This week on Smart City we'll examine cities in history and how their past shapes their future.

Ed Glaeser is our first guest, and he is always asking the question, "What makes cities work?" He is a prolific researcher at Harvard University's Department of Economics, and he has challenged the wisdom of the ambitions of shrinking cities to get bigger.

We'll also speak with Randy Gragg, who is the former Architecture and Urban design critic for Portland's daily newspaper, The Oregonian. He has been a close observer of that city's evolution to what is widely considered to be one of the nation's most successful cities. He is collaborating on a fantastic mash-up of art, architecture and urban design called City Dance in downtown Portland's public fountains designed by Lawrence Halprin.

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This week on Smart City Richard Florida is our guest. He predicted the rise of the Creative Class, and now he says where you live is the most important decision you'll ever make. His latest book is called: "Who's Your City".

We'll also speak with Meg Cheever. Meg is the Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. She says parks are more important than ever to the physical and emotional well-being of urban dwellers. The Conservancy is hosting a conference called: Body and Soul, Parks and The Health of Great Cities.

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