In 2011, the world’s population topped seven billion, with half this number residing in cities. According to the United Nations, this trend will intensify, as five billion urban dwellers are projected in year 2030, accounting for 60% of the planet’s inhabitants and 80% of the population across the developing world. This expanding number of urban residents raises many questions in light of today’s existing models, which in most instances have adverse effects on the environment (urban sprawl consuming space and energy, congestion, atmospheric and noise pollution, etc.).