At the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) held in Baku, groundbreaking solutions for sustainable urban development were showcased, with a special focus on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into urban planning. The collaboration between IBM and Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) introduced AI-driven platforms that are poised to reshape how cities plan their […]
The 12th World Urban Forum, hosted in Cairo, brought together global thought leaders, urban planners, and organizations to discuss sustainable and inclusive urbanization. A key highlight of the event was the contribution of the Bartlett School of Planning from University College London (UCL), a leading academic institution known for its research on urban sustainability. The […]
Paving the Path to Sustainable Mobility: EU’s Push for Active Transportation in Cities Urban centers across Europe are embracing a transformative shift toward sustainable mobility, with the European Union (EU) leading the charge. As cities face challenges like congestion, pollution, and public health concerns, the EU’s latest initiatives emphasize active transportation—specifically, walking and cycling. These […]
Urbanization is a defining characteristic of modern society, posing significant challenges to environmental sustainability, particularly in densely populated regions like India. Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches, and green roofs offer a compelling solution. As a nature-based intervention, green roofs provide multifaceted benefits, from mitigating urban heat to enhancing biodiversity and improving air quality, aligning […]
Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, is undergoing a transformative urban development that blends architectural innovation with sustainability. The recent completion of Karlatornet, a 74-story skyscraper standing at 246 meters, marks a significant milestone as the tallest building in Scandinavia and the European Union’s highest residential structure. This development is a cornerstone of the city’s ambitious Älvstaden […]
As cities worldwide grapple with rapid urbanization, the demand for affordable housing has reached a critical point. Sustainable modular housing is emerging as a potential solution, offering an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and scalable approach to address housing shortages in urban areas (Housing Europe, 2022). Modular housing involves off-site construction of standardized units, which are quickly assembled […]
Urban Green Spaces (UGS) are vital components of city infrastructure, significantly enhancing the quality of life and promoting public health. Research consistently underscores the multifaceted benefits of green spaces, including improved mental and physical health outcomes. Grahn and Stigsdotter emphasize that exposure to natural environments is associated with reduced stress levels, increased feelings of well-being, […]
Happiness and Well-being in Development Policy In recent years, happiness and well-being have become central themes in global development discussions. Recognizing that traditional metrics, such as GDP, are insufficient to fully gauge quality of life, the United Nations (UN) adopted a landmark resolution in 2011, titled “Happiness: Towards a Holistic Definition of Development.” This initiative […]