The Life-Sized City

Los Angeles is home to over 13 million people who collectively make up one of the most multicultural places in the world. With over 80 neighborhoods making up a rich, diverse hub, LA's polycentrism is certainly its greatest asset. But overcoming the many underlying inequalities is no easy task.

Germany's capital and largest city, Berlin, is a place of many contradictions. The rise and fall of the Berlin wall had major impacts on the entire world. In 1961, the city was reunited, but decades of isolation left deep-rooted urban and social scars and lasting international repercussions. All of this, however, is the genesis of the city's fascinating urban development.

Calgary, Canada's oil capital and Alberta's biggest city, is more often associated with the Stampede, cowboys, oil drilling, suburban sprawl and highways. But its economy is now diversifying, and so is the population.

The magnificent, multi-layered city of Istanbul has seen its population multiply twelvefold in the past 60 years. This massive, ever-changing metropolis has all the challenges of rapid and uncontrolled urbanization. Yet the streets of this city are home to an estimated 15 million people who strive each day to make it more just, peaceful and liveable.The magnificent, multi-layered city of Istanbul has seen its population multiply twelvefold in the past 60 years. This massive, ever-changing metropolis has all the challenges of rapid and uncontrolled urbanization. Yet the streets of this city are home to an estimated 15 million people who strive each day to make it more just, peaceful and liveable.

Although Antwerp was once one of the biggest ports in the world, it no longer has the loud notoriety of some of the world's other cities. This mid-sized walkable and bikeable city boasts beautiful historical architecture, is incredibly diverse, and has an incredible degree of involvement from its citizens.