The way our cities are designed and planned significantly impacts our quality of life. Whether we are aware of it or not, factors such as commute time, access to parks and green areas, availability of schools, and pedestrian zones all contribute to our well-being. So, why not leverage all available means to enhance our cities? At the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), we … [Read more...] about URSA: A Tool to Guide Urban Planning with Satellite Data
urban planning
Transforming Cities: Transit-Oriented Development in Latin America and the Caribbean
Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is an urban planning tool aimed at improving the quality of life in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) cities. Through investments in transportation and the management of urban components, such as land use and occupation, the distribution of public spaces and the promotion of economic activities, any city can put TOD into practice. Why … [Read more...] about Transforming Cities: Transit-Oriented Development in Latin America and the Caribbean
The Promise and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Latin America and the Caribbean’s Urban Development
Albert Einstein said: “the true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.” As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly advances, it holds significant potential to revolutionize the housing and urban development (HUD) sector in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). However, an important question arises: Are we intelligent enough to take full advantage of the … [Read more...] about The Promise and Risks of Artificial Intelligence in Latin America and the Caribbean’s Urban Development
What are the benefits of Transfer of Development Rights?
There are many ways to preserve heritage neighborhoods or ecological spaces in Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) cities. Nevertheless, when the owners of the buildings or plots can get an additional benefit for it, it means that the conservation tool we are using is the transfer of development rights (TDR).In today's article we invite you to learn how TDR works and why it is a … [Read more...] about What are the benefits of Transfer of Development Rights?
Urban food security: the role of cities in food supply
Have you ever wondered what cities can do to facilitate food security for their inhabitants? Cities are susceptible to disruptions in transportation, distribution and supply chains, which can quickly lead to food shortages. By proactively addressing food security, from planning to investments to health policies, cities can anticipate distribution flows, develop contingency … [Read more...] about Urban food security: the role of cities in food supply