I was reading an article on Rethink the Future [yes, I’m a nerd], What Will Future Cities Look Like? Which got me thinking about Neom, the line City project in Saudi Arabian desert, from the mind of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. It was launched in 2017, with a vision to be completed by 2030 [they now estimate it will take an additional 55 years to complete]. Planned to be a105 miles long [170-kilometre] linear City over the desert, let’s just say it ran into some, shall we say, minor setbacks. For example, the original estimated price tag of $500 Billion, and having spent over $50 billion to date, it now looks like it will cost $8.8 Trillion [25 times higher than the entire current Saudi Arabian budget]. While I will give props for an ambitious plan, think what your City could do with an extra $8.8 Trillion, that’s $400 Billion a year for 20 years.
So, given that, I put on my nerd-hat and started a deep dive into what some futurists think a Future City might look like; which got me to thinking about some of the things they wrote about, and could we do them today to prepare for future possibilities, for much less than $8.8 Trillion.
As Urban Cities move to the future, they need to think in terms of new technologies, green spaces, and a robust social dynamic. Moving Urban Cities to be a nice to live, while protecting the environment, adopting new technologies, and preserving their cultural heritage is not close to easy. Here are eight ideas Urban Cities need to think about and find ways to implement.
Think Sustainable Urban Design: Many futurists saw sustainability as a focal point to urban living in the future, but I think we can, and some are, do a great deal of this today; Like adding green roofs for gardens, rainwater harvesting, and adding solar power into new and older developments. The idea is to think green; urban areas be redesigned to reduce their environmental impact and promote energy efficiency to work against climate change.
Think Integrated Smart Technology to Improve Urban Living: The utilization of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things [IoT], and real-time location tracking [gathering data on where people hang out – it does not collect any personal date] and big data to help transform urban living. The idea is to enhance public services, improve traffic management, and facilitate efficient resource allocation, making cities more responsive to residents’ needs.
Think Innovative Transportation Solutions: Smart Highways, Future urban areas may feature car-free streets, extensive cycling lanes, and advanced public transport systems, including electric and autonomous vehicles. Concepts like Hyperloop and underground transport networks will revolutionize how people move within cities. Highway systems have remained relatively unchanged over the past few decades. However, with electric vehicles entering the market and self-driving cars on the horizon, our roads and highways are due for an upgrade. EV-Charging and Solar roads
Think Deeper Focus on Community and Social Connection Spaces: Emphasize social connections and community engagement, creating shared spaces like parks [even a small vacant lot downtown can be turned into a shared space] and community gardens in all areas of the City. This focus aims to combat social isolation and foster vibrant neighborhoods.
Think a Greater Focus on Accessibility and Inclusion: Cities may become more accessible and inclusive in the future, for example by creating more pedestrian- and bike-friendly streets, and by incorporating features such as ramps, curb cuts, and elevators to make buildings more accessible for people with disabilities, the elderly, and children.
Think Advanced Infrastructure: For example, imagine collecting kinetic energy for sidewalks and roads; products like Pavegen do just that and be used to charge smart devices. Buildings equipped with sensors to monitor environmental conditions.
Think Augmented and Virtual Reality: Using such technology advances, can improve the urban living experience, and help visitors get to know the City. For example, visualizing and exploring new developments before they’re built, or to enhance the experience of public spaces. They can also be used in different parts of the City to help visitors decided where to go next.
Think Digital Citizenship: Active, live online platforms for permits, welfare applications, and tax payments, enhancing accessibility and efficiency and allow community member to be actually engaged in the community.
Conclusion
Some may see some of this as intrusive or have the potential to be abused. It’s up to the City embrace the future and assure the community of the safety of the technology, sustainability, and its community focus. This will help create a robust and dynamic urban environment which is efficient and enhance the quality of life. As the community moves towards 2050 and beyond, these ideas can shape how we live, work, and interact as a community.
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