Future Cities: A Visual Guide

This book explores how cities of the future have been visualized and the implications for us. It provides a visual history of the future and explores the relationships between different visualization techniques and ideologies. It aims to contribute to a better understanding of the power and agency of visualizations for future cities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The future of our cities is a subject of great interest and speculation, with many envisioning a world transformed by technology, climate change, and social trends. In this book, we explore the various ways in which cities are being visualized and imagined, and the implications these visions have for our future.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of technology in shaping the future of cities. We examine how advances in automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence are transforming the way we live, work, and interact with our environment. We also consider the potential benefits and challenges of these technologies, such as job displacement, urban inequality, and environmental degradation.

Another theme of the book is the impact of climate change on cities. We explore how rising temperatures, changing weather patterns, and sea level rise are affecting urban infrastructure, transportation systems, and public health. We also consider the strategies cities are using to mitigate these impacts, such as green infrastructure, sustainable transportation, and climate adaptation planning.

Social trends are also shaping the future of cities, with an increasing focus on urbanization, diversity, and social cohesion. We examine how cities are responding to these trends, such as through the development of affordable housing, community-based programs, and cultural institutions. We also consider the challenges these trends pose, such as social isolation, cultural clashes, and economic inequality.

Global trends are also shaping the future of cities, with an increasing interconnectedness of the world's cities through trade, travel, and technology. We examine how cities are responding to these trends, such as through the development of international partnerships, the promotion of cultural exchange, and the management of global crises.

The book is lavishly illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and maps, providing a visual history of the future of cities. The authors apply several critical lenses to consider the subject in different ways, including technological futures, social futures, and global futures. This comprehensive survey and analysis of visions for future cities provides a valuable insight into the potential directions our cities may take in the coming decades.

In conclusion, the future of our cities is a complex and multifaceted subject, shaped by a range of interrelated factors. This book provides a valuable exploration of the various ways in which cities are being visualized and imagined, and the implications these visions have for our future. By examining the role of technology, climate change, social trends, and global trends, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our cities and work towards creating a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future.

Weight: 632g
Dimension: 192 x 245 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350011656