Cities of tomorrow
In the next 25 years, 2 billion MORE people will inhabit the Earth—with an estimated 70% living in cities. At the same time, climate pressures and extreme weather will displace millions, driving urgent demand for new and reimagined urban spaces.
This is an invitation for all of us to start taking responsibility and help create the cities of the future;
Ones that are resilient, net-zero, and liveable - places that regenerate, and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
What does the city of the future look like?
Below are some of the leading ideas guiding this discussion.
The 7 Building Blocks of a Net Zero (or Net Positive) City
1. Clean Energy & Microgrids
Cities are generating power locally from solar, wind, and other renewables. Energy-positive buildings, battery storage, and decentralized microgrids ensure reliable, low-carbon energy.
Focus areas:
- Local renewable generation
- Energy-positive buildings
- Battery storage & microgrids
2. Regenerative Buildings
Tomorrow’s buildings will produce energy, capture rainwater, and support biodiversity. Modular and flexible designs will use circular materials that can be reused for generations.
Focus areas:
- Building materials
- Rainwater collection
- Heat management
- IoT integration
- On-site energy generation
3. Water Resiliency
Greywater reuse, rain harvesting, leak detection, and nature-based drainage are helping cities secure their water future in the face of scarcity and flooding.
Focus areas:
- Greywater reuse
- Rainwater harvesting
- Water-from-air systems
- Smart leak detection
- Bioswales & green basins
4. Future Mobility
Walkable streets, bike networks, clean public transit, and autonomous shuttles are replacing car-centric designs for safer, faster, zero-emission travel.
Focus areas:
- Walking & cycling infrastructure
- Electric & hydrogen transit
- Shared & autonomous vehicles
5. Nature Integration
Green roofs, vertical forests, and biodiversity corridors are bringing nature into daily city life — cooling streets, cleaning air, and protecting wildlife.
Focus areas:
- Urban farms
- Vertical forests
- Biodiversity corridors
- Climate-adaptive parks
6. Data-Driven Governance
Data-Driven Governance
Sensors, AI, and public dashboards give leaders real-time insights and residents the ability to shape policy.
Focus areas:
- Energy & water monitoring
- AI for resource management
- Public dashboards
- Citizen feedback loops
7. Urban Food Systems
Rooftop farms, vertical agriculture, and community gardens are boosting local food supply while reducing emissions.
Focus areas:
- Vertical farming
- Rooftop gardens
- Community food hubs
- Waste-to-compost systems
Our Role
Brilliant Ideas Planet (BIP) is a neutral convening platform — connecting businesses, experts, and citizens with the leading ideas, tools, and partners for building better cities.
We do not promote a single model or impose a one-size-fits-all solution.
Instead, we showcase what’s working — globally — so every city, town, and region can adapt the best ideas to their own culture, climate, and circumstances.
Join the Movement