We focus on this topic already, and have run a host of stories about the country’s best architects, innovative developments, housing and transport issues, behavioural economics, clever ideas from councils and government, and some of the latest thinking around how we can live better lives in our increasingly urban environments. But we wanted to up the editorial ante and create a new section to house it all. 

Featuring interviews with the country’s best architects, designers and planners, profiles of innovative developments, initiatives and workplaces, examinations of housing and transport issues, and broad discussions about how we can live better lives in our increasingly urban environments, Idealog Urban will be a regular section in each issue of the magazine and will also launch as a new section on the website at idealog.co.nz/urban.

So why do we think this is worth doing? Our simple equation is based on a belief that more intelligent, progressive urban development = more and happier residents = more productive businesses = a more productive, attractive and successful country.

Get in touch at [email protected] if you have a tale worth telling. We’re confident that the more discussions we have, the better our cities will become.

Thanks to Isthmus, Regus, Ignite Architects and Spaceworks for supporting the section. If you want to hear about the commercial opportunities available in Idealog Urban, contact Mike Sanders. 

Check out Idealog Urban on page 82 of the Innovation Issue for Paperboy editor Jeremy Hansen’s favourite places, a collection of Idealog’s best bridges, Fiona Miller on the rise of green building, Rameka Alexander-Tu’inukuafe on why good urban design requires a better understanding of Tikanga M?ori, how Isthmus created a new ‘Kiwi urbanism’ and embraced collective individuality in Vinegar Lane, Helen Kerr on how good urban design and compact communities can limit loneliness and increase happiness, and Box CEO Dan Heyworth on the promise of prefabrication. 

Here are some of the areas we’ll continue to focus on online and in print: 

TECHNOLOGY

Innovations in medium to high-density housing, and innovative techniques and cutting-edge materials used for suburban housing (for example prefabrication, large-scale 3D printing).

How technology is being integrated into cities and buildings to collect data and guide decision making (eg sensors, new energy sources and smart cities).

DEVELOPMENT

How cultural and behavioural shifts are impacting on how cities are built (eg car ownership, desire for central city living, changing working habits) and how behavioural science is impacting on urban design.

Transport developments, especially plans for mass transit, cycling, walking, and driverless solutions.

How heritage can co-exist with new developments.

SUSTAINABILITY

The greening of the concrete jungle: how sustainability needs to work with growth.

The importance of public spaces and assets for community engagement (eg community gardens, community fridge, green spaces)

The role of cities in fighting against and adapting to climate change.

TRENDS

Trends in mixed-use development: where living, retail and commercial space collide.

Trends in workplace architecture and how productivity can be enhanced with good design.

International design trends, innovations and research that New Zealand can learn from.

The rise of high-density living and the need for affordable housing solutions.

AND MORE …

The latest thinking on office design, new office developments and office fit-outs.

Street, graffiti and outdoor performance art.

Pop-up retail spaces and new retail fit-outs.