The article makes the point that the way to go into the future is through high-density living. Life in cities, it makes the point,
fosters creativity. Density requires civility. Density enjoys efficiency. Density simulates innovation, a sense of shared purpose, distinctive regional identities, and creates wealth, too.This is a line of thought that seems to be quite radical, considering how most people who aren't from cities (and in fact dislike cities) feel. I believer the term "Cidiots" has been used once or twice about city-dwellers.
If a city has a wide-spread and efficient public-transportation, along with healthy, strong, culture-rich, and diverse neighborhoods; proper handling of waste management and pollution control, then yes, cities are the way to go.
This is not to say that suburban-sprawl is a better alternative, if anything it is far worse. But to move towards filling cities, people must be compelled to move in. Around here, that sadly is not the case. Buffalo leaves lots to be desired in terms of ease of travel without vehicles and suffers from vast neglected regions.
The Economist has a wonderful article about city life and it's effect on the world from a developing nation's standpoint. Developing cities are currently being stretched to their very limits, and strain the environment and standards of living for it's inhabitants.
But, it says,
The [World Bank] argues that third-world cities grow so big and so fast precisely because they generate vast economic advantages, and that these gains may be increasing.Interesting stuff. Check it out.
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