Two weeks ago the great parade of cars covered in the white desert dust returned from Black Rock City, Nevada, Burning Man's annual week-long home. Along with the many tales, burners brought back news of next year's theme: Metropolis: the life of cities. Besides celebrating Black Rock City's own urban elements--a population of 40-50,000 people with (temporary) homes on lots within blocks; a system of streets with a main car-less promenade and plazas; a non-commercial economy; and public services (medics, cops, transportation, postal service)--the organization wants to bring together planners and participants to explore what makes a city livable.
