Eric Weng’s Post

What is it that makes only our species flock into cities? Thermal efficiencies of man-made materials, the rate at which a material absorbs and radiates heat, don't match up to the thermal efficiency of Nature. Unlike our living surfaces, the human body continues to be Nature-made, not man-made. Making the two a difficult unnatural fit. Whether living in the artificial environment of buildings and cities is an idea that naturally makes sense to humans, or we do it only because our economics is designed to make us do so, is worth examining. What is it that makes only our species flock into cities? Man invents a product, money, with an ability to store value - something that just doesn't happen in nature - and then allows the sale and purchase of Earth, which is the one thing most fundamental to how life manages its daily energy input-output balance. This combination allows money to monopolise Earth and Life. To return to Life it's original sovereignty over Earth, the thing to do is to share Earth and to share Energy, without letting money come into the picture. This will take away from money the incentive to change natural behaviour.

Malaysia has long seen towering skyscrapers as symbols of progress and development, first with the Twin Towers and now with TRX. It is time to move on.   As one of the world’s few biodiversity hotspots, Malaysia has an unrivalled opportunity for growth – if it can create value from its natural capital in a way that moves beyond simply extracting and processing resources.    What might this look like for Malaysia’s cities?   Imagine the greater Klang Valley being turned into the world’s first and largest Botanical Metropolis, one where Malaysia’s rich biodiversity is interwoven into the fabric of the city.    Leafy corridors instead of baking pavement. Natural heat sinks instead of countless air-conditioning units. Robust soil sponges instead of frequent flash floods. Filtered air instead of daily smog.   Importantly, this is not some new-age hippy endeavour. It is an opportunity to leverage the latest advancements in nature-based solutions for urban planning and living.   Kuala Lumpur’s botanical richness has long been recognised as one of the greatest characteristics of the city. Anyone who has had a view of the Klang Valley from the top of the KL Tower will immediately be aware that the city is surrounded by lush forests.   For the eight million people of Kuala Lumpur, we need a city that rewrites the books on how tropical cities should be made truly liveable in an era of overcrowding, climate change, and decaying infrastructure.   Therefore, this vision is about reclaiming the city’s botanical roots while seizing on one of the most acute developmental opportunities for the people of Kuala Lumpur, creating thousands of jobs and turning Kuala Lumpur into a model city to emulated by tropical urbanities around the world.   The good news is that there is a champion for this vision — Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.    He recognises that tall buildings are not enough and there is a need for people-centric amenities that work with – and not against – Malaysia’s natural richness.   He is right, and there is a real need to turn his vision into reality, or we risk making many parts of this city turning into hot concrete monoliths as climate change takes hold.   Realising the Botanical City vision will take a great deal of organisational competency on behalf of the city and federal government. But the key is having a vision and the political will.   Transparent public investment will have to ramp up. New regulations will have to be established to prevent the continuing degradation of the city’s natural environment, while incentives will need to be provided to encourage the private sector to co-create the Botanical City vision alongside the government.   With the right leadership, Kuala Lumpur can establish itself as a pioneer in urban innovation and environmental stewardship as a Botanical City, and benefit residents and the economy simultaneously.    Read the full article in Malaysiakini: https://lnkd.in/gXcBAkMj

Behind the glitz and glamour of China's most famous cities lie some lesser-known sustainability initiatives paving a way for a greener future. From Chongqing's innovative "Sponge City" approach to the bamboo villages of Chengdu and Shanghai's sustainable skyscrapers, China's diverse green initiatives are shaping urban landscapes nationwide. Check out our latest article on green in China’s cities at the link below. #Sustainability #UrbanDevelopment #China #GreenCities

The closest river-like body in my vicinity is the Bedok Canal, or what used to be the Sungei Bedok river. It lies 6 kilometers away from where I live, but its long body trickles down to just 500 metres outside of my house in the form of a squat longkang. On good days, I’ve seen several great birds and the occasional critter scuttle across it. On most other days, it’s never anything else but quiet and dry. My brilliant friend and designer, Lucas Cheng, first made me consider that rivers in Singapore could actually be used for something different. Outside of the currently permissible water sport activities, there's a distinct feeling of distance from our river bodies that in contrast, are so intimate to our island typology. He gathered a group of other fellow designers, Hugo Ong and Isaac L., and we embarked on a fun, speculative design project that would aim to reimagine river usage in Singapore. Just imagine if we could take water buses to work, instead of the MRT? We’re now working to uncover three questions: - How can we re-imagine the Singapore public’s relationship with the river by creating a new form of riverside typology? - How might we think of a speculative river transport system connecting the heartlands to the downtown core that considers ‘slow’ transport as a feature, rather than a bug? - How might we envision diverse developments that drive organic interactions along river systems in Singapore? More about what we've done so far in Lucas' article.

Why can't I take a water bus from Potong Pasir to Marina Bay? I thought of this question at the start of this year while strolling around the Whampoa area after dinner (shoutout to White House Teochew Porridge). This led me to drag three other design friends - Lee Mun Yee , Isaac L. , Hugo Ong - on a 6km walk along the Kallang River to investigate how our rivers change from upstream to downstream environments. This also marked the start of a larger, 100% passion-fuelled design research project to re-think riverside typology in Singapore. I wrote a Medium article last week as a brain-dump of sorts to capture what we found, and to reflect and expand upon some questions that arose from the hike. Why do all of our heartland rivers look like 'longkangs' (drains)? Why can't I just buy a kayak off Decathlon and paddle my way around our canals and waterways? Why are riverside activities so much more lively in the Clarke Quay / CBD area compared to everything else upstream? My article, 'Where the River Always Flows: A case for re-imagining emergence along Singapore’s waterways', attempts to address some of these questions and to advocate for more speculative discourse on how our rivers could eventually look like. 🌊 Read it here! : https://lnkd.in/gA4cb4fe P.S. If you are an urbanist / someone affiliated with the PUB / subject matter expert in this field, feel free to share your expertise and fact check this article as much as possible :) #designresearch #urbanism #rivers #singapore #servicedesign

During my recent visit to the Balangoda area for planning purposes, I was surprised by the abundance of breathtaking mountains surrounding the region. It felt like stepping into a slice of heaven, with majestic peaks stretching as far as the eye could see. However, as I explored the area further, I was shocked to discover that even every mountaintop was owned by religious parties. What a shame it is to see these natural wonders spoiled by inappropriate constructions. As a planner, this raised concerns about the implications of such ownership on the development and conservation of these natural treasures. The adverse effects of such developments are multifaceted. Aesthetic degradation is the most immediate impact, where the presence of these concrete structures spoils the natural attraction of the mountains. This visual pollution diminishes the area's appeal, deterring eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts who seek serene and pristine environments. Consequently, this can reduce tourism-related revenues, which are vital for local economies. The construction process often involves deforestation, soil erosion, and habitat destruction, threatening local flora and fauna. The alteration of natural landscapes can disrupt water cycles and contribute to landslides and other geological instabilities, posing risks to both human settlements and wildlife. Instead of prioritizing rapid and often haphazard development, a more sustainable approach should be adopted. Preserving scenic views and maintaining the ecological integrity of mountain areas can attract more valuable investors and stakeholders who prioritizing environmental stewardship. By focusing on eco-friendly tourism and sustainable development, we can ensure that these natural treasures are protected for future generations while still contributing to local economies. Implementing strict regulations that govern the construction of buildings in these sensitive areas is crucial. Architectural designs should be mandated to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, using materials and techniques that minimise environmental impact. Encouraging the restoration of natural habitats and investing in green infrastructure can also enhance the ecological value of these regions.

Super charging Sustainability with Supertrees ! You cannot afford not to miss the Supertree structures while visiting Marina Bay or on your morning walks around the Gardens by the Bay. These tall and imposing structures not only add to the magical aura of the Singapore city line but fulfill broader Urban Sustainability goals, such as reducing carbon footprints, increasing green spaces, and promoting biodiversity. Potential impact and Use: ☑ Aesthetic and Environmental Supertrees are vertical gardens rising up to 25-50 meters that host a variety of ferns, vines, orchids, and other plants. They integrate technologies that mimic ecological processes such as solar energy harvesting, rainwater collection, and Air purification ☑ Community Gathering Spaces In dense urban areas with limited green space they provide shaded areas for social gatherings and relaxation ☑ Commercial Centers and City Landmarks Supertrees can become iconic landmarks that attract tourists and locals, boosting economic activity. By incorporating features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems they can promote sustainable practices in Commercial districts. ☑ Educational and Cultural Institutions Supertrees can serve as educational tools in Schools, Universities, and other Cultural spaces, demonstrating sustainable design and ecological processes. Supertree structures can be effectively replicated in various urban settings to enhance greenery, improve air quality, generate renewable energy, and provide aesthetic and recreational benefits. By thoughtfully integrating these structures into highly dense urban areas, City planners can promote sustainability, improve the quality of life for residents, and create iconic landmarks that blend nature and urban living. Ensuring a Greener future for all! #Sustainability #SustainableCities  #UrbanDesign  #SmartCities #ClimateAction #GreenSingapore #SGGreenPlan 

Did you know that urban greenery holds the key to combating ambient heat in our cities? Recent studies have shown that strategically placed green spaces can significantly reduce temperatures and mitigate the effects of urban heat islands. Temperature Reduction: Research by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that trees and vegetation can lower ambient temperatures by up to 10°F through shading and evapotranspiration. Energy Savings: According to a report by the U.S. Forest Service, urban forests can help reduce air conditioning costs by providing natural cooling, potentially saving billions of dollars annually. In fact, a study published in the journal Energy and Buildings found that strategically planting trees around buildings can reduce the need for air conditioning by up to 30%. Health Benefits: The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that access to green spaces in cities can improve mental health, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being for residents. Research published in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning suggests that exposure to greenery can lower cortisol levels, a marker of stress, by as much as 15%. Carbon Sequestration: Urban trees play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The Arbor Day Foundation estimates that a single tree can absorb up to 48 pounds of CO2 per year. In densely populated urban areas, this translates to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Community Resilience: Green infrastructure promotes community resilience by mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events such as heatwaves and floods. Cities like Copenhagen and Singapore have implemented green initiatives with remarkable success. For example, Copenhagen's green roofs and pocket parks have helped reduce flooding during heavy rains, while Singapore's extensive network of green spaces has enhanced urban cooling and biodiversity. By incorporating more green spaces into urban planning and design, we can create healthier, more sustainable cities for future generations. Let's work together to harness the power of urban greenery and build greener, cooler, and more resilient cities! #UrbanGreenery #ClimateAction #Sustainability

The Promise and Pitfalls of Green Cities The rise of “eco-cities” like Malaysia’s Forest City and Saudi Arabia’s The Line showcases a growing demand for sustainable urban design. These projects boast vertical gardens, renewable energy, and futuristic technology, aiming to address climate challenges and population growth. But are they truly sustainable? Critics argue that many such projects prioritize aesthetics and profits over environmental integrity and community needs. For instance, land reclamation at Forest City damaged marine ecosystems, while The Line’s construction could emit 1.8 billion metric tons of CO2. The real innovation lies in revitalizing existing cities: improving transit, embracing density, and incorporating natural, low-impact materials like bamboo and mud. By focusing on urban infill and traditional methods adapted for modern needs, we can create sustainable cities that benefit people and the planet. #Sustainability #UrbanPlanning #GreenArchitecture #ClimateAction https://lnkd.in/gPFjdF_v

Embracing nature within our urban landscapes is not just a luxury; it's an imperative for our collective well-being. As we continue to witness the rapid pace of urbanization, it becomes increasingly crucial to integrate green spaces into our cities, not merely for their aesthetic appeal, but for the myriad of benefits they provide to our health, environment, and overall quality of life. Green spaces, whether they be parks, gardens, or urban forests, offer respite from the concrete jungle, serving as sanctuaries where we can reconnect with nature, recharge our spirits, and foster a sense of community. But their significance extends far beyond mere recreation. Research shows that access to green spaces correlates with improved mental health, reduced stress levels, and enhanced cognitive function. They act as natural air purifiers, mitigating the harmful effects of pollution and combating the urban heat island effect, thereby contributing to better air quality and cooler temperatures. Moreover, green spaces support biodiversity, providing habitats for various plant and animal species, and promoting ecological balance within our cities. #WhatHasChanged in recent years is our growing awareness of the importance of integrating nature into urban planning and development. We're realizing that creating greener, more sustainable urban ecosystems isn't just a matter of preference; it's a necessity for our well-being and the health of our planet. This awareness is driving action. Communities, businesses, and governments are coming together to spearhead initiatives aimed at expanding and enhancing green infrastructure within our cities. From rooftop gardens and vertical forests to revitalized urban parks and green corridors, innovative solutions are emerging to bring nature back into our urban environments. But there's still much work to be done. As we navigate the challenges of rapid urbanization, we must remain committed to prioritizing nature in our urban planning efforts. We need to advocate for policies that promote the preservation and creation of green spaces, allocate resources for their maintenance and expansion, and engage in collaborative efforts to ensure that our cities thrive in harmony with nature. #ActForNature isn't just a call to action; it's a rallying cry for a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive urban future. Together, let's harness the power of #WhatHasChanged to drive positive change and create cities where both people and nature can flourish. Join me in leading the charge towards greener, healthier, and more vibrant urban ecosystems. Tambe Honourine Enow Climate & Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) Nigeria WWF Mariam Idris ACEF - Africa Climate and Environment Foundation