Eco-cities – utopia or... the future

Abstract

The review addresses the diversity of approaches to the development of the idea of an “eco-city” which emerged at the end of the 20th century and represents a revival of the “garden city” concept. An ecocity (eco-city, ecological city, green city, sustainable city, smart city) is a forced response of urban planners, designers, industrialists, entrepreneurs, scientists, and governments to the demands of civilization’s transition to the sixth technological mode in the conditions of the accelerated scientific and technological revolution at the beginning of the 21st century. This is a response to the obvious trend of increasing ecological threats, risks, and challenges. The review presents contemporary examples of the creation of ecocities and ecovillages in countries and regions with varying levels of socio-economic development.