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

Cite: Rosenfeld, K. Norman Foster's Interview with The European: "Architecture is the Expression of Values." Retrieved from: https:// www.archdaily.com/563537/interview-norman-foster-on-the-role-of-architecture-in-modern-society. 31 October 2014. ArchDaily. (accessed 08.11.2022).

Will the city of the future, the eco-city, promote civic engagement? What is needed for that?

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

"We have to be looking at settlements the combination of infrastructure — the connections, the public spaces, the links, the transport — because the sustainable city now and in the future is about strong civic leadership. It’s about pedestrianisation: people over cars. It’s about density. High-density cities consume less energy and they’re more friendly. It’s also about mix-use: the traditional city never got over into areas where you live, areas where you work, cultural areas. It was a wonderful mix of that. So we have to rediscover those virtues."