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When Smart Cities are Stupid
article by Rachel Keeton
A few years ago, when ‘smart cities’ starting dominating the landscape of urban trends, it seemed like a pretty exciting model. Technology integrated into every aspect of daily life! A more convenient, comfortable urban experience for everyone! Right?




Real-world testing ground
EU Export
article by Rachel Keeton
BERLIN (DE) — In a new series, the International New Town Institute (INTI) presents the exportation of European models (urban planning, landscape architecture, social housing, water management, branding tools and technology) to various corners of the world. The influence of German multinational Siemens in the development of ecocity Masdar is the focus of this first instalment.




Lost in translation
New town narratives
column by Rachel Keeton
Parisian banlieues such as Clichy-sous-Bois, Bondy and Corbeil-Essonnes have known their fair share of notoriety in the last decade. Second- and third-generation immigrants in these suburban communities often lack access to job opportunities and suffer from staggering youth unemployment rates. Often cited as a major failure of the French welfare state, the neglected banlieues were made infamous by the 2005 riots.




Milton Keynes Calling
New town narratives
column by Rachel Keeton
Milton Keynes, a British New Town established in 1967, has struggled with the same problems that often plague the post-war generation of master-planned communities. Establishing a strong identity and challenging a uniform demographic can become major feats for New Towns that were planned in (and for) a specific period of time. And as young families grow up, a wave of teenagers can wreck havoc on even the most liberal communities.




Kaloleni: a Kenyan Garden City
article by Rachel Keeton
In Nairobi, the reek of exhaust fumes permeates the air. Despite the green presence of majestic Cape Chestnuts, spreading fig trees and ancient liana vines, a thick white haze hangs around the city, following the major roads like a poisonous ghost. After a few days in the city, one quickly becomes accustomed to sitting in traffic with the windows rolled up and air conditioning on, even on the most glorious mornings. Here, that has as much to do with ‘snatchers’ strolling alongside the traffic jams as it does with air pollution. But tucked behind the City Stadium, just east of busy (...)




Revived by historicization
New town narratives
column by Rachel Keeton
In a series of six episodes, the International New Town Institute (INTI) explores unusual aspects of rapidly developed settlements across Europe. Rachel Keeton reports on the recent renovation of Stedenwijk Noord, a district in the Dutch New Town of Almere.




I am Rosengård
New town narratives
column by Rachel Keeton
In a series of six episodes, the International New Town Institute (INTI), based in Almere, the Netherlands, explores unusual aspects of rapidly developed settlements across Europe. Rachel Keeton reports on the Malmö neighbourhood of Rosengård, a multi-ethnic district and home base of international football star Zlatan Ibrahimović.




A failed Communist utopia embraces its past – Nowa Huta
New Town narratives
column by Rachel Keeton
In a series of six episodes, the International New Town Institute (INTI), based in Almere, the Netherlands, explores unusual aspects of rapidly developed settlements across Europe. Rachel Keeton reports on the district Nowa Huta, planned as a model Communist city in 1949. Situated on the outskirts of dangerously liberal Kraków, the location made sense ideologically, but proved to be misguided.










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