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What a smart city of the future will look like? Learn 7 trends in urban living for 2014

Cities are gradually evolving into more personalized spaces, allowing citizens to organize their life in the most sustainable way. Originally being areas for masses, cities are shifting towards focusing on individuals—their intellectual and physical needs, their passions, social and environmental views and aspirations.

Within the past year, there have been two major trends in re-arranging urban life: on the one hand, cities tend to be eco-friendly and more comfortable; on the other hand, the urban environment integrates technology for communal living, thus gets more tech-oriented and somewhat futuristic.

Find some most vibrant trends in urban living that will gain momentum in 2014, below.

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Shiseido USA promoting Japanese traditions of writing wishes on Emas, digitally

The Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido, which turned 140 last year, is taking the old Shinto tradition of writing wishes on wooden plaques to the Western world in the new promotion. Originally, these pieces of wood, Emas, were taken to temples so that spirits or gods could read them—now Shiseido USA is asking its customers to leave virtual wishes in the Facebook space. The brand has launched a Facebook app #SharetheEma, allowing anyone in the world to choose a wish written on a digital decorated piece and share it with a friend.

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Van Cleef & Arpels will guide you through the historic jewelry collection without actually visiting a museum

The French jewelry label Van Cleef & Arpels adds an audio dimension to its museum exhibition “A Quest for Beauty: The Art of Van Cleef & Arpels,” now open at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, CA. The brand has released an iPhone and Android app, “A Quest for Beauty,” as a curated tour that allows to browse through 31 from over 200 items on display—to enhance the experience, the designs’ descriptions are delivered in an audio format. 

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