Ecopolis - towards the holistic city: lessons in integration from throughout the world

Abstract

Ecopolis is based on the idea of a coherent evolution of the biosphere and mankind in terms of dynamics, introducing a new holistic and interdisciplinary approach to city planning and design. This paper looks at two examples of where this term is used. The town of Pushchino, situated about 120 kilometres south of Moscow in Russia, was chosen as a case study. The idea was to create a special 'ideal' town with clean and green environments that encouraged Soviet scientists to work creatively and productively. Each research investigation of the "Ecopolis" programme was arranged as a tool to educate the townspeople, managers and local authorities. The word "Ecopolis" is also used in the Southern Hemisphere. Ecopolis Pty Ltd is an architectural firm, formed in Australia in 1991 "as a vehicle for the design and development of ecological human settlements". Ecopolis works in cooperation with the community non-profit organization Urban Ecology Australia Inc (UEA). Compared to the Russian Ecopolis, the Australian Ecopolis has a more design, architectural and planning approach. The common feature of both Ecopolises is their main emphasis on searching for ecological, economical and socially sustainable human settlements (ecological cities) and their strong community and education orientation.