This week's roundup of the best city stories starts with a sign of the times: a hilarious blog that imagines how smart technologies might reshape the way we see cities. We also hear how the "People's Cup" is fighting for housing rather than goals, and what sustainable innovations might improve urban life in New Orleans and Manila.
We'd love to hear your responses to these stories and any others you've read recently, both at Guardian Cities and elsewhere: share your thoughts in the comments below.
Future signs of the smart city
"Attention: Driverless Cars Only."
"All selfies taken with your smart contact lenses will be shared in real time with the proper authorities."
"Thank you for choosing our solar panel highways."
"Please don't knock on the door: we will know when you have arrived."
Don't sound familiar? That's because these signs don't exist – yet. A new blog, Signs From the Near Future, humorously imagines an urban future in which familiar scenes eerily reveal how smart technology might alter the way we live. Some changes seem to be positive innovations in sustainability, others hint at an all-seeing, all-knowing city that has perhaps become too smart.
Many of the developments may be closer than we think. As this Dezeen article tells us, augmented reality has the power to completely reshape the way we navigate and experience cities. The smart cityscape may be just around the corner.
Being green in New Orleans
After Hurricane Katrina, Brad Pitt and his Make it Right Foundation funded the creation of green residences for affected citizens in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward. But what about sustainable initiatives for the rest of the city? A new strategy by the Redevelopment Authority (NORA) aims to turn vacant plots in New Orleans into a "green infrastructure" system, focused on both environmental and social sustainability. From wildflower lawns and educational urban farms to wildlife habitats and managed forests, the key to the success of these plots of land, this article from Sustainable Cities Collective suggests, is encouraging and empowering local residents to look after and nurture them.
Trike strike
There are around 3.5m motorised tricycles in the Philippines. In the capital, Manila, these trikes are a primary form of transport that creates a large amount of pollution, noise and congestion on the streets. But, as we hear from Next City, the national government is spearheading a project to replace them with cleaner, silent and more sustainable electric versions, or "e-bikes". It has been suggested that the move would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 260,000 tonnes per year.
Nevertheless, the idea still poses an issue of high electricity usage, and does not solve congestion, prompting a local transport economist to state that “there needs to be a fundamental change in the way cities are built,” with a focus instead on encouraging those very old-fashioned activities: cycling and walking.
Poverty v the World Cup
São Paolo, understandably, is generating a lot of news of late. A month ago, the Homeless Workers Movement set up camp outside the World Cup's Itaquerão stadium, protesting the money spent on these stadiums rather than crucial housing. One month later, however, the government has apparently agreed to build new homes in the camp for the homeless protesters. This photo gallery from Al Jazeera shows us a glimpse inside the camp, where the so-called "People's Cup" unites residents to protest against social injustice.
Urban living rooms in Salvador
A bit more about Brazil, because – well, this summer it is all about Brazil. On the streets of Salvador, a project called hibridizacao is helping people create outdoor living rooms. The idea is to reimagine the urban and social realms – and have a bit of fun. Deck chairs, tables, hammocks and bookcases populate the streets, blending public and private and creating communal spaces to rest, dance, eat or read.
What other signs would you imagine in a smart city? What could be the solution to transport in the Philippines? Share your views on these stories (or any others) below.
