Date of Award

Spring 2017

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Urban Studies

First Advisor

Garth Myers

Second Advisor

Xiangming Chen

Abstract

Over the next fifteen years, the world’s population is expected to reach new heights at 8.5 billion people. Currently, half of the global population is living in cities, which in turn, will inevitably increase with the growth of humanity. As the Mayor of Copenhagen, Frank Jensen, so poignantly explains, “A sustainable world starts with sustainable cities. In Copenhagen, we keep this in mind as we strive to combine sustainable solutions with a focus on growth and quality of life to make Copenhagen an even more livable city.”[1] Urbanization is an unavoidable phenomenon and challenges the threshold of a successful city; however, this research will prove the crucial benefits of strategic urban planning in the face of these challenges.

Researching urban livability tactics in Denmark will expand our global understanding of urbanization and allow us to appropriately apply strategies for improving quality of life. Implementing smart urbanism and efficient infrastructural design will ultimately shift the focus of cities to prioritize the inhabitants of the urban landscape. Providing strategies to responsibly and joyfully coexist in the city and with the city will guide the following research process with the goal of proving the tremendous benefits of urban design that prioritizes the quality of human life.

[1] Frank Jensen and Morten Kabell, "Copenhagen - Solutions for Sustainable Cities," State of Green. Copenhagen Municipality (2014): 5.

Comments

Senior thesis completed at Trinity College, Hartford Connecticut for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies.

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