Hack´bridging´ sustainable urban development : a multi-level and spatial perspective on a sustainable urban transition
Abstract: Urbanisation has contributed to the acceleration of production and consumption causing strain on the urban environment. Sustainable urban planning aims to manage the transition within cities to reach more sustainable practices, however, there are competing interests in how this should be done from a ‘compact city’ and ‘green city’ perspective. This study aims to assess the potential for an urban suburb to facilitate a sustainable transition towards the goal in reducing consumption levels in accordance with ‘One Planet Living’. Hackbridge, a suburb in outer London, UK is used as an instrumental case study to assess the barriers and constraints that an urban sustainable transition can encounter. Due to the varying factors of consumption, this paper specifically references the transportation system and local and sustainable food. Sustainability Science offers a valuable approach in addressing this complexity across the levels of macro, meso and micro. This study is analysed through a multi-level perspective to examine the complexity between institutional involvements affecting this transition. A spatial component is also analysed to further develop the multi-level perspective and provide opportunities for this facilitation to occur. The results of this study focus on the institutional interactions between the micro and meso levels. The main barriers are associated within financial pressures which are emphasised over restrictions with time. Avoidance of a ‘lock-in’ situation is key for Hackbridge to reach its environmental goals. The community involvement is a key driving force to assist in this transition. Areas of Hackbridge are in social deprivation and environmental targets are not a priority for certain actors. A more inclusive civil society could provide opportunities to strengthen and overcome the barriers through networking and knowledge sharing to bridge the gaps in reaching a sustainable suburb. Managing the spatial boundaries and implementing effective urban design would also contribute towards better access to transportation and sustainable and local food and promote a strengthening of social, economic and environmental aspects within the urban setting.
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