From Streets to Society: How Urban Planning is Shaping a Human-Centered Future
Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Päivi Raivio, a Helsinki-based urban designer and placemaker recognized for her innovative work on people-centered public spaces. With a background in creative urban interventions and community engagement, Raivio’s projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can make cities more vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming for every season.
The water scarcity problem (and how cities are preparing to tackle it)
Author | Lucía Burbano According to the latest State of Global Water Resources report, published in 2023 by the World Meteorological Organization, the water cycle is becoming increasingly disrupted due to climate change and human activities. This imbalance is leading to extreme droughts and violent showers, both of which are causing devastating consequences for millions […]
How underutilized urban spaces are being repurposed for sports
Author | Raquel C. Pico In the race toward sustainable development, urban development plays a crucial role. Firstly, as an ever-increasing proportion of the global population relocates to cities, the challenges of the future are increasingly urban in nature. Furthermore, cities themselves have begun to exhibit signs of strain, underscoring the urgent need for urban […]
Fiat factory to mixed-use building: an architectural history of the iconic Lingotto
Author | Lucía Burbano The Lingotto Fiat factory, a century-old architectural icon in Turin, Italy, is a prime example of how a building can transform and adapt its original purpose to meet today’s needs. The Lingotto was a pioneer of industrial architecture for several reasons. The main reason is that it exemplifies the “vertical factory” […]
The case for congestion pricing: the benefits beyond the controversy
The summer of 2017 – dubbed by former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo as the ‘Summer of Hell’ in New York City’s transit history – was marked by derailments and delays. With only 65% of weekday trains reaching their destinations on time, a state of emergency was called for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the public transport operator for the New York City region. As a result, numerous short- and long-term proposals were introduced. One of these proposals was congestion pricing.
How Valencia and Tallinn are using entrepreneurship to mitigate disasters
Author | Elvira Esparza Valencia and Tallinn have launched initiatives that encourage startups to develop innovative solutions aimed at mitigating the impacts of natural disasters. The aim of this initiative is to develop innovative solutions for emergency management to reduce the impact of disasters, such as the ‘DANA’ (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos, Spanish for […]
How Chinese cities and the private sector are working to boost Low-Speed EVs and move away from fuel-driven vehicles
Author | Elvira Esparza The low-speed electric vehicle (LSEV) market is expanding rapidly worldwide due to the increasing restrictions on combustion vehicles. They have emerged as an alternative to conventional vehicles, enhancing mobility by being well-suited for short-distance travel and navigating congested city traffic. Fifty percent of the demand for low-speed electric vehicles comes from […]
Winter Placemaking: Turning Cold Cities into Vibrant Hubs
Recently, I had the privilege of interviewing Päivi Raivio, a Helsinki-based urban designer and placemaker recognized for her innovative work on people-centered public spaces. With a background in creative urban interventions and community engagement, Raivio’s projects demonstrate how thoughtful design can make cities more vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming for every season.
Mobile ticketing is taking off in cities thanks to Low Emission Zones
Author | Elvira Esparza Mobiles have become an essential tool in our daily lives. Their use for paying public transport fares has facilitated the integration of various transportation modes, enhancing the overall user experience. Their adoption as a means of accessing Low Emission Zones has helped improve urban traffic flow and reduce pollution. The integration […]
How technology is being used to optimize city landfill sites and reduce emissions
Author | Lucía Burbano Cities must actively reduce their emissions to achieve the mid- and long-term decarbonization goals they have set. One of the infrastructures requiring the most effort in this regard is municipal waste management, as it is a major source of methane—a potent greenhouse gas. A report by the United Nations Environment Program […]