Nestled at the base of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji, Toyota’s Woven City stands poised to welcome its first residents as part of a grand experiment in urban living. This futuristic city, conceived by the automotive giant, is a ‘living laboratory’ designed to test and refine its self-driving cars, dubbed ‘E-palettes’, and other sustainable technologies.
With its grid-like layout and open spaces, Woven City will be home to 2,000 residents, ranging from families and retirees to scientists and retailers. They will reside in smart homes powered almost entirely by hydrogen, making the city remarkably eco-friendly. Each residence will feature solar-panel rooftops, AI-driven health monitoring systems, and seamless connectivity between vehicles and buildings through data and sensors.
The streets of Woven City will be segregated into pedestrian-only areas, fast-moving traffic lanes, and mixed-speed vehicle zones. Zero-emission vehicles will be the sole mode of transportation, with special provisions for the elderly and wheelchair users. The city’s design, led by renowned architect Bjarke Ingels, emphasizes social interaction and sustainability.
Toyota’s Woven City project is not without its challenges. The city’s proximity to Mount Fuji, an active volcano, raises concerns about potential eruptions. However, Toyota remains confident in the site’s safety, citing its long history of dormancy.
Woven City is just one example of the transformative urban projects shaping the future. Billionaire Marc Lore is also planning a futuristic desert megacity called ‘Telosa’ in the United States, with the goal of creating a 15-minute city where residents have access to all essential amenities within a short walk or bike ride.
