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Future Technologies
Crowdsourcing Infrastructure to Rebuild Cities in Conflict
rebuilding conflict cities
What if I create a channel for anyone in the world to invest in real estate in Afghanistan, Somalia, Libya, Iraq or South Sudan? Most investors would not be deterred by possibly losing 100 USD when the potential return could be 1000%.[read more]
Future of Public Transit: Otobuxi? Self-Driving Automobile + Bus + Taxi
the future of public transit?
With all-wheel drive and electric power, the Otobuxi can travel with quiet ease on narrow, residential streets. The vehicle can accommodate up to 12 passengers and does not require a driver.[read more]
What’s the Return on Investment for Sustainability?
investing in sustainability
The rise of so-called “green MBA” programs is a welcome addition to the business landscape. The “jobs vs. the environment” debate is over and it’s pretty clear that business, in general, is on board with sustainability.[read more]
Silicon Valley Decline: Talent and Urban Economics
empty valley?
Without immigration, Silicon Valley is dying. Migration is ephemeral, particularly international migration. Here today, gone tomorrow. Entire regional economies depend on the influx of talent.[read more]
Sustainable Cities Through a Grassroots Environmental Movement
Global climate change is a crisis, but it can also be an opportunity for new and innovative ideas, new opportunities to build sustainable economies, and new opportunities to build sustainable societies.[read more]
Green Infrastructure and Technology for Alleviating Poverty [VIDEO]
solar-powered water pump
Can solar power help eradicate extreme poverty in the developing world? As we’ve shown a number of times, many social entrepreneurs think so, and are investing their time and money in a variety of technologies.[read more]
Is It a Bike or a Machine? Or Both? [VIDEO]
bicycle innovation
Bicitec is a social venture that aims to ease labor-intensive jobs and provide profits for people from rural areas, by turning old bikes and recycled machine parts into new machines and selling them for an accessible price.[read more]
Grids Are for Squares: 3 Reasons to Consider Alternatives for City Design
a new urban planning model?
We in the modern world need not be bound to the primitive tools of the early surveyor, the primitive signal timings of the 1920s traffic engineer, or the primitive construction techniques of early carpenters.[read more]
How the Internet Should Increase Geographic Mobility
internet mobility?
In time, the Internet should increase the distances people migrate. Expanding where you know doesn’t require travel. Trust can be cultivated online.[read more]
Commercial Onshore Wind Farms: A Threat to the Landscape?
onshore wind farm
Onshore wind energy is the most competitive form of renewable energy in Ireland, but its stochastic nature is a barrier to unlimited development. Should this form of renewable energy development be stifled to retain the landscape?[read more]
The Case for Building on a City's Historic Assets
historic preservation
Providence may be a particularly fine example, but it is hardly the only city with underutilized historic assets that could become a cornerstone of future economic development.[read more]
Scaling Tools and Hacking Methods for Urban Development and Reconstruction
urban research
Institutions are forever trying to build toolkits to bolster resilience, establish sustainability, or ensure economic development. But development interventions, such as technology and business incubators are often formulaic.[read more]
Sustainable Cities Collective
What's New on
“I agree I think that the nature of human interaction and involvement depends on the nature of the actual facility itself. Getting people in and around fossil fuel burning power plants is seen as a security risk, but that still leaves many components of our infrastructure that could benefit from being noticed (and that citizens could benefit from noticing). I think of examples like John ...”
“I thinks it's provocative. In Florida, we were given tours of muncipal water treatment facilities as children, less so access to energy facilities. There is a cogeneration facility at MIT that sits comfortably in the urban context, as thousands pass by daily. But I'm always concerned that critical systems and humans should not mix for the most part. Educational programs may make the same point ...”