Questions based on the video viewed in class, “The Sharable Future of Cities” by Alex Steffen.
How many people does Steffen estimate we will have living in or near cities by mid century?
Steffen estimated the human species would become overwhelming, predicted 8 billion by mid century.
Explain how you agree or disagree with Steffen’s point that our energy use is “predestined” rather than “behavioral”?
I agree with his thoughts of energy use being predestined. The use of fossil fuels will probably not change even with the new additions of trying to go “green”, but whatever happens can only happen when we decide to make the necessary changes instead of doing what is easiest.
What correlation does Steffen make between a city’s density and its climate emissions?
Studies show that with MORE density there are LESS climate emissions.
What are the “eco districts” that Steffen mentions? How do you see these as feasible or unfeasible in a city like norfolk?
Eco Districts are new sustainable neighborhoods. He describes three different kinds, them being, infill, urban retrofitting, and tentpole density. I think it can go both ways in the city of Norfolk, just because everything in Norfolk is kind of spread out. The challenge would be trying to have things closer and easier accessible to homes.
Explain how you agree or disagree with the Threshold effect that Steffen discusses related to transportation?
I agree with the Threshold effect. When you have everything in a good distance of your home there is no real need for a car. Especially for something like work; it’s good to have a job where you have the ability to walk or can find another means of transportation and save your personal car for weekend use, if necessary.
What does Steffen mean by the idea that “even space itself is turning into a service..?” Can you provide any examples that you see here in Norfolk or elsewhere?
I think he is trying to say that the world should take advantage of the space around us.
Describe your understanding of Steffen’s argument that “its not about the leaves above but the systems below”
Don’t always get caught up in the way something looks on the outside. Take the time to look at what something really does and how its purpose benefits the community.
FInally, overall in what way(s) do you see Steffen’s ideas working/not working here in Norfolk?
I believe his ideas could work in Norfolk just due to the fact that the city needs a lot of changes. The city is fairly large and there are a lot of areas with adequate amounts of space to implement different ideas here and there. The city being large though can cause ideas not to work though, because it would just to take that much more effort and funding to establish any future projects. In time though, I can definitely see changes occurring, as humans we have to improve our quality of life because if not will only hinder the survival of our species.
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