Said that, it is important to understand that as a more civic city is our objective, we should increase the value of peoples decisions over their lives, and since with all the information that we already offered to people, some of them still believe that the private transportation is the best for them. In this scene, the use of the city streets become a representation of the city’s life, and it is its most public space.

Jane Jacobs wrote at “The Death and Life of Great American Cities” (1961) that streets “serve other purposes besides carryng wheeled traffic in their middles. Streets and their sidewalks, the main public places of a city, are its most vital organs.”

Understanding one important lesson of economy will be useful to understand why the majority of cities in the world will not be totally free of cars in the next years: If someone can choose between two things to consume, they will always consume what in their minds in good for them. So it is not difficult to understand that in some countries where the infrastructure of the city public transport system is bigger and well manteined (western europe countries and japan) people use less cars, and countries in which the private transport receives a big amount of invesments (North America) and countries which the public transport system poorly exist (South America and Eastern Europe), the private way of transport is the major used among the others.

Presenting what is happening in São Paulo (Brazil), this article pretends to show a way of a non planned union between the Private and Public Sector to increase the use of bicycles in this city without any form of pushing the users to do this by punisment and spending almost any public money, just urban planning.

At the beggining of December 2014, the Paris mayor announced plans to ban diesel cars from the French capital by 2020 as part of an anti-pollution drive. Anne Hidalgo also said parts of central Paris would severely curtail private car use by creating semi-pedestrianised zones, beginning with an experiment on weekends which could be “rapidly” extended to include weekdays. Vehicle use inside these zones would be limited to the cars of residents, and emergency and delivery vehicles.
Source: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/dec/07/paris-mayor-hidalgo-plans-ban-diesel-cars-french-capital-2020

São Paulo is the major city in Brazil. In its metropolitan area lives more than 11 million people and the city has the largest economy by GDP in Latin America and Southern Hemisphere. But besides of its wealth, as other mega-cities in emergent economies, the city has a lot of unequal healthy and underdevellopped infrastructure, which causes a very difficult life for the poorest, since they do not have a easy access to public services, and forces the ones who have the economical power, to get those services by the private sector. This situation occurs in the public transportation also. In the last decades of Brazil, the private transportation have been understood as the mainly method of transportation, and also as a way of economical development by the growth of the car industries. Hopefully this idea has started to change since the end of the military dictatorship (primary a right wing government).

The “Elevado Costa e Silva”, built in the 70′s by the military dictatorship, crossing a central residential area in downtown was at the beggining received as a wealth signal and later became a reason for degradation of the area. Their demolishment started to be seriously discussed by the city major at 2006, and again by the current mayor, both from different political parties.
Source: http://wikimapia.org/12916395/pt/Elevado-Presidente-Costa-e-Silva-Minhoc%C3%A3o

During the last three decades, NGO’s started to appear in São Paulo trying to aware the popullation for issues like preservation of the enviroment, public participation on politics of cities, use of bicycles, among others. Those NGO’s ttogetherer with the spread of information from the press about those issues made some segments of the society (usually higher-medium segments) tried to respond in a positive away about those questions. Those people started to consume more ecological and social responsable products. Sooner, companies started to capitalize and became, at least apparentaly, more ecological and social responsable. One of those segments were the banks, who saw an opportunity to gather a more positive and up-to date image among young and rich consumers. Those banks made a system of renting bicycles for a couple of minutes for free, and charge for a little value if the user rides more hours, but you could only use this service if you are a client of those banks. At begining those stations for renting bicycles were instaled in a very few areas and only in rich neighborhods of the city to atract those young rich consummers. Those stations started to function as a unique way of advertisement of the banks, since public advertisement are extremely controlled in São Paulo. Sooner they realized that those stations could function not only as a way of self promotion, but also as a little source of income and due to the good reception, those banks installed those stations in different parts of the city. The idea of a bicycle as a way of transportation achieved a status of ‘possibility’ in the minds of the rich popullation, who were using them during the weekends.

Images of the two stations of the different banks. The first one is from Itaú in, the program started at 2012 and is called Bike Sampa (http://www.bikesampa.com.br/app/), and the other was Bradesco, who started the Ciclo Sampa in 2013 (http://www.ciclosampa.com.br/), both of them with the suport of the cityhall, but made and controlled by the banks.

In 2013 the current mayor of São Paulo started a big program that would deliver 400km of bicycle lanes to the city (http://www.cetsp.com.br/consultas/bicicleta/400km.aspx), which already have built 78km at September 2014. At the beggining the population was extremely against this program, but later gained more than 80% of aproval (http://g1.globo.com/sao-paulo/noticia/2014/09/datafolha-80-aprovam-ciclovias-em-sp-aumenta-popularidade-de-haddad.html). Those lanes were installed and planed by the public sector, and different from the private, started on the downtown area and spread fast to reach more distant regions, mainly by poorer people. Today those lanes are not only used by poor people, but by everyone. The government is still installing the lanes which are used as a way of transportation and as a hobby during the weekend. Also, developed a small station similar to the ones of the banks, but continue working together with the banks to install the first ones.

Map of the current bicycles lanes of the city: 1- in all over the city, 2- in downtown and at 3- a maily rich area.
Source: http://vadebike.org/2014/07/mapa-ciclovias-sao-paulo-ciclofaixas-ciclorrotas/

In conclusion, it is clear that the car is still the major way of transportation among the rich people, since the most rich neighborhoods are the ones with the fewest amount of lanes in the city, and the ones in which the program is the most unpopular. But also, it was because of those rich regions that those banks installed those stations. Both of them functioned in a coexistence way. Both of them could exist without each other, but they become more effective together. The stations were the initial step on this coexistence, their job was to gather public awareness to the transport issue and were done by the private sector and are the most efective way of charging. The lanes in other hand, is an infrastructure in the city, it is very cheap to be installed, but could only be installed by the public agent and since there are no eficiant way of charging people for using it, it is perfect to achieve the poor regions. They represent a balanced existence between two sectors, none of them took the right of the car to share the city, and shows a economic sustainability change in the city, made without a center agent, but with all agents working together: Society, Public Sector and Private Sector.

Reason of the foundation is the worlds most excellent gift for a man. Knowledge, however, has its limits. The creative spirit of the designers and architects seeks them overcome the craving for knowledge, not to enter the future to design space for the man soared to perfection. To achieve adequate knowledge architect must broaden their horizons, certain knowledge and in other areas, in particular cooperate with other participants in the process of developing a better future for man. The text discusses the need for sustainable urban development which is a prerequisite for creating a sustainable city, as the basic matrix of the city required for life and the future of the city. To address this man should has knowledge of urban development, urban environment, environmental problems and social and intellectual norms in society variable financial and political parameters. The large number of complex parameters are needed knowledge, patience, perseverance and wisdom of all of us, and every mistake is costly punishable.

Architecture-Design often lack the recognition of macroeconomic and microeconomic variables. Most economic analyzes have rightly spatial research. For this reason it is necessary to find a common language for proper functioning. Construction of a new language requires research, the concept of broader spatial analysis in the design, architecture, urbanism. All the oppressed wider context and factors. The mind needs to have environmental, economic, social aspect and political identity.

Is there a possibility to do something new? What we can change?

Ensuring an appropriate level of useful environment in the current urban environment today is a significant problem. Despite the development of science and technology, many elements of the environment are an urban problem today. To achieve this goal it is necessary to develop an awareness of not only the individual, but the entire society. Economics as one of the key factors should determine priorities, the importance of projects that are invested and thus result. I think that knowledge of one key problem is important for further decision. Therefore, if we are aware, for example, the current state of energy availability in the world we should find a way to improve it. The problem arises because of not developed awareness for the benefit of mankind. The investor is willing to invest in a building of several thousand square meters, regardless of its architectural and social value, considering it will brings him a profit. Nevertheless, sustainable architecture and sustainable resources are completely ignored, because it might be unprofitable in a given time. Energy efficiency is important as a essential for the survival of human society.

Where is the exit? In the future Humanity should be significantly turn to the use of alternative (imperative) energy sources. Knowledge of markets, development needs and potential as a whole, established investigation strategies and strategies of industrial development, are essential in order to identify desirable investors who want a clear insight into the situation and potential of each sector, to invest in what interests them. In the cities of earlier epochs environmental problems were mostly related to the lack of proper infrastructure, underdeveloped hygienic level, overpopulation, over construction and others. Nowadays, problems related to the state of the environment are much more numerous and reaching to the very complex problems of technical nature and psychology of urban living . In order to enable further progress of the human population, it is necessary the adoption and implementation of sustainable development. The basic idea of sustainable development is meeting the needs of present generations, without compromising the possibilities for future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable cities allow the architecture to transform itself, not to be traditional but useful, innovative and economical. As a result we have design that rationally relates to energy use and refrain consumption of limited natural resources. How environmental imperative and a moral imperative become by the fact that designers are constantly exploring models that would be sustainable design is actually implemented in the modern trends of architectural practice. Some of the models, which were presented at the European market actually stress the marketing potential of “sustainable” investments, and so “green building” are more profitable than the label on the real estate market in developed countries. In this case, architecture and economy are finding a common language, not hinder each other.
Sustainable development is based on protection, so it is conditioned by the need to upholding the concept of nature in order to provide the resources and services necessary for life. From this perspective, sustainable development means improving the quality of human life within the limits of the capacity of the submission of ecosystems that support it ‘.
This definition of sustainable development is a normative concept that includes a standard of behavior that should be respected if the human community tends towards satisfying their own needs of survival and well-being. The definition includes three basic components, namely: economic, social and component of environmental protection, which form the basis of sustainable development. All three components are mutually linked and interdependent, and therefore require that everything is being done in the field of development is in line with each of them separately.

When it comes to urban sustainability, it must be borne in mind that cities have never been self-sustaining through history, and that they probably never will be in the true sense of the word. The city, as a man’s environment, had to meet its biological, environmental, social, economic, aesthetic and other requirements and needs that have evolved with the development of civilization. In addition, cities are ‘producers’ external influences on the environment, both positive and negative. How is the growing awareness of aspects of environmental pollution associated with urban living and quality of life in cities, increasingly provoking questions about the relationship of the positive to the negative impact and proof that this relationship is disrupted. As a result, more attentiveness to the capacity of the submission of a sustainable city overall area needed a system that would support life in the city, through the production of goods, resources and acceptance of waste materials from the city  often called ecological rate city. It can be concluded that sustainable urban development can only be achieved if the system is established renewing his energy, human, environmental and technological potential.
Cities today are not only a reflection of the society within which the finding they are more a reflection of society is global. Or how Mumford wrote in 1961 in his book ” The city in history ”: ” … slowly we went from being a city that symbolizes the world, to the world that in many practical aspects of becoming a global city ‘. It can be argued that each generation has the right to regulate their environment according to their needs and capabilities, however there is also a parallel obligation of this generation to their successors, in the coming generations, leave enriched, and not wrecked space. The city is one of the artificial creation and its sustainable development in terms of ecological balance can be achieved only if all urban processes are controlled and synchronized with the laws of the natural environment. To achieve the goals of sustainable development, it is necessary to understand that cities play a significant role in this process.

As a development can take and developing of Dubai. Economics allowed expansion and development of the city. The city has in recent years significantly progressed, we can not omit the worldwide economic crisis, which did not avoid this town, but good economic organization allowed the continuation of his progress, urbanization, and lately concept of green architecture. Projects are based on hundreds of lesser energy and water consumption.

To answer the question of what is a sustainable city, it is necessary to sustainability seen in the wider context. It means that one should not only look and talk about the environment in the city, but also to take into account the role that the city has in a broader context. To achieve this goal should be to act as a company which has developed awareness about their future. The model sustainable city, besides it’s strictly defined physical boundaries, reflecting the social and matrix of the city . This model is manifested through a myriad of different forms, depending on the historical heritage, culture, economic base, climatic, geographic and geopolitical characteristics, to all these forms at the end reduced to only a few variables that determine it. Sustainable city no ” recipe ” behavior towards sustainability, but should have defined the elements of measurement achieved. The city can only be considered sustainable if its governing structure the entire planet is seen as unique.
Cities should be considered for places that serve its attractiveness as drivers of economic development in terms of  creativity, innovation and the creation and sharing of knowledge, the stimulation of proactive innovation and educational policies, on sustainable construction, architecture and urban space use, the high development of the local economy, the exploitation of the architectural values, historical heritage buildings and public spaces through the development and reconstruction of the urban landscape.

Cities need to set the positive principles of urban spatial development, which will be based on:
balanced economic growth and territorial organized activities, with a polycentric urban    structure, strong metropolitan region that can provide services of general economic interest, compact structure of settlements with limited urban sprawl, a high level of environmental protection and quality of life in the city and surrounding areas. Sustainable cities must have attractive open public spaces and promote sustainable, inclusive and healthy mobility in a way that cycling and hiking trails that are attractive, and public transport favored. Increased energy efficiency in buildings reduces the economic and energy vulnerability, and associated innovations, technologies and services in the building and energy are important drivers of local development.

Common approach to solving the problem of exclusion, the energy poverty and better housing conditions come to the key elements of development of the city so that the city becomes more beautiful and lively, but also more competitive and eco-friendly. Building a “green and healthy” cities goes beyond simply reducing CO2 emissions. We come to an integrated approach to environmental protection and energy sector in which many components of natural ecosystems are intertwined with those of the social, economic, cultural and political urban system in a single system. His influence is essential for avoiding rural depopulation and to promote balanced territorial development. The question is whether this problem can be solved on a global level in view of the disparities between the countries in the world have never been more obvious.How to awaken man’s awareness of the efficiency of energy resources and the value of what we have to do. Why not let the natural functions, existing natural techniques to be used for greater efficiency. Every place in the world has ups and downs, problems to be solved but the problem lies in spreading the incentives of his subjects.

Image references:

https://www.google.com/search?q=sustainable+dubai&biw=1600&bih=746&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=DEqGVO6IOcLxUpCJg-gP&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAg

https://www.google.com/search?q=sustainable+cities&biw=1600&bih=746&source=lnms&sa=X&ei=OkqGVNuRGYHlUri2gugP&ved=0CAUQ_AUoAA&dpr=1

Part 1. Economics and Architecture

When seven emirates were united into a country that today is known as United Arab Emirates, Sheikh of Dubai was one of the first that took that opportunity and turned his city into mast visit place. In 90’s Dubai was so economically stable, it made it possible to turn area in the Middle Eastern desert, into a dream city, which by 2014 was visited by half of the world’s population. But this city has experienced ups and downs during its development.

At first the economic performance of Dubai was the main factor that triggered rapid growth of the city. Starting in 1991 city started changing dramatically. The roads started expanding, the bridges started connecting areas that were one separated by river, the building were growing faster than the palm trees. Eight years later more and more people started recognizing Dubai because of its architecture. In 1999 Burj al Arab hotel, built on the first man maid island, became one of the first architectural projects that made Dubai famous. In 2004, thinking that nothing can ever stop them, Dubai starts their biggest project yet, Burj Khalifa (previously known as Burj Dubai), the tallest tower in the world, the tower that can be seen from any point of the city. In 2006 (two years before crisis) Dubai changed to the point that no one could ever imagine. Still thinking that they could go further, Dubai brings more experts in almost every field. They start new projects, and they build a unique city.

No one ever thought that the crisis of 2008 could do much to Dubai. The city never prepared for it. By the end of 2008 more and more constrictions were put on hold or canceled. Apartment occupation dropped, more and more towers became less occupied. By the end of 2009 almost 80% of all towers were empty. Dubai was in debt. The city spent all its resources in order to bring their dream to life. In order to bring Dubai’s economic performance back on track, the government started selling their projects. First the palm island was sold to Abu Dhabi, within the same month Burj Dubai, the tallest tower in the world, was also sold to Abu Dhabi, thus changing the name to Burj Khalifa. Ever since then project were postponed, cancelled or altered in order to have a possibility to be built with current economic situation of the city. The economic performance became a limiting factor for architecture and urbanism, there was no more room for design and unique ideas. Projects had to be functional and cheap.

After living there for 7 years, I’ve experienced the changes that this city went through. It’s known to everyone, the life of a person, city, and even country always has its ups and downs, and Dubai is no exception. In my opinion the unfortunate time came to an end in 2011, when I witnessed an opening of a new tower built by Foster and Partners, the Index tower. A new building that did not substitute design for money. The economic stability started growing, while most of the countries were still suffering from the crisis. The city that was developing for almost twenty years before the crisis, started going back on track. How was this possible? What is one thing that always attracts people? People are always attracted by something new, something undiscovered. Dubai is famous for its modern architecture. For architecture and urbanism that was developing during its best time. In other words, architecture was main reason that started bringing money back to Dubai. Because when we think about architecture, we don’t only think about glass and concrete. Architecture is our everyday life, it’s a flow, and it’s an organism that constantly attracts people.

Part 2. Economics and Sustainability

When we talk about “designing with nature” Dubai is not the first city that comes to anyone’s mind. Since there is no nature to design with. For Dubai it’s more like designing against nature. Being located in a very unwelcoming area, where in summer the temperature reaches 55 degrees Celsius, Dubai’s main goal is to protect people from exposure to the sun or sand storms. In the last couple of years they’ve been rethinking their decisions, and started “creating” nature. Projects that depend on themselves, projects that are dedicated to minimize required inputs of energy, water and food, and waste output of heat, air pollution, and water pollution.

People that build this city today, are depending not only on new technologies and ways of construction, but they also take into consideration local (Middle Eastern) historical architecture. In the past people found ways to live in that harsh environment in comfort. They used local materials in order to build houses. In order to bring cold air into the “shelter” they constructed wind towers that guide air, which cooled down on the way, into the house.

Historical and New ways of building made it possible to create a LEED platinum building. The Change Initiative Building (TCI) in Dubai, UAE, has been awarded 107 out of 110 LEED points from the US green building council, which technically makes it the most sustainable building in the world. The 4,000-square-meter retail shop, which provides sustainable solutions to customers, received the world’s highest LEED Platinum rating. Economic performance of Dubai made it possible to invest into green technologies in order to start a new chapter of construction. More and more projects started following this success. In the near future Dubai will completely turn into an eco-city. Sick building syndrome – a situation where building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects due to unhealthy and toxic material use, will no longer be an issue for Dubai.

But they don’t stop at this point, since there is no actual nature in that region, building green for them doesn’t mean only sustainable ways of building, but literally building green. They don’t design only with materials and new technologies, but also with nature. Urban systems can be more environmentally sustainable than rural or suburban living, with people and resource located so close to one another it is possible to save energy and resources things such as food transportation and mass transit systems. Planting trees and growing food is one of the main challenges that architects deal with nowadays when they design new buildings in Dubai. Today Dubai is building nature, and the economic factor is helping them at achieve this goal.

Right now Dubai is developing a new city called “Mohammed Bin Rashid City” a new “green” frontier for its people. A project that should be self-sufficient without harming habitats and region’s economy, and might also boost its performance.