English | Español This article was originally posted in the CIVIS series by the Cities Alliance (No.7 – 2014) We inhabit a world where an increasing number of people live in cities, all of which are becoming intricately connected to a global system of cities. Modern cities are part of a new economic geography which makes them increasingly dependent on fast communications, … [Read more...] about The Systems of Secondary Cities: The neglected drivers of urbanizing economies
Biomimicry: Designing Cities According to Nature
Drawing on natural ecosystems in order to create innovative solutions, biomimicry has been inspiring designers for decades, many times without our full understanding of this discipline. Yet creative minds around the world have been increasingly turning to biomimicry–banyan tree leaves, butterfly wings, a bird's beak–for new, sustainable and ecofriendly designs. This approach … [Read more...] about Biomimicry: Designing Cities According to Nature
Skytran: The Next Big Thing in Automated Transportation
Most of the world now lives in mega-cities, where commuters typically spend two to three (and sometimes four) nerve racking, stress inducing, and non-productive hours each day traveling back and forth to work. Meet SkyTran, an elevated, high-speed, low-cost, silent and “green”, personal rapid transportation system that can help solve this issue: Elevated: SkyTran flies … [Read more...] about Skytran: The Next Big Thing in Automated Transportation
Emerging Cities Universe in Latin America
English | Español Today, 8 out of 10 people in Latin America and the Caribbean live in a city; this is a figure that has become very popular due to its relevance for urban policies. But, how many of them live in mega-cities, intermediate cities or small cities with less than 100 thousand inhabitants? João Pessoa (Brazil) has less than 1 million inhabitants To answer this … [Read more...] about Emerging Cities Universe in Latin America
Valdivia: A Laboratory for Urban Innovation
Español | English Regardless of its scale or geographic location, today people have the power to innovate and transform the city they live in. Technology allows us to be connected with others in real time, enables access to great information flows and provides with unlimited tools. This scenario creates the need for generating creative ecosystems and smarter cities. The … [Read more...] about Valdivia: A Laboratory for Urban Innovation