Among the global contenders, Vinhomes Green Paradise (Can Gio, Vietnam) stands as a formidable candidate from Asia, embodying the Vietnamese aspiration to craft a 21st-century coastal city that rivals the future’s urban marvels.
Vinhomes Green Paradise: A Blueprint for the 21st-Century Coastal City
Vinhomes Green Paradise pioneers the ESG++ model, harmonizing urban development with environmental conservation and restoration. Spanning 2,870 hectares, over 80% of the project is dedicated to green spaces and water bodies, with a construction density of just 16%.
The project employs the K-DPM (Kinetic Dry Pneumatic Mixing) technology, a cutting-edge method for transforming soft mud into construction materials, addressing Can Gio’s reclaimed land challenges.
Powered entirely by renewable energy from offshore wind farms 20 km from the shore, solar power, and battery storage systems, the city ensures a serene environment for residents. Zero-emission transportation and advanced IoT, Big Data, and AI systems further enhance sustainability and urban management.
The project’s amenities are designed with a human-centric philosophy, featuring world-class healthcare through a partnership between Vinmec and Cleveland Clinic (USA), elite education from Vinschool and Brighton College, and Vin New Horizon for premium retirement living. Cultural and spiritual enrichment is fostered through iconic landmarks like the 7-hectare Green Wave Theater, two 18-hole golf courses, and a 122-hectare entertainment complex.
Residents enjoy a pristine environment nestled between the 75,000-hectare mangrove forest and the Pacific Ocean, while remaining seamlessly connected to Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant urban life via high-speed rail.
According to architect Tran Ngoc Chinh, Chairman of the Vietnam Urban Development Planners Association, Vinhomes Green Paradise’s participation in the global “7 Wonders of the Future Urban World” campaign underscores Vietnam’s maturing urban planning vision and its enterprises’ global stature. This project sets a new benchmark for sustainable coastal cities worldwide.
“If honored, this would be a historic milestone for Vietnamese urban planning, elevating both the nation’s and the project’s prestige, showcasing Vietnam’s dynamism, creativity, and commitment to sustainable development,” Chinh remarked.
Xiong’an New Area: China’s “21st-Century Urban Dream”
Dubbed China’s “21st-century urban dream,” Xiong’an New Area (Hebei Province) aims to become a green, smart, and livable city. Covering 1,770 km², it’s likened to a “second Shenzhen,” designed to alleviate pressure on Beijing and emerge as a high-tech innovation hub.
Seventy percent of the area is allocated to lakes, rivers, and green spaces, with over 50% of energy derived from renewable sources. The city operates via a “digital brain” integrating AI, Big Data, and cloud computing for real-time urban management.
The “15-minute city” concept ensures residents can access all essential services on foot or via eco-friendly public transport, embodying a vision of a human-centric, tech-nature harmonious urban space.
Expo City Dubai (UAE): A Green Oasis in the Desert
Born from the legacy of World Expo 2020, Expo City Dubai exemplifies global sustainable and innovative urban development. Located in Dubai South, connecting Jebel Ali Port and Al Maktoum Airport, this 3.5 km² city accommodates 75,000 residents and workers.
With 45,000 m² of parks, 33% energy savings, and water recycling, Expo City aims for carbon neutrality by 2050. LEED Gold and Platinum-certified buildings are powered by a 5.5 MW solar plant and managed by Siemens MindSphere.
Waterfall City (South Africa): Africa’s Emerging Urban Wonder
Waterfall City is South Africa’s largest integrated urban development, spanning over 2,200 hectares. Directly linked to the N1 highway and Gautrain, it’s a dynamic live-work-play hub.
Home to the Mall of Africa and 31 Green Star-certified buildings, the city features 15,000 solar panels, 300 hectares of green spaces, and 37 km of pedestrian and cycling paths, underscoring its sustainability commitment.
Advanced fiber-optic and wireless networks, along with a centralized security system using license plate and facial recognition, ensure safety. Automated building management systems govern commercial and office spaces, making Waterfall City a symbol of Africa’s modern, secure, and humane urban renaissance.
Belmont (Arizona, USA): Bill Gates’ Desert Dream
Backed by Bill Gates’ investment fund, Belmont is a smart city project in Arizona’s desert, spanning over 100 km². It plans 80,000 homes, extensive commercial spaces, and educational institutions.
Designed as a “new Silicon Valley,” Belmont integrates autonomous technology, smart transportation, and high-speed data centers into its digital infrastructure. Powered by renewable energy and smart grids, it also employs water-saving irrigation systems suited to the arid desert climate.
Focusing on multifunctional urban development, Belmont emphasizes tech workforce training and fosters a sustainable startup ecosystem, embodying the evolving American smart city dream.
An Khánh: The Remarkable Transformation from an Abandoned Villa Village to Hanoi’s Affluent Neighborhood
Nestled in what was once a humble rice-growing region, An Khánh has transformed into a sprawling enclave of luxurious villas. Recent surveys reveal that villa prices in this area have surged nearly threefold over the past five years, marking the most significant growth among Hanoi’s suburban districts.
REE Granted Over 7,000 Hectares of Offshore Area for Wind Power Survey in Southern Vietnam
On November 11th, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment granted CTCP Cơ Điện Lạnh (HOSE: REE) a designated marine area for measurement, investigation, and survey activities. This initiative supports the development of the Nam Bộ 3 offshore wind power project in Đông Hải commune, Vĩnh Long province.
VinEnergo Expands into Retail Electricity Market Following Capital Increase
With a bolstered charter capital surpassing 28.3 trillion VND, VinEnergo has officially entered the retail electricity sector.
Van Phu Unveils 125-Hectare Tourism Urban Mega-Project in Dong Nai
In its quest to solidify its position as a pioneering real estate brand, Van Phu continues to expand its footprint in the Southern region with the Dai Phuoc Tourism Urban Area. This ambitious development comprises two key projects, Dai Phuoc River and Phong Phu Riverside, spanning a total area of approximately 125 hectares.
Wind Energy Firms Face Bankruptcy Risk Amid Power Generation Cuts
Prolonged reductions in power generation capacity will significantly diminish the efficiency of wind energy projects. Consequently, businesses may become unable to service their bank loans, leading to financial instability and an elevated risk of bankruptcy.
