anyone know where this is?
@Dreth: what’s so gross about this? I think it looks awesome.

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@RSIxidor: not Malta, Malé, capital of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. 1/3 of the population of the tropical Archipelago lives on this island.

I’m assuming that you’ve bought into the American/modernist notion that the only proper human environment is a SUB-urban one. The land use pattern seen here is much preferable to that one. These people have at least have a shot at a true cultural center (impossible in the sub-urban model), while at the same time giving the rest of the country a chance of preserving pristine tropical beauty. Not knowing the Maldives, I can’t say for sure, but I know if this population were using the standard American land-use pattern, there would be no chance at preserving it elsewhere.

You need dense cities to preserve nature. Sprawl destroys nature more than paving a few square miles of city does. Chemical treated yards, miles of clogged highways, and empty parking lots for every imaginable human activity are what is necessary for the American ideal of a “healthy” dose of nature in daily life. Walking by a small park in a dense urban environment is healthier than driving by miles of noise-polluted tree lined highways while trying to go about the average routine.

“Overcrowding” and “density” are not the same thing, though if you grow up only knowing suburbia, it’s hard to see the difference.

And I see plenty of trees, and a couple large parks, not to mention the beaches (there are more on the other side of the island) All this to enjoy a lively urban life during the week, while taking ferry trips to tropical paradise on the weekend? Sign me up.

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