High-density living can be a strain on the environment, with apartments and offices notoriously energy-guzzling. But Park 20|20, an office and residential complex in Amsterdam, intends to return more water and energy to the environment than it uses. Could all cities one day be self-sustaining?

Dissatisfied with rigid corporate structure, a growing number of people are opting to be self-employed; freelancers are set to make up 40% of the US workforce by 2020. Many independent workers are being drawn to coworking spaces in cities, but what’s the appeal of these communal offices?

Between busy commutes, noise pollution and a lack of greenery, it’s no wonder that city-dwellers are 21% more likely to experience anxiety than country folk. Happy City is an initiative that advises decision makers on thinking that could lead to better urban planning – and happier urbanites.

Defensive urban architecture is everywhere – if you know what you’re looking for. Specially designed window ledges, park benches and streetlights aim to influence behaviour in public spaces, but at what cost? And do these unpleasant creations unfairly target some people more than others?