Just announced: the winner of the the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize: “a biennial international award that honours outstanding contributions towards the creation of vibrant, liveable and sustainable urban communities around the world.”
Vancouver was in the running, but the competition was tough, as evidenced by the winner: New York City.
… the city has displayed a great level of experimentation and innovation with an emphasis on practical urban solutions. Instead of developing on new sites, more than 35,270 square metres of roadways and underunderutilised spaces have been repurposed into ‘instant’ public plazas. Innovative zoning tools have also unlocked development potential of derelict industrial sites to create housing, office spaces, parks and waterfront promenades.
New York City is an excellent example of how persistence, determination, commitment and strong partnership with the community can turn visions into reality. It serves as a model for other global, high-density megacities to rethink their cities in terms of sustainability into the future.
Vancouver got special mention, and some compliments:
The City of Vancouver is an exemplary demonstration of strong visioning, community values and long-term planning. Over the last 40 years the city showed foresight and boldness in resisting two of the major North American urban trends – the introduction of freeways into the city centre and the loss of residents to the suburbs. Instead, the city embarked on an inner-city densification process supported by innovative planning, which has contributed to a more liveable and vibrant city life.
Today, the city is characterised by exceptional urban design that accentuates its surrounding. For instance, building heights are controlled to maintain views of the mountainous skyline and ocean backdrop. In addition, neighbourhoods are carefully designed to allow the seamless flow of private, social and green spaces, encouraging the diffusion of vibrancy and appreciation of the outdoors.
More on the winner here, and on the Special Mentions here.
