Urban Design
Cities are like people; some are lively, some are healthy, some are pathological, and some are even dying. Since the "Athens Charter," the concept of 'functional zoning' has largely dominated urban planning, turning cities into vast functional machines that operate efficiently but hinder life. Cities are generated by the gathering of communication and should serve to promote interaction. Urban public spaces should be showcases of the city's vitality and diversity, rather than yielding entirely to cars and other modes of transportation. Various places that encourage people to linger and interact should be ubiquitous, rather than all confined within indoor museums and shopping centers. The French IFAD office has established a complete system for charming cities: eliminating urban ailments, leading innovative living, and shaping unique charm!