urbal.tv

• The Urbal Fix • Extra Reference Clips • References • The Urbal City • Urbal Policy • UI •

• Click here to enter fruit and veg •

'Rurban' describes the bleeding of unsustainable urban consumerism into formerly healthy rural resources. 'Urbal', its polar opposite, describes the only logical cure: The injection of countryside, or more specifically; green productivity, deep into the heart of our cities.

"As a professor of urban planning, I find the proposals to be perhaps today's most comprehensive integration of theory and practice directed at addressing macro-scale problems at the metropolitan level - a fine addition to our understanding of how to respond to the unprecedented challenges of the day." Prof. Philip C. Emmi, College of Architecture and Planning, University of Utah, Salt Lake City USA

The Urbal Institute is not a political organisation. We have no history of socialist, anarchist or anti-globalist/capitalist activism (just a brief spell supporting Greenpeace, post Chernobyl, and the usual woolly liberalism). However, in the absence of much coherent political thinking, these ideas - which have only emerged through very recent research - are offered, robustly, for discussion, in the hope that soon a consensus will begin to emerge that can drive the debate forward. Progress could in fact be in a completely different direction, but if it looks as though it's going to work, then we'll support it.

"The Urbal Fix"

THIS IS ONE 70 MINUTE FILM.
Please watch the clips in order

• Part 1 - Introduction •

Explains why Tom decided to embark upon this journey

nice and short
Chipping Norton Transition Town Film

• Part 2 (a+b) - Problems •

Explores the context of Global Warming, Peak Oil (and other resources) and the Financial Crisis
NOTE United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is currently predicting a 4 degree rise

watch this if you're not sure we have an urgent problem -
and if you're still not convinced: 300 Years OF Fossil Fuel in 300 Seconds and/or Climate Tipping Points and/or The Story of Stuff

• Part 3 - Options •

The change agenda is stalled at the lights - how can we move forward?

(skip this if you're in a hurry)

• Part 4 (a+b) - Theory •

Can cities offer a solution?

(an old idea from Ebenezer Howard, pre motor car, meets a new idea from Viljoen and Bohn, CPULs)

• Part 5 (a+b) - Solutions •

Proof that change is viable

• Part 6 (a+b) - Action •

How do we make it happen?

see Additional Clips for more detail on

• Co-Ops •
• Co-Housing •
• Urbal Buildings (retrofit insulation and new build) •
• Waste (and upcycling) •
• Designers (future approach) •
• Teamwork •
• Global Balance (UK responsibilities) •
• Steady State Economics •
• Urbal Food Production •
• Permaculture •
• Next Steps •

and more.

Reflective Paper

Presented by landscape architect and film maker Tom Bliss, the film features contributions by André Angelantoni Post Peak Living.com, Hilary Benn MP Leeds Central, Secretary of State DEFRA, Katrin Bohn Architect, Author CPULs, Richard Brett, Leader Leeds City Council, Paul Chatterton Senior Lecturer, Geography, Leeds University, James Copp Engagement Consultant. CABE, Leeds Met, Niels Corfield, Permaculture Consultant, Kate Dundas Consultant Landscape Architect, Jonathan Eyre, Ecologist, Professor Lord Tony Giddens Former Director LSE, Andy Goldring CEO Permaculture Association, Nick Green, Incredible Edible Todmorden, Sir Peter Hall President, Town and Country Planning Association, Alex Hammond, NHS Health Improvement Specialist, Chris Johnston, Leeds TIDAL activist, Greg Keefe, Downing Professor of Sustainable Architecture, Leeds Met, Professor Tim Lang Food Policy, City University, Iris Liete, Urban Gardener, Duncan McCann, getcycling.org.uk, Pauline Neale, Suburban Gardener, Daniel O’Neill Centre for the Advancement of Steady State Economics, Robert Paige, Meanwood Valley Urban Farm, Jonathan Porritt CBE, Forum for the Future, John Preston, West Yorkshire Manager, BTCV, Ranyl Rhydwen Senior Lecturer, Centre for Alternative Technology, Alan Simson, Landscape Architect, Urban Forester, Reader Leeds Met, Roxana Summers, NHS Health Improvement Specialist, Mike Thompson Course Director, Environmental Architecture, Centre for Alternative Technology, John Thorp, Leeds Civic Architect, Professor Robert Tregay University of Wales, Landscape Architect, LDA Design, Rachael Unsworth Senior Lecturer, Geography, Leeds University, Andy Walker, SURE Otley, Philip Wilson, slipstreamenergy.com

Download Discussion Document

Urbalism is the distillation of a select range of theories: Ebenezer Howard's pre motor-car Social City provides a 'once and future' ergonomic, political and economic framework. Steady State Theory provides a contextual objective. CPULs provide a spatial structure plus psychological and ecological priorities. Bio-mimicry systems (Permaculture, community woodlands, SUDs) offer low impact / high yield outputs with biodiversity, ecological services and biosequestration benefits. Natural England and the NHS provide additional ergonomics and justification via health and well-being co-benefits. Incredible Edible Todmorden and other temporary, guerrilla and planned schemes in West Yorkshire provide proof and inspiration. And engagement, co-design and local empowerment imperatives demand a new multi/trans-disciplinary approach for designers and other 'experts' - as championed by The Urbal Institute.

Some timely thoughts about food from Linda Hull

Please contact Tom Bliss with your thoughts, criticisms and suggestions - or if you want a DVD to show to a group.

• Top of Page •

and FACEBOOK (please go here to comment and discuss)