21st Century City DNA … smart cities are about much more than technology … they’re about place and purpose, people and portfolio … so, how should we build the cities of the future?

February 28, 2025

Every week I travel to a different global city. I love the energy of New York, the culture of Madrid, the intensity of Cairo, the calm of Singapore, the landmarks of London, the boldness of Baku, the charm of Prague, the awakening of Jeddah, the fusion of Seoul, the cherry blossom of Cape Town, the architecture of Buenos Aires, the clean air of Seattle, the passion of Newcastle, the chill of Copenhagen, the technology of Astana, the open spaces of Washington, the people of Tokyo.

56% of the world’s population now live in cities, and growing. In the same way that the growth of industry and infrastructure enticed people from rural villages into central towns, they continue to seek out metropolitan living with its superior jobs, abundant services and better lifestyles. Covid saw some people run for the countryside in developed countries, but in most places it only accelerated urbanisation.

Tokyo is still the world’s largest city, with a population of 37 million, but it is Chinese and Indian cities that are growing fastest like Delhi and Shanghai. And then there are the new cities, particularly of Asia, Middle East and Africa – from Shenzhen to Hyderabad, to Dubai and Riyadh, next generation cities like Lagos and Kinshasa, and dream-like new metrolpolsis like Neom.

In between, there is a recognition that cities need more thoughtful design and innovation to thrive. Many of the largest cities seek to build secondary versions, like Cairo or São Paulo. And in other places, entirely new cities, like Astana in Kazakhstan or Songdo in South Korea.

Too many old cities struggle with the legacy of unstructured growth, as activities and lifestyles change. Look at Europe for example, with its deserted centres, and sprawling perimeters. European regeneration means rethinking the purpose of cities, how to design centres that are fit for today’s needs, and reinvent infrastructure – transport, power, education, hospitals, leisure – that is more sustainable, efficient, and works.

So what is the DNA of a city? What’s the DNA of your city of the future?

Inspiring Cities

Cities have emerged over centuries, sometimes with careful design, and otherwise with chaotic sprawl. Here are some of the best designed cities, starting with Amsterdam, which I love for its canals, but also the cultural and human vibrancy of its city centre.

Amsterdam, Netherlands: The dutch city is planned along the four concentric canal rings initiated in the 17th century. These canals have given the city a definite structure whereas the housing is built in clusters to lend lateral support. Public housing in the city is designed to clearly define the urban character, with special attention paid to the façade design that is now the image of the city. The excellence of Dutch planning is reflected in the emphasis on connectivity, well designed public spaces for a higher standard of public life.

Singapore: The Asian city-state has seen rapid economic development and high quality of public life owing to an efficient government and city planning strategy. Divided into a series of partially self-sufficient precincts, each precinct is governed by four regional centers other than the central government. These planning strategies have been successful in creating quality affordable housing, integrating green spaces, enhancement of mobility and transport services while sustaining a flourishing economy.

Copenhagen, Denmark: The urban plan was conceived as a ‘Five Finger Plan’ to build an integrated network of urban infrastructure, transport and green spaces. The key element of the planning is the location of people and their movement through the plan. The development is condensed along these lines to encourage the use of public transit networks. The emphasis on sustainability, the high quality of public life, a sensitive approach to development is testament to the success of the urban planning and execution in Copenhagen. Today it seeks to be a “Doughnut City” living with in the limits of environmental impacts, and designed to do more socially.

Washington DC, USA: The urban plan is known as the L’Enfant Plan named after Pierre Charles L’Enfant, the original urban planner for the city. The city is regulated with north-south and east-west running streets intersected by broader ‘avenues’ that would create rectangles within the grid for memorials and open spaces. The plan also establishes the National Mall – a landscaped public park, the extents marked by the United States Capitol and Lincoln Memorial on each end.

Brasilia, Brazil: The city’s urban plan developed by Lucio Costa is famously known as a ‘Pilot Plan’ owing to its plan that is defined by two intersecting axes. The monumental long axis is the location of all the government buildings, whereas the residences of the government employees are located along the cross axis. These residences are within areas known as the ‘super-quadra’ that also has amenities such as shops, hospitals and schools. However, Brasilia was envisioned largely as a city for automobiles and does not consider pedestrian mobility.

Innovating Cities

Flying into Astana, I didn’t know what to expect. I had previously visited Almaty, the former capital which was historic but crumbling, and certainly not giving the image of a dynamic, young nation. That all changed in Astana, with its video-walled skyscrapers and ultramodern infrastructure:

Astana, Kazakhstan: Now known as Nur-Sultan, it is the capital of Kazakhstan, developed to promote economic growth and modernisation, and a vastly different look and feel to the historic former capital of Almaty.

Modern Architecture: Features iconic buildings like the Bayterek Tower and the Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center.
Economic Hub: Focus on attracting investment and fostering economic development.
Cultural Institutions: Hosts museums, theaters, and cultural centers. Success Factors:
Strategic Relocation: Moving the capital from Almaty to Astana helped distribute economic activity more evenly across the country.
Investment in Infrastructure: Significant investment in modern infrastructure and amenities.

Brasília, Brazil: the Latin American capital, designed to promote the development of the country’s interior.

Modernist Architecture: Known for its unique and innovative architectural designs by Oscar Niemeyer.
Government Hub: Houses Brazil’s federal government institutions.
Planned Layout: Designed with a distinctive airplane-shaped layout.
Visionary Design: Innovative urban planning and architecture set Brasília apart.
Economic Development: Helped stimulate economic growth in Brazil’s interior regions.

Canberra, Australia: the capital city, designed to be the political and administrative centre of the country.

Government Buildings: Home to the Australian Parliament House and other key government institutions.
Cultural Institutions: Hosts national museums, galleries, and cultural centers.
Planned Layout: Designed with a radial layout and extensive green spaces. Success Factors:
Purpose-Built: Created to serve as the nation’s capital, with a focus on governance and culture.
Quality of Life: High standard of living with excellent public services and amenities.

Lavasa, India. India has the world’s largest population, and most of it in its huge cities. This is a planned city near Pune, India, designed to be a modern, self-sustaining urban area.

Mixed-Use Development: Lavasa includes residential, commercial, educational, and recreational spaces.
Scenic Location: The city is situated in a picturesque valley, offering a high quality of life.
Infrastructure: Lavasa features well-planned infrastructure, including roads, utilities, and public transportation.
Private Investment: Private developers played a significant role in Lavasa’s development.
Tourism Focus: The city’s scenic location and recreational facilities attract tourists and residents alike.

Navi Mumbai, India: This is a planned satellite city of Mumbai, designed to decongest the main city.

Residential Areas: Well-planned residential neighborhoods with modern amenities.
Commercial Zones: Business districts and commercial centers to support economic growth.
Infrastructure: Robust infrastructure, including roads, railways, and public transportation.
Strategic Location: Proximity to Mumbai, making it an attractive alternative for residents and businesses.
Balanced Development: Focus on both residential and commercial development to create a self-sustaining city.

Putrajaya, Malaysia: The country’s new administrative capital, designed to alleviate congestion in Kuala Lumpur:

Government Hub: Houses many of Malaysia’s government offices and ministries.
Green Spaces: Extensive parks and green areas, including the Putrajaya Wetlands.
Modern Infrastructure: Well-planned roads, bridges, and public transportation. Success Factors:
Strategic Planning: Careful planning ensured a balanced mix of administrative, residential, and recreational areas.
Sustainability: Emphasis on green spaces and environmental sustainability.

Songdo, South Korea: Songdo International Business District is a smart city built on reclaimed land along Incheon’s waterfront. It is designed to be a sustainable, high-tech urban area.

Sustainability: Songdo incorporates green building practices, extensive parks, and a central waste disposal system that eliminates the need for garbage trucks.
Technology: The city is equipped with smart technologies, including sensors for traffic management, energy-efficient buildings, and high-speed internet connectivity.
Mixed-Use Development: Songdo features a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, making it a vibrant and livable city.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between the government and private developers played a crucial role in Songdo’s development.
Strategic Location: Proximity to Incheon International Airport and major transportation hubs boosted Songdo’s appeal as a business and residential destination.

City Building

Planning a successful new city requires meticulous attention to a multitude of factors. In many ways, there is no difference to developing an effective business strategy, including innovation and transformation, delivery and ongoing management. Here are some key elements and steps involved in the city building process:

Purpose

Define the Vision: Establish a clear vision for the city’s purpose, such as economic growth, sustainability, innovation, or quality of life.
Set Objectives: Outline specific goals and objectives that align with the vision. These could include economic targets, population growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusivity.

Strategy

Comprehensive Plan: Develop a master plan that includes land use, transportation, infrastructure, and zoning regulations.
Phased Development: Break down the development into manageable phases, starting with essential infrastructure and gradually adding residential, commercial, and industrial areas.

Zoning

Residential Areas: Designate zones for residential development, ensuring access to schools, healthcare, parks, and amenities.
Commercial and Retail: Plan commercial and retail spaces to provide services and employment opportunities for residents.
Industrial Zones: Allocate areas for industrial use, considering proximity to transportation hubs and minimizing impact on residential zones.
Green Spaces: Incorporate parks, recreational areas, and green belts to enhance the city’s livability and environmental quality.

Infrastructure

Transportation: Plan an efficient transportation network, including roads, public transit, pedestrian pathways, and cycling routes.
Utilities: Ensure reliable access to water, electricity, gas, and waste management systems.
Communication Networks: Develop high-speed internet and telecommunication infrastructure to support business and residents.

Sustainability

Eco-Friendly Design: Implement green building practices and energy-efficient designs for buildings and infrastructure.
Renewable Energy: Invest in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower.
Smart Technologies: Use smart technologies for traffic management, energy distribution, waste management, and public services.

Economics

Attract Investment: Create incentives and favorable conditions to attract businesses and investors.
Diverse Economy: Plan for a diverse economy with sectors such as technology, finance, manufacturing, and tourism.
Job Creation: Develop policies and initiatives to create job opportunities for residents.

Partnerships

Collaboration: Foster public-private partnerships between government and private sector entities to leverage resources, expertise, and funding.
Investment: Secure funding through public and private investments for large-scale projects.

Community

Stakeholder Involvement: Engage with community members, stakeholders, and experts to gather input and feedback.
Transparency: Ensure transparent communication and decision-making processes to build trust and support.

Regulation

Policies and Regulations: Establish clear policies and regulations to guide development, land use, and environmental protection.
Compliance: Ensure compliance with local, national, and international standards and regulations.

Management

Continuous Assessment: Monitor progress and performance of the city’s development, making adjustments as needed.
Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop to incorporate lessons learned and improve future planning and implementation.

More resources

More from the blog