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 various cities around the world, showcasing picturesque coastlines, distinct infrastructures, and lush green spaces. Let’s explore some examples of thoughtful urban planning:
Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
A well-cared-for tree row covers a huge area just north of Sapporo city. The urban forest connects two green areas and contributes to a more walkable, livable, and sustainable city. Not only do they help in removing pollutants, but they also enhance neighborhood vibrancy and daily life quality, offering millions in health benefits.
Palmanova, Udine Province, Italy
Palmanova was built in 1593 during the late Renaissance. Designed by Vincenzo Scamozzi, this star fort is an attempt at a utopian city. Declared a national monument in 1960, it was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list in 2017.
Rennes, France
Rennes has grown incredibly since the 1950s. The aerial view illustrates a spiral development north of the city center, highlighting the city’s history and extensive urban growth.
Brondby Garden City, Denmark
This garden city, located just west of Copenhagen, was inspired by Ebenezer Howard’s concept of improving urban life. The circular garden design aimed to foster social interaction among residents, echoing historical village meeting places.
Suloszowa, Poland
Suloszowa, a village with nearly 6,000 inhabitants, features one of Poland’s longest streets. This linear layout connects the village to nearby attractions like Ojcowski National Park and Pieskowa Skała Castle.
Port Ariane, Lattes, France⠀
Port Ariane, in Lattes, is known for its circular marina and small central park. This area is designed to manage occasional flooding with dykes and spillways.
Forte De Nossa Senhora Da Graça, Elvas, Portugal
Located near the town of Elvas, this star fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved military architecture.
Carnaxide, Lisbon, Portugal
This modern suburban development integrates well with Lisbon’s old city. Its aerial view shows residential buildings connected into a large complex, reflecting urban evolution from the 13th century.
Venice, Italy
Venice, comprised of 117 islands linked by canals and bridges, demonstrates unique urban planning where water transport is essential and integrates seamlessly with the city’s layout.
Bern, Switzerland
Bern’s medieval character is preserved in its compact layout on a hill surrounded by the Aare River. Public transport, biking, and walking are a pleasure in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Plaza De Tetuán, Barcelona, Spain
Designed by Ildefons Cerdà, Barcelona’s Eixample grid pattern offers better visibility and air circulation. Long straight streets and wide avenues demonstrate forward-thinking urban planning.
Grammichelle, Sicily, Italy
Built in 1693, Grammichelle features a baroque layout with six roads leading to a central square. Its hexagonal structure is typical of many such towns in Sicily.
Central Park, New York, USA
Opened in 1858, Central Park spans 843 acres in the heart of Manhattan. Despite being a large park, it’s not the largest in the USA compared to others like Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, which is 20% bigger.
Runaway Bay, Queensland, Australia
Runaway Bay is a suburb designed for residential and boating activities. Established in the 1970s, its homes are situated along artificial canals, offering peaceful waterfront living.
Toledo, Toledo Province, Spain
Once the capital of the Spanish Empire, Toledo features winding cobbled streets with a rich blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish cultural heritage.
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California, USA
Established in the 1870s, Golden Gate Park is 1,000 acres of lush landscape, 20% larger than New York’s Central Park, and serves as a masterpiece of landscape architecture.
Arvaikheer, Mongolia
Arvaikheer, with 30,000 residents, is known for its traditional art and equestrian sports. The strategic planning aligns national, provincial, and local levels to ensure sustainable development and improved living standards.
The Forbidden City, Beijing, China
The Forbidden City was the Chinese imperial palace from 1420 to 1912. Covering 180 acres, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and showcases traditional Chinese palatial architecture.
Park La Brea, Los Angeles, USA
This large housing complex in LA features 4,247 apartments within eighteen 13-floor towers and thirty-one 2-floor townhouses, showcasing urban design and green space integration.
Putrajaya, Malaysia
Putrajaya, with the world’s longest roundabout, was established in 1995 as Malaysia’s administrative center. Over 35% of its area is reserved for open green spaces.
Olivos, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, with its grid-pattern streets, was described by Charles Darwin as “one of the most regular cities globally,” highlighting its structured urban design.
Antigua, Fuerteventura, Spain
Antigua, one of the oldest municipalities on the Canary Island, features notable historical buildings including a windmill and Art Nouveau villa.
Foster City, San Mateo, Ca, USA
Foster City is a planned city recognized for its well-conceived urban design that has evolved with sustainability and good placemaking principles since its founding in the 1960s.
Washington Dc, USA
Lincoln Park, established in 1867 within Washington DC, is part of Pierre L’Enfant’s urban plan which integrates grid systems and diagonal avenues leading to open plazas and notable streets.
Wemding, Bavaria, Germany
Known for its protected historical town center, Wemding is celebrated for its annual Fuchsias festival. The circular town walls preserve its medieval character.
Elche, Alicante, Spain
Elche, a successor of the ancient city La Alcudia, is known for its traditional footwear industry and the UNESCO-listed
