urban development Archives

AppWizard

January 3, 2026

The city builders of 2026 will let us build in some wild places, including a Pokémon-style world filled with collectible creatures

Nova Roma is set to release in January 2026, allowing players to reconstruct a fallen Rome while facing challenges from vengeful gods. DarkSwitch will arrive in March 2026, where players create an elvish metropolis around a sacred tree in a dark fantasy realm. Steel Artery will take players on a moving train in a steampunk universe, managing a diverse population of orcs and elves. Beyond These Stars invites players to build cities on the back of a cosmic whale. Tamer Town features a vibrant economy of collectible creatures called Mokiton, with over 130 creatures to gather. Metropolis 1998 combines retro aesthetics with modern simulation mechanics, enabling players to personalize every building in their city.

AppWizard

November 30, 2025

This Minecraft map that recreates one of history’s most notorious slums made me reconsider what’s important in 3D level design

Kowloon Walled City, established on the remnants of a military fort in British Hong Kong, peaked in 1989 with over 35,000 residents in just six and a half acres, making it the most densely populated place on Earth. The area was characterized by chaotic architecture, interconnected buildings, and narrow alleyways, functioning as a vibrant hub of illegal trading and organized crime despite being classified as a slum. Architect Sluda Builds has recreated Kowloon Walled City in Minecraft, accurately positioning buildings and capturing various architectural styles, but the virtual representation lacks the vibrant life and human experiences that defined the original Walled City.

AppWizard

October 24, 2025

Hidden Levels Ep. 5: Press B to Touch Grass

Nature in video games has evolved from a simple backdrop to an important escape for individuals with limited access to the outdoors, exemplified by Minecraft influencer Cassie Anne, who uses the game to connect with nature due to her severe allergies. The advancement of video games has been driven by technological innovations such as procedural generation and the pursuit of photorealism, allowing for immersive environments. These technologies are also being used to create digital twins for urban planning and environmental visualization. However, the energy consumption of visually intensive games contributes approximately 50 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Despite this, video games can enhance ecological awareness and educate players about sustainability, serving as a connection to nature for those unable to experience it physically.

Winsage

August 19, 2025

Windows 11 upgrade possible for older models: TPM 2.0 apparently not mandatory

BornCity is an innovative company in urban development, focusing on creating smart, livable spaces through technology and sustainability. Its projects utilize IoT technology for energy optimization, prioritize green building materials and renewable energy, and involve local communities in planning. BornCity aims to enhance quality of life and set new standards for urban planning while positioning itself as a leader in adapting to urban dynamics and promoting environmental stewardship.