New Cities - Challenges, Risks, Opportunities, and Outcomes of New Urban Development Projects

“New Cities”, or brand new, centrally planned cities, have become increasingly popular since the 1990s in pursuit of national or regional goals such as stimulating innovation and economic growth, creating more sustainable urban areas, or alleviating urban overcrowding in established cities. Digital technologies often play a central role through promises to enhance resident and visitor experiences while solving common urban challenges and planning for the future. This approach to urban development differs substantially from more traditional, gradual investment and transformation that occurs in Established Cities, where change occurs in tandem with local populations and must navigate existing socioeconomic, political, cultural, and environmental circumstances. New City projects have historically faced many challenges in implementation, and the risks and outcomes from these large-scale projects are not widely discussed. This side event will explore the challenges, opportunities, risks, and outcomes from New City projects and more common transformation that occurs in Established Cities and the role digital technology plays in each. Discussion will explore how urban design approaches advance or impede progress on the SDGs, and help inform city, regional, and national government policy decisions and investment priorities as they explore urban transformation and New City initiatives.