BIG has revealed new images for the masterplan of Telosa City, focusing on "people-centric" design, developing a comprehensive framework for sustainable and equitable urban living.

Telosa city is a vision for a new American metropolis that aims to increase human potential, establish a global standard for urban living, and serve as a model for future generations and urban environments. The conceptual plan was first revealed in 2021 and was created by BIG in partnership with entrepreneur Marc Lore.

A drought-resistant water system, renewable energy production, and environmentally friendly construction are all features of the 150,000-acre plan. 

The initial phase of Telosa's construction is anticipated to house 50,000 people by 2030, with a target population of five million by 2050.

In recognition of Telosa's innovative social economic models, a timber skyscraper known as the "Equitism Tower" is intended to rise as a symbol of the city. 

Through the Equitism concept, which is predicated on the idea that citizens ought to have a stake in the land—as the city prospers, so do the citizens—Telosa envisions open governance.

The goal of the masterplan with equity aims to provide people with social services at a higher standard without adding to the financial burden on taxpayers. The Equitism Tower is expected to have a photovoltaic roof, aeroponic farms, and water storage space.

The city of Telosa, which surrounds Equitism Tower, prioritizes people-centric design. With open space interwoven throughout the thick city fabric that forms its central spine, Telosa's public realm is lively and dynamic. Parks with abundant native vegetation are home to well-managed reservoirs that conserve water for the city, while providing everyone living there access to open space.

Telosa's plan, which was intended to be a 15-minute city, maintains basic necessities and amenities, schools, and places of employment within a 15-minute commute from inhabitants' houses.

"Vehicles powered by fossil fuels will not be permitted inside city limits, with an emphasis instead being placed upon walkability and the use of scooters, bicycles, and autonomous electric vehicles - including the Sky Tram, part of Telosa's transport system," said BIG in its website.

"Telosa embodies the social and environmental care of Scandinavian culture, and the freedom and opportunity of a more American culture," said Bjarke Ingels, the founder and creative director of BIG.

In order to maintain the flow of natural resources, Telosa will offer an example of how to successfully integrate an existing natural environment into the layout and functioning of a new metropolis. 

The region's air quality will be preserved by prohibiting fossil fuel-powered vehicles, mandating zero stack emissions, and reducing the city's heat-island effect to prevent related air quality problems.

For the city's footprint to be as permeable as possible for water infiltration and groundwater recharge, all buildings, roads, and open areas must have green infrastructure.

In order to limit the necessity for extracting more natural resources and, consequently, the destruction of natural habitats, the city is dedicated to implementing a circular materials economy. 

Most significantly, though, and in contrast to other cities worldwide, Telosa will create a fund to protect the natural resources of the surrounding area and restore crucial habitats.

BIG revealed the design for a new Hungarian Natural History Museum in Debrecen, Hungary’s second-largest city. Additionally, the firm envisioned Bhutan's new international airport with a diagrid structure adorned with painted carvings, blending Bhutan’s traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. Further, the firm designed its new headquarters around a single column and a large staircase on the Copenhagen harbor in Denmark.

All renderings are courtesy of BIG.

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