What are stroads, and why do they pose a growing challenge for urbanists?
Author | Elvira Esparza A stroad is the term used to describe a hybrid of a street and a road, combining elements of both. This combination creates challenges that urbanists and planners are working to solve. The term ‘stroad’ was coined in the United States a decade ago by Charles Marohn, an engineer specializing in […]
Are air taxis the future of urban transport?
Are air taxis the future of public transport in our smart cities? In this post, we analyze the advantages and challenges of this type of urban transport.
Mastering mobility: The untapped potential of urban waterways
Coined in 2016 by researcher and professor Carlos Moreno, the ‘15-minute city’ concept gained popularity (and infamy) during the COVID-19 pandemic. As people around the world adapted to the necessity of working from home, awareness about the quality of residents’ immediate neighbourhoods came to the fore and debates about the development of liveable cities were robust.
Mastering mobility with inclusiveness by design
Coined in 2016 by researcher and professor Carlos Moreno, the ‘15-minute city’ concept gained popularity (and infamy) during the COVID-19 pandemic. As people around the world adapted to the necessity of working from home, awareness about the quality of residents’ immediate neighbourhoods came to the fore and debates about the development of liveable cities were robust.
Ride with pride: creating safe public transport systems for LGBTQ+ riders
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.
What exactly is climate resilience, and why is it such a red-hot topic right now?
Author | Elvira Esparza The term ‘climate change’ refers to long-term shifts in temperature and the Earth’s climate patterns, resulting in major droughts and flooding, polar ice melting, rising sea levels, and other significant impacts. Given the increasing frequency of these events, climate resilience emerges as society’s ability to prepare for, recover from, and adapt […]
Europe’s Smartest Moves – Top Climbers in the IMD Smart City Index 2025
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 Shard, the building at the forefront of innovative construction in London
The unique silhouette of The Shard, London’s tallest skyscraper did not just happen by chance. The spire-like structure overlooking the Thames has its own special story. It is not just any building, but rather a compendium of efforts driven by innovation in construction.
Can good urban planning reduce obesity?
One of the key aspects for maintaining a healthy lifestyle is moderate exercise. A brisk walk falls within this category, but do cities offer environments that are sufficiently pleasant to promote healthy activities and prevent obesity among their residents?
Les Espaces d’Abraxas: the unique brutalist housing complex that has inspired Hollywood for over 40 years
Author | Lucía Burbano Monumental and imposing, Les Espaces d’Abraxas consists of three postmodern Brutalist buildings rich with historical references forming a large housing complex. Designed to address the specific needs a large population and alleviating residential pressure in Paris, Spanish architect Ricardo Bofill and his Taller de Arquitectura (Architecture Workshop) drew inspiration from the […]