In the realm of urban planning, the concept of new cities has gained momentum, with developments like Nusantara in Indonesia and Neom in Saudi Arabia being touted as revolutionary in urban living. However, amidst the enthusiasm for these new urban projects, a critical question arises: do we truly need new cities in today’s world? And are they likely to outperform established cities in terms of livability and economic vitality?
Historically, cities have evolved from humble villages primarily driven by proximity to trade routes, which spurred economic growth and the development of cultural amenities. With the advent of the Industrial Revolution, new cities like Atlanta and Vancouver flourished due to strategic railway connections, facilitating trade and industrial expansion. Today, however, most prime locations conducive to trade are already occupied by established cities. Emerging opportunities, such as those presented by climate change and initiatives like China’s Belt and Road, offer potential avenues for new city development. These developments could open up trade routes and create environments conducive to urban growth. Yet, the predominant motivation behind current new city projects lies not in economic opportunity but in addressing perceived shortcomings of existing urban centres. Urban planners and architects often envision new cities as perfect solutions to urban congestion, crime, pollution, and housing affordability. They propose innovative designs that promise carbon-neutral energy consumption, integrated job markets, and sustainable living spaces. However, the reality of city-building is far more complex than designing consumer products like cars or smartphones. Cities are organic entities shaped by the diverse needs and interactions of their inhabitants over time. Successful cities, as measured by factors like visitor numbers, migration rates, and overall livability, have typically evolved organically rather than being meticulously designed from inception. Cities like Tokyo, London, and Vienna thrive not because they were built perfectly from the start, but because they adapted dynamically to changing circumstances and attracted diverse populations over generations.
Moreover, the few new cities that have achieved significant population growth are predominantly new capital cities supported by substantial government investments and initial populations of civil servants. These cities, such as Brasilia and Chandigarh, were able to overcome initial challenges of attracting residents and financing infrastructure through government subsidies and mandates. In contrast, satellite towns like Bundang and Ilsan, developed as extensions of existing metropolises to alleviate housing shortages, have successfully integrated into regional economies and communities. This model contrasts sharply with isolated new city projects that often struggle to achieve self-sufficiency and sustainable growth. Ultimately, while the concept of new cities holds promise for addressing modern urban challenges, their success hinges on practical considerations such as location, economic viability, and organic community development. Balancing innovation with pragmatism remains crucial in determining the role and necessity of new urban developments in the evolving global urban landscape.
