SASPA, ABEGAIL A.
AR452-ARCH42S7 - PLANNING 3
Reaction-Reflection
"This is humankind's 'great urbanization'. We must do it right, or the planet will pay"
by Dimitri Zenghelis and Nicholas Stern
The Guardian, November 8, 2016
1. How is the assigned work related to ideas and concerns discussed in the course for which you
are preparing the paper?
- For example, what points made in the course notes and links, discussions, or lectures are
treated more fully in the work?
The article by Dimitri Zenghelis and Nicholas Stern discusses the rapid pace of global
urbanization and its far-reaching effects on the environment, economy, and society. These themes
strongly align with our course discussions on urban planning, sustainability, and the challenges of
increasing urban populations.
In our studies, we have explored how cities must adopt sustainable practices to counter the
negative effects of urban sprawl, including pollution, traffic congestion, and resource depletion. The
article supports this perspective by emphasizing that cities must be planned efficiently to accommodate
growth without harming the planet. It also highlights the potential of urban centers to become hubs of
innovation and economic opportunity if managed properly.
The article also reinforces the importance of integrating green infrastructure, renewable energy,
and efficient transportation systems into urban planning topics that have been central to our coursework.
This connection strengthens the argument that sustainable urban development is not just an option but a
necessity for future cities.
2. How is the material related to your life, experiences, feelings, and ideas?
As a resident of Silangan, San Mateo, Rizal, I have firsthand experience with both the benefits
and challenges of urbanization. Our town, while not as densely populated as Metro Manila, has been
experiencing rapid development, leading to issues such as deforestation, increased traffic, and higher
demand for resources.
Growing up, I have seen how urban expansion has affected the natural landscape, with once-
green areas being converted into residential and commercial developments. While this growth brings
economic opportunities, it also raises concerns about sustainability, especially in flood-prone areas like
ours. The article made me reflect on the importance of balancing development with environmental
preservation.
Moreover, it reinforced my belief that sustainable urban planning should be prioritized, especially
in suburban areas that are still developing. The experiences I have had seeing roads become congested,
witnessing deforestation, and dealing with inconsistent waste management align with the concerns
raised in the article. This made me more aware of how my own community is affected by urbanization
and what can be done to address these issues.
3. Did the work increase your understanding of a particular issue? Did it change your
perspective in any way?
Yes, the article deepened my understanding of how urbanization is a global issue, not just a local
one. Before reading it, I viewed urbanization mainly through the lens of my personal experiences in the
Philippines. However, the discussion on how cities worldwide are struggling with similar challenges
made me realize that this is a shared global concern.
The article also changed my perspective on the urgency of sustainable urban planning. I used to
think of urban issues like traffic and pollution as problems that could be solved later with technological
advancements. However, the article made it clear that the decisions made today will shape cities for
generations. If cities continue to expand without sustainability in mind, the long-term consequences such
as extreme pollution, social inequality, and environmental degradation will be severe and irreversible.
Additionally, I now recognize the importance of economic planning in urban development. The
article points out that well-planned cities can boost innovation and economic growth while also being
environmentally friendly. This gave me a more balanced view of urbanization, helping me see it as both
a challenge and an opportunity.
4. Evaluate the merit of the work: the importance of its points and its accuracy.
The article presents a well-researched and urgent argument about the future of urbanization. Its
emphasis on the need for sustainable urban growth is supported by credible data and logical reasoning.
The discussion about how cities are expected to double in population within a few decades highlights the
scale of the issue, making it clear why action must be taken now.One of the article's strengths is its
balanced approach. It does not simply present urbanization as a problem; it also discusses its potential
benefits when managed correctly. This makes its argument more compelling and realistic.
However, the article could have been even stronger if it included more specific examples of cities
that have successfully implemented sustainable urban policies. While it mentions general principles,
case studies from different parts of the world such as Singapore’s green city model or Copenhagen’s
cycling infrastructure would have made the discussion more concrete. Despite this, the overall merit of
the article is high. It effectively raises awareness about urbanization's impact on the environment and
economy while advocating for solutions that prioritize sustainability.
5. What personal action/s can you do or framework to support in order to limit the impacts of
urbanization on cities?
- Discuss your answer by detailing the action/s you are going to perform and/or the framework
that can be applied to prepare a city on those impacts.
There are several actions I can take, both as an individual and as a future architect, to support
sustainable urban development and minimize the negative impacts of urbanization.
One key initiative is to advocate for sustainable urban planning policies in my local government.
In San Mateo, rapid development is taking place, but there is still an opportunity to ensure that future
projects integrate green spaces, flood control measures, and sustainable building designs. Attending
public consultations, engaging with local leaders, and raising awareness about these issues can help
drive change.
On a personal level, I can promote eco-friendly practices within my community. This includes
supporting waste segregation programs, using public transportation or carpooling to reduce carbon
emissions, and encouraging tree-planting activities to counteract urban heat effects.
As an architecture student, I also plan to incorporate sustainable design principles into my future
projects. This means advocating for passive design strategies, energy-efficient buildings, and climate-
responsive architecture. If more architects and designers prioritize sustainability, cities can grow in a
way that is both innovative and environmentally responsible.
A framework that I believe can be applied to mitigate urbanization’s negative effects is the "15-
Minute City" concept. This urban planning model aims to create neighborhoods where people can
access work, school, healthcare, and recreation within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. If implemented in
the Philippines, particularly in expanding suburban areas, this could reduce traffic congestion, lower
carbon emissions, and improve overall quality of life.
Furthermore, disaster-resilient urban planning should be a priority in flood-prone areas like San
Mateo. This includes stricter building regulations in high-risk zones, better drainage systems, and the
preservation of natural waterways. Ensuring that urban expansion does not compromise natural disaster
defenses is critical for long-term sustainability. By taking these actions both individually and within my
professional field I can contribute to a more sustainable future for cities.
Conclusion
The article highlights the urgency of sustainable urban planning in a rapidly urbanizing world.
Through its discussion of the opportunities and challenges of city growth, it reinforces the need for
proactive, environmentally responsible urban development.
On a personal level, it has made me more aware of how urbanization affects my community in
San Mateo and the role I can play in shaping a more sustainable future. Whether through advocating for
green policies, practicing eco-friendly habits, or integrating sustainability into my architectural work, I am
now more committed to making a positive impact.
The future of cities depends on the choices made today. By promoting smart urban planning,
embracing sustainable development, and actively participating in community efforts, we can ensure that
urbanization leads to progress without compromising the well-being of the planet and future generations.
