reference book "Ökologisches bauen"

Chapter Urban Space:

The dimension of urban development combines different fields. The dimension of urban development takes in various fields in its make-up. These areas can be connected in a multi-faceted network that incorporates other aspects too.
The urban development strategies go far beyond the present attempts to achieve functional and well-designed urban spaces. The encompassing framework has come to be known as “urban scape”, which means cities are part of regional and global landscapes. This is a new approach for sustainable urban development as open spaces and soil are very important for water and substance cycles, city climates and the organisation of mobility.
Cities compete with one another. The quality of life depends considerably on a convenient infrastructure. In this regard, ecological development results in economic relief. In addition to the technical functionality, social and cultural quality is of great significance because they influence the urban quality. These effects need to be discussed in order to define the determining factors. This chapter demonstrates the urgent need for research.
Ecological urban development in terms of “urban scape” is a great challenge and a chance for builders to make an essential contribution. There is a demand for changing decision-making structures. There are no fixed rules or behaviour guidelines for such a dynamic process.