City-Level Decoupling-Case Studies

CITY-LEVEL DECOUPLING: URBAN RESOURCE FLOWS AND THE GOVERNANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE TRANSITIONS

Lessons from the project

Though the lack of private sector and NGO involvement may be seen as an ‘imbalance of power' in other contexts, the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s dominant role (and the championing of the project by the then-mayor, Lee Myung-bak) was key to the project’s success. As a result, restoration plans were coherent and achieved a significant level of integration. Implementation time was also relatively short, due to fewer administrative challenges. Also contributing to success were the strong ties and shared agenda of the Metropolitan Government, Cheonggyecheon Citizens Committee and the Research Support Group during planning. Despite its overwhelming success, a few criticisms have been made of the project. Those with visual impairments and mobility problems complained that they had difficulty accessing the stream. 343 Lifts and free wheelchairs were subsequently provided at seven locations, but the minority feel indignant that their needs were not included at the design stage. 344 Some have criticised the project’s ecological authenticity and cost, given that water must be pumped from a nearby river and groundwater reserves to keep the Cheonggyecheon flowing all year round. 345 These critics have called for a more expansive ecological and historical restoration that includes the entire Cheonggyecheon basin and ecological system. 346 Finally, rising property prices due to the urban renewal have caused concern that local inhabitants may soon be unable to afford the cost of living and working in the area. 347

Conclusion

The success of the Cheonggyecheon river restoration project and the pleasure it has provided to Seoul’s citizens has inspired similar projects around the world. 348 Cities in Japan, Singapore and the United States are recovering streams from storm drains, acknowledging the significant contribution of a well planned urban green belt to social, ecological and economic sustainability. 349

89