Nicholas Falk highlights the urgent need for cities to adapt swiftly to rapid growth, especially in mega-cities, by adopting smarter urban planning. The focus is on principles of social equity, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency—the three E’s.
He advocates for strategic, compact development inspired by European cities like Freiburg and Montpellier. The garden city model, funded through land value uplift, is proposed to create attractive and viable communities. Examples include Uxcester garden city and projects in Oxford, demonstrating how land development can finance infrastructure such as tram lines and parks.
Cities like Singapore and Silicon Valley exemplify high-ranking smart cities that integrate nature and innovative infrastructure. The report stresses the importance of community partnerships, development corporations, and local trusts for sustainable growth.
By adopting successful models and fostering collaboration, cities can better manage growth, improve liveability, and address housing shortages effectively.
