Abstract

The current growth of cities is a worldwide trend which is manifested in many different forms. Urbanists have to make sense of what is happening in the real world and suggest policies and design initiatives that direct the powerful processes of city growth towards better outcomes. In historic European cities there are explorations of how to accommodate increasing density in housing which can support the old central areas. In US cities, the rush to the suburbs is abating whilst there is increasing interest in the revival of city centre living. The rapid growth of many developing cities often outstrips attempts to establish workable infrastructure or transport links. What kind of cities will provide successful long term urban environments for future generations? The routes to reinvention are different for each case and need to build on the specific identity of each city as well as a sound theoretical base. Through discussion of several international projects we can see how these trends can come together to make exciting new places.