Kai Laursen argues for satellite cities as a promising alternative to accommodate population growth, while preserving open space and farmland, and minimizing urban sprawl.
Laursen sees infill development alone as inadequate to meet the world's long-term need to house 9 billion individuals by 2050.
Rather, he sees a solution in developing satellite cities, which he defines as "planned cities...surrounded by greenbelt areas and..connected to the greater metropolitan area by an efficient rail system...[and] differ[ing] from suburbs, subdivisions, and bedroom communities in that they have municipal governments distinct from that of the core metropolis and employment bases sufficient to support their resident populations."
In his utopian vision, Laursen imagines a "satellite solar city" that would be carbon neutral and car-free, and utilize seemingly every novel energy and transportation concept currently in circulation, including personal rapid transit (PRT).
Read the full story: Solar Satellites
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Harvard University Graduate School of Design
KFH Group Inc.
Greater Baltimore Committee
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello