How Lancaster, California, is using AI tech to speed up permit approvals
Author | Raquel C. Pico Can artificial intelligence completely change the day-to-day life of cities? While the more recreational uses of AI—like editing a photo or answering everyday questions—are what tend to capture the general public’s attention, the potential of this tool goes far beyond that. In fact, this is exactly what is starting to […]
Ageing gracefully: rethinking urban mobility for an older Europe
Cities must reimagine urban mobility through a lens of accessibility to remain liveable, socially just, and sustainable as its populations increase in age.
Can AI tools reduce infrastructure losses from disasters?
Author | Elvira Esparza Natural disasters have caused annual losses of around 170 billion euros worldwide over the past 15 years, according to a Deloitte report. These losses will rise to 400 billion by 2050 because climate change is driving an increase in such disasters. Additionally, these catastrophes are expected to occur more frequently in the coming years. […]
From waste to watts: how cities are turning trash into sustainable energy
Author | Elvira Esparza Converting urban and industrial waste into energy is how some countries tackle the massive amounts of trash piling up in landfills, as well as related issues like soil and groundwater contamination. Waste-to-energy (WTE) plants are locations where trash is turned into energy, reducing landfill waste while generating power. The key difference […]
What is arcology and how is it applied?
Arcology is the fusion of two words, architecture and ecology. It defines a model of city that evolves just like organisms, generating compact and live systems as they grow. Both disciplines share certain qualities which, if applied well, may resolve some of the numerous challenges facing cities today.
What is a turbo roundabout?
Author | Lucía Burbano In their goal of improving traffic flow and safety, cities continue to seek and implement mobility solutions. One of the most distinctive is the turbo roundabout, developed in the Netherlands in the 1990s and now adopted by many other countries and cities for its positive impact on urban design. How is […]
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao: 9 reasons why it deserves its global recognition among other iconic buildings
The Guggenheim Museum is one of the most emblematic buildings in Bilbao, but why is it so famous? Discover the details of this work of art and architecture.
Which are the 10 most sustainable cities in the world?
What are the 10 most sustainable cities in the world? Join us on this trip around the world where we will discover the most sustainable metropolises.
Energy from glass: the role of transparent photovoltaics in sustainable cities
Discover why transparent photovoltaics are a promising innovation in sustainable architecture —smart surfaces that turn sunlight into electricity.
Kansai airport is fighting to stay above the sea
Text | Raquel C. Pico Airports are one of the hot spots of urban mobility. Those in certain cities, in particular, are also at the center of rather surprising stories, shaped by topography, geography, or sometimes by risky construction decisions made at their inception. This is the case with Japan’s Kansai Airport, which was built […]