Today, November 8, we celebrate World Urbanism Day. Created in 1949 by Carlos Maria della Paolera, a professor at the University of Buenos Aires, the day was meant to increase professional and public interest in planning, both locally and internationally. Paolera is also responsible for designing the symbol of World Urbanism Day, representing the trilogy of natural elements essential to life: the sun (in yellow), vegetation (in green) and air (in blue), referring to the balance between the natural environment and humans. Currently, the event is celebrated in thirty countries on four continents.
According to Paolera: "Following the most varied directions in their research, urban planners around the world have come to the conclusion that it is necessary to recover the air, sun and vegetation in modern cities. Even the most opposing urbanistic theories and achievements agree with the ultimate goal, which is to ensure the intimate union of the city with the inhabited land, giving wide openness to nature among the inert masses of urban construction."
Urban planning is an exciting field that involves not only architects, but also social scientists, geographers, and many others. Through the discipline of urban planning, we plan and execute changes to the greatest human creation, our cities.
In honor of this special day, we have prepared a selection of previously published content that addresses the topics of urbanism, urban planning, and utopian cities.
The Evolution of Radical Urbanism: What Does the Future Hold for Our Cities?
Why Jan Gehl, the Champion of People-Oriented Cities, Doesn't Necessarily Dislike Skyscrapers
Jan Gehl's 5 Rules for Designing Great Cities
How the Layout of Urban "Cells" Affects The Function and Success of Neighborhoods
Learn to Design an Urban Block With This Set of 50 Cards
Opinion: Why Our Cities Need Less Jane Jacobs
Distributing Power: Jeremy Till on the Complex Necessity of Participatory Urbanism
