Welcome to the New Cities Atlas
Welcome to Roger Weber's New Cities Atlas, a groundbreaking independent publication dedicated to a singular, transformative era in human development—the creation of entirely new cities from scratch. This atlas dives deep into the boldest urban experiments of our time, offering a panoramic view of an unprecedented urban revolution that is shaping the future of our global landscape.
Historically, cities evolved gradually, layer upon layer, reflecting centuries of cultural, economic, and architectural legacies. Yet, the current pace of urban development is unlike anything witnessed before. Since 1950, the world has seen a dramatic shift, with the global urban population expanding from 750 million to over four billion. We are amidst a surge that will see billions more inhabit urban spaces by 2050, largely in cities that did not exist when the 21st century began. China alone has moved more people into new urban areas since 1970 than the entire population living in cities globally in 1950. This rapid urbanization is set to plateau post-2050, and by 2100, global population growth is expected to reverse, decreasing from a peak of around ten billion.
"New Cities Atlas" is not just an archival resource; it's a vibrant chronicle of today's urban frontier—cities rising on what were once barren landscapes, each a manifestation of human will and vision. These are not mere expansions of existing metropolitan hubs but are entirely new entities, places where the canvas of urban life is being redrawn by ambitious planners and visionary leaders.
Why do we build new cities? The reasons are as varied as the landscapes they occupy—from economic strategies aiming to distribute population densities to visionary projects seeking to implement the latest in sustainable living and smart technology. Yet, the creation of these cities raises profound questions: How do we design them to be viable and vibrant? What makes them attract residents and businesses? How do they integrate and innovate to not just survive, but thrive?
Roger Weber's New Cities Atlas seeks to explore these questions through detailed case studies, robust data analysis, and narratives that bring the human element of urban planning to the forefront. From the bustling economic zones of Shenzhen to the eerie quietude of Angola's ghost cities, the atlas covers an array of urban development tales. Each story is a piece of a larger puzzle—how are new cities shaping the future of our planet, and what legacy will they leave?
This atlas also features the "New Cities Momentum Index," a unique analytical tool that measures the success of these cities against their planned goals. Are these cities meeting their projected economic, demographic, and environmental targets? How are they adapting to challenges unforeseen during the planning stages?
As Roger Weber, influenced profoundly by a transformative Eisenhower Fellowship grant and decades of consultancy across the globe, this platform is also a dialogue—a call to all urban planners, policymakers, dreamers, and skeptics to engage with the phenomenon of new city development. It’s a call to debate, learn, and share practices that could define the success or failure of urban futures.
In this most exciting time for city-making, the New Cities Atlas invites you to join a journey through the places that will likely define the culmination of our urban age. Whether you are a student of urban design, a professional in the field, or simply someone fascinated by the rapid transformation of our world, this atlas promises insights and discussions that are crucial not just for understanding but for actively shaping the urban narratives of tomorrow.
If you are a fellow footsoldier in the New Cities Revolution, we invite you to subscribe and to reach out co connect with us directly at newcitiesatlas@gmail.com.
