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To this day, Cairo has a vibrant history, rich architectural culture, and heritage, which, from an outside perspective, is still the vivid and leading representation of the city. But what is today's Cairo beyond the capital of Egypt, the Nile, the deserts, the bustling streets, the museums, and the archaeological sites and historic buildings? The city has experienced a rapid urban transformation over the past few decades, acquiring a remarkably different character from the one recent and older generations remember from their youth in the streets, neighborhoods, and buildings of the city.

Mexico City's skyline is not just a testament to its rich architectural heritage but also a reflection of the stories, myths, and quirks embedded within its structures. From monumental landmarks to lesser-known buildings, each corner of the city holds a fascinating history that goes beyond its facade. In this article, we dive into some of the most intriguing tales that surround CDMX's most iconic buildings, offering a glimpse into the mysteries and cultural significance hidden within their walls.

Thousands of years ago, a chain of volcanoes and hills formed a valley that became home to five lakes. According to indigenous mythology, this area served as a key reference point for the founding of the ancient Tenochtitlan, marked by the signal of an eagle perched on a cactus, devouring a snake. At the height of its splendor, the city was organized within an intricate system of causeways, many of which still serve as main thoroughfares, along with canals connecting the five water bodies. Over time, events such as colonization, independence, revolution, and modernization transformed its structure and name, leading to what is known today as Mexico City.

Use the form to receive a free pass for the Smart City Expo World Congress 2024 in Barcelona. You can choose from the Visitor Pass, the Tomorrow.Building World Congress Pass, and the Full Congress Pass.

Founded by Senegalese architect Nzinga Mboup and French architect Nicolas Rondet, Worofila is a studio dedicated to bioclimatic and ecological architecture. Based in Dakar, Senegal, the firm explores the potential of vernacular materials like earth bricks and typha, applying modern techniques to create effective construction solutions. Their work addresses key issues of the environment, sustainability, and urbanization, merging traditional materials with innovative practices.

Cities, like people, are dynamic and constantly evolving to keep pace with and adapt to the social, economic, and environmental changes of their time. Similarly, the vision of how the ideal city should be planned has been influenced by each era’s realities and prevailing thoughts.

Chicago's urban history is a dynamic saga of innovation, resilience, and architectural prowess. From its early days as a bustling trade hub on Lake Michigan's shores to its transformation into a global metropolis, the Windy City has continually reinvented itself. Iconic events like the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 catalyzed a wave of architectural ingenuity and today, contemporary architects like the city’s own Jeanne Gang and SOM continue to shape its skyline with groundbreaking designs, while sustainable projects and adaptive reuse of historic buildings showcase the city's commitment to blending heritage with forward-thinking urban development. Whether it's the sleek Aqua Tower or the vibrant Riverwalk, Chicago continues to stand as a testament to the endless possibilities of urban innovation and design.

They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the same surely applies to one of the most prominent and glitzy cities in the world: magnificent Paris. It might even seem that both cities, of legendary repute, are somehow counterparts. They were both envisioned by an emperor who wanted to display a political message of innovation, grandeur, and opulence. In both cases, these major urban reforms and massive reconstructions blanketed any popular struggle or resistance with blinding beauty and a popular entertainment setup (from gladiators to cancan dancers and brasseries). And thus came to be the Paris that we now know, a city of divertissement that amasses over 30 million tourists a year.

"Every time I describe a city I am saying something about Venice”, said Marco Polo to Kublai Khan in Italo Calvino’s seminal book, Invisible Cities. Once the heart of a powerful maritime republic, Venice indeed houses many cities inside its intricate network of canals, alleys, bridges, and squares. Renowned for its unique architectural beauty, Renaissance history, and cultural significance — and, of course, for being built in the middle of the water — over the past decades, Venice has become one of the most notable victims of overtourism, receiving an estimated 30 million visitors per year.