Complementarities and Contradictions

Abstract

The final chapter addresses the key question which brings together the research presented in the book: to what extent and in what ways does urban form affect sustainability? It begins by recounting the elements of urban form and the oft repeated mantras so prevalent in policy. It summarises the relationships between urban form elements and the dimensions – social acceptability, energy use, travel and mobility, ecology and biodiversity and economic viability – set out in earlier chapters. The lessons drawn from some key overarching sustainability issues – the potential impact of building sustainable developments on lifestyles, the use of open space and adapting the city are then examined. The next sections identify the essential links between sustainability and elements of urban form and the important messages for sustainability policies identified in the earlier chapters. The chapter concludes with some ideas about rethinking sustainability.