The Ancient Cities of Tomorrow
Victor Lopes Mascarenhas ??
Foresight → Strategy → Design | Regenerative Organization Canvas | Back from the Futures
How two days in the woods changed my view of the future of urban life
I wanted my kids to have a full-on nature experience for some time, and I thought it would be good to do it as a family, but it surpassed all my expectations.
As I sit here fresh from the trip, I can't help but marvel at the profound impact just two days in nature had on all of us.
There were no big arguments or stress in our time there [I have a 6-year-old and a 3-year-old] and even after, I actually feel "smarter", thinking with much more clarity, and being more productive. The brain fog I was working so hard to beat had just vanished completely.
We had days packed of non-stop activities, but with no rush. We watched the stars, a bit of the Milky Way. We climbed rocks, did tracking, dived into the river…
We were just present, no cellphones, no tv, no distractions, just connecting with the environment and ourselves.
This experience got me thinking: Why are we so disconnected?
What if we could bring the essence of this natural reset into our everyday lives? What if our cities could be designed to harness the power of nature, not just as an afterthought, but as a fundamental principle?
In the end, we need a lot less than what we are made to believe. Or better, what we need to be happy and fulfilled is a lot simpler than what we think, fewer things and more meaningful connections — with others and nature.
领英推荐
“When the forest and the city are functionally indistinguishable, then we know we have reached sustainability.” — Janine Benyus
The Road Ahead
As we stand at the crossroads of urban development and environmental crisis, the path forward is clear. We must learn from our past, embrace our present challenges, and design for a future that doesn't just survive but thrives.
The city of tomorrow isn't a gleaming, sterile metropolis divorced from nature. It's a living, breathing ecosystem that works in harmony with the natural world, fostering community, sustainability, and well-being.
So! How would you design the city of tomorrow?
Let me know in the comments below!
Let's dream big, but let's dream smart. Our futures depend on it!
Just to be clear, NEOM, is not a valid answer. =)
See you in the Future!