Reimagining Vertical Cities: Community Participation and the Future of Urban Green Spaces

Abstract

Infrastructure grows as the world grows, and cities grow to accommodate the growing population. The more people there are, the more houses cities need, but on what land? With restrictions on land usage, cities are now adapting the concept of vertical cities, expanding upwards instead of horizontally. Vertical cities are self-sustaining, high-rise buildings with inbuilt facilities, allowing residents to have everything they need in one area. There is certainly the risk of isolation, however, as residents are isolated in their towers and have rare opportunities to interact. Urban green spaces are imperative to foster a sense of connection where residents can socialise, as well as reap the benefits of being around greenery. Community participation is key while designing vertical cities, to ensure that potential residents have green spaces, making the structure and its surroundings sustainable and livable. This paper attempts to discuss the importance of community participation in the construction of vertical cities and the future of urban green spaces.