Part 11/15:
Looking ahead, the panelists ponder whether certain cities, especially those facing economic decline or rapid change, might serve as "blank slates" for radical redesigns. They mention hyper ambitious projects like Saudi Arabia's The Line, which critics view skeptically due to its centralized planning, resource intensiveness, and questionable social implications.
They argue that human incentives, local context, and organic growth rooted in existing communities are fundamental to creating sustainable, desirable urban environments. Cities with rich histories and unique geographies, like Philadelphia or Cambridge, demonstrate how incremental adaptation—adding cross streets, improving infrastructure—can yield substantial improvements without total overhauls.