Introduction to the Urban Draft

When I visited India on a vacation, I noticed the apparent lack of planning and organization in the city. Ultimately, this inspired me to start The Urban Draft, a discussion of the fundamental attributes of a well-functioning—or as the Indian government puts it: SMART—city.

Similar to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, I propose a similar pyramid with all sustainable cities meeting several elements. At the bottom of the pyramid (the basics), cities should have access to clean water, sanitation, safe shelter, food, and transportation. Thereafter, in thinking about cities as a hierarchy, we should pursue access to social determinants of success, including healthcare, education, and job opportunities. Moving up the pyramid in designing sustainable cities, we will explore next-generation practices for environmental stewardship, including advanced technological approaches to water purification, energy production and storage, and carbon sequestration. Finally, we will explore lifestyle changes that can be built into city design, including promoting Blue Zone practices, fostering healthy diets, and improving the sense of community.

Stay tuned for more insights, expert interviews, and thought-provoking discussions on "The Urban Draft." Together, we can build a more sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant future for our cities!