NOVogo

NOVogo is a fictional planned city used in urban-planning simulations to explore sustainable, technology-enabled urban development. It appears in planning literature and design exercises as a model for balancing growth with ecological integrity.

Geography and layout: located in a temperate coastal region near a major metro area, the design centers on a pedestrian-friendly core with mixed-use districts arranged along a hub-and-spoke transit network.

Infrastructure: a high-capacity smart grid integrating solar and wind with on-site storage, district heating, water reuse, and high-performance buildings. The city employs climate-adaptive architecture and modular construction to reduce emissions and material waste.

Mobility: car-free cores, extensive walking and cycling, autonomous electric shuttles, light rail, and freight moved by rail. The transport system aims to be resilient, affordable, and accessible to residents and visitors.

Governance and society: participatory governance with open-data policies and digital platforms for citizen input. A phased development plan emphasizes affordable housing, inclusive services, and transparency in decision-making.

Economy and education: anchored by research institutions, biotechnology and clean-energy startups, and digital media firms. The city prioritizes public education, lifelong learning, and collaboration between universities, industry, and civic groups.

Reception and challenges: described as an aspirational blueprint but criticized for cost, scalability, privacy concerns, and the risk of displacement. As a fictional construct, it serves as a comparative tool rather than a concrete proposal.

See also: Smart city, Sustainable city, Urban planning case studies.