The world faces unparalleled rates of urban expansion. More than 50% of the global population lives in cities, and that number is predicted to reach 68% by 2050. Due to the rapid increase in urbanization, today’s cities are struggling with a range of issues from gridlocked traffic and overflowing landfills, to unaffordable housing.
But still, cities are continuously growing and evolving to keep up with modern trends. And innovation plays a major role in this transformation. Below we have outlined some of the key considerations when it comes to visualizing the cities of the future.
The role of transport
Urban mobility is one of the most talked-about factors when it comes to cities of the future. There is a growing trend towards shared mobility and autonomous vehicles are set to revolutionize the way we move around cities.
Research suggests that people are frustrated with public transport systems, and many have seen an increase in commuting times over the last few years. Additionally, attempting to find a parking space has been listed as the main reason people don’t like driving.
With cities getting busier by the day, there is an increasing need for a change in mobility. Autonomous vehicles are the way of the future and will likely transform cities as we know them.
The impact of governments
Ultimately, governments need to be on board to lead and execute the changes that are needed for cities to meet growing demands.
Unfortunately, though, not all governments show the same capability when it comes to preparing for the future. Recent studies suggest that there are three main problem areas in this regard: a lack of vision, an unclear division of responsibilities between government and transport authorities, and a deficiency in personal leadership. Additionally, resources are scarce, which can further complicate matters.
However, if governments, transport authorities, and mobility providers work together, we’re on track to building better and more efficient cities.
The cities of the future
The cities of the future must meet the needs of their residents. The well-being, sustainability, and other basic needs of residents should be a priority - the quality of life is becoming increasingly important. This means governments and authorities should be working towards minimizing pollution, improving mobility systems, reducing congestion, and implementing adequate healthcare facilities, to name just a few tasks.
Interestingly, there is a growing discussion around the idea of putting the mobility of people above the mobility of vehicles. The idea is that cycling, walking, public transport, and other efficient shared mobility, could have a very beneficial effect on future cities and their residents.
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