The rain vortex in Singapore . Photo courtesy of Peter Walker Landscape Architects

Cities are hot, hot, hot– bursting with  burgeoning populations, demands on resources,  climate change proposals and new ideas.  Today, the world’s urban population is 4.2 billion. The United Nations estimates that by 2050 urban dwellers will increase (from 55% today) to 68% of total world population. Urban population growth is hottest in Asia and Africa.

So what’s happening ? Our upcoming “Cities” column will look at projects –and challenges — from New York to Singapore:

Expanding New York’s shoreline on the East River as a flood barrier.

• New York City adopts congestion pricing for cars and proposes to expand the city’s shoreline on the East River as a barrier against flooding.
• Pontevedra goes car free – where’s that ?
• China is building 30 “sponge cities” to soak up floodwater and deal with drought
• Singapore’s 70-meter  manmade waterfall – in an airport
• Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme takes on projects in Kabul, Lahore, Cairo and elsewhere
• Department stores are growing food on their roofs!
• A sovraparco — suspended garden — is  being designed in the heart of Milan.

Street art in the Netherlands!

Come back for details on what’s next in cities and urban places.