Позитивные изменения. Города будущего. Тематический выпуск, 2022 / Positive changes. The cities of the future. Special issue, 2022

Carlos Moreno, French-Colombian urbanist, researcher at Pantheon-Sorbonne University, popularizer of the 15-Minute City concept:

"We need to rethink cities around the four guiding principles that are the key building blocks of the 15-minute city. First, ecology: for a green and sustainable city. Second, proximity: to live with reduced distance to other activities. Third, solidarity: to create links between people. Finally, participation should actively involve citizens in the transformation of their neighborhood… First, the rhythm of the city should follow humans, not cars. Second, each square meter should serve many different purposes. Finally, neighborhoods should be designed so that we can live, work and thrive in them without having to constantly commute elsewhere."

Cite: Moreno, C. The 15-minute city. Retrieved from:the_15_minute_city/transcript. TED. (accessed 2/.10.2022).

The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs forecasts that 68 % of the world's population will be living in cities by 2050. Today this figure stands at 55 %; that is, there are about 4.2 billion urban dwellers in the world.

Do architects need to study the past in search of the future?

Norman Foster

, British architect and designer, winner of the Pritzker Prize:

"Architecture is an expression of values – the way we build is a reflection of the way we live. This is why vernacular traditions and the historical layers of a city are so fascinating, as every era produces its own vocabulary. Sometimes we have to explore the past to find inspiration for the future. At its most noble, architecture is the embodiment of our civic values… Our work might provide some references from the past for future generations – we have yet to see a complete understanding of the impact of environmental issues on architecture."

Cite: Rosenfield, K. Norman Foster's interview with The European: "Architecture is the Expression of Values." Retrieved from: https:// www.archdaiiy.com/56353//interview-norman-foster-on-the-role-of-architecture-in-modern-society. 31 October 2014. ArchDaily. (accessed 08.11.2022).

Ma Yansong, founder of China's most famous architectural firm, MAD Architects, a professor at Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture:

"Architecture for me is a conversation, in which I look back to the past and project my ideas into the future. Architecture is art, attitude, and emotions. All these things need to be linked."

Cite: Belogolovsky, V. Ma Yansong: "Some People May Say My Work Is Futuristic, But I See It as Traditional." Retrieved from:archdaily.com/891656/ma-yansong-some-people-may-say-my-work-is-futuristic-but-i-see-it-as-traditional. 30 March 2018. ArchDaily. (accessed 08.11.2022).

Can we talk about some kind of universal approach to city design?

Norman Foster, British architect and designer, winner of the Pritzker Prize:

"The model for every city must be different – there is no one-size-fits-all approach to urban development. However, there are common problems, and cities can learn from one another – one of the most important lessons, in terms of reducing energy and creating a walkable, enjoyable city, is density."