In a discourse about the future of cities, one could be forgiven for limiting their geographical scope to innovations in Europe, the United States, and increasingly, China and Southeast Asia. After all, Shenzhen is about to once again host the world’s only Biennale dedicated exclusively to urbanization, while smart, responsive architecture manifests in visions for cities such as Toronto and London, and tech giants such as Microsoft and Siemens. However, despite our preoccupation with the problems and opportunities of urbanization in the ‘Global North’, and the architectural innovations they herald, there is merit in expanding our horizons – and not just towards Mars. By the end of the century, none of the world’s largest 20 cities will be in China, Europe, or the Americas. Africa, meanwhile, will host 13 out of 20, including the top 3.
This article was first published in Arch Daily and is republished with permission.
An initiative by French President, Emmanuel Macron, the Africa France Summit will be the largest investment summit of its kind between Africa and France. The theme is ‘Sustainable Cities’ and South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, will lead a 30 strong delegation to the summit. There will be over 50 other African heads of state in attendance. It is the first of a kind event combining both the public and private sector in a ‘Sustainable City’ designed exhibition plus summit. It is an Africa/France but also an Africa/Africa summit. The scope and scale is unprecedented.
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Michael Hart on
It is not surprising that Africa will herald the largest megacities on the globe. Population growth and urbanisation due to low economic development will force people to migrate into cities to find work and prosperity. The downside is that there is little opportunity created within a recessionary economy. The reality is that the megacities of the future Africa may not be the Smart cities of the tech-visionaries. These cities could be something of a new hybrid where past colonial city plans may be transformed with a new innovative attitude to accommodate fast developing urban communities. It is clear that town planning and urban design will require new approaches towards density, land use and transportation. If SA cities are going to cope with future rapid growth its a warning that current strategies need to change to get the sluggish rate of urban renewal and housing delivery into action for the common good of the country and the economy. It is evident that the rate of urban change is not coping with current urbanisation. With respect there is nothing to learn in France. The South African government delegation just needs to look locally to find the solutions right here in Africa.
Green Building Africa promotes the need for net carbon zero buildings and cities in Africa. We are fiercely independent and encourage outlying thinkers to contribute to the #netcarbonzero movement. Climate change is upon us and now is the time to react in a more diverse and broader approach to sustainability in the built environment. We challenge architects, property developers, urban planners, renewable energy professionals and green building specialists. We also challenge the funding houses and regulators and the role they play in facilitating investment into green projects. Lastly, we explore and investigate new technology and real-time data to speed up the journey in realising a net carbon zero environment for our children.
1 Comment
It is not surprising that Africa will herald the largest megacities on the globe. Population growth and urbanisation due to low economic development will force people to migrate into cities to find work and prosperity. The downside is that there is little opportunity created within a recessionary economy. The reality is that the megacities of the future Africa may not be the Smart cities of the tech-visionaries. These cities could be something of a new hybrid where past colonial city plans may be transformed with a new innovative attitude to accommodate fast developing urban communities. It is clear that town planning and urban design will require new approaches towards density, land use and transportation. If SA cities are going to cope with future rapid growth its a warning that current strategies need to change to get the sluggish rate of urban renewal and housing delivery into action for the common good of the country and the economy. It is evident that the rate of urban change is not coping with current urbanisation. With respect there is nothing to learn in France. The South African government delegation just needs to look locally to find the solutions right here in Africa.