9. THE MEGA-CITIES AND THE SLUMS

Cities or villages constructed in sequence are basically not to be larger than 1 km², with at least 1km² of nature or agricultural land along each side. Larger cities could be built in a chequered structure, with the “black squares” representing a pyramid city or village, and the “white squares” being nature and agricultural land. Each sequenced city of 1km² will have 4 km² of nature on it's 4 sides, to relax in. If we were to demolish the deprived areas and slums in and around our cities, and rebuilding these in phases, with pyramid cities, suddenly a large amount of recreational green areas will be created within these cities. Furthermore everybody will have access to clean water, sanitary and sewage systems. Building such pyramids will be a massive impulse for the employment in that city, which is an effective way to decrease poverty in third world countries, with IMF loans. People will then be able to live in independent, self-sufficient economic units, in part because poorer people will no longer need a car to have a job.

MAQUETTEPHOTO 6 - CROSS SECTION

10. IDENTITY, INTIMACY AND INTEGRATION

Even though there are no cars driving through the city, the pyramid cities are vibrant and vivacious, with relaxing nature areas available at the most 500 metres any place. Children can play on the park-like squares, and walk to school. There are only closed housing blocks, which guarantee intimacy and social safety. The residential and commercial surfaces are about the same size, and everything can be done walking or using a bicycle, in necessary with travelators and escalators. Square cities allow for the comfort and cosiness which suburban locations are lacking. As opposed to today's suburban areas the pyramid cities are focused on Identity (post-modern small scale), Intimacy (closed housing blocks) and Integration (of living, working, shopping, relaxing).