The latest issue of Positive News magazine is now available, brimming with thought-provoking content. This issue puts a spotlight on urban living, examining how cities capture our imagination and shape our daily experiences.
What indeed, makes a city memorable? Is it the glittering skyline visible on a train journey? The sensory overload of an unfamiliar city street as evening falls? Or perhaps that comforting stroll home through a neighbourhood you know like the back of your hand? Cities are moulded not only by infrastructure but also by culture, community, and the collision of ideas. They are living, breathing entities where traditions take root, and millions of lives intersect daily.
This Jan-Mar issue of Positive News magazine delves into the concept of urban living, bringing it to life and going beyond the abstract. We explore the possibilities of a city designed from scratch today, and how it might evolve tomorrow. We also discuss how cutting-edge technologies are transforming ancient cities, making them more efficient, sustainable, navigable, and most importantly, focused on the wellbeing of their inhabitants.
The magazine turns its gaze to the people who are reshaping their cities from grassroots level. From local collectives taking ownership of vital businesses to organisations striving to make city life more welcoming and functional, these stories demonstrate how cities are not just products of grand architectural plans, but of collective contributions and effort.
Public discourse often portrays urban life in dreary shades, but a closer analysis of data and frontline experiences reveal a more nuanced narrative. While some forms of economic crimes are on the rise, violent crimes including knife-related incidents are on the decline in many areas. Global homicide rates are also trending downwards. It serves as a reminder that headline news does not always convey the complete picture.
Besides urban living, this issue also features a conversation with author Ian McEwan about his visions of the future. We visit a theatre company that’s opening new avenues for individuals with a history of imprisonment and introduce you to senior activists swapping their slippers for spray cans. We journey to France to explore a care home established for the LGBTQIA+ community, and to Denmark to discover the benefits of an offline holiday.
These stories collectively underline that our cities’ futures depend less on their architectural grandeur, but more on the choices, concern, and creativity of the people who call them home.
Cover illustration: Andrea Manzati
