topos 120 | energy city

The latest issue of topos is all about energy. It takes a closer look at how the energy consumption of cities around the world is composed and brings hard-to-imagine dimensions into perspective. About three quarters of global primary energy is consumed by cities. But where does the energy in our urban areas come from and how is it used? These are only two of the many questions that issue 120 of topos tries to answer. For this, topos 120: Energy City lets energy experts have their say and sheds light on how selected cities are implementing their exemeplary energy transition through innovative projects and initiatives. But the issue does not only look at the present. From the beginnings of household electronics to a glimpse into the far future of Mars colonization, the 120th issue of topos offers a broad selection of topics on the subject of urban energy.

TOPICS

ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE
A photo story

ENERGY AND THE CITY
An introduction

HISTORY OF HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICITY
The humble beginnings of electric lights, water boilers and stoves in private households

THE JOULE
Putting the scales of energy into perspective

REYKJAVIK
A city portrait of one of the most energy efficient cities in the world

SALVATION ON MARS?
How cities on Mars could be fueled

WHAT WOULD A HEAT-PROOF CITY LOOK LIKE?
As temperatures rise, here are four ways to cool cities down – saving both lives and energy

POWERING NEIGHBOURHOODS IN AUSTRALIA
Australia's efforts to advance renewable energy

CITIES BY NIGHT
City lights from above

POLITICS IN ARCHITECTURE
"A little effort in development can go a long way in the lifetime of a building"

SEESTADT ASPERN
A trial run for the city of tomorrow

INTERVIEW WITH VOLKLER QUASCHNING
"Basically, everything is already there and known. We just have to use it."

THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENERGY MIX IN TEN YEARS
How have the shares of nuclear, fossil and renewable energies changed in ten years?

CONTRIBUTORS