The Big Picture

Exploring the trends shaping our modern cities through a curated collection of articles and op-eds

AI in Cities

May 07, 2018

Tech companies are coming up with new artificial intelligence solutions that could transform urban life in all aspects. Six experts explore the potential benefits and barriers of AI in cities.   Featured photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

Why Secondary Cities Are the New Urban Champions

May 07, 2018

What do cities of Toulouse, Eindhoven or Manchester have in common? They’re all “second-tier cities” in their countries and have outperformed their respective capital city in terms of GDP growth over 2009-2013. And across all continents, numerous second-tier cities, from Brazil to China, from India to the United States, are gaining economic impact and increasing…

The Experience of Curitiba – Simplicity, Tenacity and Action

May 07, 2018

The question that was proposed to me for this essay was if the experience of Curitiba in terms of urban planning and interventions could work as an example for cities around the world; cities that are not megalopolis, or even major metropolis, but that still play in important role in their country’s urban network. I…

Why Montréal Is Winning the AI Race

May 07, 2018

For years, Montréal has led the international community in a number of tech domains. The birthplace of Bombardier, Montréal has long been a major aerospace industry hub. It is a center of research for the pharmaceutical industry, and is considered one of the best places in the world for gaming and visual effects, boasting industry…

Innovation in Mid-sized Cities

May 07, 2018

Our Chairman John Rossant sits down with Pete Scantland, CEO of Columbus-based IKE Smart City, to discuss the evolving role of private enterprises within cities, and how mid-sized cities in the United States are quickly catching up to their larger counterparts. John Rossant: Hi Pete. Before we dive into some challenges and opportunities for mid-sized…

Data Unlocks the Power of Infrastructure Investment and Sustainability

May 07, 2018

Almost a year ago today, Siemens spent two days in Columbia, the capital city of South Carolina, with a team of engaged leaders representing the public and private sectors. We had a clear goal: to develop a path for the city to achieve STAR certification, using data to drive sustainability. The U.S.-based non-profit organization STAR…

Knowledge Is Key: The Case of Melbourne

May 07, 2018

Melbourne’s ascension of global city rankings, strategic urbanization, ability to attract talent and become a hub of innovation can be loosely summed up in one word: knowledge. Melbourne is a proud Knowledge City, recognizing that in order to continue to stimulate and grow our economy we must evolve while cultivating and attracting the best and…

Infographics

May 07, 2018

Are mid-sized cities the engine of our world’s fast-paced urbanization? Explore our series of 3 infographics on the rise of secondary cities around the world. Download PDF here  

Crowd Urbanism

Apr 23, 2018

Cities worldwide are engaging the power of the crowd and leading a new approach to citizen engagement. Here is how crowdsourcing can reinvigorate and revitalize urban development.   Featured Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash

Cities of Wellbeing

Mar 19, 2018

We think a happy world starts with happy cities. On the occasion of International Day of Happiness, we have invited 10 contributors from across the globe to discuss how to increase human wellbeing and happiness in urban areas.   Featured photo by Vita Marija Murenaite on Unsplash

Slow Space, Slow Cities

Mar 19, 2018

We had been trying to live a slow life for a long time before realizing that there was such a thing as the Slow Movement. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis the same time my partner Andrew Plumb and I were finishing architecture school and starting our careers. The fast-paced, 80-hour weeks at “starchitecture” firms…

Turning Smart Cities Into Happy Cities

Mar 19, 2018

There are many views about how best to make cities happier. But before we get into that, it’s important to be reminded of the essence of the city. As Shakespeare said, “a city is but its people” and we know cities are not empty buildings and infrastructure, or as Edward Glaeser explains in Triumph of…