Urban World
Key challenge in urban infrastructure

How do we allocate space in urban areas that is equitable, but also makes economic sense?

Cities haven’t flourished as much as in the last three decades. According to the World Economic Forum,  in 2008, for the first time in history, more than 50% of the world’s population called an urban area home. Accounting for approximately 70% of global GDP, cities are the backbone of the world’s economy and are humming areas of opportunity, culture, and an improved quality of life. However, next to this, with rising house prices in many areas of the world, key workers such as nurses, supermarket clerks, waste workers and public transport workers are being pushed out of urban areas, having them travel long commutes to carry out key services, that are necessary for everyone.  In this sense, Urban World is all about equitable urban development and renewal, and ensuring enough space is shared for the things we need as a society. Can you help us realise this challenge?


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50.000 sqm
30.000 sqm
10.000 sqm
8.000 sqm
2.000 sqm
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Affordable Housing
Info
Pro: inclusive and diverse urban society, solution for key workers with limited income
Con: difficult market model, excuse for conservation of housing without comfort and quality
Free Market Housing
Info
Pro: inclusive and diverse urban society, catalysator or consequence of urban revitalizing
Con: gentrification, excuse for conservation of housing without comfort and quality (bis)
Large Retail Supermarkets and Shopping Centres
Info
Pro: enough supply, shopping leisure
Con: car traffic, killing local retail
Neighbourhood Services (doctor, dentist, city hall, library)
Info
Pro: enough supply, community building
Con: vulnerable when too little demand or support or when too expensive
Greenery & Parks
Info
Pro: ecological quality, community building
Con: ‘uneconomical’ land use (in the eyes of developers)
Car park
Info
Pro: no cars in public space, organized mobility
Con: car attraction

You are in charge of a new neighbourhood block of 100.000sqm, how would you allocate space within this block?

The challenge Building inclusive, healthy, functional, and productive cities is perhaps the greatest challenge facing humanity today, and there are no easy solutions. But in this challenge you have the opportunity to decide where some space is allocated in a block in your neighbourhood. Do you prefer large supermarkets, or small grocers in your area? Would you like to add more greenery, or more parking spaces so you can travel to work? All choices take away from another option, because there is only limited space, what will you prioritise? If you have a whole other solution, you are welcome to pitch it to us at pitch@rebelgroup.com, and maybe we can work together!
Instructions Share out the 100.000sqm by dragging and dropping where you would like to allocate your space.
How people would allocate space:
Click on the project for more information
Affordable Housing
20%
Free Market Housing
20%
Large Retail Supermarkets and Shopping Centres
20%
Neighbourhood Services (doctor, dentist, city hall, library)
20%
Greenery & Parks
20%
Car park
20%

Check out what other people picked!

What did we ask users
How to read the data

Do you have some great ideas about how you would improve urban development? Pitch it to our Urban Mayor, Filip Canfyn!

Do you have some great ideas about how you would improve urban development? Pitch it to our Urban Mayor, Filip Canfyn!
Filip Canfyn Civil engineer and architect
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