Winter Cities

Abstract

The Winter City movement was one of the first late-twentieth century examples of a world-wide trend of researchers and urban places to focus on the problems associated with a particular type of city, namely those affected by cold, snow and ice. It has developed and shared ways of solving the difficulties posed by these conditions. The problems, however, are not simply composed of physical constraints; there are vital psychological, economic and social issues that need to be addressed if towns and cities in areas with winter conditions are to become more sustainable and liveable. Two major dimensions of policies have been developed to achieve these goals. One set focuses on the design of towns at various scales: those that relate to the planning and adaptability of the settlement itself; and to specific buildings and plans that improve the town’s ability to cope with winter conditions. The second approach involves policies that seek to create more social and economic opportunities for the inhabitations of these settlements in during winter, encouraging them to enjoy, not fear, the winter conditions through festivals, sports facilities and improving outdoor spaces to encourage sociability.