The biomorphic urbanism. The philosophy of the smart city

Abstract

The paper is dedicated to modern ecological challenges of urban space, which are social and existential challenges to humanity. The prospect of biomorphic urbanism as the most ecological program of urban life in our era of continuous growth of urbanization and development of high technologies is revealed. It is emphasized that isolation from wildlife in the artificial structure of the city threatens environmental problems, reduces and automates the urban way of life, deprives it mentally. The following thought is substantiated that now it is necessary to focus on the preservation of urban flora and fauna, revitalization of industrial zones, promote the creation of new green areas, which today is metaphorically called the "green wave" of the future. The essence of biomorphic urbanism as a means of combining technological development of cities and preservation and development of wildlife potential in cities is revealed. Since the implementation of biomorphic programs involves social activity of citizens, obviously this problem can be explained in the context of socio-philosophical approach to urban problems. It is noted that today there is a lack of such research perspectives, and the achievements of social ecology are insufficient for a universal understanding of the meanings of biomorphic urbanism. Examples are given of successful implementation of biomorphic projects in the world's leading smart cities, and some review of futuristic models of biomorphic urban transformation. It has been shown that biomorphic urbanism has a deep philosophical meaning, as it returns modern human not only to the surrounding nature, but also to its own nature that making urban life more humane, harmonious, aesthetic that encouraging urban residents to social activity. The prospects of embodying the "synthetic" plant world in urban design as part of a biomorphic strategy are identified separately. Emphasis is placed on the need for collaboration of progressive forces of the city (government, urban planners, creative class, public assets) for the implementation of biomorphic urban projects.