How Cities Can Build Animal-Friendly Spaces in Chongqing, China

Modern urban planning increasingly prioritizes a people-centric approach, balancing human needs with economic, societal, and environmental considerations. However, this often overlooks the urban wildlife cohabiting these spaces. This paper focuses on this oversight, specifically in the context of Chongqing, China. It investigates the city's animal-friendly spaces, highlighting the difference between designing for wildlife (animal-friendly) and domestic pets (pet-friendly). Through analysis of Chongqing's urban design, the paper reveals a significant neglect of animal compatibility in Chinese urban planning. It advocates for a more inclusive approach that incorporates the needs of all urban inhabitants, including animals, within the constraints of the natural environment. The paper proposes an optimized design framework that synergizes the urban ecosystem, emphasizing sustainable development with a holistic perspective.