The United Nations projects that by 2050, 70% of the global population will live in urban areas. In the coming years, many cities worldwide will grow into mega-cities—urban areas with more than 10 million inhabitants. To meet the needs of these growing populations, cities must prepare for infrastructure improvements, provide essential urban services, and design buildings and spaces that can accommodate higher densities, manage increased consumption and energy use, and create inclusive environments that cater to people of all ages and potentially more diverse ethnicities. Many cities prioritize the well-being of their residents and strive to create harmonious interactions between people, nature, and other organisms.

“Urban Architecture” plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth, elevating the quality of life, and compensating for potential losses in the digital era, such as diminished social interactions or the absence of natural spaces for relaxation. Examples include the design of skyscrapers with rooftop gardens, architecture that preserves the identity of neighborhoods, hotels that not only welcome visitors but also embrace local people and activities, markets that foster casual gatherings, resource exchange across different professional groups, and office buildings that are seamlessly connected to urban transit. These are all examples of urban architecture showcased in this edition of the ASA Journal. Additionally, the issue invites a discussion with Somdoon Architects about the relationship between urban architecture and an interview with Full Scale Studio from Chiang Mai.