1. Can walking be a hi-tech exercise?
In this Future Structure article, Michael Scott takes us through the 'tsunami of apps' that facilitate walkability in cities as an antidote to America's love affair with cars. City leaders are getting on board and teaming up with tech companies in order to champion the social, health, energy, economic and environmental benefits of pedestrianism, in what Scott calls a 'walkability revolution'. So, cars are out and two feet are in. We just have to hope that not everyone will need an app to start walking more in the city.
2. Making 'social cohesion' part of city policy
“In a historically divided city if we don’t put emphasis on building social cohesion we don’t have a future,” explains Thembinkosi Ngcobo in this Next City piece about the South African metropolis of Durban. As head of the city’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, Ngcobo has managed to get social cohesion written into Durban's Development Plan – if new capital projects don't bring people together successfully, they are scrapped. As part of the physical, social and symbolic process of reintegration, shared public spaces and roads are created to connect neighbourhoods that were separated during apartheid.
3. Remove a freeway and transform your city
This Gizmodo post presents six cities that have ripped out their bulky freeway systems to create healthier, greener, more efficient places. The 'before and after' photos offer much-needed faith in how cities can improve themselves, becoming more enjoyable places for their citizens and better for the environment. Where else would benefit from transforming road infrastructure into parks and public spaces?
4. Crackdown on the 'Sin City of China'
Entertainment venues in Dongguan, which has a reputation as the 'sex capital' of China, have been closed down by officials because of their reputation as dens of iniquity. The government led the campaign against the city's karaoke parlours, saunas and other pleasure hubs through a programme broadcast on CCTV. As Edward Wong tells us in this New York Times blog post, the 'vice' crackdown aims to stamp out prostitution, as well as gambling and illegal drugs. 'Sinless City' just doesn't have the same ring to it.
5. The Olympic city of waste
In two years, Rio de Janeiro will welcome thousands of people for the 2016 Olympics. Many will surely flock to its famous beaches for a bit of sunny relaxation – but it seems they will be met instead with rubbish and sewage. Officials promise to reduce the pollution, largely through an expensive clean-up programme initiated in 2012; but as time runs out, we are left to wonder whether enough will be done to make the beaches safe for the Olympic influx – never mind the daily usage in the meantime. This Atlantic Cities piece contains a gallery of pictures showing the worrying extent of waste pollution on the city's beaches.
6. Rewilding a city
Jillian Glover's Vancouver-based blog this week explores the city's wild roots in response to the major Rewilding Vancouver exhibition. Whilst Vancouver was a rainforest only 125 years ago, the local habitat now consists of glass towers and asphalt streets. Nevertheless, black bears, bald eagles and whales can still be spotted around the metropolis. Check out our gallery of wildlife in cities and share your own.
Share your own links in the comments section or tell us on Twitter at@guardiancities
