As architect Fernando Romero of the firm FR-EE sees it, national borders are an archaic and outdated concept that he believes can be transcended with something like his 'Border City' concept. The theoretical city would span the US-Mexico border between New Mexico and Texas in the US and Chihuahua in Mexico.
Romero believes that modern technology has made concrete borders symbolic. Especially around borders, economies and cultures are deeply intertwined as it is; removing these physical borders would merely acknowledge that fact.
More than just talk, though, Romero and FR-EE plan on realizing Border City over a 12-year period. The area they selected is privately owned land, which means that building on it is entirely within the discretion of the owners (rather than governments.)
Binational City Concepts
Fernando Romero's 'Border City' Vision Spans the US-Mexico Border
Trend Themes
1. Borderless Cities - The concept of a city spanning across national borders presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in transportation, governance, and cultural exchange.
2. Private Land Development - Developing on privately owned land presents opportunity for disruptive innovation in construction, real estate, and community planning.
3. Cross-border Collaboration - Breaking down national borders presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in international trade, diplomacy, and resource sharing.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture - The development of borderless cities presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in urban and public space design, engineering and sustainable materials.
2. Real Estate - The development of privately owned land presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in real estate development, construction, and community planning.
3. Government Relations - The conception of borderless cities presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in diplomacy, international trade, and policy-making to promote cross-border collaboration.