There's a creeping sameness in many of our newest urban buildings and streetscapes, says architect Vishaan Chakrabarti. And this physical homogeneity -- the result of regulations, mass production, safety issues and cost considerations, among other factors -- has blanketed our planet in a social and psychological homogeneity, too. In this visionary talk, Chakrabarti calls for a return to designing magnetic, lyrical cities that embody their local cultures and adapt to the needs of our changing world and climate.

Vishaan Chakrabarti: How we can design timeless cities for our collective future

How we can design timeless cities for our collective future

Living in transit-rich areas with apartment buildings drastically reduces carbon footprints compared to suburban living.

Regulations and mass production have led to a global homogeneity in urban design, stripping cities of their unique charm.

Innovative urban projects in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia and efforts by architects worldwide suggest a future of diverse, localized cities.