#cities

Are we a teardown or a fixer-upper?

Last week’s newsletter began: An out-of-town developer tore a house down at the end of my street and cut down every single tree on the lot. As I watched the big T-Rex excavator claw down the walls, a thought ran through my head: If it can be built, it can be torn down. True of […]

Austin Kleon · EN

Tony Hawk’s Real-Life Willy Wonka

This week, we’re featuring a story from Death, Sex & Money about N.D. Austin, a man who makes a living creating experiences that are supposed to change you. His projects have included secret sewer speakeasies, coming-of-age rituals on deserted islands, funeral board games, and, for Tony Hawk, a homemade train ride through the desert designed

99% Invisible · EN

Building the Cities of Tomorrow with Living Materials

Construction materials incorporating bacteria, fungi, or other living organisms could self-heal, clean the air, and create more climate-resilient cities.

Eos · EN

2026's Safest—And Least Safe—Cities in America

WalletHub ranked the safest—and least safe—cities in America based on crime rates, natural disaster risks, and financial security. See where your city landed.

Mental Floss · EN

As the planet warms, cities like Bangkok could be increasingly inundated by deadly floods

Thai authorities have declared a city-wide disaster zone following the deaths of at least 31 people.

The Conversation Science · EN