Setting new standards in urban development

Long-term plans crucial for finding a sustainable future path, says expert

Planning for the future has always been a major challenge for policymakers and city planners alike, be it in countries like the United Kingdom, China or big cities like Beijing, London and Shanghai. But with all eyes on Shanghai as the city readies to be a major global financial center by 2020, planners have often pondered on creating a sustainable vision/growth plan for the city 25 years from now and beyond.

Though most industry experts and planners would like to pass the buck on the issue and content themselves with answers like "it is not something that will happen during my lifetime", there are others like Sean Tompkins who are experts in addressing such questions.