Exploring urban ecosystems in the Ruhrgebiet, Germany: Application of lessons learned to southeast False Creek, Vancouver (British Columbia)

As we enter the 21st Century, there is increasing awareness and agreement that our cities of the future must be more sustainable than the cities of today. Chapter two focuses on the emerging theories of ‘ecosystems’ planning, and considers existing innovations to deal with closed-loops cycles and the role of demonstration projects in the planning process.; The practical application of this report focuses on planning implementation strategies within the Ruhr Region of Germany providing lessons for planning efforts in Vancouver's Southeast False Creek Neighbourhood. Once the industrial heart of Germany, the Ruhr Region has been the focus of massive restructuring efforts. Chapter three examines the strengths of planning in the Ruhr Region which are the implementation strategies applied in a transition toward more sustainable development. The three key strategies are Political Programs, Local Agenda 21 and Innovative Projects. This report examines projects representing each of these three implementation strategies. These highlighted projects showcase planning efforts of the region, and are intended to inspire planners to consider the principles of natural cycles when planning.; In the final chapter, the report relates the experiences of the Ruhr Region to planning practice in Vancouver. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...