The rapid spread of sprawling, ill-planned megacities, the rise of slums that are home to millions of the poor, the dreadful pollution and congestion common to many fast-growing cities, all suggest that too-rapid growth can harm, as well as improve, the residents' quality of life. So, should, and could, the growth of cities be restricted, and by whom? Would restrictions improve the lives of city dwellers—and what of the lives of those left outside the city walls?
Improving the quality of life in cities is a laudable aim, but to accomplish it by restricting growth goes against what they represent. Historically, cities have been the chief instrument and form of human advancement. Humans continue to flock to cities—to take advantage of the economic, cultural, political and other opportunities that are offered—is a powerful measure of their attractiveness.
Consider this: Do future cities need to be designed very differently from the ones that exist today?
What are some points that you will consider? Is this an issue that primarily impacts industrialised cities? Read these two articles to get started:
