Never mind those narrow cobblestone streets and all those grand neo-classical, gothic and baroque facades we find so romantic. History is just so…yesterday. If you’re wondering what the urban landscapes of tomorrow will look like in terms of embracing technology, architecture and design, and eco-friendliness, look no further than these nine cities. Sorry, jet packs not included—yet.
Masdar City, United Arab Emirates
The world’s first zero-carbon, zero-waste city you say? That’s the idea behind this walled city and potential cleantech hub being built next to Abu Dhabi Airport and expected to house its first 7,000 residents this year. Features include solar power, clean-energy mass transit, naturally cooled city streets. and “green” policemen to monitor energy use.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
The Dutch capital is one green city—no, not that kind of green. We’re talking about Amsterdam Smart City, a citywide collaboration that aims to build a smarter Amsterdam including IJburg, the city’s first floating neighborhood, and The Smart Work project, a program aimed to create coworking spaces to improve commutes and reduce emissions.
Singapore
When it comes to futuristic cities, this southeast Asian city state is often touted as one at the top of the list. For starters check out the futuristic looking Marina Bay Sands hotel and the stunning SuperTree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, but also consider future forward initiatives for curbing congestion like a flexible toll prices and a computer system monitoring cab use.
Helsinki, Finland
This Scandinavian capital is home to a gorgeous population who are apparently also forward thinking. In Helsinki, citywide free Wi-Fi is a current perk, but the Fins are also aiming to render car ownership useless by creating a smartphone app that allows users to purchase point-to-point transportation (bike sharing, taxi, etc.) via phone with the click of one button.
Songdo International Business District, South Korea
Like Masdar City, Songdo was built from scratch to be a smart city. Built on 1,500 acres of reclaimed land between Seoul, Korea and its international airport and slated for completion this year, the city will embrace smart thinking via an innovative waste management system, charging stations for electric cars, and reserving 40% of land for green space.
Los Angeles, USA
In addition to embracing exciting new building design of late, the City of Angels is about to become the first metropolis on earth to control its street lighting through mobile and cloud-based technologies and will enable the city to remotely control lighting fixtures, monitor energy use and the status of each light thus reducing maintenance while making streets safer.
Barcelona, Spain
Never mind that Barcelona is one of the most gorgeous cities in Europe. This coastal beauty has brains as well. Forward thinking initiatives include phone chargers at bus stops, interactive screens featuring visitor information, LED street lights, an open data system and smart traffic lights that provide green corridors for fire vehicles.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
A first glimpse at the glitzy Middle Eastern metropolis of Dubai reveals futuristic architecture for sure, but the city also has forward-thinking ambitions. In 2012, Vice President and ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced a new initiative for a green economy which includes green buildings, sustainable energy and environmental tourism.
Hong Kong
Wise City Hong Kong aims to turn the Chinese metropolis into a model “smart city,” but this Asian tourist mecca is already on its way including the Octopus smart card which allows for electronic payments in grocery stores, parking meters, public trans and more. Speaking of which, its metro is so good that cars are owned by only 10% of the populace.
