Is Rotterdam's architecture ambitious enough? / January 18, 2012 by Tom Oliver Payne

With my family heritage deeply embedded in the city of Rotterdam, I was glad to recently learn that for a long time the city has been considered the architectural and high-rise capital of the Netherlands.

Sydney Bike Paths and the Media / January 7, 2012 by Tom Oliver Payne

I've been shocked to read some of the articles written by News Limited and Fairfax Media (particularly by journalist Vikki Campion), which have been blatant attacks on Sydney City Council mayor Clover Moore and other Sydney council's progressive bike path construction programs.

Skateboarding Vs Architecture / December 28, 2011 by Tom Oliver Payne

Skating is growing like crazy. Although skateparks are awesome, and will continue to hold their place in the city, they aren't necessarily the future. The future is integrating skating into our urban public domain. This can be done through changes in urban design and architecture, and by helping to alter the perceptions that law makers, city managers, and residents have of skaters in the city.

China's Unknown Mega City / December 27, 2011 by Tom Oliver Payne

Although most people have never heard of it, Chongqing in China is one of the largest cities in the world. The city's demographic make-up and hardcore anti-corruption and anti-crime policies, shed some light on some of the wider governance issues in modern China.

Snapshot of Dubai / December 22, 2011 by Tom Oliver Payne

Dubai has been growing at an average rate of 6.4 per cent a year, with a population that's looking to increase from 1.1 million today, to 4 million by 2017. This is enormous by international standards.

Sign Of The Times / December 22, 2011 by Tom Oliver Payne

Love it or hate it, the William Street Coca-Cola sign is one of the world's most costly billboard real estate locations in the world and a prominent historic Sydney icon. I've never really found it too pleasing too look at. In fact I've always kind of hated it. But to be honest I can't imagine the Cross without it.

Those bright red lights have remained a stable fixture in Sydney's landscape while the world around it has evolved. From the cars driving around on the streets, to the types of drugs the junkies are shooting up with, a lot of shit has changed in Kings Cross since 1974. Except that sign. I don't really know why, but there's something comforting about that.