10 Fantastic Pictures Of Urban Planning From Around The World

Because architectural facades are noticed first, the beauty of urban design is often overlooked. But thanks to the World Urban Planning Instagram account, we can see a city’s framework in full view. 

The page features stunning aerial images of Copacabana's picturesque coastlines, distinct and innovative infrastructures in Saudi Arabia, and lush greenery in a forested suburb in the Netherlands, among others. 

We've put together some photos that stood out. Scroll through this list and see the world in a different light, literally. 

10 PHOTOS

#1 Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan

A well cared tree row covers a huge area just north of Sapporo city. The urban forest surround the community, and connect two green areas together. Such urban forest contribute to a more walkable, livable and sustainable city (and has contributed to the identity of the place). Not only do they help in the removal of pollutants from air and water, but also contribute to more green and vibrant neighborhoods. Streets become more enjoyable to walk along. Urban green space enhance the quality of our daily lives and can return millions of dollars annually in health benefits.

#2 Suloszowa, Poland

Suloszowa is a small village with almost 6,000 inhabitants, and has one of the longest streets in Poland (stretching 9 km non-stop) as shown in the image. Suloszowa is located just 29 kilometres northwest of Krakow, and is connected to famous attractions including Ojcowski National Park and Pieskowa Scala (14th century cliffside castle).

#3 Rennes, France

Rennes's history goes back more than 2,000 years. Rennes has grown incredibly since the 1950s, with its rural flight and the industrial development. During that time the city had great building plans to gain a population of 200,000 inhabitants. Today it has 700,000, and is the seventh biggest city in France. ⠀ ⠀ Here from a more rural development north of the city centre. A spiral development.⠀ ⠀

The World Urban Planning Instagram page has over 65,000 followers as of this posting. In addition to significant landmarks, it also features specific spots in each country, such as the Shanghai World Expo site, the BMW Tower in Munich, and this highway roundabout in the middle of the desert in the UAE. 

#4 Brondby Garden City, Denmark

Brondby Garden City is located just a mere 15km west of Copenhagen. ⠀ Garden Cities have commonly been inspired by Ebenezer Howard’s Garden City concept; improving quality of urban life by establishing small peripheral garden cities around a central city. ⠀ ⠀
In 1964 the municipality of Brondby agreed to reserve an area for a "garden city". The architect wanted the gardens to be divided into circular shapes. He explained that the shape was to symbolise a historical village where people met at the well located in the center. By designing this way, the architect believed social interaction would increase between residents.

#5 Carnaxide, Lisbon, Portugal

In Portugal we can see how a more modern 60-70s suburban development has been built in the vicinity of the old city of Lisbon. The aerial view shows residential apartment buildings connected into a large residential complex. Carnaxide is a former third level administrative subdivision (civil parish) in the municipality Oeiras. It dates back to the 13th century when it became the first suburban parish of Lisbon.

#6 Palmanova, Udine Province, Italy

Palmanova was built in 1593 during the late Renaissance period. It is one of the many old star forts from this period. This 9 pointed star fort, designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, is an attempt to follow the ideals of an utopian city. In 1960 the fort was declared to be of national treasure and became a national monument, and in 2017 it was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list.

Singapore is one of the highlighted locations on the page. This island country/city-state is esteemed for its impeccable urban planning. Airline Cathay Pacific described it as “the best-planned city in the world.”

#7 Venice, Italy

Venice in Italy is archipelago of 117 islands formed by 177 canals in a shallow lagoon, and connected by 409 bridges. In the old centre, the canals serve the function of roads, and almost every form of transport is on water or on foot.

#8 Bern, Switzerland

Bern's old city was built on a narrow hill surrounded by the river Aare on three sides. The compact layout of the city has barely changed at all since its construction between the 12th and 15th century, and has kept its medieval character. In 1983 the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its original medieval character. A great city where public transportation, biking and walking is a pleasure.

#9 Port Ariane, Lattes, France

Port Ariane is a port located in Lattes. Lattes is a small commune with about 16.000 inhabitants. The city centre experience flooding once in a while so dykes and a spillway was built the past years. Fascinating circle-shaped marina area with a small park in the middle.

With a landmass size of 720 square kilometers (roughly 278 square miles), Singapore’s city planners had to be purposeful with their land use. 

Dr. Liu Thai Ker is primarily credited with Singapore’s modern architecture. One of his insights focused on long-term planning.

#10 Arc De Triomphe, Paris, France

The famous monument Arc de Triomphe is located in Paris. It honours the ones who fought and died in the Napoleonic wars and French revolution. It was designed by Jean Chalgrin, in 1806, who was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus, and in 1836 the construction finished. It was the tallest triumphal arc with a height of 50 meter, but the Momento a la Revolución (67m) in Mexico and the Arch of Triumph (60m) in North Korea exceeded its height in 1938 and 1982 respectively.