Citizenry - Smart Cities - Razing Beijing - Marina Bay Sands - Olfactory Marketing

Urban development is one of the hottest topics to hit the globe . Whether it is the large quantities of people migrating from the country to the city, or the hazy air pollution that is affecting the health of dense populations, or creating an infrastructure that can efficiently support the demands of mass transit, complex problems have forced great minds to think outside of the box. Today’s post features some of the initiatives, phenomenon’s and challenges notable cities are facing.

Boyd Cohen for Fast Company talks about building a smart city, based on forward thinking ideas. These include integrating policies that encourage and integrate private sectors to improve on growth, and good city branding as a means of talent attraction and retention. In another article, he outlines the top ten smart cities on the planet. 

With all eyes focussed on Beijing for the 2008 Olympics along with the lashing media criticism that came for the government’s lavish spending and draconian policies, the city is once again butting heads. This article by The Atlantic looks at the razing of historical neighbourhoods as government officials are forced to create more efficient urban spaces for the alarming influx of migrant workers and the like.

China is not alone in its strong economic growth, as Singapore rises as a strong Asian power with a boom in its luxury sector. One obvious symbol of this modern wealth is the stunning Marina Bay Sands, designed by critically acclaimed architect Moshe Safdie. The property holds the title of most expensive hotel built to this day, and the results are simply stunning.

Detest the waiting time of your urban commute? Advertising agencies PHD and and JCDecaux may have created something you may enjoy. Outfitting several bus stops in the UK with a special olfactory (read: smell) feature, consumers can now enjoy the smell of McCain’s hot baked potatoes. As 3-D technology slowly becomes the new 2-D, advertisers are looking for other ways to stand out in a crowded marketplace….

Image Source: Fast Company