Crowdfunded Cities: Pooled Capital Building Satellite Towns
Have you ever dreamed of living in a city that is planned, sustainable, and community-driven? Thanks to the concept of crowdfunded cities, this dream is becoming a reality. Crowdfunded cities are satellite towns that are built using pooled capital from the public, rather than government or corporate funding. This innovative model allows citizens to take ownership of their built environment and create sustainable, thriving communities. In this article, we will explore the concept of crowdfunded cities and how it is transforming the way we build and live in satellite towns.
The Rise of Crowdfunded Cities
Crowdfunding, the practice of funding a project or venture by raising small amounts of money from a large number of people, has been gaining popularity in various industries. From startups to creative projects, crowdfunding has revolutionized the way businesses and individuals can access capital. And now, the concept is being applied to building cities.
The idea of crowdfunded cities was first proposed by journalist Neal Gorenflo and architect Michael Strong in their 2008 book, “The Rise of the Citizen Developer.” They envisioned a world where citizens would have the power to shape their built environment and create sustainable, community-driven cities. With the rise of crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter and Indiegogo, this vision is now becoming a reality.
How Crowdfunded Cities Work
Unlike traditional city building, where governments and corporations make decisions on behalf of citizens, crowdfunded cities involve the community in every step of the process. It starts with a group of citizens who come together with a shared vision of building a new city. They then create a crowdfunding campaign, where they can raise the necessary capital for their project.
Once the crowdfunding goal is met, the community works with architects, urban planners, and developers to design and build the city. The community is involved in every aspect of the city, from choosing the location and designing the infrastructure to deciding on the types of businesses and amenities that will be included. This level of involvement not only ensures that the city reflects the values and needs of its citizens but also fosters a sense of ownership and pride in the community.
The Benefits of Crowdfunded Cities
Crowdfunded cities offer numerous benefits for both the community and the environment. Firstly, it allows citizens to have a say in how their city is built and designed, creating a sense of community and belonging. Also, since the citizens are the investors, the city is not driven by profits but by the well-being and sustainability of its residents.
Crowdfunded cities are also more environmentally sustainable. With community involvement at its core, these cities are designed to be walkable and bike-friendly, reducing the need for cars. The use of renewable energy sources and green building practices is also prioritized, making crowdfunded cities more sustainable and eco-friendly than traditional cities.
The Success of Crowdfunded Cities
One of the most successful examples of a crowdfunded city is the Italian town of Borgomezzavalle. In 2014, the town’s mayor launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise €550,000 to revitalize the town’s abandoned buildings. The campaign gained international attention, and in just a few months, it surpassed its goal, raising over €800,000. Today, Borgomezzavalle is a thriving, sustainable town where locals and tourists alike can enjoy the community’s vibrant culture and picturesque surroundings.
Another success story is the Netherlands’ community-built sustainable city, Stad van de Zon. The project, which raised €1.3 million through crowdfunding, is an eco-friendly neighborhood that prioritizes green spaces, public transportation, and solar energy. The community’s involvement in the project has created a strong sense of ownership and pride among its residents.
The Future of Crowdfunded Cities
As the concept of crowdfunded cities gains traction, we can expect to see more and more of these community-driven, sustainable satellite towns. With its citizen-centric approach and emphasis on sustainability, crowdfunded cities could be the solution to the growing problem of urbanization and the associated issues of overcrowding, pollution, and social isolation.
While there are still challenges to be faced, such as land availability and government regulations, the success of existing crowdfunded cities shows that the concept has the potential to transform the way we build and live in communities. As more people realize the power of working together to create a better world, we can expect to see a future filled with crowdfunded cities that are thriving, sustainable, and community-driven.
In Conclusion
Crowdfunded cities are not just a new way of building cities; they are a movement towards a more collaborative, sustainable, and community-driven society. By giving citizens the power to shape their built environment, we can create cities that reflect our values and needs, while also promoting a sense of belonging and well-being. With their numerous benefits and proven success, crowdfunded cities are indeed the cities of the future.
