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Does measuring help make better unmeasurables?

Agency
Attachment
Attraction
Connection
Freedom
Inclusion

To measure the things we value, we need to develop and apply our own set of metrics, as opposed to the market-driven indices commonly used by developers to determine what makes good real estate. Perhaps we should even shift our perspective – how would a bird see our city? Are our buildings hostile or hospitable to them? Could what benefits them also benefit us?

Singapore-based WOHA architects has developed a set of rating systems to evaluate the outcomes of their projects, based on measuring five key ratios.

Green Plot Ratio

The amount of landscaped surfaces compared to a development’s site area. The measurement includes all new and preserved vegetation, vertical and horizontal landscaping, water features, lawns and trees, raised planters, and urban farms. All buildings need to encourage biodiversity, reduce the urban heat island effect, provide shade and cooling, improve air quality, soften the harshness of the cityscape, restore wildlife habitats, and re-connect people with nature.

Community Plot Ratio

The amount of community space allocated within a development’s site area. The measurement includes fully public areas, semi-privatecommunal spaces, care centres, libraries, restaurants, cafés, and community centres. The amenity of an urban precinct is largely determined by the quantity and quality of its community spaces. The buildings should encourage human interaction and facilitate social gatherings. Human scale, accessibility, and inclusivity are crucial to the success of community integration.

Civic Generosity Index

The extent to which a development encourages and facilitates the public life of a city. It rates the value of a development’s public attributes, such as urban connections, shared relaxation areas, sheltered walkways, gardens, and artworks. In a sociable city, buildings should be judged by their ‘human’ characteristic: are they friendly, generous, and accommodating?

Ecosystem Contribution Index

The degree to which a development supplements a city’s ecosystem. It rates a development’s capacity to maintain connections between natural habitats; its intention to provide food, water and shelter for local wildlife, and settings for native plants; and its implementation of an environmentally sensitive method for water management. In order to reverse the unprecedented environmental degradation caused by rapid urbanisation, a city’s architects, planners, and developers must view buildings as homes for flora and fauna, as well as people.

Self-Sufficiency Index

A development’s capacity to provide its own energy, food and water. It rates the success of a development’s energy, food and water production; the amount of its surfaces allocated to solar collection and urban farming; and the extent of its systems for recycling and harvesting natural resources. In a sustainable city, buildings must aim to be completely self-sufficient: they must produce as much energy as they consume, and preferably more, in order to compensate for existing high-maintenance buildings.

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