Future cities
How big data and The Sims are helping us to build the cities of the future
By simulating cities from the "bottom-up", scientists can help us plan for the future.
Future cities
How to embrace urban living, but avoid an apocalypse
Pollution, poverty, disease and death: future cities will be grim places, unless we do things differently.
Future cities
Past visions of future cities were monstrous, but now we imagine a brighter tomorrow
My future city contains flying cars, shimmering architecture and vertical parks. Yours is probably different, but whether you’ve thought about it or not you’ll definitely have some conception, some image…
Sustainability
Welcome to Masdar City: the ultimate experiment in sustainable urban living
From solar canopies to wind towers, Masdar City provides a living laboratory for the latest sustainable design and technology.
Explainer
Explainer: why are cities warmer than the countryside?
The Urban Heat Island is an inevitable outcome of urbanisation – but as the Earth gets warmer, that's cause for concern.
Policy + Planning
Paris is leading the world in progressive urbanism – here’s how
The city of light has found a way to draw on the resources of the private sector, while looking after the interests of its citizens.
Urban nature
How did Moscow’s stray dogs learn to navigate the metro?
The answer lies in the history we share with our canine companions.
Urban nature
Can trees really cool our cities down?
We all love a shady courtyard, but it's tough to know just how effective trees are at beating the heat.
Design
Here’s what maths can teach us about how to design the perfect car park
A mathematician shares some tips on how to avoid four-hour car park grid lock.
Parks
Is it right to use public parks for commercial events?
From music festivals to motor racing –commercial events are taking over public parks. Here's what can be done.
Data
Big data is adding a whole new dimension to public spaces – here’s how
Public spaces are becoming new arenas for people power – and it's all down to how you use your smart phone.
Parks
Public spaces are going private – and our cities will suffer
Open public spaces are good for mind and body – we shouldn't have to pay to use them.
Planning + Policy
Privatised public spaces can breathe new life into cities
Ken Livingstone and Boris Johnson, London’s two elected mayors, may have their differences but both have pursued a strongly market-driven, growth-centric agenda in the capital. Boris’ second term in particular…
Transport
Why Volvo going ‘all-electric’ is not as revolutionary as it seems
Volvo might be the first car company to go all-electric, but it's far from the market leader and petrol will continue to be relied upon.