The numbers speak for themselves. In 1800, only three percent of the world’s population lived in cities. 2007 will mark a new era in human history: for the first time ever, more people on earth will live and work in urban than in rural areas. The UN estimates that this figure will climb to 61 percent by 2030. The result: accelerating urbanization and economic growth will fuel a massive demand for adequate infrastructures – such as energy and water systems, transportation systems and traffic control systems. Megacities will be the main arena of efforts to meet the challenges of our time. The Megacities Exhibition focuses on cities from four continents – London, Mumbai, New York, São Paulo and Shanghai – and showcases what Siemens is doing to improve the quality of life in urban areas around the world.

The UK’s capital is a leading center of culture, finance and trade. From 1825 until 1925, when it was superseded by New York, London was the largest city in the world. Today, it is the most populous city in the European Union and the heart of Europe’s second-largest conurbation. In one of its many projects in the capital, Siemens is implementing a satellite-tracking system for London Bus Services. The new system, which controls 8,000 buses and electronic display panels at 2,000 bus stops, is cutting passenger waiting times and improving passenger information. Under a long-term contract, Siemens is also supplying the Royal London Hospital and Bart’s Hospital with the latest radiology, cardiology and oncology systems – to improve treatment and patient care.

Shanghai, which is developing faster than almost any other megacity, is one of the world’s most exciting urban centers. In the coming years, a host of ambitious construction projects – the satellite cities Luchao Harbor City and Automobile City, the Medical Zone, the world’s largest deep sea container port and a 31-kilometer bridge – will radically alter the face of the city. Siemens’ Transrapid has set a new milestone in transportation technology. The magnetic levitation train covers the 33-kilometer stretch between Pudong International Airport and Long Yang Road Station in less the than eight minutes. At the airport itself, Siemens is increasing security, convenience and efficiency with a wide array of advanced solutions – including building automation systems, control systems for baggage handling, integrated flight information systems and alarm systems.

A megacity before the term even existed, the Big Apple overtook London as the world’s largest urban center in 1925. By 1950, the greater New York area was home to 12 million people. New York is by far the largest and most important economic center in the U.S. and one of the world’s foremost business hubs. To keep pace with shifts in regional demand, the Neptune Regional Transmission System, a submarine cable being built by Siemens, will increase electricity flows from New Jersey to Long Island. The Big Apple is also the site of another major Siemens project: an intelligent automation system that is saving the U.S. Postal Service both time and money.

Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, generates 38 percent of India’s gross domestic product. The city is the subcontinent’s most important port and home to a wide variety of industries. The main hub of Indian business, trade and fashion, Mumbai is also the center of the world’s largest film industry. With 29,000 people per square kilometer – compared to only 3,800 per square kilometer in Berlin – population density in the city is extremely high. A wide variety of Siemens projects are contributing to Mumbai’s development. The company is supplying gas-turbine and combined cycle power plants – such as the Trombay facility – that will provide the region’s people and businesses with an economical, secure and dependable source of electricity. In addition, Siemens is installing advanced building management systems, fire protection equipment and surveillance cameras in the Hotel Grand Hyatt Mumbai to enhance the safety and security of hotel guests and personnel.

São Paulo is the largest industrial conurbation in Latin America. The State of São Paulo generates 35 percent of Brazil’s gross domestic product and some 40 percent of its industrial output. The state also accounts for 60 percent of the country’s total energy consumption. A highlight among local Siemens projects is Volkswagen’s new state-of-the-art production facility, in which management information systems and automation technology are increasing efficiency and workplace safety. The Comapnhia de Saneamiento Basico (SABESP) modernization project, which controls and simulates the flow of drinking water into São Paulo’s reservoirs, is enhancing the quality of life for the megacity’s inhabitants by improving water supplies and hygienic conditions.

Download London [ca. 333 KB]

Download Shanghai [ca. 351 KB]

Download New York [ca. 373 KB]

Download New York 2 [ca. 459 KB]

Download Mumbai [ca. 367 KB]

São Paulo Download [ca. 363 KB]