Five trends in transforming cities

These include digitalisation and the adoption of clean energy.

As more than half of the global population now live in urban areas, the development of cities would now take into account providing “more efficient, practical, and cost-effective” solutions that would raise their livability, according to Euromonitor International.

In a statement, Euromonitor noted that 57% of the population is now in urban areas and this is seen to reach 64% by 2040. Fransua Vytautas Razvadaukas identified five trends that define the establishment of urban areas.

1. Digital Cities

Cities are now adopting digital solutions for managing their assets through the use of “smart” and “intelligent” technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and the use of AI to automate or streamline processes.

One example of digitalisation in cities is the use of sensors in waste bins to inform authorities on when to organise waste refuse collection which results in efficient service.

2. Clean Energy

Cities, which account for around 70% of total global energy consumption and around 40% to 50% of greenhouse gases, would need to shift the energy they use to non-fossil fuels. This is in line with the climate targets such as the Paris Climate Agreement of 205 and the EU’s “Fit for 55” sustainability package.

Euromonitor said this trend entails reducing energy consumption and pushing for greater building efficiency in the materials used by real estate developers.

3. Urban Space and Environment

Ensuring that everything is within the reach of citizens is also one of the emerging trends in urban planning such as the 15-minute city concept wherein all the needs of the consumers are within a 15-minute bicycle ride or walk. These needs include green spaces, leisure facilities, work, schools, groceries and other essential amenities.

“Cities need to cultivate a new approach to urban planning which deepens community integration and ensures citizens have good access to essential services,” Euromonitor said. 

“Smart urban planning also considers better use of public transport, improved traffic flow systems and greater pedestrianisation of cities,” it added.

4. Seamless and Clean Mobility

The rise of seamless and clean mobility is driven by the increasing awareness of sustainability and changing consumer preferences. In seamless mobility, the goal is the alleviate the first and last-mile problems by focusing on creating various shared transport modes.

Clean mobility, meanwhile, looks at cutting the greenhouse gas emissions of the consumer transport sector by imposing tighter restrictions on fossil fuel-powered vehicles and incentivising electric and alternative fuel vehicles.

5. Cities of the Future

Cities in developing Asia are becoming targets for investment due to the rise of growing consumer purchasing power amidst the rise of disposable income across cities, and the improving infrastructures.

Aside from Shanghai, Beijing, Mumbai, Manila, and Jakarta have become investment hotspots, and retailer has started entering mid-sized cities “which are undergoing positive change with rising levels of consumer affluence.” 

“While this trend is not in itself shaping cities, it is planting the seeds for new urban developments that embrace the aforementioned trends,” Euromonitor said.