Synergy city; planning for a high density, super-symbiotic society

Despite a growing concern about climate change, losses in bio-diversity, etc., the developing world continues to build cities inspired by the same profligate lifestyle that was a main cause of the problem. A solution, however, seems to be beyond the scope of individual citizens, designers or planners. Even politicians appear unwilling or unable to confront the issues in a serious way. One reason for this is that the discourse of ‘sustainability’ is sometimes confused, self-contradictory and unappealing to voters and consumers. The article explores this problem, suggesting that a more effective discourse would probably need to inspire us into leading a more ‘natural’ lifestyle that is, therefore, more synergistic on every level. It argues that the natural world is a self-organising, inclusive and holistic system that reduces its own entropy by embracing and optimising difference. In emulating such a system, the article advocates a planning discourse that encourages greater reciprocal opportunity and perceived mutual advantage for all ‘eco-aware’ citizens. This would mean that, instead of discussing reduced consumption, we try to envision synergistic urban living styles that are desirable, attainable, maintainable and reproducible [Wood, J., November 2003. Could Synergies of Relations in Design Become the Basis for Professional Standards of Eudemonia? Refereed paper given at the FutureGround conference, Melbourne]. In addressing these issues, the article refers to a current research project that is exploring the need for more inclusive synergies within meta-design. This pilot project found that it would be hard to develop ‘eco-cities’ without generating a strong consensus that includes the business community, consumers, politicians, educators, bankers and developers. It asks whether planners might have to become more visible, entrepreneurial and trans-disciplinary. This would probably lead to closer collaboration between a wider range of enlightened professionals at a much higher level.