French President Nicolas Sarkozy recently commissioned a study of the future of Paris. After nine months, the results were released earlier this week. 10 urban designs, including one by the world-renowned Pompidou Center architect Richard Rogers, were submitted for a future vision of the sprawling megalopolis. The New York Times recently carried an article in the Art & Design section of their website detailing some of the proposals. A few common themes emerged. Many of the urban planners focused on mass transit, green space, bringing the city’s disparate populations together (social equity) and improving business, all central tenets in sustainable development. One specific plan calls for maglev trains, the high speed magnet propelled system, similar to the ones embraced in Japan. The Times article refers to competition as a vision for a post-Kyoto Paris. As governments grapple with carbon dioxide emissions and possibile regulatory legislation, significant changes may be on the horizon for future cities (as discussed in an earlier series of posts). By combining environmental, economic and social equity concerns, urban planners can develop truly sustainable cities.

- Eric Wilson