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Sustainable Urban Planning: Cyprus vs. America

A reflection on the urban planning practices in Cyprus and their potential lessons for American cities. The letter highlights the benefits of walkability, the integration of natural beauty, and the preservation of historical and cultural identities in Cypriot cities, urging American urban planners to adopt similar approaches for sustainable and inviting urban spaces.

Reflection on personal experience in Cyprus. Topic inspired by article by Sarah E. Harris.

Reference:
Harris, S. E. (2012). Cyprus as a degraded landscape or resilient environment in the wake of colonial intrusion. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 109(10), 3670-3675. doi:10.1073/pnas.1114085109

To Urban Planners, 

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During my time in Cyprus, it has been easy to notice the stark difference between the layout of the city in comparison to America. I have been captivated by the thoughtful city planning and integration of natural beauty into urban spaces. Cypriot and American urban aesthetics have interesting differences, and I believe it would be of benefit to American urban planners to find inspiration in the designs that make Cyprus beautiful and sustainable. 

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If there is one piece of inspiration urban planners should take from cities in Cyprus, it is the walkability. Cypriot cities, such as Paphos and Nicosia, are characterized by their walkable streets, with shops and restaurants conveniently placed near sidewalks. In contrast, many American cities prioritize car-centric designs, leading to sprawling suburbs and the loss of walkable urban centers. In order to shop or eat, one will likely need a car. This is damaging to the environment, as car-centric designs inherently increase carbon emissions.  

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Cypriot cities are rich in history and culture, and the city design emphasizes this while creating a sense of place and identity. The focus on homogenous, static architecture makes American cities lack character. Cypriot cities have a sense of identity. Architects use local materials like stone, which not only blends seamlessly with the natural environment but is more sustainable and long lasting. During our field trip to Kato Paphos, I was able to see the neoclassical and ionic architectural styles that make Cyprus so unique. The grand columns and ornamental designs created cohesiveness between buildings while adding character. It gave them a grand and ornate feel. I was also able to see all the cafes and shops in Pano Paphos, which were unique in their own way, with different colors and layouts. In America, the city lacks traditional architecture and character. American cities are characterized by tall, looming glass skyscrapers. The look is intimidating and uninviting. Suburbs are characterized by houses that look almost identical, row by row. The library in Pano Paphos was designed by someone who was illiterate yet was still able to create a masterpiece. This goes to show that you may not need all the certifications in the world to create a beautiful city center. American architects should find inspiration in the design of Paphos.  

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The incorporation of local plants into urban planning in Cyprus can be seen in public spaces, on the streets, in gardens, and near almost any building. Native flowers, olive trees, citrus trees, and mediterranean shrubs beautify the space and contribute to biodiversity and ecological health. The flora provides habitat for the island's birds, reptiles, insects, and all other fauna.   

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 To American urban planners, while you may have made strides in integrating green spaces, you have also stripped majority of the land’s native plants and animals from the area. Modern urban planning is a desperate attempt to restore what was ignorantly destroyed. When America was colonized, land that was previously cultivated by Native Americans was turned into cities and suburbs.  

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American urban planners, learn from the lies told about the environment of Cyprus. Colonial powers made up factoids, or statements that had no factual basis, to justify changing the environment and culture in Cyprus. They argued that colonial ruling was justified in that it was fixing and correcting the wrongs of the past. The West are not “saviors” of the environment, and the cultivation and incorporation of native species in Cyprus has done nothing but good for the environment here. Colonialists argued that natives were “ignorant” and damaged the environment, and that the West would educate them and provide technical expertise, but the Cypriots do not need that. To assume that natives who have cultivated this land for so long now need technical expertise would be a flawed thought process. Learn from the ignorance of colonial powers and take insight from Natives so the natural environment can thrive in urban spaces.  

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In Cyprus, there are plants in every restaurant, street, and neighborhood. It’s not uncommon to see a diverse number of birds, insects, and reptiles all over the city. I’ve seen snails, lizards, butterflies, and more thriving just outside of my apartment. Pedestrians are prioritized and the cities are walkable. It is better for the wellbeing of humans and the environment to arrange cities similar to the way that the Cypriots do. American cities have a lot of work to do, but with a shift in mindset and observation of other cities, real change can be made. This is not to say that there are no issues with urban planning in Cyprus. The development of new buildings and residential areas pose a threat to native species and biodiversity. However, embracing walkability, incorporating native flora and fauna, and respecting historical and cultural identities are key steps towards improving American urban spaces. 

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