The high level of urbanization, industrialization, transport and intensive human activity has generated an unprecedented environmental crisis. Nowadays, the scale of values by which city planning is conducted, focusing on urban and technological development, leaves aside traditional values and respect for the environment. City growth also contributes to increasing problems related to air pollution, soil, water, noise, sewage discharge, waste disposal, transportation or assurance of energy supply, among others.
The environmental impact of cities is not limited to
the local level, but its extension leads to a valuable reduction of
agricultural land and forests. Highway traffic generates lead and cadmium pollution
and polluting gas emissions due to the circulation of vehicles, emitting into
the environment heavy metals due to fuel and lubricant leaks, body rust, tire and
brake wear and gas combustion. The antifreeze treatment of roads results in
spring salinization, causing a slowdown in the supply of nutrients such as
nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus to plants. Additionally, the result of
excessive recreational and artificial loads has caused the loss of valuable
landscapes.
To develop this article it is important to know that
urban systems are natural, social, technical, complex and dynamic structures
and are formed by constructions (buildings, paved streets, heating networks,
electrical networks, sewerage, water supply systems, etc.), watery objects,
green areas, gardens, parks, and wooded areas. In these terms, the
reconstruction and renovation of urban areas transforms and improves people's
lives when the principles of compatibility with the biosphere are respected. Reconstruction
and renovation of urban areas also increase people productivity, improve the
health and performance of students, as well as, allow the conservation of green
and historical spaces without altering the landscape, and follow the purpose of
maintaining the ecological balance between the environment and cities and
residential areas.
Within the new paradigm of urbanism, one of the fundamental
principles of the transformation of a city, compatible with the biosphere and
human development, is the principle of the biotechnosphere. To fulfill this
principle, it is necessary to achieve a triple balance among population,
characteristics of areas/places to satisfy the needs of the population, and the
potential life of the Biosphere in the surrounding area. Achieving the
equilibrium state of an urban system, based on the hypothesis of the triple
equilibrium of the biotechnosphere, implies that several processes must be achieved.
That means taking into consideration the interaction of environmental, economic
and social factors that reflect the dynamic nature of the system.
“...The source
of degradation of the Biosphere is concentrated in the cities and its
consequence is manifested there, which is the degradation of people…”. A city, as an artificial environment for
human life, is the area of greatest danger and discomfort, where anthropogenic
and technogenic factors drive the beginning and development of emergencies that
affect the health of human beings, even causing their death and where, also,
there is an impact on the environment.
On these assumptions, redevelopment as a fundamental element,
based on the principles of compatibility with the biotechnosphere, defines a development
strategy (restriction of population size, resettlement, and migration) and
reflects improvements in the urban economy (green construction, renovation and
reorganization of urban areas, and recycling of waste). Therefore, urban
planning, as livelihood, is a unique natural, social and technical structure,
susceptible to external control influences (External control influences refer
to legislative bodies. Their competence is to approve or disapprove the
implementation of projects in accordance with environmental standards). The
degree of stability of urban systems can be evaluated according to the state of
the urban environment and its optimal structure, and the balance between natural
and artificial components.
In architectural and construction buildings, the term
"remodeling" is used. This term traditionally refers to the technical
component and does not reflect the nature of urban systems of a remodeling
process, i.e., it does not take into account, as a principle, the harmonization
among human beings, cities, and environment. The principles of harmonization
between urban systems and the biotechnosphere should provide safe and
comfortable living conditions that are based on interaction with the natural
environment. It also takes into account social, demographic, ecological and
economic indices, compatible with the development of nature.
Finally, we ought to remember that a person does not
threaten the biosphere, but rather threatens their own existence by not
respecting the ecological conditions of territories that surround a city.
"The biosphere will remain even if humanity disappears".
By Diana
Zuleta Mediavilla
(Quito,
Ecuador)
PhD student in Balancing the Biotechnosphere in Urban Construction
and Settlements
Master in Energy Cooperation
Environmental Engineer
Volunteer at RL Foundation
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