New Cities Atlas
The Rust Belt, once the industrial heartland of the U.S., has undergone significant urban redevelopment to combat deindustrialization, population decline, and economic stagnation. Cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Detroit have shifted from heavy manufacturing to technology, healthcare, and education, repurposing old factories into innovation hubs and creative spaces. Downtown
New Cities Atlas
Tianducheng, located near Hangzhou, China, is one of the country’s most famous copycat cities, designed as a replica of Paris, complete with a 108-meter Eiffel Tower, Haussmann-style buildings, and European-style plazas. Originally intended as a luxury residential community, the development struggled with low occupancy, earning a reputation as a
New Cities Atlas
India’s new city developments are driven by rapid urbanization, economic expansion, and the need for modern infrastructure. With its urban population expected to reach 600 million by 2030, the country is investing in planned cities, smart urbanism, and industrial hubs. Projects like GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) aim
New Cities Atlas
Forest City, a massive $100 billion development in Johor, Malaysia, was envisioned as a futuristic eco-friendly metropolis catering to international investors, particularly from China. Developed by Country Garden, it features luxury residences, smart city technology, and green infrastructure, built on artificial islands near the Singapore border. The project aimed to
New Cities Atlas
Naypyidaw, Myanmar’s capital since 2006, is one of the world’s most enigmatic planned cities. Built in secrecy and unveiled abruptly, it replaced Yangon as the administrative center to provide more security, space, and modern infrastructure. Spanning 7,000 square kilometers, it features wide, empty highways, government complexes, luxury
New Cities Atlas
Putrajaya, Malaysia’s planned administrative capital, was developed in the 1990s to relieve congestion in Kuala Lumpur and create a modern government hub. Located 25 km south of Kuala Lumpur, it features grand government buildings, wide boulevards, and extensive green spaces, with 68% of its area dedicated to parks, lakes,
New Cities Atlas
Songdo International Business District, located in Incheon, South Korea, is one of the world’s most ambitious smart city projects. Built on reclaimed land, Songdo was designed to be a sustainable, high-tech urban hub with ubiquitous connectivity, green spaces, and LEED-certified buildings. The city integrates IoT, AI-driven infrastructure, and centralized
New Cities Atlas
Lagos, Africa’s largest city and economic powerhouse, is a fast-growing megacity with over 20 million residents. As Nigeria’s commercial hub, it drives finance, technology, and trade, anchored by its bustling ports and markets. As Nigeria transitions from a rural to urban population while sustaining a high birth rate,
New Cities Atlas
Digital cities are redefining urban life by integrating technology, data, and connectivity into governance, infrastructure, and social interaction. Emerging smart city platforms use AI, IoT, and big data to enhance transportation, energy efficiency, and public services, creating more responsive and efficient urban environments. At the same time, social media and
New Cities Atlas
Cairo’s New Administrative Capital is Egypt’s most ambitious urban project, designed to relieve congestion in Cairo and create a modern government and business hub. Located 45 km east of Cairo, the city spans 700 square kilometers and is set to house 6.5 million people. It features a
New Cities Atlas
Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast is a focal point for new city developments aimed at diversifying the economy, expanding tourism, and creating sustainable urban hubs. Projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project are designed to leverage the region’s natural beauty, strategic location, and renewable energy potential. NEOM,
New Cities Atlas
NEOM is Saudi Arabia’s most ambitious megacity project, a $500 billion initiative under Vision 2030, designed to transform the country’s economy beyond oil. Located in northwest Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea, NEOM aims to be a global hub for technology, sustainability, and tourism. The project includes The