Renderings of Telosa, the proposed “city of the future” designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), show off dazzling details. It includes a vast wooden mobility hub that looks like a futuristic amphitheater, a sprawling silver sports village, and a skyline punctuated by gleaming timber towers.
First teased on X in 2021, the city is the vision of entrepreneur Marc Lore, who imagines Telosa rising out of the American desert. BIG’s website suggests Nevada, as a utopian model for how we might live, move, and govern.
By 2050, the plan claims, five million people could call it home. The first residents? Supposedly by 2030.
Telosa’s goal:
“To create a new city in America that sets a global standard for urban living, expands human potential, and becomes a blueprint for future generations.”
Dazzling Concepts and Bold Claims
The latest visuals highlight a circular mobility hub, four stacked tiers of wood ringed by chrome rails where so-called “Ground to Air” vehicles zip by, cars that can glide on wheels, ride the rails, or even take to the skies.
Nearby, the Equitism Tower, a lattice-like timber beacon, anchors the city’s central spine. Elevated institutes, greenery-draped streets, and photovoltaic roofs round out the dream.
The Philosophy is Equitism
At the heart of Telosa is a new economic idea: Equitism. The model suggests land should be owned by the community, with its increasing value funding public services. In theory, this means residents prosper as the city prospers, capitalism with a cooperative twist.
A Step Beyond Renderings
BIG’s Alana Goldweit insists the city will be “built with intention,” citing forums with would-be “pioneer residents.” Telosa’s foundation echoes the mantra of people-first design.
Yet as CEO Jon Mallon admits, many ambitious city projects stumble when they put architecture and tech before community.
A Mirage on the Horizon?
Telosa joins a long list of futuristic city proposals: Malaysia’s BiodiverCity, Saudi Arabia’s Neom, and the ill-fated Akon City in Senegal. These projects dazzle with glossy renderings but often falter under the weight of cost, politics, or reality.
Whether Telosa ever breaks ground, or remains a utopian daydream wrapped in shimmering concept art, remains to be seen.
See more on Telosa’s website.
Images courtesy of BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group).
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