Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the visionaries imagining new cities from scratch, and the innovative plans behind them.
What’s covered:
Future tech cities, and the pioneers leading them
Striking examples, successes, and failures
Key takeaways and learnings from the trend
New Tech Utopias
Entrepreneurs and visionaries are leveraging a new trend to help ground their legacies. And it’s not tech I’m talking about – it’s a niche within real estate.
Corporate HQs often reflect the vision of CEOs and leaders. But now, many are looking beyond these ‘small’ opportunities. They’ve set out on an even bigger mission - to build new cities. Cities from the ground up.
It’s a trend that’s quickly becoming one of the hottest in urban development. And cities with a tech and innovation focus? Even more so.
Billionaires like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Marc Lore, Jeffrey Berns, and others have declared their visions publicly. Investors too, with Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, and other Silicon Valley vets making big, bullish bets on new city developments. Even celebrities like Akon and Idris Elba are in the mix.
These new cities all have one thing in common. Besides the famous personalities behind them, of course. They’re interpretations of future utopian cities – all immersed in technology. The perfect playing fields for our world’s tech leaders, aren't they?
You’ve probably heard buzzwords trying to capture this trend. The Smart City, New Urbanism, and 15-Minute City, to name a few. But in my view, these fall short.
So in the absence of a good name, let’s give it one. A simple one. For today, let’s call the category our “New Tech Utopias.”
What makes a New Tech Utopia so significant?
Let’s dive in.
Big Cities, Big Personalities, Big Promises
It takes a big personality to mobilize a new city development. Clearly. What’s interesting about this trend isn’t just the concepts, but the leaders behind them.
And it’s not just iconic celebrities and entrepreneurs behind projects – large corporations and governments are making plays too. Regardless of who’s in the lead, the visions are huge. The promises too.
You might think, “Yep… we’ve all seen this play out before.” And perhaps we have. Notable failures include Google’s Sidewalk Labs Toronto, Marc Lore’s (Blockchain Inc) Nevada Project, South Africa’s Modderfontein New City, and others. Ambitious projects have come and gone. But certainly not without valuable lessons.
For years I’ve tracked examples. Some are live developments, some dwindle on. Some (like those above) have outright failed.
Today let's dive into six New Tech Utopias you should have on your radar. And the details that make them so exciting, and (quite frankly) borderline outlandish.
Tencent's Net City in Shenzhen, initially designed by NBBJ Design, spans two million square meters and includes office buildings, residential areas, public spaces, and even a waterfront. The design aims for a human-scale environment, prioritizing pedestrian access, bicycles, and public transit while emphasizing sustainability and green spaces. The new city extension will host the giant’s future HQ, called Tencent Helix, designed by Büro Ole Scheeren, and accommodate 23,000 employees. That’s almost twice the size of Apple’s HQ. Designers explain it symbolizes Tencent’s growth and innovation through its four twisting towers of different heights, arranged around landscaped terraces. The development departs from the typical, secluded suburban office campus concepts, with a design focus on creating an integrated urban environment, fostering a social ecosystem where functionality, sustainability, and community converge.
California Forever (Solano County, California)
California Forever
Location: Solano County, California
Size: 17,500 Acres
Led by: Jan Sramek
Investors: Ried Hoffman, Marc Andreessen, Chris Dixon, Michael Moritz, Laurene Powell Jobs and more
With backing from Silicon Valley vets, entrepreneur Jan Sramek has quietly amassed 17,500 acres of land worth $900M in Solano County. The project aims to build a new city between Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Its adjacency to Travis Air Force Base provides a potential play towards the defense and national security sectors. Plans include California Forever as master developer, with the target of an initial phase of housing delivered in 2027. But the new city doesn’t come without local criticism. With looming critics, the project awaits local approval through a crucial ballot initiative in November 2024 to progress.
Toyota is transforming a 175-acre former factory site near Mount Fuji into Woven City. Dubbed a futuristic urban incubator, the development focuses on advancing mobility technologies like autonomous driving and hydrogen infrastructure. The city will be carbon-neutral and serve as a model for future urban environments. Phase One, initially reported to be completed in Q1 2024, involves constructing over 12 structures using carbon-sequestering wood and will house 2,000 residents, including Toyota employees.
Neom, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, covering 26,500 km2. Its focus? Sustainable living and innovation. Despite reports of scaled-back ambitions and financial challenges, Neom plans include The Line, a 170-kilometer linear city, and various sustainable projects including a ski resort and an island resort, all powered entirely by clean energy. It aims to attract global investment and talent, emphasizing industries such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and robotics. Plans include accommodation for over a million residents at completion.
Billionaire Marc Lore plans to build Telosa, an eco-friendly metropolis covering 150,000 acres in the Southwest desert, aiming to house 50,000 people by 2030. Telosa will prioritize sustainability, with green-minded buildings and electric, autonomous vehicles, all within walkable districts. Governed by a new ideology called "equitism," Telosa aims to be equitable and sustainable. Danish architect Bjarke Ingels' BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group is leading the design. The Telosa Community Foundation will oversee the project, aiming to increase the land's value and invest proceeds into education and housing.
Expo City Dubai is a groundbreaking $8 billion future hub for living and working. Building on the legacy of Dubai's former Expo, the design integrates retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment venues, offices, educational facilities, and green spaces within the former mega site. With a focus on sustainability, connectivity, convenience, and technology, Expo City now hosts innovative features and will be powered by sustainable energy sources like solar and green technologies. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions through measures like using electric vehicles and hopes to become one of the world's most eco-friendly cities, aligning with the UAE's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Takeaways From Our New Tech Utopias
This booming trend points to valuable lessons. And I don’t mean lessons about our obsession with new desert settlements. Or drones and carbon-sequestered wood.
Takeaway One: Be contrarian.
Why do these projects look, sound, and feel so similar? Especially when being presented as so new and innovative. It’s like there’s a single agency advising the sector, but they've run out of fresh ideas. Human-centric approaches, with sustainability at the forefront, new governance regimes, social ecosystems, and more. This trend is littered with similar terminology. We'll need to take a more contrarian approach if we intend to innovate in new city design. This will differentiate true innovators from copy-cats.
Takeaway Two: Utopia, dystopia, or both?
Many critics claim these projects aren’t utopias – they’re dystopias. Promises of technological advancements, sustainability, and societal harmony are juxtaposed against potential risks such as surveillance, displacement, and inequality.
And beyond this criticism, there’s a major challenge to overcome.
Critics claim these visions are unrealistic – they’re more like science fiction than reality. Yet these projects are tasked with imagining new urban typologies and technologies that simply don’t exist yet. It’s a bit of a damned if you, do damned if you don't situation. My take? I find the discourse productive so I’d argue debate will help us progress the trend further. One way or another.
Takeaway Three: The emerging Tech vs. Rest sentiment.
The techno-optimism from a decade ago is slowly fading, which impacts our urban regeneration megaprojects. In the 2010’s we pushed ahead, convinced that the world wanted these New Tech Utopias. This was often paired with tech-centric, aggressive, development strategies. Now, as we progress through a sea of shattered project visions – the approach is the opposite. We’re listening. We’re engaging with local communities. And for those who don’t – they’ll have some stormy seas ahead just like their predecessors.
Takeaway Four: Should we even be building new cities in the first place?
We must consider if building new cities is even the right approach in the first place. Many argue retrofitting existing infrastructure is not just an approach – it’s the industry's future. It’s predicted that around 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built. This means we need to look to strategies around retrofitting and updating our existing infrastructure, rather than designing new ones.
Closing Thoughts
Today I’ll close with a bit of irony, and humor too. We learned about the need for polarising characters to get these kinds of projects off the ground. And their big visions too. Yet these strong-willed, visionary mentalities are usually at odds with what society wants, needs, and expects.
In other words, the key attribute required to kickstart a New Tech Utopia, ultimately, leads to its downfall. Ironic, isn’t it?
Our cities should be dedicated to those living in them. Not those designing them. So, together, we all need to start rethinking our New Tech Utopias.
Maybe the Neumanns weren't so off with their "Energy of We" concept.
I'll leave it there for now. But surely there's more to discuss.
Until then.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the visionaries imagining new cities from scratch, and the innovative plans behind them.
What’s covered:
Future tech cities, and the pioneers leading them
Striking examples, successes, and failures
Key takeaways and learnings from the trend
New Tech Utopias
Entrepreneurs and visionaries are leveraging a new trend to help ground their legacies. And it’s not tech I’m talking about – it’s a niche within real estate.
Corporate HQs often reflect the vision of CEOs and leaders. But now, many are looking beyond these ‘small’ opportunities. They’ve set out on an even bigger mission - to build new cities. Cities from the ground up.
It’s a trend that’s quickly becoming one of the hottest in urban development. And cities with a tech and innovation focus? Even more so.
Billionaires like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Marc Lore, Jeffrey Berns, and others have declared their visions publicly. Investors too, with Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, and other Silicon Valley vets making big, bullish bets on new city developments. Even celebrities like Akon and Idris Elba are in the mix.
These new cities all have one thing in common. Besides the famous personalities behind them, of course. They’re interpretations of future utopian cities – all immersed in technology. The perfect playing fields for our world’s tech leaders, aren't they?
You’ve probably heard buzzwords trying to capture this trend. The Smart City, New Urbanism, and 15-Minute City, to name a few. But in my view, these fall short.
So in the absence of a good name, let’s give it one. A simple one. For today, let’s call the category our “New Tech Utopias.”
What makes a New Tech Utopia so significant?
Let’s dive in.
Big Cities, Big Personalities, Big Promises
It takes a big personality to mobilize a new city development. Clearly. What’s interesting about this trend isn’t just the concepts, but the leaders behind them.
And it’s not just iconic celebrities and entrepreneurs behind projects – large corporations and governments are making plays too. Regardless of who’s in the lead, the visions are huge. The promises too.
You might think, “Yep… we’ve all seen this play out before.” And perhaps we have. Notable failures include Google’s Sidewalk Labs Toronto, Marc Lore’s (Blockchain Inc) Nevada Project, South Africa’s Modderfontein New City, and others. Ambitious projects have come and gone. But certainly not without valuable lessons.
For years I’ve tracked examples. Some are live developments, some dwindle on. Some (like those above) have outright failed.
Today let's dive into six New Tech Utopias you should have on your radar. And the details that make them so exciting, and (quite frankly) borderline outlandish.
Tencent's Net City in Shenzhen, initially designed by NBBJ Design, spans two million square meters and includes office buildings, residential areas, public spaces, and even a waterfront. The design aims for a human-scale environment, prioritizing pedestrian access, bicycles, and public transit while emphasizing sustainability and green spaces. The new city extension will host the giant’s future HQ, called Tencent Helix, designed by Büro Ole Scheeren, and accommodate 23,000 employees. That’s almost twice the size of Apple’s HQ. Designers explain it symbolizes Tencent’s growth and innovation through its four twisting towers of different heights, arranged around landscaped terraces. The development departs from the typical, secluded suburban office campus concepts, with a design focus on creating an integrated urban environment, fostering a social ecosystem where functionality, sustainability, and community converge.
California Forever (Solano County, California)
California Forever
Location: Solano County, California
Size: 17,500 Acres
Led by: Jan Sramek
Investors: Ried Hoffman, Marc Andreessen, Chris Dixon, Michael Moritz, Laurene Powell Jobs and more
With backing from Silicon Valley vets, entrepreneur Jan Sramek has quietly amassed 17,500 acres of land worth $900M in Solano County. The project aims to build a new city between Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Its adjacency to Travis Air Force Base provides a potential play towards the defense and national security sectors. Plans include California Forever as master developer, with the target of an initial phase of housing delivered in 2027. But the new city doesn’t come without local criticism. With looming critics, the project awaits local approval through a crucial ballot initiative in November 2024 to progress.
Toyota is transforming a 175-acre former factory site near Mount Fuji into Woven City. Dubbed a futuristic urban incubator, the development focuses on advancing mobility technologies like autonomous driving and hydrogen infrastructure. The city will be carbon-neutral and serve as a model for future urban environments. Phase One, initially reported to be completed in Q1 2024, involves constructing over 12 structures using carbon-sequestering wood and will house 2,000 residents, including Toyota employees.
Neom, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, covering 26,500 km2. Its focus? Sustainable living and innovation. Despite reports of scaled-back ambitions and financial challenges, Neom plans include The Line, a 170-kilometer linear city, and various sustainable projects including a ski resort and an island resort, all powered entirely by clean energy. It aims to attract global investment and talent, emphasizing industries such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and robotics. Plans include accommodation for over a million residents at completion.
Billionaire Marc Lore plans to build Telosa, an eco-friendly metropolis covering 150,000 acres in the Southwest desert, aiming to house 50,000 people by 2030. Telosa will prioritize sustainability, with green-minded buildings and electric, autonomous vehicles, all within walkable districts. Governed by a new ideology called "equitism," Telosa aims to be equitable and sustainable. Danish architect Bjarke Ingels' BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group is leading the design. The Telosa Community Foundation will oversee the project, aiming to increase the land's value and invest proceeds into education and housing.
Expo City Dubai is a groundbreaking $8 billion future hub for living and working. Building on the legacy of Dubai's former Expo, the design integrates retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment venues, offices, educational facilities, and green spaces within the former mega site. With a focus on sustainability, connectivity, convenience, and technology, Expo City now hosts innovative features and will be powered by sustainable energy sources like solar and green technologies. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions through measures like using electric vehicles and hopes to become one of the world's most eco-friendly cities, aligning with the UAE's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Takeaways From Our New Tech Utopias
This booming trend points to valuable lessons. And I don’t mean lessons about our obsession with new desert settlements. Or drones and carbon-sequestered wood.
Takeaway One: Be contrarian.
Why do these projects look, sound, and feel so similar? Especially when being presented as so new and innovative. It’s like there’s a single agency advising the sector, but they've run out of fresh ideas. Human-centric approaches, with sustainability at the forefront, new governance regimes, social ecosystems, and more. This trend is littered with similar terminology. We'll need to take a more contrarian approach if we intend to innovate in new city design. This will differentiate true innovators from copy-cats.
Takeaway Two: Utopia, dystopia, or both?
Many critics claim these projects aren’t utopias – they’re dystopias. Promises of technological advancements, sustainability, and societal harmony are juxtaposed against potential risks such as surveillance, displacement, and inequality.
And beyond this criticism, there’s a major challenge to overcome.
Critics claim these visions are unrealistic – they’re more like science fiction than reality. Yet these projects are tasked with imagining new urban typologies and technologies that simply don’t exist yet. It’s a bit of a damned if you, do damned if you don't situation. My take? I find the discourse productive so I’d argue debate will help us progress the trend further. One way or another.
Takeaway Three: The emerging Tech vs. Rest sentiment.
The techno-optimism from a decade ago is slowly fading, which impacts our urban regeneration megaprojects. In the 2010’s we pushed ahead, convinced that the world wanted these New Tech Utopias. This was often paired with tech-centric, aggressive, development strategies. Now, as we progress through a sea of shattered project visions – the approach is the opposite. We’re listening. We’re engaging with local communities. And for those who don’t – they’ll have some stormy seas ahead just like their predecessors.
Takeaway Four: Should we even be building new cities in the first place?
We must consider if building new cities is even the right approach in the first place. Many argue retrofitting existing infrastructure is not just an approach – it’s the industry's future. It’s predicted that around 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built. This means we need to look to strategies around retrofitting and updating our existing infrastructure, rather than designing new ones.
Closing Thoughts
Today I’ll close with a bit of irony, and humor too. We learned about the need for polarising characters to get these kinds of projects off the ground. And their big visions too. Yet these strong-willed, visionary mentalities are usually at odds with what society wants, needs, and expects.
In other words, the key attribute required to kickstart a New Tech Utopia, ultimately, leads to its downfall. Ironic, isn’t it?
Our cities should be dedicated to those living in them. Not those designing them. So, together, we all need to start rethinking our New Tech Utopias.
Maybe the Neumanns weren't so off with their "Energy of We" concept.
I'll leave it there for now. But surely there's more to discuss.
Until then.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the visionaries imagining new cities from scratch, and the innovative plans behind them.
What’s covered:
Future tech cities, and the pioneers leading them
Striking examples, successes, and failures
Key takeaways and learnings from the trend
New Tech Utopias
Entrepreneurs and visionaries are leveraging a new trend to help ground their legacies. And it’s not tech I’m talking about – it’s a niche within real estate.
Corporate HQs often reflect the vision of CEOs and leaders. But now, many are looking beyond these ‘small’ opportunities. They’ve set out on an even bigger mission - to build new cities. Cities from the ground up.
It’s a trend that’s quickly becoming one of the hottest in urban development. And cities with a tech and innovation focus? Even more so.
Billionaires like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Marc Lore, Jeffrey Berns, and others have declared their visions publicly. Investors too, with Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, and other Silicon Valley vets making big, bullish bets on new city developments. Even celebrities like Akon and Idris Elba are in the mix.
These new cities all have one thing in common. Besides the famous personalities behind them, of course. They’re interpretations of future utopian cities – all immersed in technology. The perfect playing fields for our world’s tech leaders, aren't they?
You’ve probably heard buzzwords trying to capture this trend. The Smart City, New Urbanism, and 15-Minute City, to name a few. But in my view, these fall short.
So in the absence of a good name, let’s give it one. A simple one. For today, let’s call the category our “New Tech Utopias.”
What makes a New Tech Utopia so significant?
Let’s dive in.
Big Cities, Big Personalities, Big Promises
It takes a big personality to mobilize a new city development. Clearly. What’s interesting about this trend isn’t just the concepts, but the leaders behind them.
And it’s not just iconic celebrities and entrepreneurs behind projects – large corporations and governments are making plays too. Regardless of who’s in the lead, the visions are huge. The promises too.
You might think, “Yep… we’ve all seen this play out before.” And perhaps we have. Notable failures include Google’s Sidewalk Labs Toronto, Marc Lore’s (Blockchain Inc) Nevada Project, South Africa’s Modderfontein New City, and others. Ambitious projects have come and gone. But certainly not without valuable lessons.
For years I’ve tracked examples. Some are live developments, some dwindle on. Some (like those above) have outright failed.
Today let's dive into six New Tech Utopias you should have on your radar. And the details that make them so exciting, and (quite frankly) borderline outlandish.
Tencent's Net City in Shenzhen, initially designed by NBBJ Design, spans two million square meters and includes office buildings, residential areas, public spaces, and even a waterfront. The design aims for a human-scale environment, prioritizing pedestrian access, bicycles, and public transit while emphasizing sustainability and green spaces. The new city extension will host the giant’s future HQ, called Tencent Helix, designed by Büro Ole Scheeren, and accommodate 23,000 employees. That’s almost twice the size of Apple’s HQ. Designers explain it symbolizes Tencent’s growth and innovation through its four twisting towers of different heights, arranged around landscaped terraces. The development departs from the typical, secluded suburban office campus concepts, with a design focus on creating an integrated urban environment, fostering a social ecosystem where functionality, sustainability, and community converge.
California Forever (Solano County, California)
California Forever
Location: Solano County, California
Size: 17,500 Acres
Led by: Jan Sramek
Investors: Ried Hoffman, Marc Andreessen, Chris Dixon, Michael Moritz, Laurene Powell Jobs and more
With backing from Silicon Valley vets, entrepreneur Jan Sramek has quietly amassed 17,500 acres of land worth $900M in Solano County. The project aims to build a new city between Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Its adjacency to Travis Air Force Base provides a potential play towards the defense and national security sectors. Plans include California Forever as master developer, with the target of an initial phase of housing delivered in 2027. But the new city doesn’t come without local criticism. With looming critics, the project awaits local approval through a crucial ballot initiative in November 2024 to progress.
Toyota is transforming a 175-acre former factory site near Mount Fuji into Woven City. Dubbed a futuristic urban incubator, the development focuses on advancing mobility technologies like autonomous driving and hydrogen infrastructure. The city will be carbon-neutral and serve as a model for future urban environments. Phase One, initially reported to be completed in Q1 2024, involves constructing over 12 structures using carbon-sequestering wood and will house 2,000 residents, including Toyota employees.
Neom, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, covering 26,500 km2. Its focus? Sustainable living and innovation. Despite reports of scaled-back ambitions and financial challenges, Neom plans include The Line, a 170-kilometer linear city, and various sustainable projects including a ski resort and an island resort, all powered entirely by clean energy. It aims to attract global investment and talent, emphasizing industries such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and robotics. Plans include accommodation for over a million residents at completion.
Billionaire Marc Lore plans to build Telosa, an eco-friendly metropolis covering 150,000 acres in the Southwest desert, aiming to house 50,000 people by 2030. Telosa will prioritize sustainability, with green-minded buildings and electric, autonomous vehicles, all within walkable districts. Governed by a new ideology called "equitism," Telosa aims to be equitable and sustainable. Danish architect Bjarke Ingels' BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group is leading the design. The Telosa Community Foundation will oversee the project, aiming to increase the land's value and invest proceeds into education and housing.
Expo City Dubai is a groundbreaking $8 billion future hub for living and working. Building on the legacy of Dubai's former Expo, the design integrates retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment venues, offices, educational facilities, and green spaces within the former mega site. With a focus on sustainability, connectivity, convenience, and technology, Expo City now hosts innovative features and will be powered by sustainable energy sources like solar and green technologies. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions through measures like using electric vehicles and hopes to become one of the world's most eco-friendly cities, aligning with the UAE's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Takeaways From Our New Tech Utopias
This booming trend points to valuable lessons. And I don’t mean lessons about our obsession with new desert settlements. Or drones and carbon-sequestered wood.
Takeaway One: Be contrarian.
Why do these projects look, sound, and feel so similar? Especially when being presented as so new and innovative. It’s like there’s a single agency advising the sector, but they've run out of fresh ideas. Human-centric approaches, with sustainability at the forefront, new governance regimes, social ecosystems, and more. This trend is littered with similar terminology. We'll need to take a more contrarian approach if we intend to innovate in new city design. This will differentiate true innovators from copy-cats.
Takeaway Two: Utopia, dystopia, or both?
Many critics claim these projects aren’t utopias – they’re dystopias. Promises of technological advancements, sustainability, and societal harmony are juxtaposed against potential risks such as surveillance, displacement, and inequality.
And beyond this criticism, there’s a major challenge to overcome.
Critics claim these visions are unrealistic – they’re more like science fiction than reality. Yet these projects are tasked with imagining new urban typologies and technologies that simply don’t exist yet. It’s a bit of a damned if you, do damned if you don't situation. My take? I find the discourse productive so I’d argue debate will help us progress the trend further. One way or another.
Takeaway Three: The emerging Tech vs. Rest sentiment.
The techno-optimism from a decade ago is slowly fading, which impacts our urban regeneration megaprojects. In the 2010’s we pushed ahead, convinced that the world wanted these New Tech Utopias. This was often paired with tech-centric, aggressive, development strategies. Now, as we progress through a sea of shattered project visions – the approach is the opposite. We’re listening. We’re engaging with local communities. And for those who don’t – they’ll have some stormy seas ahead just like their predecessors.
Takeaway Four: Should we even be building new cities in the first place?
We must consider if building new cities is even the right approach in the first place. Many argue retrofitting existing infrastructure is not just an approach – it’s the industry's future. It’s predicted that around 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built. This means we need to look to strategies around retrofitting and updating our existing infrastructure, rather than designing new ones.
Closing Thoughts
Today I’ll close with a bit of irony, and humor too. We learned about the need for polarising characters to get these kinds of projects off the ground. And their big visions too. Yet these strong-willed, visionary mentalities are usually at odds with what society wants, needs, and expects.
In other words, the key attribute required to kickstart a New Tech Utopia, ultimately, leads to its downfall. Ironic, isn’t it?
Our cities should be dedicated to those living in them. Not those designing them. So, together, we all need to start rethinking our New Tech Utopias.
Maybe the Neumanns weren't so off with their "Energy of We" concept.
I'll leave it there for now. But surely there's more to discuss.
Until then.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the visionaries imagining new cities from scratch, and the innovative plans behind them.
What’s covered:
Future tech cities, and the pioneers leading them
Striking examples, successes, and failures
Key takeaways and learnings from the trend
Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the visionaries imagining new cities from scratch, and the innovative plans behind them.
What’s covered:
Future tech cities, and the pioneers leading them
Striking examples, successes, and failures
Key takeaways and learnings from the trend
New Tech Utopias
Entrepreneurs and visionaries are leveraging a new trend to help ground their legacies. And it’s not tech I’m talking about – it’s a niche within real estate.
Corporate HQs often reflect the vision of CEOs and leaders. But now, many are looking beyond these ‘small’ opportunities. They’ve set out on an even bigger mission - to build new cities. Cities from the ground up.
It’s a trend that’s quickly becoming one of the hottest in urban development. And cities with a tech and innovation focus? Even more so.
Billionaires like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Marc Lore, Jeffrey Berns, and others have declared their visions publicly. Investors too, with Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, and other Silicon Valley vets making big, bullish bets on new city developments. Even celebrities like Akon and Idris Elba are in the mix.
These new cities all have one thing in common. Besides the famous personalities behind them, of course. They’re interpretations of future utopian cities – all immersed in technology. The perfect playing fields for our world’s tech leaders, aren't they?
You’ve probably heard buzzwords trying to capture this trend. The Smart City, New Urbanism, and 15-Minute City, to name a few. But in my view, these fall short.
So in the absence of a good name, let’s give it one. A simple one. For today, let’s call the category our “New Tech Utopias.”
What makes a New Tech Utopia so significant?
Let’s dive in.
Big Cities, Big Personalities, Big Promises
It takes a big personality to mobilize a new city development. Clearly. What’s interesting about this trend isn’t just the concepts, but the leaders behind them.
And it’s not just iconic celebrities and entrepreneurs behind projects – large corporations and governments are making plays too. Regardless of who’s in the lead, the visions are huge. The promises too.
You might think, “Yep… we’ve all seen this play out before.” And perhaps we have. Notable failures include Google’s Sidewalk Labs Toronto, Marc Lore’s (Blockchain Inc) Nevada Project, South Africa’s Modderfontein New City, and others. Ambitious projects have come and gone. But certainly not without valuable lessons.
For years I’ve tracked examples. Some are live developments, some dwindle on. Some (like those above) have outright failed.
Today let's dive into six New Tech Utopias you should have on your radar. And the details that make them so exciting, and (quite frankly) borderline outlandish.
Tencent's Net City in Shenzhen, initially designed by NBBJ Design, spans two million square meters and includes office buildings, residential areas, public spaces, and even a waterfront. The design aims for a human-scale environment, prioritizing pedestrian access, bicycles, and public transit while emphasizing sustainability and green spaces. The new city extension will host the giant’s future HQ, called Tencent Helix, designed by Büro Ole Scheeren, and accommodate 23,000 employees. That’s almost twice the size of Apple’s HQ. Designers explain it symbolizes Tencent’s growth and innovation through its four twisting towers of different heights, arranged around landscaped terraces. The development departs from the typical, secluded suburban office campus concepts, with a design focus on creating an integrated urban environment, fostering a social ecosystem where functionality, sustainability, and community converge.
California Forever (Solano County, California)
California Forever
Location: Solano County, California
Size: 17,500 Acres
Led by: Jan Sramek
Investors: Ried Hoffman, Marc Andreessen, Chris Dixon, Michael Moritz, Laurene Powell Jobs and more
With backing from Silicon Valley vets, entrepreneur Jan Sramek has quietly amassed 17,500 acres of land worth $900M in Solano County. The project aims to build a new city between Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Its adjacency to Travis Air Force Base provides a potential play towards the defense and national security sectors. Plans include California Forever as master developer, with the target of an initial phase of housing delivered in 2027. But the new city doesn’t come without local criticism. With looming critics, the project awaits local approval through a crucial ballot initiative in November 2024 to progress.
Toyota is transforming a 175-acre former factory site near Mount Fuji into Woven City. Dubbed a futuristic urban incubator, the development focuses on advancing mobility technologies like autonomous driving and hydrogen infrastructure. The city will be carbon-neutral and serve as a model for future urban environments. Phase One, initially reported to be completed in Q1 2024, involves constructing over 12 structures using carbon-sequestering wood and will house 2,000 residents, including Toyota employees.
Neom, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, covering 26,500 km2. Its focus? Sustainable living and innovation. Despite reports of scaled-back ambitions and financial challenges, Neom plans include The Line, a 170-kilometer linear city, and various sustainable projects including a ski resort and an island resort, all powered entirely by clean energy. It aims to attract global investment and talent, emphasizing industries such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and robotics. Plans include accommodation for over a million residents at completion.
Billionaire Marc Lore plans to build Telosa, an eco-friendly metropolis covering 150,000 acres in the Southwest desert, aiming to house 50,000 people by 2030. Telosa will prioritize sustainability, with green-minded buildings and electric, autonomous vehicles, all within walkable districts. Governed by a new ideology called "equitism," Telosa aims to be equitable and sustainable. Danish architect Bjarke Ingels' BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group is leading the design. The Telosa Community Foundation will oversee the project, aiming to increase the land's value and invest proceeds into education and housing.
Expo City Dubai is a groundbreaking $8 billion future hub for living and working. Building on the legacy of Dubai's former Expo, the design integrates retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment venues, offices, educational facilities, and green spaces within the former mega site. With a focus on sustainability, connectivity, convenience, and technology, Expo City now hosts innovative features and will be powered by sustainable energy sources like solar and green technologies. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions through measures like using electric vehicles and hopes to become one of the world's most eco-friendly cities, aligning with the UAE's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Takeaways From Our New Tech Utopias
This booming trend points to valuable lessons. And I don’t mean lessons about our obsession with new desert settlements. Or drones and carbon-sequestered wood.
Takeaway One: Be contrarian.
Why do these projects look, sound, and feel so similar? Especially when being presented as so new and innovative. It’s like there’s a single agency advising the sector, but they've run out of fresh ideas. Human-centric approaches, with sustainability at the forefront, new governance regimes, social ecosystems, and more. This trend is littered with similar terminology. We'll need to take a more contrarian approach if we intend to innovate in new city design. This will differentiate true innovators from copy-cats.
Takeaway Two: Utopia, dystopia, or both?
Many critics claim these projects aren’t utopias – they’re dystopias. Promises of technological advancements, sustainability, and societal harmony are juxtaposed against potential risks such as surveillance, displacement, and inequality.
And beyond this criticism, there’s a major challenge to overcome.
Critics claim these visions are unrealistic – they’re more like science fiction than reality. Yet these projects are tasked with imagining new urban typologies and technologies that simply don’t exist yet. It’s a bit of a damned if you, do damned if you don't situation. My take? I find the discourse productive so I’d argue debate will help us progress the trend further. One way or another.
Takeaway Three: The emerging Tech vs. Rest sentiment.
The techno-optimism from a decade ago is slowly fading, which impacts our urban regeneration megaprojects. In the 2010’s we pushed ahead, convinced that the world wanted these New Tech Utopias. This was often paired with tech-centric, aggressive, development strategies. Now, as we progress through a sea of shattered project visions – the approach is the opposite. We’re listening. We’re engaging with local communities. And for those who don’t – they’ll have some stormy seas ahead just like their predecessors.
Takeaway Four: Should we even be building new cities in the first place?
We must consider if building new cities is even the right approach in the first place. Many argue retrofitting existing infrastructure is not just an approach – it’s the industry's future. It’s predicted that around 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built. This means we need to look to strategies around retrofitting and updating our existing infrastructure, rather than designing new ones.
Closing Thoughts
Today I’ll close with a bit of irony, and humor too. We learned about the need for polarising characters to get these kinds of projects off the ground. And their big visions too. Yet these strong-willed, visionary mentalities are usually at odds with what society wants, needs, and expects.
In other words, the key attribute required to kickstart a New Tech Utopia, ultimately, leads to its downfall. Ironic, isn’t it?
Our cities should be dedicated to those living in them. Not those designing them. So, together, we all need to start rethinking our New Tech Utopias.
Maybe the Neumanns weren't so off with their "Energy of We" concept.
I'll leave it there for now. But surely there's more to discuss.
Until then.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
Key Facts
Regeneration
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April 18, 2024
The World's New Tech Utopias
Jeremy Bamberg
Article
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Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the visionaries imagining new cities from scratch, and the innovative plans behind them.
What’s covered:
Future tech cities, and the pioneers leading them
Striking examples, successes, and failures
Key takeaways and learnings from the trend
New Tech Utopias
Entrepreneurs and visionaries are leveraging a new trend to help ground their legacies. And it’s not tech I’m talking about – it’s a niche within real estate.
Corporate HQs often reflect the vision of CEOs and leaders. But now, many are looking beyond these ‘small’ opportunities. They’ve set out on an even bigger mission - to build new cities. Cities from the ground up.
It’s a trend that’s quickly becoming one of the hottest in urban development. And cities with a tech and innovation focus? Even more so.
Billionaires like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Marc Lore, Jeffrey Berns, and others have declared their visions publicly. Investors too, with Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, and other Silicon Valley vets making big, bullish bets on new city developments. Even celebrities like Akon and Idris Elba are in the mix.
These new cities all have one thing in common. Besides the famous personalities behind them, of course. They’re interpretations of future utopian cities – all immersed in technology. The perfect playing fields for our world’s tech leaders, aren't they?
You’ve probably heard buzzwords trying to capture this trend. The Smart City, New Urbanism, and 15-Minute City, to name a few. But in my view, these fall short.
So in the absence of a good name, let’s give it one. A simple one. For today, let’s call the category our “New Tech Utopias.”
What makes a New Tech Utopia so significant?
Let’s dive in.
Big Cities, Big Personalities, Big Promises
It takes a big personality to mobilize a new city development. Clearly. What’s interesting about this trend isn’t just the concepts, but the leaders behind them.
And it’s not just iconic celebrities and entrepreneurs behind projects – large corporations and governments are making plays too. Regardless of who’s in the lead, the visions are huge. The promises too.
You might think, “Yep… we’ve all seen this play out before.” And perhaps we have. Notable failures include Google’s Sidewalk Labs Toronto, Marc Lore’s (Blockchain Inc) Nevada Project, South Africa’s Modderfontein New City, and others. Ambitious projects have come and gone. But certainly not without valuable lessons.
For years I’ve tracked examples. Some are live developments, some dwindle on. Some (like those above) have outright failed.
Today let's dive into six New Tech Utopias you should have on your radar. And the details that make them so exciting, and (quite frankly) borderline outlandish.
Tencent's Net City in Shenzhen, initially designed by NBBJ Design, spans two million square meters and includes office buildings, residential areas, public spaces, and even a waterfront. The design aims for a human-scale environment, prioritizing pedestrian access, bicycles, and public transit while emphasizing sustainability and green spaces. The new city extension will host the giant’s future HQ, called Tencent Helix, designed by Büro Ole Scheeren, and accommodate 23,000 employees. That’s almost twice the size of Apple’s HQ. Designers explain it symbolizes Tencent’s growth and innovation through its four twisting towers of different heights, arranged around landscaped terraces. The development departs from the typical, secluded suburban office campus concepts, with a design focus on creating an integrated urban environment, fostering a social ecosystem where functionality, sustainability, and community converge.
California Forever (Solano County, California)
California Forever
Location: Solano County, California
Size: 17,500 Acres
Led by: Jan Sramek
Investors: Ried Hoffman, Marc Andreessen, Chris Dixon, Michael Moritz, Laurene Powell Jobs and more
With backing from Silicon Valley vets, entrepreneur Jan Sramek has quietly amassed 17,500 acres of land worth $900M in Solano County. The project aims to build a new city between Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Its adjacency to Travis Air Force Base provides a potential play towards the defense and national security sectors. Plans include California Forever as master developer, with the target of an initial phase of housing delivered in 2027. But the new city doesn’t come without local criticism. With looming critics, the project awaits local approval through a crucial ballot initiative in November 2024 to progress.
Toyota is transforming a 175-acre former factory site near Mount Fuji into Woven City. Dubbed a futuristic urban incubator, the development focuses on advancing mobility technologies like autonomous driving and hydrogen infrastructure. The city will be carbon-neutral and serve as a model for future urban environments. Phase One, initially reported to be completed in Q1 2024, involves constructing over 12 structures using carbon-sequestering wood and will house 2,000 residents, including Toyota employees.
Neom, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, covering 26,500 km2. Its focus? Sustainable living and innovation. Despite reports of scaled-back ambitions and financial challenges, Neom plans include The Line, a 170-kilometer linear city, and various sustainable projects including a ski resort and an island resort, all powered entirely by clean energy. It aims to attract global investment and talent, emphasizing industries such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and robotics. Plans include accommodation for over a million residents at completion.
Billionaire Marc Lore plans to build Telosa, an eco-friendly metropolis covering 150,000 acres in the Southwest desert, aiming to house 50,000 people by 2030. Telosa will prioritize sustainability, with green-minded buildings and electric, autonomous vehicles, all within walkable districts. Governed by a new ideology called "equitism," Telosa aims to be equitable and sustainable. Danish architect Bjarke Ingels' BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group is leading the design. The Telosa Community Foundation will oversee the project, aiming to increase the land's value and invest proceeds into education and housing.
Expo City Dubai is a groundbreaking $8 billion future hub for living and working. Building on the legacy of Dubai's former Expo, the design integrates retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment venues, offices, educational facilities, and green spaces within the former mega site. With a focus on sustainability, connectivity, convenience, and technology, Expo City now hosts innovative features and will be powered by sustainable energy sources like solar and green technologies. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions through measures like using electric vehicles and hopes to become one of the world's most eco-friendly cities, aligning with the UAE's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Takeaways From Our New Tech Utopias
This booming trend points to valuable lessons. And I don’t mean lessons about our obsession with new desert settlements. Or drones and carbon-sequestered wood.
Takeaway One: Be contrarian.
Why do these projects look, sound, and feel so similar? Especially when being presented as so new and innovative. It’s like there’s a single agency advising the sector, but they've run out of fresh ideas. Human-centric approaches, with sustainability at the forefront, new governance regimes, social ecosystems, and more. This trend is littered with similar terminology. We'll need to take a more contrarian approach if we intend to innovate in new city design. This will differentiate true innovators from copy-cats.
Takeaway Two: Utopia, dystopia, or both?
Many critics claim these projects aren’t utopias – they’re dystopias. Promises of technological advancements, sustainability, and societal harmony are juxtaposed against potential risks such as surveillance, displacement, and inequality.
And beyond this criticism, there’s a major challenge to overcome.
Critics claim these visions are unrealistic – they’re more like science fiction than reality. Yet these projects are tasked with imagining new urban typologies and technologies that simply don’t exist yet. It’s a bit of a damned if you, do damned if you don't situation. My take? I find the discourse productive so I’d argue debate will help us progress the trend further. One way or another.
Takeaway Three: The emerging Tech vs. Rest sentiment.
The techno-optimism from a decade ago is slowly fading, which impacts our urban regeneration megaprojects. In the 2010’s we pushed ahead, convinced that the world wanted these New Tech Utopias. This was often paired with tech-centric, aggressive, development strategies. Now, as we progress through a sea of shattered project visions – the approach is the opposite. We’re listening. We’re engaging with local communities. And for those who don’t – they’ll have some stormy seas ahead just like their predecessors.
Takeaway Four: Should we even be building new cities in the first place?
We must consider if building new cities is even the right approach in the first place. Many argue retrofitting existing infrastructure is not just an approach – it’s the industry's future. It’s predicted that around 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built. This means we need to look to strategies around retrofitting and updating our existing infrastructure, rather than designing new ones.
Closing Thoughts
Today I’ll close with a bit of irony, and humor too. We learned about the need for polarising characters to get these kinds of projects off the ground. And their big visions too. Yet these strong-willed, visionary mentalities are usually at odds with what society wants, needs, and expects.
In other words, the key attribute required to kickstart a New Tech Utopia, ultimately, leads to its downfall. Ironic, isn’t it?
Our cities should be dedicated to those living in them. Not those designing them. So, together, we all need to start rethinking our New Tech Utopias.
Maybe the Neumanns weren't so off with their "Energy of We" concept.
I'll leave it there for now. But surely there's more to discuss.
Until then.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the visionaries imagining new cities from scratch, and the innovative plans behind them.
What’s covered:
Future tech cities, and the pioneers leading them
Striking examples, successes, and failures
Key takeaways and learnings from the trend
New Tech Utopias
Entrepreneurs and visionaries are leveraging a new trend to help ground their legacies. And it’s not tech I’m talking about – it’s a niche within real estate.
Corporate HQs often reflect the vision of CEOs and leaders. But now, many are looking beyond these ‘small’ opportunities. They’ve set out on an even bigger mission - to build new cities. Cities from the ground up.
It’s a trend that’s quickly becoming one of the hottest in urban development. And cities with a tech and innovation focus? Even more so.
Billionaires like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Marc Lore, Jeffrey Berns, and others have declared their visions publicly. Investors too, with Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, and other Silicon Valley vets making big, bullish bets on new city developments. Even celebrities like Akon and Idris Elba are in the mix.
These new cities all have one thing in common. Besides the famous personalities behind them, of course. They’re interpretations of future utopian cities – all immersed in technology. The perfect playing fields for our world’s tech leaders, aren't they?
You’ve probably heard buzzwords trying to capture this trend. The Smart City, New Urbanism, and 15-Minute City, to name a few. But in my view, these fall short.
So in the absence of a good name, let’s give it one. A simple one. For today, let’s call the category our “New Tech Utopias.”
What makes a New Tech Utopia so significant?
Let’s dive in.
Big Cities, Big Personalities, Big Promises
It takes a big personality to mobilize a new city development. Clearly. What’s interesting about this trend isn’t just the concepts, but the leaders behind them.
And it’s not just iconic celebrities and entrepreneurs behind projects – large corporations and governments are making plays too. Regardless of who’s in the lead, the visions are huge. The promises too.
You might think, “Yep… we’ve all seen this play out before.” And perhaps we have. Notable failures include Google’s Sidewalk Labs Toronto, Marc Lore’s (Blockchain Inc) Nevada Project, South Africa’s Modderfontein New City, and others. Ambitious projects have come and gone. But certainly not without valuable lessons.
For years I’ve tracked examples. Some are live developments, some dwindle on. Some (like those above) have outright failed.
Today let's dive into six New Tech Utopias you should have on your radar. And the details that make them so exciting, and (quite frankly) borderline outlandish.
Tencent's Net City in Shenzhen, initially designed by NBBJ Design, spans two million square meters and includes office buildings, residential areas, public spaces, and even a waterfront. The design aims for a human-scale environment, prioritizing pedestrian access, bicycles, and public transit while emphasizing sustainability and green spaces. The new city extension will host the giant’s future HQ, called Tencent Helix, designed by Büro Ole Scheeren, and accommodate 23,000 employees. That’s almost twice the size of Apple’s HQ. Designers explain it symbolizes Tencent’s growth and innovation through its four twisting towers of different heights, arranged around landscaped terraces. The development departs from the typical, secluded suburban office campus concepts, with a design focus on creating an integrated urban environment, fostering a social ecosystem where functionality, sustainability, and community converge.
California Forever (Solano County, California)
California Forever
Location: Solano County, California
Size: 17,500 Acres
Led by: Jan Sramek
Investors: Ried Hoffman, Marc Andreessen, Chris Dixon, Michael Moritz, Laurene Powell Jobs and more
With backing from Silicon Valley vets, entrepreneur Jan Sramek has quietly amassed 17,500 acres of land worth $900M in Solano County. The project aims to build a new city between Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Its adjacency to Travis Air Force Base provides a potential play towards the defense and national security sectors. Plans include California Forever as master developer, with the target of an initial phase of housing delivered in 2027. But the new city doesn’t come without local criticism. With looming critics, the project awaits local approval through a crucial ballot initiative in November 2024 to progress.
Toyota is transforming a 175-acre former factory site near Mount Fuji into Woven City. Dubbed a futuristic urban incubator, the development focuses on advancing mobility technologies like autonomous driving and hydrogen infrastructure. The city will be carbon-neutral and serve as a model for future urban environments. Phase One, initially reported to be completed in Q1 2024, involves constructing over 12 structures using carbon-sequestering wood and will house 2,000 residents, including Toyota employees.
Neom, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, covering 26,500 km2. Its focus? Sustainable living and innovation. Despite reports of scaled-back ambitions and financial challenges, Neom plans include The Line, a 170-kilometer linear city, and various sustainable projects including a ski resort and an island resort, all powered entirely by clean energy. It aims to attract global investment and talent, emphasizing industries such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and robotics. Plans include accommodation for over a million residents at completion.
Billionaire Marc Lore plans to build Telosa, an eco-friendly metropolis covering 150,000 acres in the Southwest desert, aiming to house 50,000 people by 2030. Telosa will prioritize sustainability, with green-minded buildings and electric, autonomous vehicles, all within walkable districts. Governed by a new ideology called "equitism," Telosa aims to be equitable and sustainable. Danish architect Bjarke Ingels' BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group is leading the design. The Telosa Community Foundation will oversee the project, aiming to increase the land's value and invest proceeds into education and housing.
Expo City Dubai is a groundbreaking $8 billion future hub for living and working. Building on the legacy of Dubai's former Expo, the design integrates retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment venues, offices, educational facilities, and green spaces within the former mega site. With a focus on sustainability, connectivity, convenience, and technology, Expo City now hosts innovative features and will be powered by sustainable energy sources like solar and green technologies. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions through measures like using electric vehicles and hopes to become one of the world's most eco-friendly cities, aligning with the UAE's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Takeaways From Our New Tech Utopias
This booming trend points to valuable lessons. And I don’t mean lessons about our obsession with new desert settlements. Or drones and carbon-sequestered wood.
Takeaway One: Be contrarian.
Why do these projects look, sound, and feel so similar? Especially when being presented as so new and innovative. It’s like there’s a single agency advising the sector, but they've run out of fresh ideas. Human-centric approaches, with sustainability at the forefront, new governance regimes, social ecosystems, and more. This trend is littered with similar terminology. We'll need to take a more contrarian approach if we intend to innovate in new city design. This will differentiate true innovators from copy-cats.
Takeaway Two: Utopia, dystopia, or both?
Many critics claim these projects aren’t utopias – they’re dystopias. Promises of technological advancements, sustainability, and societal harmony are juxtaposed against potential risks such as surveillance, displacement, and inequality.
And beyond this criticism, there’s a major challenge to overcome.
Critics claim these visions are unrealistic – they’re more like science fiction than reality. Yet these projects are tasked with imagining new urban typologies and technologies that simply don’t exist yet. It’s a bit of a damned if you, do damned if you don't situation. My take? I find the discourse productive so I’d argue debate will help us progress the trend further. One way or another.
Takeaway Three: The emerging Tech vs. Rest sentiment.
The techno-optimism from a decade ago is slowly fading, which impacts our urban regeneration megaprojects. In the 2010’s we pushed ahead, convinced that the world wanted these New Tech Utopias. This was often paired with tech-centric, aggressive, development strategies. Now, as we progress through a sea of shattered project visions – the approach is the opposite. We’re listening. We’re engaging with local communities. And for those who don’t – they’ll have some stormy seas ahead just like their predecessors.
Takeaway Four: Should we even be building new cities in the first place?
We must consider if building new cities is even the right approach in the first place. Many argue retrofitting existing infrastructure is not just an approach – it’s the industry's future. It’s predicted that around 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built. This means we need to look to strategies around retrofitting and updating our existing infrastructure, rather than designing new ones.
Closing Thoughts
Today I’ll close with a bit of irony, and humor too. We learned about the need for polarising characters to get these kinds of projects off the ground. And their big visions too. Yet these strong-willed, visionary mentalities are usually at odds with what society wants, needs, and expects.
In other words, the key attribute required to kickstart a New Tech Utopia, ultimately, leads to its downfall. Ironic, isn’t it?
Our cities should be dedicated to those living in them. Not those designing them. So, together, we all need to start rethinking our New Tech Utopias.
Maybe the Neumanns weren't so off with their "Energy of We" concept.
I'll leave it there for now. But surely there's more to discuss.
Until then.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
Regenerator’s Dilemma unpacks disruptive trends and innovators shaping our neighborhoods and cities. Today we’re looking into the visionaries imagining new cities from scratch, and the innovative plans behind them.
What’s covered:
Future tech cities, and the pioneers leading them
Striking examples, successes, and failures
Key takeaways and learnings from the trend
New Tech Utopias
Entrepreneurs and visionaries are leveraging a new trend to help ground their legacies. And it’s not tech I’m talking about – it’s a niche within real estate.
Corporate HQs often reflect the vision of CEOs and leaders. But now, many are looking beyond these ‘small’ opportunities. They’ve set out on an even bigger mission - to build new cities. Cities from the ground up.
It’s a trend that’s quickly becoming one of the hottest in urban development. And cities with a tech and innovation focus? Even more so.
Billionaires like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Marc Lore, Jeffrey Berns, and others have declared their visions publicly. Investors too, with Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, and other Silicon Valley vets making big, bullish bets on new city developments. Even celebrities like Akon and Idris Elba are in the mix.
These new cities all have one thing in common. Besides the famous personalities behind them, of course. They’re interpretations of future utopian cities – all immersed in technology. The perfect playing fields for our world’s tech leaders, aren't they?
You’ve probably heard buzzwords trying to capture this trend. The Smart City, New Urbanism, and 15-Minute City, to name a few. But in my view, these fall short.
So in the absence of a good name, let’s give it one. A simple one. For today, let’s call the category our “New Tech Utopias.”
What makes a New Tech Utopia so significant?
Let’s dive in.
Big Cities, Big Personalities, Big Promises
It takes a big personality to mobilize a new city development. Clearly. What’s interesting about this trend isn’t just the concepts, but the leaders behind them.
And it’s not just iconic celebrities and entrepreneurs behind projects – large corporations and governments are making plays too. Regardless of who’s in the lead, the visions are huge. The promises too.
You might think, “Yep… we’ve all seen this play out before.” And perhaps we have. Notable failures include Google’s Sidewalk Labs Toronto, Marc Lore’s (Blockchain Inc) Nevada Project, South Africa’s Modderfontein New City, and others. Ambitious projects have come and gone. But certainly not without valuable lessons.
For years I’ve tracked examples. Some are live developments, some dwindle on. Some (like those above) have outright failed.
Today let's dive into six New Tech Utopias you should have on your radar. And the details that make them so exciting, and (quite frankly) borderline outlandish.
Tencent's Net City in Shenzhen, initially designed by NBBJ Design, spans two million square meters and includes office buildings, residential areas, public spaces, and even a waterfront. The design aims for a human-scale environment, prioritizing pedestrian access, bicycles, and public transit while emphasizing sustainability and green spaces. The new city extension will host the giant’s future HQ, called Tencent Helix, designed by Büro Ole Scheeren, and accommodate 23,000 employees. That’s almost twice the size of Apple’s HQ. Designers explain it symbolizes Tencent’s growth and innovation through its four twisting towers of different heights, arranged around landscaped terraces. The development departs from the typical, secluded suburban office campus concepts, with a design focus on creating an integrated urban environment, fostering a social ecosystem where functionality, sustainability, and community converge.
California Forever (Solano County, California)
California Forever
Location: Solano County, California
Size: 17,500 Acres
Led by: Jan Sramek
Investors: Ried Hoffman, Marc Andreessen, Chris Dixon, Michael Moritz, Laurene Powell Jobs and more
With backing from Silicon Valley vets, entrepreneur Jan Sramek has quietly amassed 17,500 acres of land worth $900M in Solano County. The project aims to build a new city between Silicon Valley and San Francisco. Its adjacency to Travis Air Force Base provides a potential play towards the defense and national security sectors. Plans include California Forever as master developer, with the target of an initial phase of housing delivered in 2027. But the new city doesn’t come without local criticism. With looming critics, the project awaits local approval through a crucial ballot initiative in November 2024 to progress.
Toyota is transforming a 175-acre former factory site near Mount Fuji into Woven City. Dubbed a futuristic urban incubator, the development focuses on advancing mobility technologies like autonomous driving and hydrogen infrastructure. The city will be carbon-neutral and serve as a model for future urban environments. Phase One, initially reported to be completed in Q1 2024, involves constructing over 12 structures using carbon-sequestering wood and will house 2,000 residents, including Toyota employees.
Neom, part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aims to diversify the economy away from oil dependence, covering 26,500 km2. Its focus? Sustainable living and innovation. Despite reports of scaled-back ambitions and financial challenges, Neom plans include The Line, a 170-kilometer linear city, and various sustainable projects including a ski resort and an island resort, all powered entirely by clean energy. It aims to attract global investment and talent, emphasizing industries such as biotechnology, renewable energy, and robotics. Plans include accommodation for over a million residents at completion.
Billionaire Marc Lore plans to build Telosa, an eco-friendly metropolis covering 150,000 acres in the Southwest desert, aiming to house 50,000 people by 2030. Telosa will prioritize sustainability, with green-minded buildings and electric, autonomous vehicles, all within walkable districts. Governed by a new ideology called "equitism," Telosa aims to be equitable and sustainable. Danish architect Bjarke Ingels' BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group is leading the design. The Telosa Community Foundation will oversee the project, aiming to increase the land's value and invest proceeds into education and housing.
Expo City Dubai is a groundbreaking $8 billion future hub for living and working. Building on the legacy of Dubai's former Expo, the design integrates retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment venues, offices, educational facilities, and green spaces within the former mega site. With a focus on sustainability, connectivity, convenience, and technology, Expo City now hosts innovative features and will be powered by sustainable energy sources like solar and green technologies. The project aims to reduce carbon emissions through measures like using electric vehicles and hopes to become one of the world's most eco-friendly cities, aligning with the UAE's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Takeaways From Our New Tech Utopias
This booming trend points to valuable lessons. And I don’t mean lessons about our obsession with new desert settlements. Or drones and carbon-sequestered wood.
Takeaway One: Be contrarian.
Why do these projects look, sound, and feel so similar? Especially when being presented as so new and innovative. It’s like there’s a single agency advising the sector, but they've run out of fresh ideas. Human-centric approaches, with sustainability at the forefront, new governance regimes, social ecosystems, and more. This trend is littered with similar terminology. We'll need to take a more contrarian approach if we intend to innovate in new city design. This will differentiate true innovators from copy-cats.
Takeaway Two: Utopia, dystopia, or both?
Many critics claim these projects aren’t utopias – they’re dystopias. Promises of technological advancements, sustainability, and societal harmony are juxtaposed against potential risks such as surveillance, displacement, and inequality.
And beyond this criticism, there’s a major challenge to overcome.
Critics claim these visions are unrealistic – they’re more like science fiction than reality. Yet these projects are tasked with imagining new urban typologies and technologies that simply don’t exist yet. It’s a bit of a damned if you, do damned if you don't situation. My take? I find the discourse productive so I’d argue debate will help us progress the trend further. One way or another.
Takeaway Three: The emerging Tech vs. Rest sentiment.
The techno-optimism from a decade ago is slowly fading, which impacts our urban regeneration megaprojects. In the 2010’s we pushed ahead, convinced that the world wanted these New Tech Utopias. This was often paired with tech-centric, aggressive, development strategies. Now, as we progress through a sea of shattered project visions – the approach is the opposite. We’re listening. We’re engaging with local communities. And for those who don’t – they’ll have some stormy seas ahead just like their predecessors.
Takeaway Four: Should we even be building new cities in the first place?
We must consider if building new cities is even the right approach in the first place. Many argue retrofitting existing infrastructure is not just an approach – it’s the industry's future. It’s predicted that around 80% of the buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built. This means we need to look to strategies around retrofitting and updating our existing infrastructure, rather than designing new ones.
Closing Thoughts
Today I’ll close with a bit of irony, and humor too. We learned about the need for polarising characters to get these kinds of projects off the ground. And their big visions too. Yet these strong-willed, visionary mentalities are usually at odds with what society wants, needs, and expects.
In other words, the key attribute required to kickstart a New Tech Utopia, ultimately, leads to its downfall. Ironic, isn’t it?
Our cities should be dedicated to those living in them. Not those designing them. So, together, we all need to start rethinking our New Tech Utopias.
Maybe the Neumanns weren't so off with their "Energy of We" concept.
I'll leave it there for now. But surely there's more to discuss.
Until then.
[This article was originally published as a part of the Regenerator's Dilemma series.]
