Why Axurbain was a Show-Stopper
I encountered the term Axurbain a couple of months ago when I was going through a smart city newsletter. Initially, I thought it was yet another technology jargon. Yet the deeper I read the more interest I took.
Being a resident of a fast-developing city, I personally experienced the effects of urban planning choices made on our lives every day: light, sound, and heat islands, traffic jams, and a shortage of green areas. That is why, when I found out that Axurbain was concerned with reconsidering the way we should build and live in urban camper copenhagen areas, I had to research more.
This is not just the post that aims at explaining the concept. I want to apply it along the lines of what Axurbain actually is, how it is envisioned to be used in real cities, and as to why it is the future of urban innovations.
What is Axurbain?
Axurbain is the novel strategy of smart, sustainable and humanized city creation. Consider it as a convergence point (or axis) between technology, nature, and people friendly design.
It is neither software, nor a product. It is a philosophy, a system which directs our efforts as we remodel the cities to live better.
Why it is Time for a Change of Urban Thinking
Let’s be honest for a second, most cities these days are basically designed for machines not humans. From concrete sprawl, air pollution and lengthy daily commutes come the weariness that the city lifestyle can sometimes bring.
That’s why, Axurbain is one of the outstanding.
It dissuades traditional planning methodologies by inquiring about:
- How can cities be more green than gray?
- What if infrastructure was non-fixed, not static?
- Can AI and Data make people better living, not just living faster?
These are the questions that cities like Singapore, Barcelona and Copenhagen are already tackling — sometimes unintentionally — as they embrace Axurbain- style ideas.
Axurbain Main Principles
So, what makes this concept so strong? Let us analyze it.
Smart Infrastructure, Well Done
There are already a lot of cities which employ sensors and data, yet Axurbain comes a step further by connecting systems.
The example is; in Seoul, the sensors not only monitor the traffic, but the streetlights and the freq of the public transport adjust accordingly in real time. Axurbain thinks that-tech that adjusts itself to the common good.
Green Integration
Parks are not a side issue any more. They’re essential.
- Green rooftops
- Urban farms
- On the building vertical gardens
They do not serve visual purposes only, they clean the air, decrease heat, and assist in maintaining mental health. My own experience of visiting the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore has helped me feel this difference. This was no ordinary park, it was fresh air literally.
Human-Centered Mobility
Stop thinking of simply building more roads. Axurbain is not about cars.
- Walkable neighborhoods
- Bike-friendly zones
- Combined electricity transport
Caution: The cities closed to these trends will lag behind. It is not only cars people are interested in, but options.
Universal, Prefabricated Housing
It is one of things that I liked in Copenhagen and you could live, work and socialize in a few blocks. These 15-minute cities are pushed by Axurbain where all the basic necessities are easily reached by walking or biking.
The Real Life Practices of Cities Using Axurbain
These are some examples of the real world:
Medellín, Colombia
Meanwhile, former one of the most threatening cities in the world Medellin is praised today due to community-oriented infrastructure such as outdoor escalators in poor settlements of the hillside. Period. That is the equity-based tinkering of urban places, a major Axurbain characteristic.
Barcelona, Spain
They have opened up the so called super blocks which are vehicular free areas with trees, shaded areas and social areas. The difference is felt when you enter. It is calm, cooler and more connected.
Singapore
In Singapore the green design is combined with smart city technology. I observed in the parks sensors that control the flow of water and even the trash that notifies the collectors when it becomes full.
These cities are not perfect but they are experimenting and that is what Axurbain promotes.
What is the possibility of applying axurbain in your city?
Planner, architect, townie, just want to help the town? This is how to start thinking Axurbain:
Step 1: The first step is to map out the human needs.
Before technology or constructions, you must ask: What do people need here actually?
Step 2: Using nature to work with Data
There must be controls and smart tools to measure green space, air quality and foot traffic not just traffic feet.
Step 3: Walkability and Mixed Use
Flag neighborhoods so that schools, stores and workspaces are in close proximity. It favours the reduction of stress and emissions.
Step 4: Community Involvement
This can not be top-down. Allow local participation through co-designing of parks, transport or housing.
Axurbain Lesson: What I Learned
I believed that this was another smart city idea in the beginning. However, Axurbain is deeper, it is about balance.
The technology is present, of course. However, more importantly it is a good intention. In order to turn cities into breathable, livable and loveable once again.
And by a person who has lived in a disorganized city and in a well-organized city- as I can say- now more than ever this is a crucial detail.
Summary: Axurbain-The Future?
Cities should change, or they will die, and even more importantly, they will not be able to live prosperously. The road map that Axurbain offers is versatile, innovative, and people-centered.
It is not a magic cure. It is a good start in building cities that serve people rather than only money.
Whenever you find yourself walking in a park, stuck in a car jam or you feel not quite connected to everything around you, ask yourself:
Imagine a city that would be driven by Axurbain. What would life be in a different way?
One must begin with the change in attitude. And, frankly speaking, I believe that we are already prepared for it.
FAQs Axurbain and Urban Innovation
Q: So what is the meaning of Axurbain?
Axurbain is a notion that conceptualizes the use of smart city technology, sustainability, and human-centered design to enhance urban living.
Q: Is Axurbain a brand or real company?
Well, no it is not really a brand or product but rather a framework or philosophy called Axurbain.
Q: What are the ways through which cities can embrace Axurbain?
Through the adoption of green design, mixed-use, and planning combined with the inclusion of local people.
Q: Which are the cities already utilizing Axurbain ideas?
Cities such as Singapore, Copenhagen, Medellin, Barcelona Cities represent innovations in the style of Axurbain.
Q: What does the future hold about Axurbain?
It assists urban environments (cities) to be more livable, equitable, and climate-resilient to global urban issues.
