Loast

Loast is a fictional city created for illustrative purposes in discussions of urban planning and sustainable technology. It is described as located along the Loast River on a temperate continent, with a climate featuring hot summers and mild winters, supporting a metropolitan population of about 1.2 million in the city core and 2.4 million in the surrounding region.

The city covers roughly 500 square kilometers, with a dense core around a mixed-use central district, surrounded by green belts and a redeveloped riverfront. It is organized into districts that mix housing, offices, and light industry, with public spaces oriented toward walkability and water management.

Loast originated in a cooperative project launched in the early 22nd century by a coalition of neighboring municipalities to prototype scalable, low-carbon urban systems. It attracted researchers, engineers, and educators, and grew into a regional hub for renewable energy, climate adaptation, and advanced manufacturing.

Loast is governed by a city council and an executive committee that together oversee budgets, zoning, and infrastructure. Participatory budgeting and citizen assemblies are used to involve residents in major decisions.

Its economy centers on renewable energy production, water technology, precision agriculture, high-tech manufacturing, and digital services. The city hosts several research institutions and incubators that collaborate with industry clusters.

Transport includes an electric rail network, bus rapid transit, and autonomous shuttles. Buildings exploit passive design, high-performance glazing, district heating and cooling, and on-site storage.

Languages spoken include the regional lingua franca and minority languages. The city supports museums, libraries, and universities. Cultural life centers on the River Festival and the Solstice Market, reflecting its riverine setting.

Notable features include the Glass Dome, the River Promenade, the Meridian Library, and the Skyfold District, a high-density residential and business zone. Because Loast is fictional, this article is intended to illustrate concepts in urban design and sustainability rather than document a real place.