The Golden Gate Bridge is probably the most photographed bridge in the world. In fact, in 2018, it was the ninth most photographed attraction in the United States on Instagram. An icon of San Francisco and a symbol of early 20th century engineering, its history is full of milestones.

Recently, Xiulin Ruan, a Purdue University professor of mechanical engineering, created the whitest paint on record, capable of reflecting 98.1% of sunlight. His plan: paint entire cities in order to cool them.

Over the past century, the way in which city surfaces have been paved has led to local flooding. Pervious concrete is a solution worth studying to avoid scenarios of cities sinking due to a lack of groundwater.

The floating city of Dogen City is a Japanese start-up’s response to climate change and the rising sea levels threatening many cities. And it may, if it is ever completed, be the world’s healthiest city.

Although they may look like little houses that belong in ‘The Lord of the Rings’, cob houses recover ancient construction materials to fly the flag for an architectural movement based on bioconstruction and sustainability.

Lying beneath the surface of some major cities are other underground levels. A perfect example of this, at an international level, is Montreal’s underground city (RÉSO), in Canada. Why is it so famous?

Discover how biophilic design can improve well-being and sustainability in smart cities and see examples of modern homes and urban spaces.

Discover the world of skyscrapers. Learn their definition, construction, and famous examples. Explore engineering marvels that define urban landscapes.

Lustron homes are a piece of American history: discover all the details about them, floor plans and how they stood the test of time.

The Maldives Floating City project defines itself as “the first development of a new era in which Maldivians return to the water with resilient eco-friendly floating projects.” This will be achieved by placing 5,000 homes along a flexible grid across a 200-hectare lagoon.

In Mecca, 300 meters from the Great Mosque, the most important Muslim pilgrimage temple in the world, stands Abraj Al-Bait, a complex made up of seven towers each comprising a hotel. Designed to accommodate the millions of pilgrims that visit the holiest site in Islam, Abraj Al-Bait combines tradition with modern construction techniques in a unique architectural complex.

The production of concrete is thought to be responsible for 8% of greenhouse gas emissions. It is clear that we need a low carbon concrete. What are the options and alternatives, and their advantages and disadvantages?