Urban settlements around the globe are expanding at an exponential rate! Although the development of cities is critical to humanity’s survival, it also attracts high risks to pay.

Pollution. Noise. Sickness. Inequality. Crime. Poverty. Garbage. Stress. Chaos. Sound familiar? These are some of the most common consequences of progress, isn't it?

Now, don't get me wrong. Cities are in fact valuable sources of opportunities, innovation, plus the social, cultural, and economic benefits of its inhabitants.

However, here's a painful pill to swallow.

With today’s high cost of real estate and the rapid advancement of building materials, land use has increasingly prioritized monetary gains instead of addressing the human element - creating miserable spaces that are not conducive for habitation. An alarming dilemma!

Most importantly, they have completely disregarded the natural environment for which these infrastructures are built on. Have we forgotten that Mother Nature was the original resident of our planet? How could we expect to be sustainable if we carelessly continue filling our landmasses with more concrete jungles?

Are we ready to suffer worldwide catastrophic consequences like global warming, a health crisis, or even worse, the unexpected extinction of the human race?

Fortunately, environmental advocates around the world have taken the necessary steps to prevent those unwanted scenarios.

Additionally, architecture and design communities in cooperation with their local governments have likewise implemented strict policies to ensure that natural habitats continue to thrive despite the staggering increase of urbanization. These preventive measures help in minimizing the complete annihilation of the environment.

Take a look at our residential communities for instance. Although parks, gardens, and other green spaces have been mandatory for public areas in urban centers, focusing first on the smaller aspects of society makes all the difference. In other words, awareness begins the moment you step out of your very own doorstep - at home!

Imagine leaving and arriving at your abode every single day of the week with all the sensual pleasures of nature? Would you welcome those healing experiences into your life? Just picture what that would do to your overall health and well-being.

Would this daily routine be something you’d look forward to? I bet!

During one adventurous exploration of a bustling metropolis, I came across a green patch incorporated within a housing subdivision. Planted right at the middle of a neighborhood of colorfully decorated houses, this mini-park immediately caught my curious gaze.

Though occupying a tiny fraction of land, this gorgeous environment was an architectural marvel in its own right. With an organized layout consisting of properly groomed trees, shrubs, plants, trimmed grass, walkways, bike paths, benches, and contoured terrains, it was a creative masterpiece that couldn’t be ignored.

Interestingly, it also doubled as a kids playground where swings, athletic bars, and other sports equipment were installed. Since most of the homeowners in this residential community consisted of young families, the integration of a recreational space for children was certainly a smart move.

As I sat in one of the benches while quietly observing my immediate surroundings, I noticed several kids enjoying its energetic atmosphere, playing until the early hours of the evening. Some of them were even unsupervised by their parents or guardians - telltale signs of a secure and safe haven.

And if there was one outstanding quality that set this green space apart from other similar places I’ve seen, it was its spotless cleanliness. Amazing!

No wonder all the housing units in this vibrant neighborhood were sold out immediately (even during the preselling phase of the project). And if there was one amenity that assisted in closing their buying decision, I was pretty sure it was this mini-park!

Would you invest in real estate that hosts natural environments such as playgrounds, gardens, and parks? And if these therapeutic encounters with nature become easily accessible more often anytime during the day, would that greatly improve our standards of living?

Why not?

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Architect | Environmentalist | Adventurer
Creator of Architecture+Design Community on Hive

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