Joel Kotkin's views on density feature in the Sept/October issue of Foreign Policy. He strongly challenges the 'legend' that dense is better. See www.joelkotkin.com for more of his thinking.

Hey Stephen, Can you recommend a European view and study of Urban Density and related issues? Everything I'm come across is strictly focused on the U.S. or South America and it would be good to get a different perspective. Thanks, Jonathan.

I have had no luck at all getting onto the Kotkin link. It keeps timing out on every single link. Very frustrating

I finally managed to get on this site. I cannot agree with Kotkin regarding the world's/US population.I know many agree however whilst in theory it is true, in reality those countries that are over populated and have millions of displaced people, are bound to find other countries to 'dump' their excesses as China is now beginning to do in New Zealand. By allowing one Chinese young person here, we are in effect bringing their whole family over which may be 100 people per person. The Chinese are smart. They are sending their aged to under populated countries like New Zealand and they will be a burden on our own resources, both physical and economic. Although historically, a decreasing population was a sign of decreasing prosperity, in the world today, I believe it is sign of intelligence. Yes, the demographics are becoming skewed by the baby boomers, but so many other factors are at play.How can we manage the displacement of these millions of people through urban design and political leadership?