14. Geo-environmental Zoning for Urban Planning and Design

Geo-environmental problems are caused by natural and anthropogenic factors, especially true for urbanized areas. The modern growing cities, with limited space, are accompanied by a steady trend of new construction “up and down” and increase the density of housing and reconstruction of the already developed city areas, which gives rise to conflict in geo-environment. This predetermines the new requirements to the planning of urban space. Geo-environmental zoning of the urban areas is based on geosystemic principle, is reflecting the territorial differentiation of urban environment condition in dynamics for different scenarios of urban design, and should be conducted at an early stage of design. This technology will help to choose the best option and justify the investment. Maps of geo-environmental zoning of the urban territory should be the basis for justifying design decisions and the placement of geo-environmental monitoring. Its use in urban design will contribute to the formation of environment favorable for human life and sustainable development of the city.