Sustainable Urbanization
The End of Ultra-Cheap Solar? What Rising Module Prices Mean for Urban Solar Energy
For more than a decade, falling solar panel prices fueled the rapid expansion of urban solar energy. Now costs may begin to rise. This article explores what a potential 20–30% increase in module prices could mean for cities, municipal budgets, and future energy planning.
Read MoreThe End of Ultra-Cheap Solar? What Rising Module Prices Mean for Urban Solar EnergyGender-Responsive Urban Planning: Why Cities Must Work for Women
The article considers how the infrastructure of the city often demonstrates gender disparities that may be present in the urban landscape. From gender-responsive facilities to transportation safety, many elements of urban space continue to serve men better than women. This article discusses the possibilities of gender-sensitive urban planning, taking into account examples from Vienna, Barcelona, and Seoul.
Read MoreGender-Responsive Urban Planning: Why Cities Must Work for WomenSmart City Ranking Methodology: Beyond the Top 10 Cities of 2025 (II)
How are the world’s “smartest cities” actually ranked? This article examines smart city ranking methodology, from indicator selection to weighting and normalization. Understanding how the numbers are built changes how we interpret the Top 10 cities of 2025.
Read MoreSmart City Ranking Methodology: Beyond the Top 10 Cities of 2025 (II)Smart City Rankings Methodology: Beyond the Top 10 Cities of 2025 (I)
Who is the smartest city in the world? It depends on the ranking. This article examines how leading smart city indexes define and measure “smartness” and why their results diverge
Read MoreSmart City Rankings Methodology: Beyond the Top 10 Cities of 2025 (I)Intelligent Transportation Systems in 2025: China’s Year of Acceleration and Global Signals for Smart Mobility
The 2025 ITS landscape was dominated by AI large models, embodied robots, and drones in China, alongside global advances in LiDAR and V2X. Key themes included the push for vehicle-road-cloud integration, a booming low-altitude economy, and an industry-wide focus on practical digital transformation.
Read MoreIntelligent Transportation Systems in 2025: China’s Year of Acceleration and Global Signals for Smart MobilityWhen Warmth Becomes a Trap: The Hidden Costs of Winter Urban Heat Islands
Winter urban heat islands are often seen as a seasonal advantage, making cities slightly warmer during cold months. However, growing evidence shows they can worsen air pollution, accelerate infrastructure damage, and create hidden public health risks. This article explores real-world case studies and explains why winter UHIs are becoming a critical issue for sustainable and smart cities.
Read MoreWhen Warmth Becomes a Trap: The Hidden Costs of Winter Urban Heat IslandsSmart Expressways in 2025: Scaling Up Implementation
In 2025, China’s smart expressway construction has moved beyond the early stage of prioritizing “showy technology” and technological stacking, moving into a phase centered on pragmatic implementation, system integration, and operational value. Many industry observers see this as a major…
Mexico City 2026: Can Megacity Mobility Coordination Keep a World Cup City Moving?
Mexico City will face a rare stress test during the 2026 World Cup as matchday travel overlaps with daily commuter peaks. The article explores how megacity mobility coordination, not infrastructure expansion, will determine transport system resilience. Lessons from global events show why governance and demand management are becoming core urban mobility tools.
Read MoreMexico City 2026: Can Megacity Mobility Coordination Keep a World Cup City Moving?AI in Urban Governance and the Future of Human-Centric Cities: Interview with Svetlana Tešić
In this interview, Svetlana Tešić shares her expert perspective on AI in urban governance and the growing role of cities in shaping digital transformation. She discusses citizen trust, collaboration between municipalities, and the importance of human-centric approaches to technology. The conversation explores how European cities can use AI responsibly while strengthening democratic governance and public participation.
Read MoreAI in Urban Governance and the Future of Human-Centric Cities: Interview with Svetlana TešićNew York Moves Toward an All-Electric Buildings Law Amid Court Battles and Grid Concerns
New York is moving toward an all-electric buildings law that could end gas-powered systems in new construction. The proposal has sparked legal challenges and concerns over costs and grid readiness. The outcome may influence building electrification policies far beyond the state.
Read MoreNew York Moves Toward an All-Electric Buildings Law Amid Court Battles and Grid Concerns