Uploaded on 2016-05-19 by Jasonbsantos

[1]: https://edxuploads.s3.amazonaws.com/1463665585962362.jpg I. Top 5 Most Liveable Cities: The chosen cities were based on the Mercer, Monocle, GLCI, EIU and Forbes liveability index ranking. As observed in the different global rankings, the continents of Australia and Europe dominate the topmost spots. 1. Vienna, Australia 2. Geneva, Switzerland 3. Melbourne, Australia 4. Copenhagen, Denmark 5. Singapore – The Asian country/city that I frequently visit II. Characteristics that make a city liveable: The characteristics enumerated were lifted from given rankings and grouped together for similarity and relevance. Governance is related to safety and peace and order. Also, business conditions were directly influenced by the economic conditions. The natural environment is considered as one living entity due to its delicate status and impact to the city. Design and the arts were grouped together with infrastructure as these are tangible, precise, and technical elements. 1. Safety and Public Governance 2. Natural Environment 3. Infrastructure and Architecture 4. Socio-Cultural conditions 5. Economy and Business situation The above enumerated factors that make a city liveable, in my opinion, are centered on the parameters of having a decent, safe, upright and stable quality of life. Looking at the dictionary definition of liveability, it is described as the suitability of a place to be habitable in a comfortable manner. The website liveability.org defines “livability” as the sum of the factors that add up to a community's quality of life—including the built and natural environments, economic prosperity, social stability and equity, educational opportunity, and cultural, entertainment and recreation possibilities. Using the definition of liveability and comparing the factors that make a city liveable, comprises of factors of having a high quality of life to the people thus, enabling them to develop in a “wholistic” manner. The key element that these factors of liveability must impact in my opinion would be the complex and intricate interaction of people with the natural and built-environment. A balance with these three elements would entail growth, sustainability and resilience for the city. Summarizing the liveability of a city, the words comfortable, safe, stable and high quality of life will always be included. III. Towards a more sustainable city – Quezon City, Philippines The attached photograph was taken in a busy avenue in Quezon City, Philippines. It shows the condition of traffic, infrastructure – road and electrical, safety, public discipline and governance. Also, the natural environment and how it is being managed to complement the basic road layout of the city is reflected. The glaring detail that is noticeable in this photo is the counter-flowing motorcycle with the warning sign in the road median. If we will factor in the previously discussed characteristic that make a city liveable particularly the safety and public governance part, this city will have a low mark. This reflects the level of public governance and awareness to safety in this city. It will also give an impression that traffic is poorly managed, and rules are not strictly implemented. For the natural environment portion, landscaping is undeniably for improvement. The sparse greenery in the photo needs proper care and maintenance in order to be integrated in the infrastructure development. Power infrastructure needs redevelopment as observed in the picture, overhead wires crisscross the avenue and the overhead electrical meters are difficult to maintain. It altogether becomes an “eye-sore” thus; Architecture, Design and Planning is lacking in this city. For the socio-cultural aspect of people interaction and communication, the sidewalk is not encouraging to walk at but instead, it suggests the use of vehicle. Given that the Philippines is a tropical country, heat and humidity is an issue hence, it is really encouraging to walk on covered pathways integrated with landscaping elements with a park like atmosphere. Establishments with covered patios, benches and proper waiting sheds would impact pedestrian mobility and interaction – interaction with people and nature to be exact and lessen the use of vehicles. Also, clearing and decluttering the sidewalk so as to provide unobstructed walking access to pedestrians would be a great start for this avenue in Quezon City. I believe that the small changes and given methods would greatly influence the city especially the business and economic condition. Businesses will thrive and burgeon if there is peace and order complimented by good infrastructure and sound architecture. Therefore, sustainability and resilience of the city will be high if the factors of liveability will be earnestly infused, given the fact that the Philippines is a developing nation and Quezon City is considered a major city in the country. Quezon City must advance and live-up to its moniker, “The City of the Stars”.