The Sum Of All-isms: An unsolicited manifesto for the New Cities Foundation
Cities flourish, because of us and often despite us. Certain cities now surpass entire nations, both in terms of population and the size of their economy: there are more inhabitants in Mexico City than in the whole of Australia; the GDP of San Paulo is larger than that of Sweden. If the current rate of urbanization continues, the world could be 75% urban by 2050, and close to 100% urban before 2100. Doxiadis’ grand visions of a Eucomenopolis could eventually prove a reality, and if they do, it will be the land left behind – the non-urban! – that will be in need of support…Rather than dwelling on the city’s supposed needs, it would probably be more accurate to acknowledge that it is the very success of the city that motivates us: the desire to be associated with something that seems to thrive, almost regardless of our actions, and join in the momentum.
Reading Development 