Next-Generation Cities:
an Encyclopedia
Rethinking how we design and transform cities
The Next-Generation Cities Institute is publishing a four-volume collection of expert papers with World Scientific. This series rethinks how we design and transform cities, showing why collaboration across professions and interest groups is essential. It explores new city-building models that bring together proven practices, fresh perspectives and practical guidelines.
Our goal
“To present cutting-edge research on cities and transition pathways toward a more sustainable future.”
An Encyclopedia
Photo credit: Eric L. Tollstam from Shutterstock
Volume 1:
Design, Art, Culture and Community
This volume explores “the soul of a city” and how communities of all sizes can tackle sustainability challenges while setting bold goals for their citizens. A city’s soul fosters belonging and upholds rights to justice, fairness, and a healthy life. Through collaboration, resource sharing, and sustainable practices, cities can drive change. By embracing cultural diversity and collective intelligence, they can build a resilient, sustainable future for all.
Photo credit: Shawn.ccf from Shutterstock
Volume 2:
Built and Natural Environment
This volume explores the built environment as the “hardware of the city,” a complex mix of elements shaping urban life. While cities have driven human progress, their growth has also harmed the environment. Yet, they remain a source of hope. Cities generate nearly three-quarters of global emissions, but they also lead in innovation and transformative solutions. This volume highlights best practices for designing sustainable, intelligent, just, and livable cities where community participation is key.
Photo credit: maxi_kore from Shutterstock
Volume 3:
Mobile, Secure and Sharing Cities
This volume introduces the “virtual city” and how digital technologies enable unprecedented urban analysis. By visualizing urban evolution and tracking real-time data, digital twins help shape the cities of tomorrow. “Smart cities” must evolve into intelligent, empathic spaces where community participation is essential. To support urban transformation and guide decision-makers, tools such as scenario modeling can help accelerate climate adaptation, sustainability, resilience, biodiversity and local value creation, while balancing technology with citizen needs.
Photo credit: Ivona Bossert
Volume 4:
Pathways to Urban Transformation
This volume focuses on “the future of cities” and the transformative practices essential for shaping the cities of tomorrow. To meet global climate goals, cities must cut their carbon footprint by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Integrated approaches offer successful pathways for this transition. Key strategies include co-creating scenarios with stakeholders, using digital twins to explore possibilities and speed up change, and fostering collaboration among local communities, businesses, governments, and academia. By developing feasible, replicable urban solutions, this approach empowers local communities, accelerates zero-carbon transitions, and creates livable cities that serve as models for global transformation.
Editorial team
Publisher: World Scientific
Editor-in-chief: Prof. Ursula Eicker
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