Submission 2.1 : Reader Response

In this article (The idea of a city without automobiles, driven by algae, is being considered by a certain soi-disant “micronation”), by Adele Peters stated that a team of libertarians had thought of a scheme to establish a micronation between Croatia and Serbia, which was known as “Free Republic of Liberland”, operating without automobiles and driven by algae. Due to the scarcity of land space, the city’s neighborhoods will be layered such that the land will be used efficiently, while the city itself expands. The architectural plan also stated that in order to light up the city, Algae will be used for covering undersurface of platform, it can grow without sunlight and transformed into power. Especially most suitable at horizontal surface layer looks to be outstanding home for the growth of algae. Furthermore, city’s populace will be agglomerated around the transit with various amenities and recreational spots that only require a short walk from public transits to reach. As results in the city to achieve its purpose of having no automobiles within its vicinity. This article also mentioned Liberland must minimize while using renewable energy to maintain original appearance. In addition to ensure the sustainability and operations of this green city, professionals are engaged to promote entrepreneurship through crowd funding.

I strongly agree that the idea of city’s populace agglomerated around the transit with various amenities and recreational spots that’s walkable from public transits to reach is an effective way to create a city without automobiles.

In my opinion, this idea of eliminated automobiles have improved not only their air quality but also the overall livability of residents crowded center areas. And the corresponding raised use of public transportation has given subways, monorails and buses running on clean-burning natural gas a new lease on life. In fact city will be covered with pedestrian path and bicycle, citizen can choose to travel by bicycle or foot may experience numerous healthy benefits to their physical fitness. For instance is reduce the stress and anxiety of traveler on a daily basis while improving self-perception and mood. Commuting is a potential source of stress and its process totally reflect to the mood of the day so it would be great that commuting perceived as a relaxing or transitional time between home and work life, which can also be about enjoying pleasant landscape, nature and wildlife. Active commuters by public transits or foot have shown higher levels of satisfaction, less stress, more relaxation and a sense of freedom than car drivers.

Beyond the health benefits of physical activity, there are some others benefits such as reduce in accident and traffic congestion. On the other hands, people may able to build their communities, more opportunities to interact and socialize with each other along the way to work or other destinations. Public transport transitions could reduce the carbon impact and local air pollution contribution of individuals. Having said that, there are some effect of traffic related air pollution on mortality such as lung cancer and respiratory infections. This is due to the exhaust gas from the passenger cars are extremely risky for people’s health. Therefore, the function of algae as bio-reactors are used by some power plant to reduce CO₂ emissions of city. With the help of algae, I trust that all residents will be able to enjoy their better life quality in such a friendly green environment.

In conclusion, it is a long journey to build up a city powered by algae and without automobiles. I would like to highlight that cycling infrastructure investment should be paid much attention such as protected bicycle lanes, tunnel and bridges. Moreover, I believe that with the design of algae on building itself, it might become a sustainable solution for energy production in urban areas.

References

Car free cities: Pathway to healthy urban living. Mark J. Nieuwenhuijsen, Haneen Khreis

http://www.ademloos.be/sites/default/files/gezondheid_docs/Car%20free%20cities.pdf