The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-city: a child with an ideal

Eco-city: “This place is like a child – it’s in a development phase, but it’s chasing an ideal. It’s the kind of place where people can come to pursue their dreams.” says Wang Lin, one of the city’s residents.                                                                                                                          This 24 billion pound project which began in 2009 is part of the ambitious plan …

Biophilic cities lead the way to urban sustainability

The biophilic cities network is part of the global movement towards green cities. By innovative, multi-sensory driven design and green architecture, these cities are forging a symbiotic relationship with nature. “We need density but we also need connections to nature,” said University of Virginia professor Timothy Beatley during an event at the University of the …

Can Chinese megacities lead in urban conservation?

China’s unparalleled speed of urbanization comes at a steep environmental cost. Efforts to mitigate the fallout are resulting in leaps for the urban conservation movement. The scale and speed at which China is urbanizing is impressive. Over the past three decades, China has experienced unprecedented economic and social transformation. Millions have been lifted out of …

Sustainable global cities of the future: Warsaw

Warsaw’s mayor shares a few thoughts and lessons about the challenges faced by sustainable cities, the role of European funds and strategic development. In a think piece for Huffington Post, Warsaw’s mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz shares a few thoughts about sustainable development and climate action. In the past few years, Warsaw’s infrastructure and eco-friendly transportation stock …

Smart buildings, today and tomorrow

LEED certificates prove that smart buildings can and must be both environmentally friendly and economical. Smart, in the context of buildings, means using energy and resources efficiently and integrating automation technology to maximize user comfort and building functionality. Essentially, smart buildings are made to provide enjoyable, green and high-tech environments that enable users to live …

How hyperconnected cities are taking over the world

Increased connectivity between cities is seen as key to revolutionizing both urban living and diplomatic ties with other countries. We’re now moving towards a new era where insular, political boundaries are no longer as relevant as they used to be. More and more people see themselves as “global citizens,” and that is due to the …