was in this way that started the grand trade empire of the Venetian

Republic. After having fight against Romans, Arabs and pirates to maintain its autonomy, in

1000 Venice started spreading its commercial boundaries.



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Plan of Venice

3.2Details

How Did the City Get Built ?

Venice sits on an archipelago and has 118 islands altogether. The city was not

actually built on the islets. Instead, its structures are supported by a series of wooden

platforms. These platforms are secured by additional structures placed in the sea.

There are millions of “piles” underneath the Venetian lagoon. Besides, an astounding

1,106,657 piles were needed to complete its construction. These piles were 11.2 feet long.



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The City’s Problems

There were some reasons why Venice suffers with depopulation. First of

all, in 1966 there was a flood which promoted a mass escape. Besides that,

the current town was slowly sinking. Moreover, the homes were expensive to

maintain. Lastly, the small businesses there cannot compete against the

larger corporations.

The Acqua Alta

Acqua Alta is the Venetian term for “high water.” The Acqua Alta occurs during

November and December. To fight against the Acqua Alta, Venice has created “Mose” a

special engineering project. The Mose is simply a system of barriers. In addition to being

moveable, these barriers are able to lift themselves up when a tide exceeds a certain point.

This keeps water from flooding a nearby town.



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3.3Conclusion

The structure of Venice is very unique, its structures are supported by a series of wooden

platforms. Besides, the city plan of Venice is also wonderful, the city is separated into 2 parts

by the water canals. I would like to use the idea of the water canals to build my future city.

Moreover, the environment there is full of romantic feel.



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Future Cities

LILYPAD

3.1History

According to the melting rate of iceberg at North Pole, the global sea levels predicted

to rise significantly over the next century due to climate change, a lot of people living in low

lying areas are expected to be displaced from their homes.

Architect Vincent Callebaut has come up with a possible relocation destination for

these climate change refugees in the form of the “Lilypad” concept – a completely self-

sufficient floating city that would accommodate up to 50,000.



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3.2Details

Structure

This future floating city is designed according to the shape of a water lily, it is

intended to become a zero emission that floating on the ocean. The double skin of the floating

“ecopolis” would be made of polyester fibers which covered by a layer of titanium dioxide

(TiO2), which would react with ultraviolet rays and absorb atmospheric pollution via a

photocatalytic effect in the same way as the air-purifying concrete and paving stones we

looked at last year.

Besides that, 3 marinas and three mountains would surround a centrally located

artificial lagoon that is totally immersed below the water line to act as ballast for the city. The

three mountains and marinas would be dedicated to work, shopping and entertainment,

respectively, while suspended gardens and aquaculture farms located below the water line

would be used to grow food and biomass.



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Energy

This floating city would also include the full complement of renewable energy

technologies, including solar, thermal, wind, tidal, and biomass to produce more energy than

it consumes. The Lilypads could be located close to land or set free to follow the ocean

currents wherever they may lead.

3.3Conclusion

I like the concept and idea of the whole city, especially how they sustain their energy.

I would add the wave, solar and wind energy feature in my new city. Besides that, I like the

shape of the whole city which is look like a water lily. I will use the concept of the shape of

the city to design my airport.



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6. The “X” City

THE CIRCLE

6.1 History

The circle is a city build in 1900; it is located at Malaysia near

Selangor. The strong climax change had causes the change of temperature and

the melting of iceberg at the North Pole. Citizen there did not take this case

seriously and did not aware of its risk.

Day by day, the melting of the iceberg becomes more serious and this

causes the rising of the sea level. Finally in 2030, there was only 5 percent of

land left above the sea level and the population of human on earth had

decreased 70%.

Others large city had built their new environment with their technology

for further surviving. However, The Circle haven carry out any new proposal

yet. The citizen there was still waiting for the new hope.

In year 2033, there was no land left for human to live. Fortunately, at

this emergency situation, the mayor of the city had launched a new floating

city named “The Arc”. The new city changed the history of The Circle.



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6.2 People, population and religion

All the people in The Circle are Malaysian; they live near the main

state of Malaysia which is Selangor. The total population of The Circle is

between 200,000-400,000, this city is not that big. Malaysia is a multi-cultural

country, therefore there are many type of religion in this city. The types of

religion in this city are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.

6.3 Cultural, needs and type of jobs

Malaysia is a country which living with different races and religion,

therefore The Circle contains of many unique cultures. Malaysia is a

wonderful place for tourism just because of its culture.

The basic needs of a city will be food supply, water supply and

electrical supply. Type of jobs in this city is uncountable, but most of the

citizens focus in agriculture.

6.4 What would be a good future city for them?

A future city which can float on the sea, this is because the rising of

sea level. Besides that, they need a city which can fight again climax change.

Moreover, they need a sustainable city which is a city with low carbon urban

transportation, has energy efficient buildings and also access to healthy food.

Renewable energy is also very important for them.



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6.5 Conclusion about The Circle

The Circle is no longer available for human to live in, the city is

sinking and only 10% of land left above the sea level. The citizen of this city

is struggling and waiting for a change. In 2033, the mayor finally launched a

new floating city named “The Arc”.

The entire citizen had moved to the new city “The Arc”, they had

experienced a big change. This incident had leaded them into a new life; they

had to adapt the new environment.



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7. The New “X” City

THE ARC

7.1 The solution to create this new city

Building materials that used to build this city included a

slab of concrete and polystyrene foam. This design concept

allows foundation of the city transform into floats.

Foam core encased in concrete with steel cables to

prevent the structure floating away. No matter how high the sea

levels, the structures will remain above the water.

7.2 Why is it on water

The rising of sea level cause the sinking of land. To

overcome this problem, the city should floats on water. Besides

that, compare to others solution such as underground city,

underwater city or city in the air, a city which is floating on water

is much easier to construct.

Furthermore, construct a floating city take less duration of

time compare to others solution. Moreover, the environment of

floating city is friendlier to human. The presence of water and

sunlight allowed citizens to make their own food by agriculture

and catching fishes.



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7.3 Important characteristic and elements

Geometric Shape, form, structure, pattern

The new city “The Arc” is a well-planned city for human to

live in the future. The foundation of this city is dynamic but not

static, it mean that the foundation can be move anytime

according to the sea level. The foundation is attached to steel

cables to prevent it float away. The foundation of this city is

flexible, because of that it can prevent the happening of

tsunami.

The geometric shape of The Arc is triangle shape, this is

because triangle represents reuse, reduce and recycle.

Furthermore, the similar triangle shape is much easier to arrange

and organize.

Main focus of the city

Since the city is focuses more on tourism, the main focus of

the city will be tourism area such as the square, monuments,

town hall, pavilion and also recreation area. There three town

hall in this city which is located in the middle of three residential

area.

Main focuses of this city is including the well-constructed

airport. The airport consist of a recreation park on top of its roof,

this provide a place for tourist to relax, rest and enjoy the

beautiful scenery of the city and also the government building.



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At night, the airport is illuminated by blue light, this create

wonderful scenery for tourist to take picture.

Besides that, the government building is one of the main

focus of the city. This is the tallest building in the city; it can be

spot from every single part of the city. Tourist can enjoy the

unique design of the building and also the amazing view of the

building. This building is surround by tourism area, the highest

level of the building will be the observation level for tourist to

observe the whole city.

Furthermore, the main focus of the city included the

observation building which is located at the energy platform (a

platform which consists of large area of solar panel, wind turbine,

wave turbine and also the 3 unique power house). The building is

well-designed and consists of unique geometric shape. At this

building, tourist can enjoy the amazing view of the whole energy

platform. The colorful power house is a building that can amaze

the tourist.

The residential area is also a wonderful place, it is well-

planned for the resident to live in. There is two Sky Park above the

residential building. The park is a place for citizen to exercise,

gather or relax, resident can exercise anytime just above their

house. Besides that, a green plant also provides fresh air for the

environment and also lowers the temperature. Trees in the park

can provide shade for resident to gather or rest.



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Zoning of City

The government building is at the middle, below the

building is the main railway station, and above the building is an

observation level for tourism. Hence, the main focus of the city

will be at the center.

After that, there will be business area, education area,

commercial area, religious area and recreation area. In this zone

there will be three police stations and 3 hospitals. The location of

the police stations and hospitals is at the middle of residential

areas; this can ensure the safety of resident. Behind the

residential area will be the

Next will be the residential areas, there are 3 residential

areas. Besides that, there will be 3 town halls in the middle of

each residential area, it is easier to gather the citizen. Behind

each of the residential building will be the agricultural areas.

Airport, shipping port, energy platform, industrial area and

hospitality area will be at the outer most zone of the city. This

ensures that the systems of the airport and shipping port can

function correctly.



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Transportation

The Arc is a city mainly focuses on tourism; there are many

unique buildings and recreation areas in this city. Besides that,

the transport system here is well-planned to ensure citizen and

tourist can travel around easily.

In this floating city, there are water canals which act as a

water road for citizen or tourist to travel around the city. The

concept of this water canals is inspired by the present city

named Venice. Citizen can travel around the city by water

transport other than cars because of this feature.

The grid systems here are also well-planned and organize

according to the needs of citizens and tourist. There are bridges

which link the different size triangle based foundation together.

The bridges allow land transport to travel through every part of

the city easily.

The railway system is separated into 2 parts, the large circle

and the small circle. These 2 parts is linked together by 4

connecting tunnel. At the middle, there will be a main railway

station. This railway system is will-organized to ensure citizen and

tourist can travel around the city conveniently.



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Energy

There are many type of energy here, which is solar energy,

wind energy and wave energy. Solar panel illuminated by yellow

light, wind turbine illuminated by blue light while wave turbine

illuminated by red light. There will also 3 power house which is

illuminated by yellow, blue and red color. All this structure is

located at the energy platform.

Water Distribution

Water distribution of the city is between industrial area and

hospitality area. The sea water was undergo purification and

finally become clean water. The step to get clean water is

suction, purification and transfer.

Sanitary

All the wastewater from the urban area will be transfer to

the agriculture area. Plant can get nutrients from the wastewater.

This idea is based on the concept of reuse.



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8. The Process & Progress

Circle based foundation

Many people using circle shape, plus Mr. Wan suggested me to use

triangle shape.

So I changed it.

Triangle based foundation



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Zoning of The Arc

Railways system

Water canals



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Airport

Residential area



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Government building

Energy



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Observation Building



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9. Conclusion

The combination of large community and social organization including

natural elements make a city. A city is a place for living things and non-living

things to interact between each other’s, it also a place for human to live,

play, learn and work.

A good city is a city which can ensure the safety of citizen. Besides that,

it also consists of will-planned grid system and zoning. A good city should be

sustainable and also can stand for climate change and natural disaster.

Moreover, a good city also fulfills the needs and requirement of humans.

After this project, I learned that to plan a city is not that easy. There are

many expect that needed to plan and consider, such as water supply,

electrical supply, food and so on.



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10. Reference Links

http://www.travel-to-venice.com/special-features/interesting-facts-about-venice.html

http://www.p4sc.org/articles/all/global-view-what-makes-city-sustainable

http://www.unhabitat.org/categories.asp?catid=685

http://www.ducksters.com/history/aztec_empire/tenochtitlan.php

http://www.tenochtitlanfacts.com/

http://inhabitat.com/lilypad-floating-cities-in-the-age-of-global-warming/

http://www.travel-to-venice.com/special-features/interesting-facts-about-venice.html

http://www.p4sc.org/articles/all/global-view-what-makes-city-sustainable

http://www.unhabitat.org/categories.asp?catid=685

http://www.ducksters.com/history/aztec_empire/tenochtitlan.php

http://www.tenochtitlanfacts.com/

http://inhabitat.com/lilypad-floating-cities-in-the-age-of-global-warming/

Technology

ENBE FINAL REPORT