Urban Problems—Diagnosis and Solutions

The observation and analysis of reality have been a human activity for many centuries. Indeed, since the earliest of human cultures, people have been trying to understand their world and to improve its functioning. In the process, they have developed a number of different visions for the future. Urban space is characterized by its dynamism, exhibiting a fascinating blend of heterogeneity and susceptibility to rapid transformation. The primary objective of the present article is to present the urban problems and proposals for their solutions in a historical and global perspective. This work will demonstrate the historical context of diagnosing urban problems, drawing upon the literature from the past century. Depending on the geographical location, the potential exists for the sounding of an alarm or the drawing of attention to aspects that, for some, represent a reality that is difficult to overcome and for others, only a barely noticeable trend. It is asserted that this will ensure that, in the future, cities will function efficiently and be pleasant places to live. In conclusion, the development visions of cities will be presented and discussed. Visions of the future, as a reaction to the world around us, were and are a fundamental category of expectations and considerations, hopes and fears, and science and practice.