Habitats for a Sustainable Society

Abstract

Human habitats have been constructed by all sedentary societies for several millennia in order to maintain secure living conditions. This article presents some key principles of ecological, economic and social sustainability of human habitats derived from a human ecology perspective. Then the article shows how these principles can be applied in ten core themes about sustainable land use planning and human settlements. These themes are accounting for natural ecosystem functions, a healthy and safe habitat, meeting basic human needs, accommodating economic and social diversity, functional mix, building density and layout, equity, lessons from history, building and planning for change, and public awareness and participation. These themes should be considered by professionals and representatives of communities before major decisions are made about the current conditions and future options of their habitat.