A truly vibrant city with live street music does not appear by accident. It grows when towns, councils, and communities actively support the musicians who bring colour, sound, and life into public spaces. When performers feel welcome, safe, and valued, they not only create great street experiences but also become ambassadors for the places they visit. Street music has the power to lift a quiet street, strengthen local pride, support small businesses, and create memorable m

Sydney is in the midst of a major transformation, with a host of large-scale infrastructure projects under way that will reshape how people live, work and move around. These infrastructure projects Sydney are critical not only for moving people and freight, but for sustaining population growth, boosting economic productivity and enhancing the liveability of Australia’s largest city. In this article we will review the top ten infrastructure projects Sydney currently drivin

Artificial intelligence is changing how we work, live, and learn—fast. But not all cities will feel these changes the same way. Some places will boom as AI-powered industries grow and new high-skill jobs appear. Other cities may face big challenges as automation replaces routine and service-based roles. This article unpacks which cities will be most impacted by AI, why some regions are more vulnerable, and what people and governments can do to prepare. We will explore glob

Urban design by “walking around” is exactly what it sounds like — understanding and shaping cities by experiencing them on foot. It’s about seeing the world at street level, noticing how people move, how spaces feel, and how design influences daily life. Rather than relying only on maps, models, or data, this approach encourages designers and planners to go outside, walk the streets, and look closely. How safe does it feel to cross that road? Is there shade on a hot day? A

Perth is changing fast. From waterfront regeneration to new campuses, towers, and major infrastructure, it’s clear the city is reinventing itself. These urban development projects will shape how people live, work, move, and connect in Perth over the next decade. Understanding these large-scale developments matters not just for planners and developers, but for residents, businesses, and community groups too. Which projects are really going ahead? What will they bring — more

Multi-use stadium design to lock in sustainable economic benefits Stadiums are no longer just places to watch sport. Around the world, the most successful and sustainable venues are being transformed into vibrant hubs that serve their communities every day, not just on matchdays. In the face of rising costs, changing fan expectations, and shifting urban priorities, the future of stadiums lies in innovation, multi-functionality, and mixed-use integration.

A new era for diplomacy and trade promotion Traditionally, embassies and consulates have served as the official outposts of a nation’s foreign policy—handling visas, diplomacy, and consular support. Trade offices too have had clearly defined roles focused on commercial links and business development. But in today’s globally connected, brand-driven world, there is an opportunity to rethink these outposts as dynamic spaces to build a stronger national image, boost exports, a

Maximising civilian use cases from military engineering assets Governments around the world are under increasing pressure to boost defence spending. From geopolitical tensions with Russia and China to pressure from key allies like the United States, many developed nations are preparing for a more uncertain future. But there's a smart way to increase military budgets that also benefits the economy: by investing in dual-use engineering capabilities within the armed forces.

Iconic buildings do more than catch your eye. They help shape the future of cities by attracting investment, tourism, and community pride. From the Eiffel Tower to the Sydney Opera House, these famous landmarks are not just impressive structures—they are engines of economic opportunity. This article explores how iconic architecture can boost urban life, support local economies, and define city identity. We'll also take a closer look at why these buildings matter and how t

How mega projects are reshaping our planet Around the world, governments and private investors are launching huge infrastructure projects that aim to reshape how we live, travel, and work. These projects aren’t just big in size—they come with huge budgets, cutting-edge technology, and long-term ambitions for sustainability, economic growth, and global collaboration. In this updated list, we bring together insights from several sources to highlight the top 10 biggest inf

What are the five steps to build a digital twin for urban planning? The development of a digital twin involves careful planning, phased implementation, and cross-functional collaboration. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for city governments and urban planners.

Why Brisbane deserves your attention When people think of global tech hotspots, they might first picture Silicon Valley, Singapore, or Tel Aviv. But increasingly, eyes are turning to Brisbane. With momentum building across startups, advanced manufacturing, and quantum computing, Queensland’s capital is quietly—but rapidly—shaping up as a serious contender in the next wave of global technology development. The city is riding a wave of post-pandemic growth, capitalising o

Modern events and public venues operate in an environment where expectations are high, risks are real, and the margin for error is shrinking. Whether it’s a one-off music festival or a large shopping centre welcoming thousands each day, failing to understand how people move, behave, and react within these spaces can lead to operational chaos, safety risks, and missed commercial opportunities. The solution is already in our hands—literally. Mobile phones, carried by nearly

As cities grow, mobility needs become increasingly complex. Transport planners are tasked with designing systems that reflect real-world behaviours—where, when, and how people move. Traditionally, this insight has been derived from costly and infrequent travel surveys or data collected via road sensors and ticketing systems. But a far richer, more continuous source of information already exists: the data generated by our mobile phones. Known as Mobile Phone Data (MPD),

Is mobility is on the cusp of a sustainable aviation transformation? For decades, aviation has largely been the domain of airports, long-haul routes, and tightly controlled airspaces. Now, with the emergence of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, a new chapter is beginning—one that reimagines how people and goods move through the skies above cities and regions. While still in the development phase, eVTOLs are being seen as a promising solution to cong

Brisbane’s subtropical climate is one of its defining features, shaping its identity and lifestyle. However, the city is increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly prolonged periods of extreme heat. The central business district (CBD), dominated by hard surfaces and dense development, amplifies urban heat island effects, reducing comfort, walkability, and public amenity. As temperatures rise, there is growing recognition that Brisbane must embra

Film and television have the unique ability to bring places to life, shaping the way audiences around the world see destinations. Locations featured in popular films can become tourism hotspots overnight. More than just a temporary surge, these sites often experience long-term benefits that extend to branding, marketing, employment, and infrastructure. From sweeping landscapes captured on screen to quaint towns turned famous by a single scene, film tourism can be a powerf

Nepal finds itself at a crossroads—struggling to move forward while weighed down by economic fragility, political instability, and deep-rooted corruption. What might appear on the surface as a nation hampered by suspended foreign aid and slow infrastructure progress is in fact a complex crisis touching every corner of public life. While the dream of progress endures, the harsh reality for many Nepalis—particularly in remote areas—is that their hopes are being pushed further o

Bali’s tourism model is no longer sustainable. That’s why Indonesia needs to consider a radical but pragmatic solution: developing a new tourism hub—Bali 2.0—from the ground up.

Why did New Zealand towns turn our backs on the water? New Zealand is a country defined by water — from alpine springs and wetlands to dramatic coastlines and powerful rivers. Yet in our towns and cities, rivers are often treated as little more than obstacles to build around or hazards to keep at bay. Urban development has frequently occurred with its back turned to rivers and streams. In these places, the practical demands of flood protection, road networks, and commercia