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10 Cities That Are Shaping The Future Of Urban Living

Cities are frequently at the front line of innovation when it comes to addressing the changing problems of urban life. Plans to combat climate change, bring about cleaner air and create safer, healthier spaces for citizens are all being executed by mayors and councils in the world’s major metropolises.

As more than half of the world’s population now lives in urban areas, these initiatives are increasingly important to ensure that the future of city living is a bright one. The plans below seek to deal with a wide range of issues, and while results may vary, they showcase innovative ways to address them.

These are 10 cities with plans to change the way we live for the better.

Vancouver

What it’s doing: Family living, sustainability and addiction treatment Vancouver consistently ranks toward the top of lists of cities with the best livability and quality of life. One aspect of city life where Van City is trying to shine is as a place to start a family right in the heart of downtown. Vancouver has policies in place that ensure a certain amount of high-density housing is intended to be for people with children, and that has resulted in high rates of families living in the city’s center, CityLab reported. In addition to attempting to create space for families in a very expensive housing market, the Canadian city has initiatives to maintain the city’s green image. Starting in 2015, the city has tried to
eliminate food waste through a ban on scraps that requires uneaten food be put in a special bin for recycling rather than the garbage. Together, the plans aim to keep Vancouver a place where citizens can enjoy a clean, beautiful city.

Vancouver is also host to North America’s only supervised safe injection site, a controversial harm-reduction initiative that aims to curb the city’s immense problems with intravenous drug use. Since its inception in 2003, the program has been shown to substantially cut fatal overdoses.

 
 

Stockholm

What it’s doing: Road safety and walkability Stockholm has strived to make itself a city that is thoroughly accessible through bike and foot, while trying to wean itself off reliance on car travel. Some streets have barred cars completely, and in 2010 the city adopted its “Walkable City” plan to turn the city into a series of interconnected districts with easy access in between. The urban design initiative offers a strategy for Stockholm’s city government that includes the creation of green spaces, building up of infrastructure and focus on bicycles as a means of transport. In a growing city, the plan aims to make sure that new development doesn’t sacrifice quality of life.

Where cars are necessary in Stockholm, there is already a plan in place to reduce road deaths through a focus on safety regulations. The “Vision Zero” plan has been so successful — Sweden now has the world’s safest roads — that it has been exported to cities like New York.

 

New York City

What it’s doing: Storm prevention planning After Hurricane Sandy devastated New York in 2012, the city was delivered a harsh reminder that it would have to adapt to the threat of
violent weather and climate change. The result was a $20 billion plan announced by then-Mayor Michael Bloomberg to defend against future storms by building up city infrastructure.

A far-reaching initiative, the plan involves building barriers against storms, as well as ensuring that power plants and hospitals are prepared for disaster. Proposed construction also involves such ambitious projects as retractable flood walls that function as art installations when not in use.

 

Reykjavik

What it’s doing: Geothermal heating While the initiative isn’t one that can be universally adapted, Iceland’s unique geology has given Reykjavik a means to cleanly and efficiently heat homes and buildings. Geothermal heating uses the power of steam from underground heat sources — in Reykjavik’s case, this involves hot
springs and even magma — to produce electricity and heat. An impressive 95 percent of buildings in Iceland’s capital use geothermal heating, making for a city with a renewable energy source that limits carbon dioxide emissions. The result is that Reykjavik is at the forefront of sustainable energy usage.

 

Singapore

What it’s doing: Free morning transit As a means of unclogging foot traffic during peak hours of the commute, the city-state of Singapore implemented an initiative in 2013 that gave free subway fares
to riders who left a little earlier in the morning. If you could make it out of the system by 7:45 a.m., then the ride would be free, giving citizens an incentive to relieve the jam-packed rush hour trains.

Originally intended to only run a year, it has been repeatedly extended due to its success. Singapore’s Land Transit Authority has said the free fares have shifted a full 7 percent of their morning riders to an earlier schedule.

 

Hong Kong

What it’s doing: Baggage handling

The annoyance of carrying around luggage all day when exploring a city is an undesirable side effect of traveling. However, Hong Kong has found a way around the issue through a service that allows you to check in your bag at designated stations of the Airport Express — the subway line for airport travel — that can handle the baggage and ferry it to your flight, CityLab reported. The result is an international city that aims to make the travel and business experience easier and remove unnecessary extra steps.

Paris

The lighting of the Eiffel Tower is switched off for several minutes in Paris, Friday April 24, 2015, as part of the commemoration of the 1915 Armenian mass killings. Armenians on Friday marked the centenary of what historians estimate to be the slaughter of up to 1.5 million Armenians by Ottoman Turks, an event widely viewed by scholars as a genocide, Turkey, however, denies the deaths constituted genocide and says the death toll has been inflated. (AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

What it’s doing: Addressing sky-high housing prices Notoriously one of the most expensive and difficult rental and housing markets in the world, Paris has a new plan to bring about affordable housing and stop existing residents from being displaced. The city’s tentative plan is to put around 8,000 apartments in central, gentrifying areas under a law that would give the city first right of refusal to buy them, with the intention of turning the locations into subsidized housing. In addition to that plan, there are also initiatives to shut down predatory real estate tactics like charging people for access to apartment listings. It’s too soon to see what the plan’s effect will be, but the move is a sign that authorities are feeling the pressure to address important housing issues.

Copenhagen

What it’s doing: Keeping down carbon While ranking which city is the “greenest” is somewhat subjective due to ill-defined criteria, Copenhagen, Denmark, repeatedly hits top marks due to its green initiatives and bike-friendly streets. Perhaps the most ambitious plan the city has is to be completely carbon neutral by 2025.Through the use of wind power, biomass fuel and other alternative energies, Copenhagen is aiming to massively curb its CO2 emissions. If the city pulls off its plan, it would be the first capital in the world to achieve carbon neutrality.

 

San Francisco

What it’s doing: Using open data Fitting for tech-focused San Francisco, the city has provided heaps of
data for use by citizens and businesses to foster a better quality of life and create accountability. The DataSF project launched by the mayor’s office has given access to everything from housing to health information to fuel innovative ways of analyzing and accessing the city.

One effort that has sprung from the project is a partnership with review site Yelp, which gives users access to information on restaurants’ latest health inspections. The result is a quick and creative way to reduce food-related illness in the city, using information that’s already readily available.

 

Berlin

What it’s doing: Reclaimed spaces The sprawling landscape of Berlin is filled with derelict industrial
buildings and abandoned spaces from its past. Berliners have long been adept at repurposing these for a variety of uses, from turning old power stations into exclusive nightclubs to art squats in cavernous abandoned buildings. One of most successful the state-sponsored initiatives in this vein was the opening and reclamation of the city’s Tempelhof Airport.

The airport was expanded by the Nazis in 1934 into a colossal air transit complex, with massive amounts of open space between its numerous runways and hangars. In 2010, Berlin reopened the Tempelhof
as a giant free park for city dwellers to congregate. There are also plans to change the interior of the Tempelhof into a work or event space, and repurpose what was once an airport used for horrific purposes into a place that seeks to create social good.

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Top 10 Most Romantic Cities in the World

Here are the top 10 most romantic cities in the world, love is in the air at these sexy escapes.

10. MARRAKECH

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Spices, labyrinthine markets, camel rides, snake charmers… Marrakech offers 1001 nights of sensory pleasures to be shared with a special someone.  It is home to arguably the most romantic boutique hotels in the world, as well as the perfect setting for a romantic getaway, surrounded by palm trees, views of the Atlas Mountains, and of course the Sahara Desert nearby

9. BUENOS AIRES

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Buenos Aires oozes passion, especially when you catch a Tango performance on the street. The streets are a sensual mix of European elegance and Latin American seduction, with monumental architecture, tree-lined boulevards, and al fresco dining. It’s perfect for promenading, and a place that provokes unexpected desires.

8. SEVILLE

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Soak in the exotic charm and atmosphere of Spain’s most beautiful city, the capital of Andalusia where there’s fabulous Moorish architecture everywhere you turn. Catch a traditional bullfight, see some flamenco dancing, and go on a horse-and-carriage tour of the city before a leisurely walk through whitewashed and flower-filled streets. End up at a tapas bar and you’ll have experienced one of the world’s most soulful and romantic cities.

7. VIENNA

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This city seems made for romantic walks, with monumental avenues circling around pedestrian streets. The soundtrack is usually Mozart’s classic sounds, and when your legs finally need some rest there are the horse-drawn carriages. In between, lovers get a sense of what it’s like to live as a king and queen, visiting the regal splendor of the city’s palaces and museums.

6. LISBON

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Overlooked by an ancient castle, with breathtaking scenery admired from hilltop viewpoints. Tiled buildings, cobblestone designs, vintage trams, a river on its way to the Atlantic. And flashbacks to the days of the great explorers of the Age of Discovery, Lisbon has all the ingredients that make it one of the world’s most romantic cities.

5. ROME
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Evoking images of gladiators and ancient treasures, Rome is one of the world’s most dazzling cities.  Lovers gather by its many fountains to throw coins as they make a wish, share gelatos and sip cappuccinos in the middle of beautiful piazzas, and walk past three thousand years of history.  In Rome, life really is dolce.

4. FLORENCE

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The Renaissance ambience of Florence gives it a romantic storybook atmosphere, especially for lovers and lovers of art. This is a magical setting filled with works by Michelangelo and Botticelli, where you can admire fabulous views from the top of the Duomo or from the famous Piazzale Michelangelo. End with a kiss on the legendary Vecchio Bridge after a candlelit dinner of fine Italian cuisine and wine.

3. PRAGUE

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Prague is one of the world’s great romantic wonders, thanks to an immaculately-preserved old town filled with fairytale architecture. Walk hand-in-hand from the castle to the monumental Old Town Square through Charles Bridge, and stand together as you hear the chime of a 600-year old astronomical clock. Then it’s time to lose yourselves in the beauty and romance of this ancient city, through a sea of spires and cobblestones that make this a lovers’ paradise.

2. PARIS

 

 

Paris allows itself to be promoted as the city of love, and who can deny that?  It really is a city for lovers, for strolls along the Seine, sipping coffee at a cafe, and for picture-perfect moments in romantic neighborhoods like Montmartre.  Then there’s the Champs Elysees, the Eiffel Tower lit up at night, and the many gardens like the Jardin du Luxembourg.  In Paris, love is in the air everywhere you look around.

1. VENICE

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If Venice didn’t exist it would still probably come to life in some Hollywood screenplay for the imagined backdrop of a romantic feature.  Even so, it would most likely not be the fantasy that it is in reality, a fairytale of canals and breathtaking architecture.  What can be more romantic than a gondola ride down a canal, or a walk over narrow bridges, getting lost through narrow lanes, and ending up at monumental squares?  If you’re not yet in love, you will be.

(source: ucityguides)

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Top 10 Historical Cities in the World

Where people who have resided in old cities before our moment but the mud of time vanished them completely or partially. People created many historical monuments & buildings in those cities which were lately found by modern world. Latest best top ten is listing top 10 outdated however historic cities of the whole world. You should journey to historical locations & these old to see the special & historic memories of those aged & historic cities of the world. Let’s have a look…

10. Athens (Greece)

Athens Greece

It truly is thought that this is the most wealthiest and largest state in the classical history of the establishment of the historical town in the history of Greece. It is known to be the capital city with 3.7 million people that reveals that it’s grown a great deal. There are numerous important areas that can be seen in this city which are visible in Greece including Temple of Zeus, Acropolis, and Parthenon.

9. Jerusalem (Israel)

Jerusalem, Israel

This is the holy city, which continues to be mentioned several times in the collection of records compiled in the New Testament of the Bible. That is the centre of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism that has been known since the 10th century. Here is the biggest metropolis of Israel. It can be found between the Dead Sea and Mediterranean Sea. It was recognized in 1982 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it has been called the old city.

8. Beirut (Lebanon)

Beirut

In comparison with other cities that can be found in other countries, this is actually the biggest city found in Lebanon, Which is commended to be the centre of business and financial trades, the modern metropolis and commerce. Officially, it’s identified as Berut, that is the favourite place of the most wealthy people from Arabic. It’s also called as Paris of the Middle East.

7. Jericho (Israel)

Jericho (Israel)

Along with Jerusalem, Jericho is one of the cities mentioned as noted in the book of Judges, in the Old Testament which was captured by Joshua. It is known as the city of Palms that is near the Dead Sea and Jerusalem by approximately 55 kilometers.

6. Aleppo (Syria)

 Aleppo (Syria)

This is a Muslim place where you can observe numerous mosques meant for prayerful praise of the people. This can be located in Syria, which will be in also the 2nd biggest town in the country. It’s among the towns that are very traditional maybe not only in age but also in culture. The lifestyle and behavior of people are well preserved, which makes it the most friendly place in the world.

Read Also: Top 10 Most Beautiful Temples in the World

5. Sidon (Lebanon)

Sidon (Lebanon)

This is near the city of Beirut by about 25 miles or kilometers that are equal to 43. It serves as habitation of people since 4000 B.C. You could visit the Castle of the Sea and temple of Eshmoun in city that is Sidon. It is one of the strongest phonetician cities, which is still in its original and historical form in its very essence.

4. Plovdiv (Bulgaria)

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Despite of modern effects found in Europe, these were were not unable to preserve Plovdiv, which can be included in the oldest cities found in Bulgaria. It has been in existence around for about 5000 years where you could discover the highest hills in the world. You could also see the oldest and one of the largest mosques in the world. It is located in between Balkan Range or Old Mountains and the plains of Rhodope Mountains.

3.Varanasi (India)

Varanasi (India)

This is the holy place of Hindus in Indian, which will be among the oldest cities in the world. According to history, it was also known previously as Kashi and Benares or Banaras in the northern part of India. It is advised that you visit the place sometime March and October because aside from this mentioned period, you’d feel the hottest season off which isn’t a great moment to go to visit the place.

2. Byblos (Lebanon)

Byblos (Lebanon)

Byblos is another historical place and city, which can be located in Lebanon. It was comprised or named a World Heritage Site and is also called Jbell. Some of the oldest places you could see in Byblos are Tower Forehead, The Crusader Castle, the Northeastern Entrance, and Kings Grave.

1. Damascus (Syria)

 Damascus (Syria)

This is actually the capital town of Syria that’s admitted 4.5 million people, which is actually the largest town in Syria also. It was established around 10,000 to 8,000 B.C., that is also the oldest city in the world. It has maintained and retained the significant architectural models for example doorways, its walls, and streets. Tourists and visitors from other countries have well applauded the well-preserved place in Syria that continuously attracts people to learn their old life and past.

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Top 10 Most Beautiful Temples in the World

A temple is an important & holy part of eastern religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, and Taoism. People believing on these religions worship in the temples. These temples are the master pieces of architectural work & are built in a way that a viewers just lost themselves in the beauty & creativity of the amazing temples. There are hundreds of amazing & beautiful temples in the world. Below we are presenting a list of top 10 most amazing & beautiful temples in the world. Lets have a look at those top ten fascinating temples in the world.

1. Wat Rong Khun, Thailand

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This is a Buddhist temple that combined traditional designs of the religion with modern and contemporary art. The entire temple is painted in white, as white represents the purity of Buddha. Almost all the decorations are in white as well, though there are sprinklings of gold in illustrations that show the escape from the darkness of temptation to the attainment of the divine. The temple also features several pieces of reflective glass, as it symbolizes the infinite wisdom of Buddha that lights up the entire universe. The glasses also serve a dual purpose because the reflection gives the temple a spacious, not to mention enchanting, experience

2. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

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The world famous temple was first a Hindu one, dedicated to Vishnu. In the 14th or 15th century, as Buddhism swept across Asia, it became a Buddhist temple.

The Western world’s got a glimpse of Angkor Wat when a 16th century Portuguese monk visited the temple and eloquently described it as “of such extraordinary construction that it is not possible to describe it with a pen, particularly since it is like no other building in the world. It has towers and decoration and all the refinements which the human genius can conceive of.” His words still rang true today. Tourists visiting Angkor Wat usually also visit the nearby ruins of Angkor Thom and Bayon, two fantastic temples that serve as the ancient capital of Khmer empire.

3. The Golden Temple, Punjab, India

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An artificial island in Punjab in India served as one of the favorite meditation places of Buddha. A founder of another religion, Guru Nanak of the Sikh faith, also used the place to quietly contemplate. The Golden Temple of the Sikh religion was built on this island and this serves as their spiritual center. It features a Mirror Room that is decorated with stately symbols shaped like an umbrella. It is located in a pavilion topped by a dome. The 16th century structure also contains the Sikh bible called the “Grant Sahib.” This, in turn, is kept under a gold canopy decorated with precious gems.

4. Prambanan, Indonesia

prambanan

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This Hindu structure was built in the 10th century and aimed to show the triumph of the Hindu religion in Java Island in Indonesia. It stands at 47 meters high and features three buildings, one each for the three gods, namely Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva. The temples all face to the east, a direction that is considered sacred. There are 250 smaller shrines that further surround the temples. Each one is decorated with natural ornaments and parts of the sacred book called “Ramayana.”

5. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, India

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This Hindu temple is located in the Srirangam district of Trichy. It is considered to be one of the most important temples to Vishnu in the world. The temple is actually dedicated to the god Ranganatha, a form of Vishnu that opens to listen to the prayers of and blesses his worshippers. It is located in a swath of land measuring 156 acres and it features a tower that stands 236 feet. Colorfully painted towers adorn the shrines.

6. Shwedagon Pagoda, Myanmar

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This gilded monument to Buddha rises to a height of 98 meters and features golden decorations that weighs nearly nine tons. It has frescoes with mythical beings and impressive statues. The pagoda towers above the entire capital city of Myanmar, situated just west of the Kandawgyi Lake. It contains the relics of four Buddhas and eight pieces of hair from the head of the Buddha.

7. Tigers Nest Monastery, Bhutan

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This Buddhist temple is where Guru Rinpoche, also known as the Second Buddha, was said to have meditated. The temple boasts of outstanding architecture and amazing beauty. It is located in the Himalayas on high cliffs above the Paro Valley. Guru Rinpoche was said to have appeared while riding a flying tiger. He then retreated to this place to mediate and subjugate the evil spirits trying to conquer his will. It is now considered to be one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. The temple also offers an astounding view of the surrounding areas.

8. Borobudur, Indonesia

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This temple is built in the form of a lotus that can float in a large lake, similar to which Buddha was born. The temple is located in Central Java. It was abandoned a thousand years ago, eventually being consigned to the dustbin after it was covered with ash after the eruption of the Merapi Volcano. The temple, however, was rediscovered in 1814. Considered to be a monument to world heritage by the UNESCO, the temple features a large stupa bell that the faithful call the Sacred Lotus. There are 504 Buddha statues that adorn the place. It is considered to be the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in the world.

9. Temple of Heaven, China

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Temple-of-Heaven-China

 

This temple was built more than five centuries ago by the Ming Dynasty to honor the sky. It stands in a vast tract of land measuring 2.7 million square meters. It is divided into an inner and an outer part. It also has a rectangular southern wall that symbolizes the earth, and a circular northern wall that represents heaven. It is considered to be a historical and cultural landmark of China.

10. Gawdawpalin Temple, Bagan, Myanmar

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Gawdawpalin Temple Burmese is a Buddhist temple located in Bagan, Burma (Myanmar). Construction of the pagoda began during the reign of Narapatisithu (1174–1211) and completed on 26 March 1227 during the reign of Htilominlo (1211–1235). Gawdawpalin Temple is the second tallest temple in Bagan. The temple is similar in layout to Thatbyinnyu Temple. Gawdawpalin Temple is two storeys tall, and contains three lower terraces and four upper terraces.

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