New Cities Atlas
Tshwane, home to South Africa’s administrative capital, Pretoria, is a rapidly growing metropolitan area balancing historic significance and modern urban development. As part of Gauteng province, Tshwane is a key hub for government, education, and industry, hosting diplomatic missions, universities, and automotive manufacturing plants. The city is expanding through
New Cities Atlas
Yachay, Ecuador’s ambitious planned “City of Knowledge,” was designed to be Latin America’s first high-tech and innovation hub. Launched in 2013, it aimed to create a knowledge-based economy, centered around Yachay Tech University, research institutions, and technology startups. Located in Imbabura Province, the city was envisioned as a
New Cities Atlas
Most people have never heard of Dholera. That's not surprising because it doesn't exist yet. But if India's ambitions are realized, it will. Carved out of 920 square kilometers of largely undeveloped land in Gujarat, Dholera is India's first "greenfield smart
New Cities Atlas
Eko Atlantic is a futuristic megaproject in Lagos, Nigeria, designed to be Africa’s premier financial and residential hub. Built on 10 square kilometers of reclaimed land from the Atlantic Ocean, it aims to combat coastal erosion while creating a modern, high-density urban district. Planned to house 250,000 residents
New Cities Atlas
Lavasa, India’s first private planned city, was envisioned as a modern hill town inspired by Portofino, Italy. Located in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, it was designed to be a self-sustaining urban hub, featuring luxury residences, resorts, IT parks, and educational institutions. Developed by HCC (Hindustan Construction Company), Lavasa promised
New Cities Atlas
Sejong City, established in 2012, is South Korea’s planned administrative capital, designed to decongest Seoul and promote balanced national development. Located 120 km south of Seoul, it was created to house government agencies and public institutions, reducing reliance on the overcrowded capital. The city features smart infrastructure, green spaces,
New Cities Atlas
Astana, Kazakhstan’s capital since 1997, is a planned city that symbolizes the country’s modernization and economic ambition. Renamed Nur-Sultan from 2019 to 2022 before reverting to Astana, it was designed to be Kazakhstan’s political, financial, and cultural center, replacing Almaty. Master-planned by Kisho Kurokawa, the city features
New Cities Atlas
Masdar City, located near Abu Dhabi, UAE, is one of the world’s most ambitious sustainable urban developments. Launched in 2008, it was designed as a carbon-neutral, zero-waste city, powered by renewable energy, particularly solar. The city features energy-efficient buildings, smart water management, and an autonomous Personal Rapid Transit (PRT)
New Cities Atlas
Al Duqm, located on Oman's southeastern Arabian Sea coast, is undergoing a significant transformation from a small fishing village into a major urban and economic hub. Central to this development is the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), established in 2011, covering 2,000 square kilometers with 90
New Cities Atlas
The Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City is a flagship green urban development, jointly developed by China and Singapore to showcase sustainable city-building. Located in Tianjin’s Binhai New Area, it spans 30 square kilometers and aims to house 350,000 residents. Designed as a model for low-carbon, resource-efficient urbanization, it features renewable
New Cities Atlas
The Rust Belt, once the industrial heartland of the U.S., has undergone significant urban redevelopment to combat deindustrialization, population decline, and economic stagnation. Cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Detroit have shifted from heavy manufacturing to technology, healthcare, and education, repurposing old factories into innovation hubs and creative spaces. Downtown
New Cities Atlas
Tianducheng, located near Hangzhou, China, is one of the country’s most famous copycat cities, designed as a replica of Paris, complete with a 108-meter Eiffel Tower, Haussmann-style buildings, and European-style plazas. Originally intended as a luxury residential community, the development struggled with low occupancy, earning a reputation as a