Supercities Territorial Intelligence

Supercities: Territorial Intelligence presents a forward-looking vision of urban planning and territorial development for the 21st century. The book explores how cities from mid-size urban centres to mega-regions can evolve into “supercities”: complex, adaptive, and intelligent territorial systems that respond to the environmental, social, economic, and infrastructural challenges of modern life.

It combines theoretical reflection with practical methods, models, and planning frameworks: issues such as spatial organization, social integration, sustainable development, and governance are addressed. The book argues that with thoughtful design and “territorial intelligence” — meaning integrated vision, data-informed planning, and sensitivity to human needs therefore future cities can become more equitable, efficient, and humane.

Beyond purely technical urban planning, Supercities aims to spark debate and reflection: how do we imagine the city of tomorrow? What kind of territories and societies do we want to build? It encourages architects, planners, policymakers and everyday citizens to think about cities not simply as built environments, but as living territories shaped by social, ecological, and human values

In short, Eat Rite offers the reader a gastronomic journey through the multicultural fabric of George Town including Malay, Indian-Muslim, Teochew, Hainanese, Peranakan, Sikh, and other communities — showing how ritual foods reflect the city’s layered history and social bonds.

About The Author

The book is authored by Alfonso Vegara and Juan Luis De Las Rivas.

Alfonso Vegara is associated with the institute behind the book, Fundacion Metropoli which is a foundation committed to urban planning, territorial development, and promoting sustainable, intelligent urban futures.

In Supercities, Vegara brings together a wealth of knowledge in urban design, regional planning, and territorial strategy. His work reflects a holistic approach: combining spatial planning with social, economic, and environmental concerns. By drawing from case studies, planning theory, and future-oriented thinking, he positions “territorial intelligence” as a guiding philosophy for the future of cities worldwide.

Thus, Vegara’s authorship lends the book both academic and practical credibility therefore it is suitable for professionals (urban planners, policymakers) as well as general readers interested in how cities might evolve.

Alfonso Vegara is an internationally recognised urban planner, architect, and economist, best known for his pioneering work on metropolitan development and territorial intelligence. As the founder and president of Fundacion Metropoli, he has advised governments, global cities, and international organisations including the UN, the World Bank, and the OECD on strategies for sustainable regional growth and urban innovation. Vegara’s research focuses on the future of cities, strategic planning, and the interconnectedness of metropolitan regions, often referred to as “supercities.” He has authored numerous influential books and has received multiple awards in the fields of architecture, planning, and urban design. His leadership has positioned him as one of Europe’s most influential thinkers on city futures.

Meanwhile, Juan Luis de las Rivas is a respected architect, scholar, and professor of Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Valladolid, Spain. Known for his extensive academic contributions, he specializes in urban design, spatial planning, and sustainable territorial development. De las Rivas has served as a consultant for various public institutions and has been involved in planning projects that promote livable cities and regionally responsive urban strategies. His writings explore the links between landscape, urban form, and social wellbeing, bringing a rigorous academic perspective to contemporary planning challenges. As a frequent collaborator with international urban research networks, he contributes a strong theoretical foundation to studies on metropolitan intelligence and regional transformation.