Planning Urban Asia

I have been impressed with the large Asian cities that I have visited, and the prominent role of their Planning Departments.  In Singapore, Hangzhou, and Shanghai I have visited impressive museums dedicated to the history and future of the local urban environment.   These museums discuss buildings, land use, and infrastructure in language that ordinary people can understand.  And each of them has had a scale model of their entire city area.  This has been the most fun and impressive aspect.  I have enjoyed watching citizens young and old leaning over the models eagerly pointing to their homes, their schools, or their favourite park or shopping mall. 

 

Here are some photos of the models in Singapore (top), Hangzhou (middle), and Shanghai (bottom).  I recommend anyone visiting these cities to have a look at these museums and at the impressive and update models within.