Sponsored by a technology manufacturing company, Urban-Hub.com's goal is to accommodate exchanges on sustainable urban development, and to present news about current construction and industry leaders.

Stating that "urbanization will see a 2.5 billion increase in city populations by 2050, and of the 10-11 billion population expected by the end of the century, around 70 percent will live in urban spaces," the ThyssenKrupp Elevator company announced the launch of Urban-Hub.com, a new digital platform that will promote discussions on sustainable development.

The manufacturer of passenger and freight elevators, escalators, moving walks, passenger boarding bridges, stair and platform lifts also noted that, "factoring in the challenges that urbanization represents for the world, it is more imperative than ever that we make sustainable choices to move towards creating cities that are not only pleasant but also the most environmentally friendly structures possible, offering efficient mobility in the city as well as inside buildings, with easy and cost-effective infrastructure."

The aim of their digital platform is to further a conversation on how people shape cities, and how sustainable development can best be integrated in an era of rapid urbanization. It will purportedly curate ideas on sustainable development in all areas of urbanization, ranging from mass transit and passenger mobility to building construction and infrastructure. It will also feature news on landmarks and buildings currently under development that employ the principles of sustainability, as well as profiles of pioneers in the field.

Initial articles explore the technologies incorporated in the new One World Trade Center in New York, the fostering of urban mobility through innovative technologies such as ThyssenKrupp's ACCEL, and the use of The Internet of Things to create smarter, more efficient cities.

"In the world's inaugural metropolitan century, with cities prospering in the new global economic order, it is imperative that we make our cities the best places to live that humankind has ever created, and leave a lasting and positive impact on the generations to come," said Luis Ramos, head of communications for the company.

Available in the first phase in English, German, French, Spanish and Portuguese, and in its second phase in Chinese, the platform intends to reach the broadest possible audience to garner a wide spectrum of views from around the globe. It is also suited to all digital interfaces, and will be easily accessible on computers, tablets, and smartphones.