Science Forums 2

[freeztar]

First of all, very interesting topic kmarinas!

Originally Posted by kmarinas86

Which city do you think is most efficient.

I'd love to answer this question forthright, but I'm stunned by the lack of what is outside the box (or circle in this case). Perhaps it's better that I lay aside my idea of environmental connectivity and approach this as a model.

So, my answer would be that the 2nd city is more efficient, but that is subjective depending on how we define "efficient". In terms of commerce efficiency, I would bet on the "central hub" model. With other variables, such as utilities, the 1st city (the one you created) might very well be the most efficient of the two models you have presented. So perhaps it is best to define a criteria for efficiency. If you mean to say that your design represents a total efficiency gain over the opposing design, then perhaps qualify that by posting different types of efficiency gains/losses for both sides.

I'm wondering if it is possible to have a suburban core and urban outskirts.

It's certainly possible and a very interesting idea.

I'm wondering if it would reduce traffic congestion.

I'm guessing that it would reverse traffic trends. Downtown traffic would turn into a "circumference band" traffic, perhaps.

I'm wondering if would make people happier.

That's hard to qualify as I can't think of any examples of studies examining this. It could be the case, but the question "why?" would have to be answered before a case could be made.

I'm wondering if it would reduce class stratification.

I'm wondering if it might increase it.

I'm wondering if could hold more people in less space without increasing traffic.

Spreading the "urban areas" around the outside of the circle could definitely increase population density. Traffic is a big "?" at this point.

I'm wondering if it could provided more balanced and equal access to different parts of the city.

To me, this seems like one of the biggest pros for this idea.

I'm wondering if such a city is easier to evacuate during emergencies.
I'm wondering if such a city would spread disease less quickly.

Interesting questions. We can model such things, but unfortunately I don't have the facilities on hand.

I'm wondering if there is any city like this
I'm wondering if such a city has any of the other characteristics I just talked about.

Good question. I can't think of any off the top of my head, but I seem to recall seeing/knowing of something the same/similar. I'll dig deep and post anything relevant I come across.