Singapore - The next 40 years will see rapid urbanisation and migration from country to city life. With the world's mega cities (pop. +10mil) set to increase to 60 by the year 2050, and 75% of the world's population expected to live in urban areas by the same time - how can the cities of the world develop and sustain themselves in the future?

At the upcoming Icsid World Design Congress 2009 in Singapore, David Nelson and Stefan Behling of Foster & Partners, and Richard Hassell and Wong Mun Summ of WOHA will attempt to envision not only these issues, but use Singapore as a case study of a city with limited resources for the next 40 years.

Foster & Partners will explore qualities that make up Singapore's 'metabolism' - how it provides assured energy and food, while creating a sense of wellbeing for its residents. "As architects, we will focus on urban sustainability as an immediate opportunity for a rapidly urbanising world and explore the role of buildings in this evolution." Say David and Stefan. "The creation of sustainable and humane habitats will determine the long-term success of humans on earth."
 
WOHA will test new cross-programmed infrastructure, urban and architectural typologies to address the pressing issues of water, food and energy security that a city like Singapore will face tomorrow. "In the spirit of seeing a country as simply a large design challenge, we aim to renovate Singapore for the massive changes of the coming century." Say Richard and Mun Summ.
 
Toshiko Mori, Principle of Toshiko Mori Architect has a slightly different approach to building urban areas of the future. She believes that when it comes to urban planning, a designer should investigate beyond the city itself and analyse its network of rural support systems including natural infrastructure, wild zones and undeveloped land.  Her aim is to renegotiate the notion of the 'rural' within the current climate of intense urban scrutiny and develop analytical design plans that take into account the surrounding agriculture, biodiversity and rural land use to sustain the city.
 
Catch Foster & Partners, WOHA and Toshiko Mori Architect exploring how urban areas will be experienced in 2050, alongside other fantastic Design 2050 Studio leaders, at the Icsid World Design Congress in Singapore.
 
For more information on the Congress, please visit: www.icsidcongress09.com

For more information, please contact:

Grayling
Nicky Wang, Robin Williams, or Chris Davies
T: +65 6325 4606
E: ; robin.williams@sg.grayling.com;
or

Icsid
Andrea Springer
t: +1 514 448 4949 ext 232
e: aspringer@icsid.org

The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) is an international non-governmental organisation for professional industrial design. Founded in 1957, Icsid facilitates co-operation and interaction among professional associations, promotional societies, educational institutions, government bodies, corporations and institutions with the aim of contributing to the development of the profession of industrial design. Through shared interests, experiences, and resources, Icsid provides an international platform for its members to be heard as a powerful voice.
 
Icsid also holds consultative status with UNESCO, UNIDO, ISO and WIPO to support and highlight design in international forums.