The Dubai Metro, a symbol of the city’s innovation and forward-thinking approach, has completed 15 years of service. It has become an essential artery connecting vital regions across the city, offering reliable and sustainable transportation for residents and visitors. Since its inception in 2009, the metro has seen consistent growth in ridership and has played a pivotal role in Dubai’s development.
Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) is planning to develop commercial properties around its Phase-2 stations in eight locations to generate revenue and integrate transportation with urban development. The project will involve building shopping complexes, office spaces, and pedestrian subways, with some properties being developed jointly with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC).
Nayrouz Olarte, a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, announces the launch of the International Fashion Federation (IFF), a global organization aiming to integrate fashion into city development, tourism, and hospitality. With a focus on the cultural impact of fashion, the IFF seeks to create a collective interest in communities, boosting tourism and luxury markets. Olarte, drawing on her experience in fashion and philanthropy, envisions a future where fashion revitalizes cities worldwide.
A new multi-use development in Natick, Massachusetts, utilizes Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) construction to create quiet, energy-efficient living spaces. The project meets the requirements of the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) Communities Zoning Law, which encourages multifamily housing near transportation hubs.
Delhi has emerged as the best-ranked Indian city in the Oxford Economics’ Global Cities ranking, securing the 350th position out of 1,000 global cities. However, despite Delhi’s strong performance in Economics, Human Capital, and Quality of Life, it lags behind in Environment and Governance, with Indian cities collectively ranking 380th in Governance. Notably, Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh holds the lowest rank among Indian cities at 989th, indicating room for improvement in environmental and governance aspects.
The Riyadh Metro, a massive rapid transit system, is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to transform its capital into a major international business and tourism destination. The project, valued at billion, is one of the largest public transport systems under development globally and is expected to be operational by next year. The comprehensive network of six metro lines with 85 stations is designed to facilitate seamless travel across the desert terrain of Riyadh. The metro system, along with supplementary bus services and other transport modes, aims to provide efficient and reliable public transportation options for residents and tourists alike.
To address the housing crisis faced by low-income families, the Punjab government has approved the ‘Apna Ghar’ project. This ambitious scheme aims to provide affordable housing to the homeless in five major cities, including Lahore. The project prioritizes affordability and quality, aiming to improve the lives of thousands of people.
Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital city, aims to achieve sustainable urban development by coexisting harmoniously with nature. However, the project raises ethical, social, and ecological concerns. Careful planning is crucial to minimize environmental damage, preserve biodiversity, and ensure social justice and cultural preservation. The development of Nusantara can serve as a model for other cities to prioritize sustainability, inclusion, and lively communities.
The sale of the Sirius building in Sydney has sparked outrage, as it was deemed to be a bargain at $3 million per apartment, while also leading to the eviction of low-income tenants. Critics argue that the sale will only provide a drop in the ocean for public housing needs and that the government should prioritize affordable housing for all generations. The building’s architectural significance as an example of Sydney brutalism has also been highlighted, emphasizing the importance of preserving and repurposing existing structures for sustainability and historical preservation.
