10 супергородов будущего
10 Future Supercities
Predicting the growth of cities is an inexact science. Even if we limit the range of the forecast to two or three decades, there are few sure things and many long shots. But the following 10 cities are poised to attain super status:
- Bangalore, India. It is highly probable that several cities in India and China, the most-populous nations, will become supercities. Bangalore, with its mushrooming computer software industry, looks like a rapid riser.
- Wuhan, China. Wuhan may be a good bet because of its strategic central location, high-tech industries, and dozens of colleges and technical institutes.
- Istanbul, Turkey. Some older cities may outdistance other long-established urban areas for special reasons. Istanbul could grow very rapidly if it becomes the western terminus for the new Silk Road, extending across Asia and central China to Shanghai.
- Shanghai, China. In addition to anchoring the Silk Road in the east, Shanghai is undergoing a massive rebuilding of its infrastructure and developing a vast new commercial center called the Pudong New Area.
- Bangkok, Thailand. Bangkok may grow more rapidly than its competitors in Southeast Asia because Thailand's economy offers a well-diversified mix of manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and resource recovery.
- Denver, Colorado. Some cities will spring ahead because of visionary infrastructure development. Denver's supercity potential is enhanced by its new world-class airport.
- Atlanta, Georgia. Along with its domed stadium and other construction for the 1996 Summer Olympics, Atlanta may move forward with its proposed 200-mile outer perimeter freeway. This project provides a rare opportunity to create a world model of infrastructure development and greenway conservation.
- Cancun-Tulum, Mexico. Super metros could emerge around today's "beach cities," driven by tourism development in tropical climates. The Cancun-Tulum strip in Mexico's state of Quintana Roo could take advantage of the desire of many high-tech workers to live in a resort area.
- Madrid, Spain. Madrid's political leaders have invested billions to improve the city's infrastructure, including airport expansion, which could help to spur the growth of tourism throughout Spain.
- Vancouver, British Columbia. Vancouver, with its excellent port facilities on the Pacific Ocean, is poised to become a leader in global trade. It is also receiving many energetic (and wealthy) immigrants from Hong Kong.
Source: World Development Federation.