Started reading Monocle last month, I have to say it's a great source on global affairs, business, culture & design. There is an article in this issue, where it talks about a Ghost Town Effect, which in some ways relates to the theme of 'Disappearing City'.Compact your community:
What to do if you're the mayor of a city that's plagued by the ghost-town effect? All over the world cities, towns and villages are suffering from the blight of boarded up shops and the problems that go with them. Much has already been wasted at many a town hall calling in consultants to solve the problem when most could simply apply the 75m rule. Rather than spending vast sums on unnecessary beautification programmes, lord mayors and landowners should scale back and consolidate their best assets. This means shrinking withering high streets so they can spring back to life. You simply create a new cluster by placing all the strong, existing tenantes side by side and create a zone of density where retailers and consumers find strength in numbers and also comfort. Try it - it really works.
Thoughts: Living near towns like Deptford and New Cross, I strongly aggree with this solution. There are many shops on the highstreet which is closed and it does not provide a good atmosphere to the residents around the area. The problem could also cause the 'Broken Window' effect coined by Malcom Gladwell. Therefore this solution will be great for the disappearing neighborhood.
