Population growth is increasing rapidly, worldwide. The world is becoming more urban as well. Increased population growth in metropolitan areas has intensified burdens on landscapes to accommodate our daily needs for food, work, shelter, and recreation. Rapid urbanization influences ecological conditions by altering the physical mosaic of the landscape. One noticeable effect, landscape fragmentation (the division of large parcels of land into smaller lots), separates, degrades, and homogenizes habitats; in turn, affecting biogeochemical cycling and resulting in the erosion of biodiversity. Sprawl and climate change (severe and unpredictable weather events) exacerbate the negative ecological effects of urban development. Despite an impressive array of urban spatial forms and structures, the complexity of these problems associated with rapid urbanization and climate change has made solutions increasingly difficult to attain. I offer a complementary spatial framework comprised of a set of principles to facilitate meaning dialogue in addressing these problems. At the core of these principles is the search for a pathway aimed at creating and maintaining adaptive and regenerative urban places. I explore supportive principles for creating such places. The principles include the design imperatives for change and uncertainty grounded on ecological science especially resiliency theory; affirmation of regional thinking and action; conservation of ecosystem services; purposeful adaptation and mitigation of climate change impacts; adoption of regenerative practices, as well as adaptive re-use, revitalization, and conservation. I conclude by affirming that the effectiveness of these principles in managing growth in urban landscapes lies in their synergistic effects.

• Forster Ndubisi, Ph.D.(Texas A&M University)