In this article, we look at how cities around the world are designing their futures with sustainability in mind. You’ll see some buildings powered by solar panels while others utilize geothermal heat pumps for energy production.
These projects are part of FutureBuilt, an initiative aiming to create sustainable cities with stunning architecture that have a carbon footprint 50% lower than business as usual.
1. One Vanderbilt in New York City
One Vanderbilt, located near Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan, is one of the newest and most modern skyscrapers in existence. It boasts an incredible view across New York City from its apex position.
When designing One Vanderbilt, SL Green Realty had to consider the long-term sustainability of their building and how it could meet the city’s ambitious climate laws. The city has recently banned fossil fuel use in new construction and is pushing for cleaner sources of power such as solar, wind and biofuels.
SL Green was able to utilize modern technologies during the design phase to make One Vanderbilt an energy-efficient skyscraper. Its turbines burn natural gas, which is less polluting than coal or oil.
At the summit of the building stands SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, an art installation featuring mirrored rooms and glass sky boxes that combine transparency and reflectivity to provide a truly immersive experience. It also includes an unforgettable ‘Levitation’ feature where visitors stand on transparent platforms over 300 metres tall.
2. Dongtan in China
In 2005, Shanghai Industrial Investment Corporation (SIIC) contracted Arup to design a city that would be as close to carbon neutral as possible. This eco-city, named Dongtan, was constructed on the southeast tip of an island near Shanghai.
The plan calls for the city to become self-sufficient, generating all its energy from renewable resources and growing all of its food. Furthermore, it plans on recycling all of its waste.
Dongtan is expected to become the first carbon-neutral city ever constructed, providing increased sustainability in a region beset by pollution and overcrowding.
Arup’s planning process and technology for Dongtan have had a lasting impact on Chinese eco-urban experiments. It has encouraged reform in China’s sustainable urban planning practices and, more generally, resurrected professional expertise in eco-city planning in China.
3. London’s National Park City
Years ago, London made headlines for its skyscrapers covered in solar panels or high rises powered by wind turbines. Now however, the UK capital is set to become the world’s first National Park City – a greener city that replaces skyscrapers with forests.
Mayor Sadeq Khan and the National Park City Foundation have championed this initiative, which has the backing of over 250 organizations throughout London. Through nature-based activities, people are being encouraged to make their cities greener and healthier.
Since 2017, The National Park City Foundation (NPCF) has been creating a National Park City Map, designed to showcase all of London’s parks, woodlands, playing fields, nature reserves, city farms, rivers and lakes that contribute to its beautiful outdoor spaces. It also lists 20 places you can get outdoors for activities such as swimming, climbing, pitching tents or white-water rafting – which were officially unveiled during the inaugural National Park City Festival from 20-28 July 2019! With this map in hand the NPCF is now working closely with residents and partners to inspire more nature-based activities throughout London.
4. Eco-City of the Future
Today, many cities around the world are promoting eco-friendly design and energy conservation in their buildings. This may include using solar and wind power, conserving water and heating resources, as well as installing natural ventilation systems which eliminate the need for air conditioning.
Furthermore, green cities typically incorporate smart technologies into their urban infrastructure to collect and analyze data to enhance sustainability practices in the future.
Sustainable development can be beneficial for local economies, as it increases productivity and creates new industries. Nonetheless, this movement is not without its challenges.