emile.swann
@emileswann.bsky.social
GEOG 325 2025!!
I love new cities, but not Akon's one, very disappointing
I love new cities, but not Akon's one, very disappointing
I like how it flips the script on desert living. Instead of fighting the heat, it builds with it, turning shade, wind & water into structure. Similar to Yazd in Iran, where windcatchers & clay homes cooled houses for centuries. True resilience doesn’t fight the desert, it learns from it. #newcities
Futuristic starchitect-designed city will rise out of the Arabian desert
Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has been commissioned to design an entire new city in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The Khalid Bin Sultan City will transform the hot desert-like landscape with a large oa...
newatlas.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:59 PM
I like how it flips the script on desert living. Instead of fighting the heat, it builds with it, turning shade, wind & water into structure. Similar to Yazd in Iran, where windcatchers & clay homes cooled houses for centuries. True resilience doesn’t fight the desert, it learns from it. #newcities
Palava shows that real innovation isn’t in its architecture but its systems such as consistent rules, recycled water, efficient upkeep. It proves cities don’t fail for lack of design but for lack of coordination. Governance, not cool & pretty glass towers, is what makes urban life work. #newcities
This muggy city keeps cool with minimal AC. Here’s how.
Palava City, a 5,000-acre experimental community northeast of Mumbai, hopes to provide a model for adapting to a climate-transformed world.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 5, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Palava shows that real innovation isn’t in its architecture but its systems such as consistent rules, recycled water, efficient upkeep. It proves cities don’t fail for lack of design but for lack of coordination. Governance, not cool & pretty glass towers, is what makes urban life work. #newcities
Building another city on the Nile feels paradoxical. Diverting scarce water from a river already strained by climate change. It’s less about human need and more about turning scarcity into capital, a vision of growth that risks making water itself the next battleground. Very risky!! #newcities
Egypt plans to build a new desert city supplied with rerouted Nile water
Egypt announced plans on Sunday to construct a new city in the desert, rerouting roughly 7% of its annual Nile River water quota away from fertile delta regions
africa.businessinsider.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Building another city on the Nile feels paradoxical. Diverting scarce water from a river already strained by climate change. It’s less about human need and more about turning scarcity into capital, a vision of growth that risks making water itself the next battleground. Very risky!! #newcities
I like how Sabah Al Ahmad turns the coastline into something almost alive, w/ engineered canals reshaping the desert's edge into a kind of living machine. It's stunning to look at, but it also doesnt feel right, the more we manage nature, the less resilient it becomes. #dontplaygod #newcities
The city carved in the desert: Why did the Arabs build this amazing construction?
In the middle of the desert of one of the hottest countries on the planet, the Arabs decided to build a peculiar city. Almost every resident of Sabah Al Ahmad, in Kuwait, has access to their own private beach. No, it’s not Dubai, nor are they artificial islands. This is a construction project as ambitious as it is eccentric, dug into the desert itself. Canals connected to the sea, artificial beaches and a hydrodynamic system with limited use of support pumps define this city. It may seem like an exaggeration, but there is an explanation. It involves oil, war, environmental solutions and cutting-edge engineering. This is the story of why Kuwait decided to bring the sea into the desert.
en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br
November 5, 2025 at 6:45 PM
I like how Sabah Al Ahmad turns the coastline into something almost alive, w/ engineered canals reshaping the desert's edge into a kind of living machine. It's stunning to look at, but it also doesnt feel right, the more we manage nature, the less resilient it becomes. #dontplaygod #newcities
Prospera reimagines the city as a startup, governed by investors and built on private contracts rather than public consent. It's a bold experiment in sovereignty, but one that edges toward a future where democracy feels optional and citizenship functions more like a subscriptions #newcities
Próspera, Honduras: A Controversial Experiment in Corporate Governance — International Relations Review
Próspera, Honduras is a Zone for Employment and Economic Development, aimed at attracting investment and helping develop the nation. Since its creation, it has been governed by a U.S.-based company, H...
www.irreview.org
November 5, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Prospera reimagines the city as a startup, governed by investors and built on private contracts rather than public consent. It's a bold experiment in sovereignty, but one that edges toward a future where democracy feels optional and citizenship functions more like a subscriptions #newcities
What I found compelling about Woven City is how it reframes a city as a live experiment in human + tech fusion. But calling it a "mass human experiment" also makes me wonder how they decide whose lives become test-beds for robots, mobility, AI and data-driven living? How ethical is this? #newcities
'Mass human experiment': Inside Japan's futuristic $15 billion smart city
Toyota announced its Woven City project in 2020. In 2021, it broke ground on construction at a site close to the foot of Japan's Mount Fuji. Three years later, Woven City says Phase 1 of the developme...
www.forbes.com.au
November 5, 2025 at 4:46 PM
What I found compelling about Woven City is how it reframes a city as a live experiment in human + tech fusion. But calling it a "mass human experiment" also makes me wonder how they decide whose lives become test-beds for robots, mobility, AI and data-driven living? How ethical is this? #newcities
This floating city is such a fascinating idea. Turning survival into design with floating homes, coral-inspired grids, and tech. But who is it really for? Is this a model for climate adaptation or just a luxury refuge? It risks becoming a symbol of resilience instead of a true solution. #newcities
Maldives is building the world’s first floating city
The first homes are slated to open to public viewing in August
www.cntraveller.in
November 5, 2025 at 4:39 PM
This floating city is such a fascinating idea. Turning survival into design with floating homes, coral-inspired grids, and tech. But who is it really for? Is this a model for climate adaptation or just a luxury refuge? It risks becoming a symbol of resilience instead of a true solution. #newcities
It’s impressive that Waterfall City in South Africa keeps being crowned “world’s best” for mixed-use smart developments. Yet the repeated accolades may also mask a deeper question: is this model building inclusive urban futures or just polished enclaves for the privileged? #newcities
Waterfall City crowned World’s Best for fifth time – GreenEconomy.Media
GreenEconomy.Media is a South African media platform and magazine publisher focused on the green economy, offering content on policy, thought leadership, best practices, technology and innovation, aim...
greeneconomy.media
November 5, 2025 at 4:30 PM
It’s impressive that Waterfall City in South Africa keeps being crowned “world’s best” for mixed-use smart developments. Yet the repeated accolades may also mask a deeper question: is this model building inclusive urban futures or just polished enclaves for the privileged? #newcities
What’s fascinating about Gelephu is how it reframes development as spiritual infrastructure. As an economy built on values, not velocity. Its challenge lies in translating mindfulness into policy without turning it into another aesthetic brand of calm capitalism. #newcities
Gelephu: The World’s First Mindfulness City Is in Bhutan
The city is envisioned as Bhutan’s new economic hub – an opportunity to capitalize on the economic corridor linking South Asia to Southeast Asia.
thediplomat.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:27 PM
What’s fascinating about Gelephu is how it reframes development as spiritual infrastructure. As an economy built on values, not velocity. Its challenge lies in translating mindfulness into policy without turning it into another aesthetic brand of calm capitalism. #newcities
What jumps out in Amaravati isn’t just the green branding, but the scale of land and capital being frozen into a single vision. In a country where cities evolve through everyday improvisation, this rigid masterplan may struggle once politics and people shift. #newcities
Foster + Partners to masterplan new sustainable city in India
Foster + Partners is masterplanning the new state capital of Andhra Pradesh in India, which will centre on a governmental building with a needle-like roof.
www.dezeen.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:18 PM
What jumps out in Amaravati isn’t just the green branding, but the scale of land and capital being frozen into a single vision. In a country where cities evolve through everyday improvisation, this rigid masterplan may struggle once politics and people shift. #newcities
What stands out to me is how Centenary City frames infrastructure as an investment product, not a public good. It’s a reminder that “smart cities” often mirror financial markets: planned, priced, and traded. The real innovation would be if that capital logic also built shared urban equity #newcities
Abuja Centenary City kicks off N750bn infrastructure development
After over a decade of delays, work has officially commenced on the N750 billion primary infrastructure phase of the Abuja Centenary City project, with construction giant Julius Berger Nigeria Plc eng...
www.vanguardngr.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:00 PM
What stands out to me is how Centenary City frames infrastructure as an investment product, not a public good. It’s a reminder that “smart cities” often mirror financial markets: planned, priced, and traded. The real innovation would be if that capital logic also built shared urban equity #newcities
It'll be interesting to see how Black River's "third city" plans to evolve after hurricane Melissa, especially as storms intensify with climate change. I'd say that the real test here isn't ambition but resilience. Is this new infrastructure designed to survive the worst of disasters? #newcities
Black River: Jamaica’s Rising Third City
July 29, 2025 Black River, the historic coastal capital of St. Elizabeth Parish, is set to receive a transformative designation: Jamaica’...
news.jamaica-homes.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:44 PM
It'll be interesting to see how Black River's "third city" plans to evolve after hurricane Melissa, especially as storms intensify with climate change. I'd say that the real test here isn't ambition but resilience. Is this new infrastructure designed to survive the worst of disasters? #newcities
What stands out is the contrast with Tatu City. Konza shows how state-led megaprojects can stall under bureaucracy, while privately built cities sometimes move faster because investors demand progress. Its not just about tech or infrastructure, but also governance models. #newcities
Billions in Idle Tech Undermine Konza Smart City’s Ambitions
Konza Technopolis, is sitting on billions of shillings in idle technology equipment as major infrastructure projects drag on.
kenyanwallstreet.com
October 15, 2025 at 12:06 AM
What stands out is the contrast with Tatu City. Konza shows how state-led megaprojects can stall under bureaucracy, while privately built cities sometimes move faster because investors demand progress. Its not just about tech or infrastructure, but also governance models. #newcities
Akon's "real life Wakanda" always sounded ambitious, until you remembered there's no vibranium to mine. Cryptocurrency is not a viable replacement! Hype is cheap, city building is hard; probably why its an empty field. Its a symbol of how easily leaders can be seduced by grand visions. #newcities
Con City - Dissent Magazine
If it is actually built, Akon City will be a monument to capital, excess, and waste.
www.dissentmagazine.org
October 15, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Akon's "real life Wakanda" always sounded ambitious, until you remembered there's no vibranium to mine. Cryptocurrency is not a viable replacement! Hype is cheap, city building is hard; probably why its an empty field. Its a symbol of how easily leaders can be seduced by grand visions. #newcities
Tech elites are pushing a new city in rural California called 'California Forever' which bought 60K+ acres and now propose walkable living & a manufacturing hub. But locals say it feels more like a land grab than community building. #newcities
Tech billionaires want to build a new city in rural California. Voters may get a say on it
California Forever, which bought 60,000 acres, has received fierce opposition from local officials and environmental groups
www.theguardian.com
October 14, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Tech elites are pushing a new city in rural California called 'California Forever' which bought 60K+ acres and now propose walkable living & a manufacturing hub. But locals say it feels more like a land grab than community building. #newcities
Silicon Valley's new twist on #newcities: "network states", which are cloud communities buying land to form micro-nations. From communes in Montenegro to Balaji's manifesto, it's intriguing and unsettling. Building a city as a startup is easy, its building identity + trust that's the real challenge.
Meet Me in the Eternal City
Silicon Valley has always dreamed of building its own utopias. Who’s ready to move in?
www.theatlantic.com
October 14, 2025 at 6:51 PM
Silicon Valley's new twist on #newcities: "network states", which are cloud communities buying land to form micro-nations. From communes in Montenegro to Balaji's manifesto, it's intriguing and unsettling. Building a city as a startup is easy, its building identity + trust that's the real challenge.
In democratic cities, people can veto new city plans. Toronto's Sidewalk Labs proved it as Google's vision collapsed after locals pushed back over privacy and control. #newcities reminder: not all projects fail from money, some fail because the public says no.
A hit show on Toronto’s failed smart city project returns to the stage
The award-winning play, “The Master Plan,” dramatizes the city’s fractured relationship with then-Google subsidiary Sidewalk Labs.
www.smartcitiesdive.com
October 14, 2025 at 6:46 PM
In democratic cities, people can veto new city plans. Toronto's Sidewalk Labs proved it as Google's vision collapsed after locals pushed back over privacy and control. #newcities reminder: not all projects fail from money, some fail because the public says no.
Another example of a bilionaire wanting to drop billions (US$400B) on a desert utopia. His pitch: a 15 min city, green architecture and a new model of "equitism". Sounds inspiring once you realise it's one man's pet project. Telosa feels like a silicon valley savior complex on steroids. #newcities
A billionaire wants to build a utopia in the US desert. Seems like this could go wrong | Jessa Crispin
The architects of the proposed 150,000-acre project are scouting the American south-west. They’re already predicting the first residents can move in by 2030
www.theguardian.com
October 12, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Another example of a bilionaire wanting to drop billions (US$400B) on a desert utopia. His pitch: a 15 min city, green architecture and a new model of "equitism". Sounds inspiring once you realise it's one man's pet project. Telosa feels like a silicon valley savior complex on steroids. #newcities
Moving Indoneasia's capital from sinking Jakarta to Borneo sounds bold: less traffic, less flood risk. But critics see this as a mistake. I see indigenous communities being displaced, not to mention the environmental costs. #newcities take: a 'smart city' isn't smart if it just repeats old mistakes.
Progress or folly? Jokowi’s vision for Indonesia’s new capital
Critics say the plan will displace Indigenous peoples and centralise power in ways that may be unconstitutional.
www.aljazeera.com
October 12, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Moving Indoneasia's capital from sinking Jakarta to Borneo sounds bold: less traffic, less flood risk. But critics see this as a mistake. I see indigenous communities being displaced, not to mention the environmental costs. #newcities take: a 'smart city' isn't smart if it just repeats old mistakes.
NEOM's 170km long line city was sold as a revolutionary eco-city, but now even its backers seem to have hit a wall. Their plans have been scaled down to just 1.5 miles by 2030. This presents a stark #newcities lesson: sci-fi visions meet hard reality. Even petrodollars have limits!!!
End of the Line? Saudi Arabia ‘forced to scale back’ plans for desert megacity
Crown prince’s pet project was sold as a 105-mile-long city of the future, but finances may have led to a rethink
www.theguardian.com
October 12, 2025 at 5:43 PM
NEOM's 170km long line city was sold as a revolutionary eco-city, but now even its backers seem to have hit a wall. Their plans have been scaled down to just 1.5 miles by 2030. This presents a stark #newcities lesson: sci-fi visions meet hard reality. Even petrodollars have limits!!!