Sustainable Urbanization
How Noise and Air Pollution Shape Healthier Cities: Interview with Milica Raičković
In this interview, Milica Raičković discusses how noise and air pollution affect public health and urban quality of life across Serbia and the Western Balkans. Drawing on insights from a major regional conference, she explains why systematic monitoring, interdisciplinary planning, and data-driven decision-making are essential for healthier cities.
Read MoreHow Noise and Air Pollution Shape Healthier Cities: Interview with Milica RaičkovićSustainable Holiday Celebrations in Cities: From Christmas Trees to Smart Urban Solutions
Holiday celebrations are placing growing pressure on urban environments through increased waste, energy consumption, and air pollution. This article examines the environmental implications of festive traditions, ranging from Christmas trees to fireworks, and demonstrates how sustainable holiday celebrations in cities can be promoted through intelligent technologies, data-driven planning, and informed consumer choices.
Read MoreSustainable Holiday Celebrations in Cities: From Christmas Trees to Smart Urban SolutionsSaaS Traffic Control in Xuchang: A New Model for Seamless Congestion Management
Xuchang (Henan province, China) tackled traffic congestion caused by surging tourism by implementing AI-powered SaaS traffic control system. This lightweight solution, deployed in two weeks at one-tenth the traditional cost, reduced intersection delays by 13.39% and improved rush hour speeds by 13-15%. Integrated smart parking further optimized mobility, demonstrating technology’s role in building efficient cities.
Read MoreSaaS Traffic Control in Xuchang: A New Model for Seamless Congestion ManagementHow Urban Data Governance in Europe Is Shaping the Future of Cities
This article examines how urban data governance in Europe is reshaping city development through regulatory frameworks, federated platforms, and mission-oriented data spaces. It explores how European cities leverage data to align climate, social, and digital objectives while addressing fragmentation, governance complexity, and uneven territorial capacities. The analysis highlights both the systemic potential and political challenges of scaling these models across Europe.
Read MoreHow Urban Data Governance in Europe Is Shaping the Future of CitiesWhen Communities Take Charge: Lessons from Güssing and Local Energy Independence
How can cities strengthen resilience while keeping energy value within their communities? This article explores the case of Güssing, a small Austrian town that achieved local energy independence through community-led renewables and smart governance. Its experience offers practical lessons for municipalities seeking sustainable energy systems and local economic renewal.
Read MoreWhen Communities Take Charge: Lessons from Güssing and Local Energy IndependenceHuman-Centric Smart Mobility: Ethical Dilemmas and Solutions in the Age of Intelligent Connectivity
: Smart transportation’s pursuit of efficiency raises ethical dilemmas: loss of driver control, data privacy concerns, and diminished social connectivity. Solutions include standardized human-machine interfaces, robust data governance, and technology-designed social interactions to preserve human-centric mobility.
Read MoreHuman-Centric Smart Mobility: Ethical Dilemmas and Solutions in the Age of Intelligent ConnectivityThe New Urban Starter Home: How Cities Are Reinventing Affordable Urban Housing Solutions for a New Generation
Cties are under increasing pressure to deliver affordable urban housing solutions as young residents struggle with rising rents and limited supply. This article explores Beijing’s pioneering collective-land rental model alongside international examples from Vienna, Helsinki, Tokyo, Singapore and New York. Together, these cases reveal how innovative rental systems and data-driven policy can reshape the future of urban housing.
Read MoreThe New Urban Starter Home: How Cities Are Reinventing Affordable Urban Housing Solutions for a New GenerationAI and the City: Smart Governance for the Future.
AI and cities are becoming inseparable as European municipalities deploy intelligent tools to improve governance, mobility, and public services. This article explores how mid-sized cities are leading the shift toward human-centric, transparent, and trustworthy AI adoption. Through real examples and expert insights, it reveals what cities need to scale innovation while protecting democratic values.
Read MoreAI and the City: Smart Governance for the Future.Air Pollution Raises Risk of Dementia: Why Clean Air Is a Public Health Imperative
Growing evidence shows that long-term exposure to polluted air significantly increases the risk of dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. This article highlights findings from a landmark global meta-analysis involving millions of participants, demonstrating clear links between air pollution and cognitive decline. The results underscore why improving air quality must be treated as an urgent public-health and urban-planning priority.
Read MoreAir Pollution Raises Risk of Dementia: Why Clean Air Is a Public Health ImperativePedestrian-Friendly Urban Design: Experience Sharing from Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s approach to pedestrian-friendly urban design showcases how dense cities can improve walkability through smart planning and people-centered infrastructure. In the article, we explore the city’s most effective strategies, from pedestrian zones to innovative crossing technologies, and examine what other cities can learn from this experience.
Read MorePedestrian-Friendly Urban Design: Experience Sharing from Hong Kong