MODERN-DAY URBANISM
SMART CITIES VS. FUTURISTIC URBANISM
Today, the main challenge lies in the lack of fundamental changes in urbanism over time and the need to distinguish between smart cities and futuristic urbanism (cities). While smart cities focus on integrating technology into existing urban frameworks, futuristic urban planners envision a transformation in urban spaces, systems, and lifestyles.
While new technologies underpin the development of urbanism, non-governmental actors, tech companies, and governments priorities the real-world application of new technologies and their integration into societies. The goal is to bridge the gap between innovation and practical application to create more resilient, efficient, and inclusive smart cities. However, significant concerns arise with adopting these technologies, including data privacy, cybersecurity, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, long-term challenges such as infrastructure limitations, funding constraints, and the need for public engagement must be addressed to ensure that development plans truly benefit all residents.
Thus, Meritlands is designed to deliver new practices and innovative concepts (products and services) in contribution to futuristic urbanism and creating uplifting living environments and working spaces.
CRITICAL FACTORS IN URBAN PLANNING
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Resource availability, Management and Sustainability
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Population Dynamics
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Interconnectedness of Urban and Natural Systems
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Environmental Hazards (Natural Disasters and Climate Changes)
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Geographical and Climatic Constraints
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Ecosystems (Biodiversity, Habitat Loss and Fragmentation, Deforestation and Environmental Degradation)
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Cultural and Historical Context
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Urban Heat Islands and Microclimates
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Transportation and Mobility
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Public Health
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Global Interdependence and worldwide effects
HUMAN CIVILISATION& URBANISM
Urbanism has been a phenomenal force, significantly impacting human civilisation and societies. It has fostered economic growth, advanced technologies, and improved the quality of life.
Today, developers and policymakers must strive to reconcile current demands with the needs of future generations while protecting the environment. This highlights the importance of adopting a long-term vision and embracing fundamental changes to improve efficiency. By studying the failures and successes of ancient civilisations, we can better understand how to develop cities that are resilient, sustainable, and adaptable to future challenges.
It is worth noting that a confluence of factors often causes the fall and demise of societies and civilisations. For example, deforestation on Easter Island reached a point of unsustainability, leading to population decline. Similarly, the bubonic plague that struck the Byzantine Empire in the 6th century, as well as the similar event that ravaged Europe in the mid-14th century, are historical tragedies that underscore the interconnected issues contributing to the collapse of past civilisations. These events highlight the critical role of urbanism in addressing environmental challenges and catastrophic events.
POPULATION CONCENTERATION
NATURAL DISASTERS
Numerous cities are located on tectonic plates, built near active volcanos or on coastlines and flood plains, making them more vulnerable to natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, and floods. A highly concentrated population in such areas can magnify the impact of natural disasters.
CUTURAL CRASHES
Competition for resources and dominance, disagreements among identities and ideologies and struggle to maintain local cultures and heritage heighten tensions within densely populated areas. Moreover, demographic changes and subcultures are considerable sources of friction in urban areas, leading to social unrest or conflicts
RESOURCE STRAIN
While concentrated populations might have contributed to a more efficient distribution of resources and access to services, environmental degradation and security remain challenging, notably during catastrophic events and conflicts.
DISEASE OUTBREAK
The 1918–1920 flu pandemic, also known as the Spanish flu and the COVID-19 pandemic, are stark reminders of how quickly illnesses can spread in urban environments.
Early societies lacked the institutions, tools, mechanisms, experience, and scientific knowledge necessary to withstand environmental challenges and natural disasters or to avoid conflicts arising from environmental concerns and changes. Despite significant advancements and improvements, natural disasters, conflicts, and criminal activities have become more frequent, widespread, and severe. The surge in displacement, intra-state wars, supply chain disruptions, violence, and civil unrest is increasingly evident in our daily news. In this context, policymakers and urban planners must carefully consider the role of urbanism in addressing current crises and preparing for future challenges.
Moreover, we have witnessed the negative consequences of urbanization, stemming from a lack of fundamental changes over the centuries. As a result, concentrated populations, inequality, disparity, poverty, and inefficiency have exacerbated social and environmental challenges. This highlights that a one-size-fits-all approach to urbanism has failed, underscoring the need for new approaches and better management strategies to address these systemic issues.
Therefore, futuristic urbanism serves as a powerful tool for addressing disparities in urban areas, creating economic opportunities, and fostering prosperity. The lessons of the past are clear: civilisations thrive on visionary leadership and the ability to adapt to changing environments.
LEADERSHIP & ADAPTABILITY IN EVER-CHANGING LIVING ENVIRONMENT
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THE HISTORY OF URBANISM:
FROM FIELDS TO SKYSCRAPERS
Urban planners play a pivotal role in shaping societies and the trajectory of human civilisation. However, like other advancements, modern urbanism and urbanisation were not driven by a single individual or factor but rather by a confluence of thinkers, inventors, environmental changes, and social movements.
Historically, the rise of factories during the Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries created a massive demand for labour. People flocked to cities for jobs, contributing to rapid urban growth. Moreover, technological developments like railroads and steamships made it easier and cheaper to transport goods and people, further accelerating urbanisation.
Improved sanitation and medical advancements in the 19th century reduced mortality rates and spurred population growth, which cities absorbed. Reformers like Octavia Hill (1838–1912) in the UK and Jane Addams (1860–1935) in the US advocated for better living conditions in crowded urban areas. Their efforts led to significant policy changes, including zoning laws and improved sanitation infrastructure. Simultaneously, visionaries like Sir Ebenezer Howard (1850–1928), known for the Garden Cities movement, and Le Corbusier (1887–1965), a pioneer of Modernist architecture, laid the groundwork for modern urban planning and design. While their original plans have evolved over time, their ideas continue to influence contemporary urban development, with elements of their visions still visible in cities around the world.
Sir Ebenezer Howard envisioned a utopian city where residents coexisted harmoniously with nature. His garden city concept inspired numerous housing developments, particularly in the UK and Europe during the early 20th century. Similarly, a Spanish urban planner, Arturo Soria y Mata (1844–1920), introduced the linear city concept, which aimed to organise urban expansion rationally. His design featured a long central boulevard surrounded by green spaces, emphasising connectivity and sustainability. Other urban planners and architects of the era, such as Mikhail Okhitovich (1896–1937), focused on concepts like disurbanism, prioritising convenience, aesthetics, and mobility in urban design.