Planning a sustainable and climate-resilient city

Planning a sustainable and climate-resilient city

Presentation

Facing the growing challenges of climate change, how can we imagine a city capable of adapting, thriving, and ensuring a sustainable way of life? This project places students in the roles of urban planners, engineers, and policymakers to design a sustainable and resilient city. By integrating innovative technologies, ecological solutions, and societal reflection, they will propose an urban model that meets current needs while protecting future generations.

Detailed structure and interdisciplinary teaching

1. Geography and social sciences

Territorial analysis: Study the geographical and climatic characteristics necessary to design a city adapted to its environment.

Activity: Identify a real geographic location (coastal, desert, mountainous region) and analyze its climatic and socio-economic challenges.

Key competency: Use geographic and climatic data to plan a city.

Sociology: Study the impact of social and economic structures on urban resilience.

Activity: Design inclusive community structures (schools, cultural centers, housing) to meet citizens’ needs.

Key competency: Integrate social solutions into urban planning.

2. Science (STEM)

Renewable energies: Research and integrate green technologies into city design.

Activity: Simulate the effectiveness of renewable energy sources (wind, solar, geothermal) to power the city.

Key competency: Understand renewable energies and their applications.

Urban ecology: Study solutions for water management, waste, and green spaces.

Activity: Design a rainwater harvesting system or an integrated recycling program.

Key competency: Apply ecological principles to urban systems.

3. Mathematics and economics

Budget and economic viability: Calculate the costs of constructing and maintaining city infrastructure.

Activity: Develop a realistic budget to build key structures (transport, housing, energy networks).

Key competency: Evaluate the economic viability of urban choices.

Statistics: Analyze demographic and economic data to plan public services (hospitals, transport, schools).

Activity: Create demographic and economic models to anticipate future population needs.

Key competency: Use data to inform decision-making.

4. Languages (English and primary language)

Research and writing: Write a comprehensive report explaining the technical and social choices made in designing the city.

Activity: Analyze case studies in English (Copenhagen, Singapore) and write a bilingual proposal.

Key competency: Master written communication in English and the primary language.

Oral presentation: Organize a simulated public conference to defend the project before a panel of mock decision-makers.

Activity: Prepare a persuasive presentation with visual aids, in English and French.

Key competency: Deliver impactful and effective oral communication.

5. Arts and design

Model or digital rendering: Create a visual representation of the city.

Activity: Build a physical model or use 3D software like SketchUp to visualize urban plans.

Key competency: Translate a conceptual vision into a concrete design.

Communication campaign: Create a visual identity to promote the city to citizens or investors.

Activity: Design posters, brochures, or videos to illustrate the city’s benefits.

Key competency: Visual communication and marketing skills.

Final product

Students will present their sustainable city project at an event such as an "Urban Innovation Fair," including:

• A detailed physical or digital model.

• A bilingual report justifying economic, ecological, and social choices.

• A multimedia presentation promoting the city to a mock jury.

• A comparative analysis with existing urban models.

Evaluation

• Formative: Monitoring collaborative work and design stages in a project journal.

• Summative: Assessment of the model, written report, and quality of presentations.

• Self- and peer evaluation: Students reflect on their ideas and their team members’ contributions.

This project enables students to tackle global challenges at the intersection of science, humanities, and creativity, while engaging them in reflecting on their role in building a sustainable future.