The Monoculture of Midtown Manhattan
Highlighting yet another long-lasting effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, Phil Myrick takes a look at the concept of central business districts – and argues that its upcoming end is something to look forward to.
Global Urban Debates
What is Next for Cities and Climate? Three Established Strategies for Advancing Climate Collaborations
With climate change impacts intensifying in the coming years, governmental action is now needed more than ever. Paola Adriázola introduces proven collaborative strategies for municipalities and regions around the world.
Collaborative Climate Action: A Pre-Requisite for More Ambitious Climate Policy
The GIZ publication "Collaborative Climate Action - A Pre-Requisite for more Ambitious Climate Policy" explains why fighting climate change and its negative impacts requires the systematic cooperation of all governmental levels in order to be successful.
Infographics: Urbanisation and Urban Development in Jordan
URBANET's latest country series focuses on Jordan, and as always, we start the series with a collection of infographics! Learn more about urban development in a country where urbanisation has been a powerful factor for more than 30 years.
Rethinking “Fortress Europe”: Public Spaces from Idomeni to Thessaloniki, Greece
After years of ongoing crisis, the once called temporary measures at the EU borders have become constant ones: the Fortress Europe has solidified. Isabell Enssle presents the effects the fortified border has for communities and public spaces from the North Macedonian-Greek borderline to the city of Thessaloniki, linking them with a tool kit for inclusive public spaces.
Realising Inclusive Cities by Rethinking Urban Mobility
Inclusion has always been a conscious policy choice. Christopher Dekki reveals how cities around the world are increasingly prioritising the mobility needs of a select few rather than providing safe and accessible spaces for all.
Perceptions Data Reveal Patterns of Tenure Insecurity in the Middle East and North Africa
Understanding what drives perceived security can help policymakers and urban planners make better choices. Shahd Mustafa shares new findings from Prindex’s report on land rights in the Arab region.
Do Land-Based Commons Lead to More Inclusive Cities in the Global South?
What is the impact of land-based commons on tenure security and on progresses toward “inclusive cities”? Eric Denis, Claire Simonneau, and Irène Salenson explore cases of collective housing projects in Latin America, Africa, and Asia.
5 Planning Tips for the Urban Planner of Tomorrow
Urban design and city planning is complicated and for experts only? Michael Dehoyos takes us on a stroll through San Francisco and proves that with a little imagination, anyone can become an urban planner.
Upgrading Precarious Neighbourhoods is Key for Post-Pandemic Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic pushed the planet to ‘stay at home’ and ‘wash hands’. But in Latin America and the Caribbean, more than 100 million inhabitants lack adequate housing and sanitation. Could upgrading precarious neighbourhoods hold the key for post-pandemic recovery? By Anacláudia Rossbach et al
Urban Micro-Lungs: Mini-Forests for Climate, Biodiversity & Wellbeing
Cities have become the main culprit behind environmental degradation. Yet, what if urbanisation was a restorative act of the land, no longer synonymous with ecosystem destruction? Deema Assaf highlights how mini-forests have taken root in urban areas, with the potential of rejuvenating local ecology at an unprecedented speed.
COVID-19 Responses: The Urban Innovations that are Here to Stay
Cities, citizens, and institutions constantly evolve and are typically very resilient – according to Isidora Larraín and Pauline Claramunt. The authors present three urban innovations implemented in cities around the world that may just prove that COVID-19 responses hold the potential to become long-term solutions to long-standing problems, especially in South America.
Why Smart Cities Threaten Citizens’ Right to Privacy
The concept of Smart Cities heavily relies on collecting enormous amounts of citizens' data – and thus raises concerns as to what this data can be used for. Brad Smith on dangers, potentials, and everyday means to protect one's privacy.
Smart City: Is Africa Ready? Echoes from African Urban Slums
Everyone wants to go smart. But Emana Nsikan-George warns against creating a new class of unfit-for-smart-city urban dwellers, especially when African cities are still struggling with fundamental development goals. A thought-provoking tale of smart fantasies and urban realities.
Addressing the Housing Affordability Challenge: A Shared Responsibility
On World Cities Day, Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat, presents some recommendations on how to ensure affordable, accessible, and adequate housing for all.