The greatest urbanization in history
Part of the theme series De Stad / The City
In 2008, half of the world's population was living in cities. The UN predicts that this percentage will rise to 70% in 2050, thus giving rise to the largest urban society the world has ever seen. In China, small towns are transforming at breakneck pace into huge metropolises. In size they rival global cities like Rio de Janeiro, London and Moscow, but their names are unknown in the rest of the world.
Michiel Hulshof studies and writes about these unexplored megacities in the heart of China. He lays bare the ruthless logic behind their incredible growth, but also zooms in on the stories and experiences of people living the modern city life. He examines the characteristics and potential of megacities, and explores how China’s vision on urbanization could impact our urban future worldwide.
Michiel Hulshof is a journalist, writer and program maker. Between 2007 and 2011 he was the China correspondent for the Dutch weekly Vrij Nederland, and together with architect Daan Roggeveen wrote the book “How the City Moved to Mr Sun" on China’s new megacities. Hulshof is one of the founders of Tertium, a bureau for research and communication specialized in different forms of citizen participation. In addition he founded the Go West project, an international think thank on urbanization.
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