This report examines 28 key trends that are driving the sustainable development and efficient operation of modern cities as they respond to the unique challenges posed by rapid urbanization. Aided by connected technologies, social platforms, and flexible design thinking, cities at the forefront of these progressive solutions are creating a compelling blueprint for ensuring that their citizens, businesses and public institutions thrive. As we plan for the future, PSFK Labs is excited for the opportunity to contribute its point of view to this ongoing conversation.
2. ABOUT
This report examines 28 key trends that are driving
the sustainable development and efficient operation
of modern cities as they respond to the unique challenges
posed by rapid urbanization. Aided by connected
technologies,
social
platforms,
and
flexible
design
thinking, cities at the forefront of these progressive
solutions are creating a compelling blueprint for ensuring
that their citizens, businesses and public institutions
thrive. As we plan for the future, PSFK Labs is excited
for the opportunity to contribute its point of view to this
FOR YOUR
FULL COPY OF THE
REPORT, VISIT:
ongoing conversation.
INCLUDED
150 page report
psfk.com/future-of-cities
Featuring five macro themes and 28 key trends
80+ examples of innovation described in detail
Relevant experts to follow in the space
Ideas for putting the trends into action
Spanish translation
3. The Future Of Cities
MAXIMIZED SPACE
SENSIBLE CITY
1. Pop-Up Culture
7. Citizen Sensor Networks
13. Crowd Planned
19. Derelict Revival
25. Clean Air Everywhere
2. Elastic Environments
8. Hyperlocal Reporting
14. Community Currency
20. Infrastructure Reboot
3. Snap-On Housing
9. Just-In-Time Alerts
15. Collaborative Economy
21. Enhanced Facades
26. Recycled Resource
Systems
4. Micro Living
10. Proximity Services
16. Social Pairing
22. Culture Hacking
5. Multi-Modal Transit Hubs
11. Data Transparency
17. Micro Financing
23. Landscape Narratives
6. Creative Clusters
12. Intelligent Transportation
18. Shared Transport
24. Architectural Infographics
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
CITIZEN SOURCED
URBAN CANVAS
GREEN SCAPING
27. Micro Parks
28. Compact Farming
A
4. MAXIMIZED SPACE
ESPACIO MAXIMIZADO
Creative design solutions for making
urban lifestyles feel limitless within a
finite amount of space.
Soluciones creativas de diseño para
la fabricación de estilos de vida
urbanos sin sentir límites dentro de
un espacio limitado.
TRENDS
TENDENCIAS
1. Pop-Up Culture
1. Cultura Itinerante
2. Elastic Environments
2. Espacios Flexibles
3. Snap-On Housing
3. Edificios Ensamblados
4. Micro Living
4. Micro Viviendo
5. Multi-Modal Transit Hubs
5. Centros de Transporte Integrado
6. Creative Clusters
6. Clústeres Creativos
The Future Of Cities Report
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B
5. POP-UP
CULTURE
Architects and planners are experimenting with temporary venues
designed to be quickly deployed and assembled to host temporary
events like performances and films. These flash experiences connect
with an ever changing audience, while highlighting locally sourced
content and bringing cultural enrichment into people’s lives.
CULTURA ITINERANTE
Debido a que algunas ciudades no pueden tener acceso inmediato
a los fondos disponibles o bien en el espacio para apoyar la
infraestructura cultural permanente dentro de los entornos públicos,
los arquitectos y los planificadores están imaginando escenarios
flexibles y rápidamente desplegables diseñados para acoger eventos
temporales de actuaciones para el cine. Estas son las experiencias
flash de conectar con un público en constante cambio, además de
destacar el contenido de origen local y la inyección de disfrute en
día a día la gente.
The Future Of Cities Report
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Maximized Space / Tendencies
1
6. Collapsible Movie Theater
Can Be Transported
By A Single Truck
The Moveable Movie Theater is a portable movie theater that is
designed to be transported on a single truck. The theater’s rectangular
structure is composed of several sections, each layer housed within
another, much like a nesting doll. When in use, the accordion-like
layers are simply pulled out into a functional, multi-level theater.
Created by Japanese designer Yusuke Yamamoto, the current design
is able to fit approximately 30 people. The design is also lined with
bookshelves to double as a moveable library. Yamamoto has said that
he hopes his design will bring ‘smiles to the faces’ of those currently
living in the tsunami-ravaged Tohoku region of Japan.
www.yusukeyamamoto.net
The Future Of Cities Report
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Maximized Space / Pop-Up Culture
2
7. ELASTIC
ENVIRONMENTS
To keep pace with the changing face of downtown areas as they
transition from understated business and commerce centers by
day into lively areas for social and cultural engagements by night,
developers are designing infrastructure that can adapt to meet
an evolving set of needs. These flexible solutions accommodate a
range of potential uses, transforming any environment into a multiuse destination that attracts a mix of demographics.
ESPACIOS FLEXIBLES
Para mantener el ritmo con el rostro cambiante de los centros
urbanos en la transición desde negocio discreto y centros de
comercio del día a día a las animadas zonas de compromisos sociales
y culturales por la noche, los desarrolladores están diseñando una
infraestructura que puede adaptarse para satisfacer en conjunto la
evolución de las necesidades. Estas soluciones flexibles dan cabida
a una serie de casos de uso, ya que pueden transformar cualquier
ambiente en un destino de uso múltiple, que atrae a una mezcla de
demografía.
The Future Of Cities Report
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Maximized Space / Tendencies
3
8. Parking Garage By
Day Converts into Event
Space By Night
11 11 is a multipurpose, premium parking garage in Miami Beach, Florida
that doubles as a venue for weddings, wine tastings, yoga classes and
more. Developed by art collector, Robert Wennett, and the architects
of London’s Tate Modern and the Beijing 2008 Olympic Stadium,
Herzog & de Meuron, the oversized loft-looking building features
extraordinarily high ceilings, mixed retail and parking services and
venue rental space that, thanks to the absence of exterior walls, offers
event guests sweeping views of the city. The project showcases the
potential for creating civic spaces through mixed-use environments.
www.1111lincolnroad.com
The Future Of Cities Report
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Maximized Space / Elastic Environments
4
9. SNAP-ON
HOUSING
As a way to accommodate an increasing influx of urban residents,
architects and planners are experimenting with construction
techniques that allow for the rapid assembly of housing and other
structures, often onto the footprints of existing buildings. These
modular, prefab designs can be used as standalone dwellings or
stacked together to create multi-unit buildings that can be adapted
for a variety of uses. Whether created in pieces or, in some cases,
pre-assembled units, the on-demand nature of this style of architecture
is changing the pace at which areas can be developed and expanding
available real estate, while reducing associated labor and costs.
EDIFICIOS ENSAMBLADOS
Para acomodar el creciente influjo de personas hacia zonas
urbanas arquitectos y planificadores urbanos están experimentado
con técnicas constructivas que les ayuden a ensamblar edificios
fácilmente, así como la fabricación de módulos que puedan
añadirse a la propia estructura del edificio. Estos diseños modulares
prefabricados pueden usarse para crear edificios independientes
o multi unitarios que se pueden adaptar para diversos usos. La
naturaleza ‘on demand’ de este estilo de arquitectura con módulos
prefabricados está acelerando la velocidad en que áreas pueden ser
desarrolladas y está ayudando a expandir el terreno construible a la
vez que se reducen los costes de mano de obra y producción.
The Future Of Cities Report
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Maximized Space / Tendencies
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10. Prefab Housing Additions
Stack Vertically Onto
Existing Infrastructure
The MuReRe housing concept adds prefabricated units on top of
existing structures in order to enhance and expand a city’s built
environment. Created by Argentine architect Adamo Faiden, the
prefabricated concept features steel framed structures that are
relatively light, fast to deploy, and adaptable to the underlying
building. Once installed, the units can improve the building’s existing
infrastructure by collecting rainwater or by incorporating solarpanels. The concept utilizes the flat rooftop architecture predominant
in most Argentine cities as a basis for its design, but its modular
offering is scalable worldwide.
www.adamo-faiden.com.ar
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Maximized Space / Snap-On Housing
6
11. MICRO LIVING
As a larger percentage of the population chooses to reside in
cities, a greater emphasis has been placed on the importance
of space. As a result, there has been a shift towards living
spaces that are designed to take up a smaller footprint without
sacrificing on functionality or comfort. These creative solutions
rely on multipurpose furniture, adaptive interior environments
and the efficient use of resources to accommodate a range of
living styles and needs.
MICRO VIVIENDO
Dado que un número elevado del porcentaje de la población reside
en las ciudades, ha habido un mayor énfasis en la importancia
del espacio. Como resultado, se ha producido un cambio hacia
espacios vivos que se han diseñado para desarrollarse sobre
un espacio más pequeño sin sacrificar la funcionalidad o la
comodidad. Estas soluciones creativas se basan en los muebles
multiusos, adaptables para crear ambientes interiores haciendo
un uso eficiente de los recursos para dar cabida a una amplia
gama de estilos de vida y necesidades.
The Future Of Cities Report
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Maximized Space / Tendencies
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12. Transformer Furnishing
Collection Saves Space
Resource Furniture has successfully designed a 300 square foot
apartment through the use of transforming furniture. Resource offers
space saving pieces like the Box Table used in the adAPT mock-up;
the table converts from a coffee table to an eight person dining table.
Resource Furniture is seeking to redefine the possibilities of urban
living with a line of space-saving furnishings hand-selected for their
ability to transform a space with both beauty and functionality. With
pieces designed to cleverly unpack or stow-away on command, the
line is designed to unlock potential in small spaces.
www.resourcefurniture.com
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Maximized Space / Micro Living
8
13. MULTI-MODAL
TRANSIT HUBS
City planners and transportation agencies are considering multiuse transit centers as a way to reduce congestion and increase
transportation efficiency. These hubs combine multiple forms of
public transportation such as trains and buses with shared systems
like bikes and cars, allowing people to access the best form of
transportation based on their current needs. In addition, these
spaces typically contain parking for personal vehicles, as well as
additional travel services such as repair, retail and changing facilities.
CENTROS DE TRANSPORTE
INTEGRADO
Los urbanistas y las agencias de transporte están considerando
formas de simplificar las soluciones de transporte a los centros de
multi-uso en un esfuerzo por reducir la congestión y permitir a las
personas moverse de manera más eficiente. Estos centros suelen
combinar múltiples formas de transporte público, como trenes
y autobuses con sistemas compartidos como bicicletas y coches,
permitiendo a la gente a acceder de la mejor forma de transporte
en función de sus necesidades actuales. Además, estos espacios
suelen contener aparcamiento para vehículos particulares, así como
servicios adicionales de viaje.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Maximized Space / Tendencies
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14. China’s City Of The Future
Links Multiple Transit Options
In Strategic Hubs
A design for China’s Beijing Bohai Innovation City establishes a multimodal transportation solution intended to spur the use of public
transit at an unprecedented urban scale. The award winning design by
architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill uses transportation hubs linking
trains, bikes and pedestrians to urban activities and businesses as
well as nearby seaports, airports and metropolitan areas. In addition,
the plan calls for an advanced multi-modal transportation network
that unites high-speed rail with metro lines, bus rapid transit, local
streetcar and a state-of-the-art electric car fleet.
bit.ly/ziGDMl
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Maximized Space / Multi-Modal Transit Hubs
10
15. CREATIVE
CLUSTERS
As a way to breathe life back into forgotten corners of a city,
there has been a renewed push to develop an artistic and
cultural infrastructure like galleries, studios and workshops
within transitional neighborhoods. By highlighting educational
programming and creative self-expression, these grassroots efforts
seek to build a strong anchor for the surrounding community that
is attractive to both residents and visitors. As these areas establish
themselves as destinations, they open the door for further social and
business ventures, adding to the collective benefit of a place.
CLÚSTERES CREATIVOS
Una de las maneras de reactivar algunos rincones olvidados de
la ciudad es desarrollar una infraestructura artística y cultural
mediante galerías, estudios y ‘workshops’ en barrios emergentes.
El énfasis en los esfuerzos para desarrollar programas educativos
en que se promueva la autoexpresión, tiene como objetivo crear un
sustrato para la comunidad que atraiga tanto a residentes como a
visitantes. Estas áreas aspiran a establecerse como destinos en si y
pueden abrir la puerta a futuras iniciativas empresariales y añadir
beneficios colectivos al barrio.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Maximized Space / Tendencies
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16. Chinese Art District
Attracts Community Of
Cultural Tastemakers
The Dashanzi Art District (798 Art District) in Beijing is a neighborhood
of Communist-era factories and warehouses converted into art
galleries, boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants. The district is
re-nowned for artists renting out, and remaking the factory spaces,
gradually developing them into galleries, art centers, artists’ studios,
design companies, restaurants, and bars. Attracting talent and
attention from all around, this district of the city is bringing together
contemporary art, architecture, and culture with a historically
interesting location and an urban lifestyle. For example, 798 Space
is a new rising, avant-garde and trendy space that hosts high-level
cultural, artistic and commercial activities that can hold more than
1000 guests with ease.
www.798district.com
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Maximized Space / Creative Clusters
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17. SENSIBLE CITY
ESPACIO MAXIMIZADO
Bringing intelligence to the city and
its citizens through the free flow of
information and data, helps improve
both immediate and long-term decision
making.
Llevar inteligencia a la ciudad y a
sus ciudadanos a través de la libre
circulación de información y datos,
que ayudan a mejorar tanto de
inmediato como a largo plazo, la
toma de decisiones.
TRENDS
TENDENCIAS
1. Citizen Sensor Networks
1. Sensores Dentro de las Redes
Ciudadanas
2. Hyperlocal Reporting
3. Just-In-Time Alerts
4. Proximity Services
5. Data Transparency
6. Intelligent Transportation
The Future Of Cities Report
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2. Reportes Hiperlocales
3. Alertas Justo a Tiempo
4. Servicios De Proximidad
5. Transparencia de Infomación
6. Transporte Inteligente
13
18. CITIZEN SENSOR
NETWORKS
Sensor-laden personal electronics are collecting data that, when
analyzed, provides insight and real-time intelligence to improve
communities. By routinely monitoring environmental and other
forms of data, communities can contribute to a public pool of
knowledge, enabling any interested party to make more informed
choices about their surroundings. These feedback systems require
little infrastructure, transforming people into sensory nodes with
little effort on their part.
SENSORES DENTRO DE LAS REDES
CIUDADANAS
A través de métodos pasivos de recolección de datos, las personas
están encontrando formas innovadoras de reunir y compartir
información para ayudar a mejorar sus comunidades. Un número
cada vez mayor de tecnologías personales están equipadas con
sensores que tienen la capacidad de reunir datos etiquetados
geográficamente mientras la gente va sobre su día a día—el
establecimiento de una red en tiempo real, de sensor humanoMonitoreando regularmente las formas ambientales y otro tipo de
datos, las comunidades pueden contribuir a una piscina pública de
conocimiento, para que cualquier interesado pueda disponer de
información y así tomar decisiones sabiendo lo que ocurre en su
entorno.
The Future Of Cities Report
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*Image copyrighted to Propeller
Health (formerly Asthmapolis)
Sensible City / Tendencies
14
19. Sensor Detects Potholes And
Reports Them To City Officials
Street Bump is a crowdsourcing project that helps residents improve
their neighborhood streets by collecting data around real-time road
conditions while they drive. Using the mobile application’s motiondetecting accelerometer, Street Bump is able to sense when a bump
is hit, while the phone’s GPS records the location. The system filters
out things like manhole covers and speed bumps using a series of
algorithms—including one that can tell if the initial motion is up
over a speed bump, as opposed to down into a pothole. If at least
three people hit a bump in the same spot, the system recognizes it
as a pothole. City planners believe that this aggregated information
cannot only be utilized to fix immediate problems, but also plan longterm infrastructure investments.
www.streetbump.org
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Sensible City / Citizen Sensor Networks
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20. HYPERLOCAL
REPORTING
Crowdsourced information platforms are changing the top-down
nature of how news is gathered and disseminated by placing
reporting tools in the hands of citizens, allowing any individual to
instantly broadcast about the environment around them. Often
using mobile phone technology, these information monitoring
systems not only provide real-time, location-specific data, but
also boost civic engagement by establishing direct channels of
communication between an individual and their surrounding
community.
REPORTES HIPERLOCALES
Las plataformas de información, crowd- sourced, están cambiando
en cuanto ala naturaleza de cómo las noticias se recopilan y
difunden mediante la colocación de instrumentos de información
en manos de los ciudadanos, lo que permite a cualquier persona
poder transmitir en ese instante acerca de la situación que les
rodea. A menudo utilizando la tecnología de telefonía móvil, estos
sistemas de monitoreo no sólo proporcionan información en tiempo
real con los datos específicos de la localización, sino que también
impulsan la participación ciudadana mediante el establecimiento de
canales de comunicación directos desde cero, mientras que ayudan
a garantizar el bienestar comunitario.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Sensible City / Tendencies
16
21. Twitter Reported Crimes
In Mexico Get Mapped
In Real-Time
Retio is a mobile application that allows Mexican citizens to report
on organized crime and corruption using social media. Platform
contributors use the Twitter handle that corresponds with the
city they are in (e.g. @RetioMID for Mérida), and then tweet out a
description of the issue at hand, and if possible, an accompanying
photo. Each issue is plotted on a map, allowing users and authorities
to get an overall idea of what has been reported or narrow results
down to specific incidents. Retio’s Twitter feeds are available in
multiple cities throughout every Mexican state and the creators hope
to bring it to other countries as well, giving citizens a tool to actively
combat problems in their communities.
www.ret.io/mx
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Sensible City / Citizen Sensor Networks
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22. JUST-IN-TIME
ALERTS
As an increasing number of city services are networked with the
cloud, the management and flow of information between various
agencies, officials and citizens becomes more responsive, quickly
disseminating important messages and alerts throughout a
population using a combination of phone calls, SMS texts, or emails.
The just-in-time nature of these notification systems ensures that
every person has the most current and accurate news at hand,
helping provide an intelligent basis to form opinions or make
decisions.
ALERTAS JUSTO A TIEMPO
Un número cada vez mayor de servicios de la ciudad están
conectados en la red con ‘la nube’, la gestión y el flujo de información
entre los distintos organismos, funcionarios y ciudadanos se vuelve
más sensible, rápida difusión de los mensajes importantes y alertas
a través de una población que utiliza una combinación de llamadas
telefónicas, correos electrónicos o textos SMS . La naturaleza de
‘JUSTO EN ESE MOMENTO’ de estos sistemas de notificación nos
aseguran que cada persona tiene la noticia más actual y precisa
en la mano, ayudando a proporcionar una base inteligente para la
formación de opiniones o tomar decisiones.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Sensible City / Tendencies
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23. Citizens Warned Of Impending
Earthquakes On Mobile Device
The government in Mexico city has launched a mobile-phone
application that will give citizens a one minute advance notice of
impending quakes. The free app will emit a ‘Seismic Alert’ in the form
of a sound when an earthquake is on its way, allowing residents to
evacuate buildings or engage in emergency preparations. Tremors
striking the city tend to originate near the coast, allowing officials to
receive early warning and alert mobile users.
bit.ly/HcmfHk
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Sensible City / Just-In-Time Alerts
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24. PROXIMITY
SERVICES
Mobile technology platforms are leveraging location as a key
metric for helping citizens seamlessly access a host of services
to help them better navigate their urban environments. Whether
providing a real-time map of available parking spots or instantly
connecting nearby people around location-specific conversations
and meetups, these solutions make it easier for anyone to easily find
and tap into services and information when they need them most.
SERVICIOS DE PROXIMIDAD
Las plataformas móviles de última tecnología están aprovechando
la ubicación como una medida clave para ayudar a los ciudadanos
acceder sin problemas a una serie de servicios para ayudar a
navegar mejor sus por entornos urbanos. Ya sea proporcionando
un mapa en tiempo real de plazas de aparcamiento disponibles o
instantáneamente conectando a las personas cercanas en torno
a una ubicación concreta conversaciones y cumplir-ups, estas
soluciones hacen que sea más fácil para que cualquiera ya que
se puede encontrar fácilmente y aprovechar los servicios y la
información cuando más los necesitan.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Sensible City / Tendencies
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25. Parking App Reveals
Available Spaces Nearby
ParkMe is a parking application that helps drivers find real-time
parking availability in color coded maps that highlight the most
likely availability for parking on a block-by-block basis. Drawing
from a comprehensive parking database detailing 25,000 worldwide
locations in more than 500 cities and 19 countries, factors such as
street sweeping schedules, hour limits and pricing are available for
street parking, metered parking, parking lots and parking garages. For
drivers, the service includes in-app rate calculators, route navigation
and a timer. For businesses, the ParkMe widget allows merchant sites
to feature real-time parking availability near their location.
www.parkme.com
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Sensible City / Proximity Services
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26. DATA
TRANSPARENCY
City administrators, institutions, and companies are publicly
sharing data generated within their systems to add new levels of
transparency and accountability. Access to this information not only
strengthens civic engagement, but also establishes a collaborative
agenda at all levels of government that empowers citizens through
greater access and agency.
TRANSPARENCIA DE
INFOMACIÓN
Administradores de la ciudad, instituciones y compañías comparten
públicamente información generada en sus sistemas para añadir
nuevos niveles de transparencia y fomentar su responsabilidad
democratizadora. El acceso a la información no solamente fortalece
la colaboración ciudadana, sino que establece unos lazos de
colaboración entre los distintos estratos del gobierno que da más
poder y mayor voz a los ciudadanos.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Sensible City / Tendencies
22
27. Transparency Driven App
Shows Citizens How Their
Taxes Are Being Spent
‘OpenSpending is a mobile and web-based application that allows
citizens in participating cities to examine where their taxes are
being spent through interactive visuals. Citizens can review their
personal share of public works, examine local impacts of public
spending, rate and vote on proposed plans for public spending and
monitor the progress of projects that are or are not underway. Tax
contributions can be broken down to the language of personal daily
expenses and, via the mobile app, project data can be reviewed
onsite in real time. By providing citizens an easy to understand
overview of publicly funded projects, and their personal funding
share, local governments are held more accountable to waste,
duplication, inefficiency and corruption.
www.openspending.org
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Sensible City / Data Transparency
23
28. INTELLIGENT
TRANSPORTATION
The continuous flow of information being gathered by a network
of sensors coupled with seamless communication platforms and
sophisticated, autonomous systems is streamlining the movement
of people and things across cities. This data is being leveraged
to solve any number of transportation challenges from real-time
traffic management to the creation of less dangerous roadways for
pedestrians and bicyclists. By automating certain processes and
alerting drivers with real-time information, these technologies not
only ensure a safer, more efficient commute, but remove a principal
source of stress from daily urban life, helping to improve health and
overall well-being.
TRANSPORTE INTELIGENTE
Tecnología Barato, fiable sensor se integra en entornos urbanos,
tales como edificios, puentes y carreteras, que generan cantidades
masivas de datos. Este acceso a la información en tiempo real
permite a las agencias municipales, las comunidades y las personas
a recibir información en tiempo real y tomar decisiones más rápidas
y más informadas. Funcionando como un sistema nervioso central
para el entorno construido, estos sistemas inteligentes de conectar
el mundo real con el virtual, y utilizar el conocimiento recogido de
datos para optimizar y automatizar todo tipo de procesos de gestión
de las condiciones del tráfico en el flujo de los recursos.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Sensible City / Tendencies
24
29. Stoplight Senses Traffic
Patterns To Reduce
Congestion
Technology company Virtual Traffic Lights has patented an algorithm
designed to ease traffic by intelligently dictating the flow of cars
passing through a four-way intersection. When cars approach the
intersection, dedicated short-range communication equipment relays
back information about how many cars are approaching and which
direction they are headed. The largest group of vehicles is prioritized,
and once the group has passed through the intersection, the next
largest group will be given the green light to proceed. Simulations
over the past three years have shown the system could reduce
commute time for urban workers between 40 to 60 percent during
rush hour.
www.virtualtrafficlights.com
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Sensible City / Intelligent Transportation
25
30. CITIZEN SOURCED
PARTICIPACIÒN CIUDANA
Harnessing the power of citizens to
raise the collective resources and
benefits available across communities,
neighborhoods and entire cities.
Aprovechar el poder de los
ciudadanos para aumentar los
recursos colectivos y los beneficios
disponibles a través de las
comunidades, barrios y ciudades
enteras.
TRENDS
TENDENCIAS
1. Crowd Planned
1. Sensores Dentro de las Redes
Ciudadanas
2. Community Currency
3. Collaborative Economy
4. Social Pairing
5. Micro Financing
6. Shared Transport
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
2. Reportes Hiperlocales
3. Alertas Justo a Tiempo
4. Servicios De Proximidad
5. Transparencia de Infomación
6. Transporte Inteligente
26
31. CROWD PLANNED
Participatory online platforms and visual tools are lowering the
barriers to participation and empowering citizens to design their
communities. These systems facilitate an open dialogue between
city agencies and the people they serve, establishing a structured
process for collaboration and encouraging a higher level of
participation. By seeking input throughout the development
process, these systems help ensure greater transparency and
buy-in that ultimately results in an end solution that meets the
actual needs of the population.
PLANEACIÓN POR PARTE
DE LOS CIUDADANOS
Las agencias municipales, están aprove- chando la sabiduría y la
creatividad de los residentes del crowdsourcing, con nuevas ideas
sobre la manera de mejorar sus vecindarios y comunidades. Nuevas
herramientas en línea y plataformas permiten la conversación de
dos vías para fomentar una mayor colaboración, conseguir la
aceptación de todas las partes y garantizar que la solución final
responda a las necesidades reales de la población. La promesa de
un punto de vista compartido puede empoderar a las personas a
participar, estimular la innovación y ayudar a ver más ideas a través
de la acción. Esto no sólo puede conducir a nuevas formas de
pensar acerca de la superación de retos, sino que también permite
a las ciudades aprovechar estos conocimientos y entregar mejores
resultados a sus ciudadanos.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Citizen Sourced / Tendencies
27
32. UN-Backed Planning Game
Enlists Citizens To Design
Their Communities
Block by Block is an urban planning game allowing people to
participate in the reconstruction process of their own neighborhoods
through playing Minecraft. Working in partnership with UN Habitat,
the gaming company behind Mojang invites citizens to enter
Minecraft servers and modify their own neighborhood and visualize
it on screen. The game allows citizens to submit their own urban
planning ideas without necessarily having architectural training, and
can provide the groundwork for political decisions. The first Block by
Block site, in Nairobi, Kenya, is already in the planning phase.
www.mojang.com
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Citizen Sourced / Crowd Planned
28
33. COMMUNITY
CURRENCY
A number of businesses and municipalities are experimenting
with alternative forms of currency to encourage local spending.
Whether creating a local currency that encourages spending at
area businesses or accepting less tangible payments such as good
deeds as viable tender, these emerging payment systems hope to
raise the collective prosperity of a population by placing greater
importance on personal relationships, rather than material assets.
MONEDAS ALTERNAS
En un esfuerzo por redefinir cómo el valor y la riqueza se
mide en una comunidad, una serie de empresas y municipios
están experimentando con formas alternativas de moneda y el
intercambio. Si la creación de una moneda local para alentar el
gasto en áreas de negocios o aceptar pagos con menos tangibles,
como las buenas acciones como moneda de curso viable, estos
sistemas emergentes esperan recaudar la prosperidad colectiva de
una población mediante la colocación de mayor importancia en las
relaciones personales más que bienes materiales.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Citizen Sourced / Tendencies
29
34. Waste-By-The-Pound
Exchanged For Veggie Credits
Municipal organizations in both the cities of Jundiaí, Brasil and Mexico
City, Mexico offer citizens fresh produce in exchange for recyclables.
In Jundiaí, the city’s utilities department runs a program called
Delícia de Reciclagem, where aluminum cans and plastic bottles are
the only currency accepted in a publicly run vegetable garden. In
Mexico City’s Mercado de Trueque, citizens swap out glass, plastic,
aluminum, paper and cardboard waste for credits, which in turn can
be exchanged for fresh produce and seedlings from local farmers. By
exchanging trash for fresh foods, both programs forge strong links
between recycling habits, sustainable food supply and healthy eating.
www.mercadodetrueque.org
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Citizen Sourced / Community Currency
30
35. COLLABORATIVE
ECONOMY
New person-to-person commerce systems are enabling citizens to
harness the potential of underused resources such as excess space
and Wi-Fi bandwidth, transforming them into valuable services that
can be traded with both neighbors and visitors. These platforms
help generate extra wealth for enterprising individuals and reduce
waste, while providing crucial and affordable infrastructure to
underserved communities.
ECONOMÍA DE
COLABORACIÓN
Existen nuevos sistemas de ‘persona a persona’, estos son sistemas
de comercio que están permitiendo a los ciudadanos a aprovechar el
potencial de los recursos infrautilizados, como el exceso de espacio
y ancho de banda Wi-Fi, transformándolas en servicios valiosos
que pueden ser objeto de comercio con ambos países vecinos y
visitantes. Estas plataformas ayudan a generar riqueza adicional
para las personas emprendedoras y reducir los residuos, al tiempo
que proporciona la infraestructura fundamental y asequible a las
comunidades marginadas.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Citizen Sourced / Tendencies
31
36. Platform Allows Users To
Rent Out Their Internet
Connection When Not In Use
New York-based KeyWifi allows anybody who pays for Internet
access to rent out their connection to those who need it for a nominal
fee. The peer-to-peer platform is a web-based solution meaning that
users don’t need any additional software or hardware to get online.
By simply logging into the KeyWifi website, users with a connection
can specify when exactly they aren’t using their Wi-Fi, how many
people can log onto it and for how long. Users without connections
can join the temporarily vacated network for about $10 a month using
web payment platform PayPal. KeyWifi takes about a third of that
money for operating costs, but the other two-thirds will be divided
proportionally among the owners of the various Internet connections.
www.keywifi.com
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Citizen Sourced / Collaborative Economy
32
37. SOCIAL
PAIRING
New services are using a mix of social, location and demographic
data to match people around similar interests, activities, and needs,
allowing for the creation of temporary connections in a way and
at a speed that was previously not possible. These systems foster
a feeling of community based-on activities and geography and
create opportunities for people to work together toward common
business, social or civic-minded goals.
EMPAREJAMIENTO SOCIAL
Nuevos servicios usan un conjunto de datos sociales, geográficos
y demográficos para aglomerar a las personas según sus intereses,
actividades y necesidades, ayudando a la creación de conexiones
temporales de una manera, y a una velocidad, que previamente
no eran posibles. Estos sistemas ayudan a crear una sensación de
comunidad entre personas que tienen intereses y goles comunes
tanto a nivel empresarial, social como cívico.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Citizen Sourced / Tendencies
33
38. Startup Matches Designers
With People To Help Solve
Everyday Problems
Fixperts is a online service platform that connects designers with
people who need help solving everyday problems. The idea behind
the project is to match designers who have practical know-how
with disabled people and the elderly who need assistance with
specific challenges. Designers pay house visits with the intention of
developing a solution to the problem in no more than three weeks.
Design solutions so far have included a device to help an MS sufferer
put in her earrings and fixing the broken joystick on an electric
wheelchair. The process is filmed and uploaded to their website
so the lessons learned can be transferred to the wider community.
Fixperts positions itself as part of a wider return to fixing or ‘hacking’
products, rather than replacing them.
www.fixperts.org
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Citizen Sourced / Social Pairing
34
39. MICROFINANCING
A number of social platforms are creating new avenues for people
who are seeking funding for their business or creative endeavors.
These peer-to-peer models allow a community of like-minded
individuals to contribute small amounts of money to the ideas
and projects they’d like to see succeed. The platforms serve as
viable alternatives to traditional financial institutions, encouraging
experimentation by lowering the barriers to participation and
providing more opportunities for people to get their ventures off of
the ground and into their communities.
MICRO-FINANCIACIÓN
Un numero elevado de plataformas sociales están creando nuevas
vías para personas que quieren financiar sus proyectos o empresas.
Estos modelos ‘peer-to-peer’ permiten a la comunidad de personas,
que piensan de manera similar, contribuir económicamente, en
pequeñas cantidades, a los proyectos u ideas que les gustaría
que tuvieran éxito. Estas plataformas sirven como alternativas
viables a las formas tradicionales de financiación y promueven la
experimentación al rebajar las barreras de participación y proveer
de mas oportunidades a las personas para que puedan desarrollar
sus iniciativas y acercarlas a la comunidad.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Citizen Sourced / Tendencies
35
40. Skyscraper Is Funded
By City Residents
BD Bacata is a crowdfunded skyscraper in Bogota, Colombia that has
been funded by its city’s citizens. Thousands of ordinary Colombian
citizens have invested their own money to be shareholders in what
will be the tallest building in Colombia. Citizens bought small shares
called FiDi’s, which entitle them to a portion of ownership and, also,
portions of profits. The project will be realized by 2014, and the
campaign has already raised over $145,000,000 through 3,000+
investors.
www.bdbacata.com
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Citizen Sourced / Micro-Financing
36
41. SHARED
TRANSPORT
Digital technologies are connecting travelers through their shared
needs, enabling drivers to coordinate carpooling efforts during
busy commuting times or individuals to rent their vehicles when not
in use. By distributing the costs associated with transportation or
ownership, these peer-to-peer exchanges not only save money, but
also improve the overall community by removing excess cars off the
road, limiting the amount of resources used, and connecting people
around shared experiences.
TRANSPORTE COMPARTIDO
Las tecnologías digitales están conectando a los viajeros en
torno a las necesidades comunes, permitiendo a los conductores
poder coordinar los esfuerzos para un uso compartido del coche
durante los tiempos de desplazamiento o bien permite a personas
poder alquilar sus vehículos cuando no estén en uso. Mediante
la distribución de los costos asociados con el transporte o la
propiedad, estos intercambios ‘peer-to-peer’ ‘ de igual a igual’ no
sólo ahorrarán dinero, sino que también mejorarán la comunidad
en general, mediante la eliminación de exceso de vehículos fuera
de la carretera, lo que limita la cantidad de recursos utilizados, y se
pues entonces, conectar a las personas del mismo entorno a vivir
experiencias compartidas.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Citizen Sourced / Tendencies
37
42. Social Bike Network
Pairs Riders With Owners
For Rentals
Spinlister is a matchmaking site started in New York and San
Francisco that has created a bike rental market out of idle bicycles
owned by individuals. Matching those that want to ride a bike with
bike owners not using their bikes, the social rental network matches
desired bike type, location, size and accessories - like helmet, lock,
lights, etcetera—with bike owners who have listed their rides for
self-set hourly, weekly and monthly rates. Liquid, in turns, insures
participating bicycles, facilitates the payment transactions and
markets listed bikes.
www.spinlister.com
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Citizen Sourced / Shared Transport
38
43. URBAN CANVAS
LIENZO URBANO
Artistic endeavors and considered
redevelopments that make the city
landscape feel more vibrant and alluring,
while engaging citizens around shared
experiences and conversations.
Actividades artísticas y de
reurbanización considerando que
conforman el paisaje de la ciudad
para que se sienta más vivo y
vibrante el entorno, mientrasque
involucran a los ciudadanos en
torno a experiencias compartidas y
conversaciones.
TRENDS
TENDENCIAS
1. Derelict Revival
1. Abandonados Renacimiento
2. Infrastructure Reboot
2. Reacitvar la Infraestructura
3. Enhanced Facades
3. Renovación de Fachadas
4. Culture Hacking
4. Hackear la Cultura
5. Landscape Narratives
5. Paisajes Que Narran
6. Architectural Infographics
6. Infografia Arquitectónica
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
39
44. DERELICT
REVIVAL
As cities struggle to find available land for new development
projects, there is a counter-movement taking place that seeks
to reinvigorate existing urban environments that have been
neglected. The reimagination and rehabilitation of these decaying
urban environments enhances existing structures and makes them
suitable for public use, while retaining the original character of the
past. These modern hybrids can serve as burgeoning civic centers,
bringing new opportunities for commerce and cultural exchange.
ABANDONADOS
RENACIMIENTO
Igual que existe la constante lucha de las ciudades para encontrar
tierras disponibles para nuevos proyectos de desarrollo,
paralelamente hay un contra-movimiento que tiene lugar, en la
búsqueda de formas para revitalizar los entornos urbanos que
se enfrentan al desuso y deterioro. Esta reinvención del paisaje
construido, mejora las estructuras existentes y diseños con avances
creativos, haciéndolas adecuadas para el uso público, mientras que
conserva el carácter original del pasado. Estos híbridos modernos
pueden servir como un rebrote de centros cívicos, generando
nuevas oportunidades para el comercio y el intercambio cultural.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Urban Canvas / Tendencies
40
45. Entrepreneurs Take Over
Vacant Storefronts To Spur
Retail Revival
Popuphood in Oakland, San Francisco was an urban initiative offering
free retail space in unused buildings to local entrepreneurs. Launched
by two local entrepreneurs to encourage urban renewal in Oakland
where retail is struggling, the project allows local artists, designers,
and retailers the opportunity to open their own stores in previously
vacant storefronts for six months, rent free. The project’s main focus
is to provide the local community with a vibrant shopping area, and
has led to five new retail shops, including a jeweller and art gallery.
www.popuphood.com
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Urban Canvas / Derelict Revival
41
46. INFRASTRUCTURE
REBOOT
As consumer technologies grow more advanced and the needs
of a population evolve, much of a city’s existing infrastructure can
become outmoded and therefore go underutilized. As a way to
inject relevancy back into these older systems and environments,
artists and developers are creating intelligent solutions for bringing
them up-to-date, while keeping their original uses and designs
intact.
REACTIVAR LA
INFRAESTRUCTURA
Como consumidor se desea el avance de las tecnologías para cubrir
las necesidades de una población y así evolucionar, gran parte de
la infraestructura existente de una ciudad puede llegar a quedar
obsoleta y por lo tanto subutilizada. Una manera de inyectar la
relevancia de nuevo en estos sistemas más antiguos y sus entornos,
es invitar a los artistas y desarrolladores a crear soluciones
inteligentes para criarlos hasta la fecha, conservando sus usos y
diseños originales intactos.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Urban Canvas / Tendencies
42
47. Reinvented Bus Stop Allows
Citizens To Post Virtual Notes
Eyestop is a bus stop that has been partially covered with touchsensitive e-ink and digital screens to deliver a wide range of
information. Developed by MIT’s SENSEable City Lab, the concept
provides bus passengers in Fukoka, Mexico City and Rome with a
range of interactive information. Passengers and passers-by will be
able to post ads and community announcements to a moderated
bulletin board on the bus stop. Ads can be displayed, and the solarpowered bus shelter also collects data about the local environment
for scientific use. The concept aims to enrich the city with state of
the art sensing technologies, interactive services, community information and entertainment.
bit.ly/VT9W8V
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Urban Canvas / Infrastructure Reboot
43
48. ENHANCED
FACADES
Artworks and other creative design solutions are being added to
building facades and other structures to enhance the overall beauty
of the urban environment. These efforts are inviting artists and even
brands to help contribute to the cityscape by helping refresh drab
exteriors, hide ongoing construction, and complement the existing
surroundings.
RENOVACIÓN DE FACHADAS
Obras y otras soluciones de diseño creativo que se añaden a las
fachadas de edificios y otras estructuras para realzar la belleza
general del medio ambiente urbano. Estos esfuerzos están invitando
a artistas e incluso marcas para ayudar a contribuir al paisaje urbano,
ayudando a los exteriores de actualización monótona, ocultar
construcción en curso y complementar el entorno existente.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Urban Canvas / Tendencies
44
49. Uninviting Spaces
Become Safer With
Rainbow Hued Lights
To transform a desolate pathway and motorway beneath a San
Antonio, Texas highway into a more pedestrian and motorist friendly
passageway, artist Bill Fitzgibbons has installed lighting that converts
the highway underpass columns into a rainbow display of illumination.
The LED lighting system flashes through a range of color spectrums
that, repeating in a 20 minute loop, are projected onto the highway’s
structural columns capped with aluminum. By layering bright lighting
and cheerful hues into an otherwise dubious space, safety and
comfort are improved attractively and playfully.
www.billfitzgibbons.com
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Urban Canvas / Enhanced Facades
45
50. CULTURE
HACKING
Communities are using various forms of street art as a way to make
statements about and bring attention to larger social, political and
economic issues. These playful and sometimes provocative displays
are designed to make people question the status quo, creating an
open discourse around important topics that often go overlooked
within the context of the city.
HACKEAR LA CULTURA
En un esfuerzo para criticar la cultura dominante, las comunidades
están utilizando diversas formas de arte callejero como una manera
de hacer declaraciones sobre y llamar la atención a los grandes
problemas sociales, políticos y económicos. Estas exhibiciones
lúdicas y provocativo a veces están diseñados para hacer que la
gente a cuestionar el statu quo, la creación de un diálogo abierto
en torno a temas importantes que a menudo pasan por alto en el
contexto de la ciudad.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Urban Canvas / Tendencies
46
51. Ugandan Artists Create A
Local Park Out Of Garbage
Artist and teacher Ruganzu Tusingwire has built an amusement park
using recycled materials including repurposed plastic bottles. In
designing the park he notes that this initiative was a conscious effort
to create a space for local children. The park is multi-faceted in that
it allows a safe area for children to play all the while encompassing
traits to psychologically and emotionally stimulate the children.
In addition, by using recycled material to create this playground,
Tusingwire is sparking creative ways for the children to actively
participate in environmental initiatives. The project was awarded the
2012 TED Prize at the TEDxSummit in Doha, Qatar.
www.thecity2.org/stories/recycled-amusement
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Urban Canvas / Culture Hacking
47
52. LANDSCAPE
NARRATIVES
Digital technology is enabling people to attach stories, information,
and thoughts to specific locations and moments in time. These
can be shared, followed, and interacted with by others through
their mobile devices, bringing more meaningful and engaging
experiences to our physical environments.
PAISAJES QUE NARRAN
La tecnología digital está permitiendo a la gente para unir historias,
información y pensamientos a lugares y momentos específicos en
el tiempo. Estos pueden ser compartidos, seguido e interactuaron
con los demás a través de sus dispositivos móviles, con lo que
las experiencias más significativas e interesantes para nuestros
ambientes físicos.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Urban Canvas / Tendencies
48
53. Website Creates Digital Notes
For Others To Find Anywhere
In The World
Findery is an online platform that allows users to move throughout
their cities and ‘pin’ virtual notes on a map for others to interact with
and experience. Notes can be private or made available to the general
public, allowing citizens to discover stories, advice, and information
as they move throughout their environments. Information can be
organized into categories like, ‘Best Spots for Butterfly Hunting’ or
‘Find me a Nearby Toilet NOW’ allowing users to contribute to a
database being built up over time. In future versions, the app will
include an instant notification system that would push messages to
users as they travel throughout a city.
www.findery.com
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Urban Canvas / Landscape Narratives
49
54. ARCHITECTURAL
INFOGRAPHICS
As a way to connect citizens with their fellow residents, their
immediate surroundings and wider world events, designers and
architects are working together to transform buildings and other
structures into large- scale information displays. These platforms
use lighting and other visual reporting to relay real-time data to
the population such as environmental conditions, social sentiments
and election results, bringing people together around a shared
experience.
INFOGRAFÍA
ARQUITECTÓNICA
Es una manera de conectar a los ciudadanos con sus compañeros
residentes y de su alrededor inmediato de los mayores eventos
mundiales, los diseñadores y los arquitectos están trabajando
juntos para transformar los edificios y otras estructuras en grandes
pantallas de información de escala. Estas plataformas utilizan
iluminación y la información visual ofreciendo datos a tiempo real a
la población, tales como las condiciones ambientales, el sentimiento
social, y los resultados electorales, en definitiva, reunir a la gente en
torno a una experiencia compartida.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Urban Canvas / Tendencies
50
55. Iconic Landmark Projected
With Pie Chart Expressing
Public Sentiment
To report on the mood in Great Britain surrounding the 2012 Olympics,
the energy company EDF Energy partnered with branding agency
Ignite and MIT graduates to create a light installation on the London
Eye, the city’s iconic Ferris wheel on the banks of the River Thames,
that visualized the nation’s daily mood as Olympic activities ensued.
In a campaign called Energy of the Nations, people were invited to
tweet responses to the question, ‘How are you feeling today, Great
Britain?’ Taking an emotional read of the tweets, algorithms analyzed
collected adjectives, emoticons and punctuation to estimate the
share of daily energy which was positive or negative. Visualized
as a simple pie chart projected on the circular Ferris wheel form,
illuminated portions in yellow expressed positive energy while purple
expressed negative.
bit.ly/NUfGP0
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Urban Canvas / Architectural Infographics
51
56. GREEN SCAPING
PAISAJISMO VERDE
Designs for urban environments that
promote natural landscapes and the
sustainable use of resources.
Los diseños de entornos urbanos
que promueven los paisajes
naturales y el uso sostenible de los
recursos.
TRENDS
TENDENCIAS
1. Clean Air Everywhere
1. Aire Puro en Todas Partes
2. Recycled Resource Systems
2. Sistemas de reciclaie de
Recursossystems
3. Micro Parks
4. Compact Farming
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
3. Micro-Parques
4. Agricultura en Espacios
Pequeñosing
52
57. CLEAN AIR
EVERYWHERE
A combination of advanced materials and living walls are
being incorporated into buildings and other structures to help
remove harmful pollutants from the air. In addition to health and
environmental benefits, these material choices can contribute to
the overall aesthetics of the surroundings, creating safer and more
enjoyable places for people to work and live.
AIRE PURO EN
TODAS PARTES
Una combinación de materiales avan- zados y las paredes vivientes
se están incorporando en los edificios y otras estructuras para
ayudar a eliminar contaminantes peligrosos del aire. Además de
los beneficios para la salud y el medio ambiente, estas opciones
de materiales pueden contribuir a la estética del entorno, creando
espacios más seguros y más agradable para las personas que
trabajan y viven.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Green Scaping / Tendencies
53
58. Five-Story Mural In Italy
Helps Clean City Air
A 59-foot mural located in Bologna, Italy was painted using
photocatalytic paint, which is capable of converting nitrogen
monoxide (smog) into clean air. Created by Italian artist Andreco, the
five-story piece of public art called Philosophical Tree, demonstrates
how artwork can increase quality of life by contributing to the
environment and improving urban spaces.
www.andreco.org
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Green Scaping / Clean Air Everywhere
54
59. RECYCLED
RESOURCE
SYSTEMS
Engineers and architects are rethinking the current design
of architectural and environmental infrastructure, in favor of
regenerative systems that are capable of harnessing wasted energy
and resources and redistributing them where needed. Whether
converting the kinetic energy from foot traffic into electricity or
recycling grey water for other residential uses, these closedloop designs help deliver greater efficiencies that lower resource
consumption and cut back on costs.
SISTEMAS DE RECICLAJE
DE RECURSOSSYSTEMS
En un esfuerzo por bajar el consumo de recursos y reducir costos,
los ingenieros están diseñando sistemas regenerativos que son
capaces de aprovechar la energía desperdiciada de una variedad
de fuentes y redistribuir donde sea necesario como una forma de
poder suplementario. Ya sea que la captura de la energía cinética
de los residentes caminando por una acera ocupada para operar
farolas o redirigir el calor de transporte subterráneo para calentar
edificios de apartamentos, los diseños de circuito cerrado ayudar a
ofrecer una mayor eficiencia.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Green Scaping / Tendencies
55
60. Leaf-like Pavilion Concept
Doubles As Rainwater
Harvesting Site
An award-winning architectural concept created for the city of
Cassablanca, Morocco, features a leaf-like pavilion that will store
and recycle rainwater for use in public toilets. Created by Tom David
Architecten, the design consists of enormous petal-shaped structures
that collect rainwater and channel it into underground tanks for future
use. In addition to providing, the structure will provide infrastructure
for markets operating in the neighboring streets.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Green Scaping / Recycled Resource Systems
56
61. MICRO PARKS
In an effort to inject more greenery into the urban environment,
artists and planners are getting more creative with how they
use available space, trans-forming underutilized aspects of the
landscape into small parks and gardens. These reclaimed places not
only make the surroundings feel more vibrant through the use of
natural greenery, but also help people redefine public space within
cities, creating more opportunities for people to gather.
MICRO-PARQUES
En un esfuerzo por inyectar más zonas verdes en el entorno urbano,
los artistas y los planificadores son cada vez más creativos con la
forma en que utilizan el espacio disponible, la transformación de los
aspectos infrautilizados del paisaje en pequeños parques y jardines.
Estos lugares recuperados no sólo hacen que el entorno se sienta
más vibrante a través de la belleza natural, sino también ayudar a
la gente redefinir el espacio público en las ciudades, creando más
oportunidades para que las personas se reúnen y congregan.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Green Scaping / Tendencies
57
62. Project Aims To Replace
Billboards With Wi-Fi-Enabled
Bamboo Gardens
Urban Air is a project created by Los Angeles-based artist Stephen
Glassman that aims to turn existing billboards into urban gardens
filled with bamboo. The suspended gardens will feature Wi-Fienabled sensors, transforming them into global nodes capable
of monitoring the climate. Working with a team of environmental
engineers, planners, technologists, billboard fabricators, bamboo
growers, and plumbers, Urban Air is developing a DIY kit that could
change any billboard into a garden oasis no matter the city, further
spreading the idea of urban sustainability.
kck.st/PPuDpQ
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Green Scaping / Mirco Parks
58
63. COMPACT
FARMING
In an effort to bring city centers closer to their food sources,
developers and architects are experimenting with various methods
for constructing farms and gardens that maximize yield within a
limited amount of space. Whether incorporating their designs into
existing structures or reducing physical footprints by building
vertically, these compact solutions are making urban agriculture a
viable model for supplementing the current food system.
AGRICULTURA EN ESPACIOS
PEQUEÑOSING
En un esfuerzo por llevar los centros urbanos más cerca de sus
fuentes de alimento, los desarrolladores y arquitectos están
experimentando con diversos métodos para la construcción
de parques y jardines que maximizan el rendimiento dentro de
una cantidad limitada de espacio. Tanto la incorporación de sus
diseños en las estructuras existentes o la reducción de las huellas
físicas de la construcción en vertical, estas soluciones compactas
están haciendo de la agricultura urbana un modelo viable para
complementar el sistema alimentario actual.
The Future Of Cities Report
LABS
Green Scaping / Tendencies
59
64. Vertical Farm Opens For
Commercial Use In The Busy
Streets Of Singapore
With the aim of decreasing dependence on food imports, Singapore
implemented the world’s first commercial-scale vertical farm. The
vertical farm, which has been developed by Sky Green Farms, consists
of 120 aluminum towers, each extending up almost 30 feet in height.
It can produce over 1,000 pounds of vegetables per day, all of which
are sold in the local FairPrice Finest supermarkets. Although the cost
of the vegetables is more compared to other produce, the farm has
had success selling its product to local consumers. Until now, the
country imported 93% of its vegetables, and the farm is estimated
to more than double in size and output by the end of 2013.
skygreens.appsfly.com/Events
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Green Scaping / Compact Farming
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65. THE FUTURE OF CITIES
MAXIMIZED SPACE
SENSIBLE CITY
1. Pop-Up Culture
7. Citizen Sensor Networks
13. Crowd Planned
19. Derelict Revival
25. Clean Air Everywhere
2. Elastic Environments
8. Hyperlocal Reporting
14. Community Currency
20. Infrastructure Reboot
3. Snap-On Housing
9. Just-In-Time Alerts
15. Collaborative Economy
21. Enhanced Facades
26. Recycled Resource
Systems
4. Micro Living
10. Proximity Services
16. Social Pairing
22. Culture Hacking
5. Multi-Modal Transit Hubs
11. Data Transparency
17. Micro Financing
23. Landscape Narratives
6. Creative Clusters
12. Intelligent Transportation
18. Shared Transport
24. Architectural Infographics
The Future Of Cities Report
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CITIZEN SOURCED
URBAN CANVAS
GREEN SCAPING
27. Micro Parks
28. Compact Farming
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66. ABOUT
This report examines 28 key trends that are driving
the sustainable development and efficient operation
of modern cities as they respond to the unique challenges
posed by rapid urbanization. Aided by connected
technologies,
social
platforms,
and
flexible
design
thinking, cities at the forefront of these progressive
solutions are creating a compelling blueprint for ensuring
that their citizens, businesses and public institutions
thrive. As we plan for the future, PSFK Labs is excited
for the opportunity to contribute its point of view to this
FOR YOUR
FULL COPY OF THE
REPORT, VISIT:
ongoing conversation.
INCLUDED
150 page report
psfk.com/future-of-cities
Featuring five macro themes and 28 key trends
80+ examples of innovation described in detail
Relevant experts to follow in the space
Ideas for putting the trends into action
Spanish translation
67. SUPPORTED BY
CREATED BY
This report would not have been possible without the help of two valuable
sponsors who share our forward-looking vision. PSFK would like to kindly
thank Prodigy Network and BD Bacata for their support.
PSFK Labs creates thought leading content that provides its clients and their
audiences with ideas and inspiration. Our trends research helps companies
evolve their products, services and communications to meet the changing behaviors and expectations of their customers, partners and society. Our unique
methodology to describe the future has been employed by a client list that
includes American Express, BMW, Microsoft, Target and Pepsi.
Prodigy Network.
Real Estate marketing and development company based on Wall Street with
outlets in Miami and Bogota. Its projects are the best in all of their markets
and are recognized for their inspirational qualities. Rodrigo Niño, Prodigy Network’s president, is the creator and director of My Ideal City.
www.prodigynetwork.com
BD Promotors.
BD Promotors is a real estate development company based in
Barcelona, Spain. They are responsible for construction of BD Bacata, an
architectural complex that is being built in Bogota, Colombia through
crowdfunding. The first crowdfunded initiative of its scale, the building will be
66 stories tall, making it the tallest building in Bogota.
www.bdbacata.com
www.bdpromotors.com
PSFK Labs
Piers Fawkes
Scott Lachut
42 Bond Street, 6th
floor New York, NY
10012 USA
CEO & Founder
Director, Consulting
piers.fawkes@psfk.com
scott.lachut@psfk.com
+1 646.520.4672
+1 646.520.4672
www.labs.psfk.com
The Future Of Cities Report
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Version 1.1.2
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