China is home to a number of exciting and innovative architectural landmarks, with structures resembling everything from teapots to trousers. But a new government announcement suggests that the fad for bizarre buildings may be coming to an end in a bid to build a bolder skyline.

It’s widely assumed that pragmatic elements, like a strong job or housing market, attract people to cities – but new studies show that vibrant cultural offerings, from galleries to club nights, are the real draw. How are lesser-known cities using creative clout to attract and retain residents?

Offices are notorious for wasting energy. But not The Edge, which has been touted as the most sustainable and connected working space in the world. Designed to reduce operating costs and increase employee productivity, could it provide a template for buildings of the future?

In the UK, Persil's 'Free The Kids' campaign emphasised the fact that kids no longer play outside, spending less time outdoors than a prison inmate. And it's a similar story in South Korea, where playing on screens is preferred to playing in parks. Could fold-up playgrounds boost urban recreation?