topos

THE INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DESIGN.

topos - The International Review of Landscape Architecture and Urban Design - focuses on landscape architecture as well as increasingly on architecture and urban planning. It sees itself as an interdisciplinary think tank aimed at addressing the challenges urban areas will face in future. The professional magazine strives to inspire planning practitioners, urban experts and professionals who shape the cities of tomorrow. Every issue of the periodical, that is published quarterly, is dedicated to a different topic and deals with a broad array of projects and planning work in countries all over the world.

TOPOS 129: zero waste

The latest issue of topos 129, the last in 2024, highlights the growing importance of the zero-waste approach and how it is being pursued in cities around the world. The global increase in waste production is prompting cities and our actions to rethink how we deal with it. The vision of zero waste cities is idealistic, but it is inspiring innovation and cultural change, as examples from cities like New York and Kiel show. Companies such as Patagonia and activists such as Robin Greenfield are presented as role models for sustainable consumption, while international funding from organisations such as the World Bank is highlighted as crucial for global solutions. The issue’s message is that every contribution counts in turning cities into sustainable, zero-waste systems.

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URBAN DESIGN & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

When it comes to urban planning and urban design it’s all about the cities we live in, the city as a polis, the city as a place to encounter, to work, to move, to recreate. It is about on how we design and shape the physical appearance of urban realms in future. So, how shall we plan and design the built environment in a sustainable way? How do we create green spaces and livable, human centered public spaces? How do we ensure that the city is a place of diversity and equality? What measures do we as planners take to mitigate the effects of climate change in the cities all over the world? And: how do we adapt to climate change and to stressors and risks?

ARCHITECTURE & URBAN PLANNING
Architecture affects society as a whole and has vital impacts on the individual person, too. Architects shape the places we live in. So, what is the role of architecture when it comes to shaping future cities and facing urban challenges? How and in what surroundings do we want to live? What is the social role of architecture? How to ensure a sustainable building process? What kind of material is future-proof and sustainable? What skills do planners need to create sustainable, human-centered architecture? What role does urban green play in the field of architecture? And: What happens with the spaces between the buildings, the spaces we share as urbanites?

URBAN GOVERNANCE & SOCIETY
Who creates the cities of today and tomorrow? It should be the people. When it comes to developing urban areas, it is crucial to include all necessary stakeholders into the planning process, not only the politics. So, how to manage, plan and initiate city development, design and plan urban realms? Urban governance involves a constant process of negotiation and compromising – and it should be established in the most possible transparent way. It is a matter of balancing out legal requirements, financial resources and the expectations and needs of the citizenship. How to design a city for all, a city that includes the marginalized? How to ensure green spaces for all citizens?

MOBILITY / TRANSPORTATION
Cities all over the world need intelligent mobility and transportation concepts to stay livable places to their inhabitants. How to design urban and rural realms that come face to face with a new kind of mobility in an increasingly urbanised, digitalised and exploited world. What are the challenges and trends when it comes to urban mobility and the sustainable and efficient transportation of goods? How to transform cityscapes and landscapes to be open to both, slow and fast traffic?

TECH
By what ideas, methods, projects and research approaches do we address major urban issues such as climate change, air and environmental pollution, digitalisation, migration, urbanisation, resource and energy consumption, land consumption and poverty? What strategies of resilience can be established in urban development, urban design, urban planning, infrastructure planning and landscape architecture? What design solutions are at our disposal to make our cities more resilient and more future-proof? How do we plan and design greener, healthier, human-centered, sustainable and resilient urban spaces and architecture?

TOPOS 128: biophilic cities

The cities of the future must be close to nature – if we want them to remain livable. Once symbols of humankind’s triumph over wild nature, cities are now striving to reintroduce it. Resilience, sustainability, biodiversity, and improved quality of life are just some of the compelling reasons for this shift. In issue 128 of topos magazine, we explore the concept of the biophilic city, examining its benefits and challenges. Through selected examples, we showcase how some cities have successfully integrated flora and fauna into urban life, creating more harmonious and sustainable environments.  Read more...

TOPOS 127: heat

The WHO counted 60,000 heat-related deaths in Europe alone in 2022. In cities in particular, the heat island effect increases temperatures and affects health, quality of life, energy consumption and air and water quality. But there are solutions: In the 127th issue of topos, we present innovative approaches and projects from around the world that are counteracting urban climate change. From green roofs to sponge cities and fog systems - we show how cities are adapting and reducing heat. Discover how global strategies are helping to make urban life more sustainable despite rising temperatures. Read more...

TOPOS 126: public transport

The 126th issue of topos is all about public mobility. How can cities like London or Paris solve their individual mobility problems and which innovations will provide the solutions in the field of public transportation we all are so desperately waiting for. In this issue, we take a look at cities with pioneering concepts and examine what it takes for an excellent public transport system. Mobility is an essential human need and a basis for economic growth. Public transport can be a solution, but for it to be well received, it must not only be fast and reliable, but also socially acceptable.
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