The Future of Cities : Underground or Floating ?

In a world where megacities are suffocating and sea levels are inexorably rising, will the future of urbanism lie beneath our feet or on the water ? This book, published by Five Minutes in the NEW HORIZONS collection, offers an in depth and visionary investigation into two emerging trends : underground cities that leverage thermal stability and free up surface space, and floating settlements designed to keep pace with rising seas. The author analyses concrete projects such as Helsinki's City of Caves, Kuala Lumpur's SMART tunnel and OCEANIX Busan, and exposes the technical, environmental and social challenges associated with these utopias.

Drawing on recent data (2024 2025) and global examples, the synopsis highlights major issues such as climate resilience, sustainable urbanism, heat islands and sea level rise. It compares the advantages and limitations of underground and floating solutions and proposes hybrid avenues to reinvent our cities. Intended for decision makers, planners and curious citizens, this work demonstrates that there will be no single solution but a mosaic of innovations tailored to each territory. Immerse yourself in this captivating reading and commit yourself to imagining the city of tomorrow.