Are Satellite Cities the Smart Alternative to Urban Sprawl or Pie in the Sky?

Kai Laursen argues for satellite cities as a promising alternative to accommodate population growth, while preserving open space and farmland, and minimizing urban sprawl.

1 minute read

March 16, 2012, 9:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

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).

FULL STORY: Solar Satellites

Wednesday, March 7, 2012 in Urban Land

Land Use World Personal Rapid Transit Satellite City Satellite Solar City

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Get 25% Off Your Subscription

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.