social harmony will be a key feature of the eco-city. an important instrument to achieve this will be subsidized public housing in the eco-city, which will help to meet the housing needs of the lower and lower-middle income strata of society, and enable people of different income and social strata to live near to, and interact with, one another. the eco-city will be barrier-free to cater to the needs of the elderly and the mobility-impaired. public social and recreational facilities will be located within easy access of homes to meet residents’ needs and provide opportunities for residents to interact.