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New York’s Center for Architecture is showing fresh urban concepts from renowned architects for the continued development of cities from Budapest to Ahmedabad that have already committed resources to sustainable transport and other green solutions. The concepts are exciting, especially given how many of us live in or near commuter-choked cities or in communities where we’re struggling—despite the shortage of funds—to implement rich ideas for living with the planet instead of against it.

The Our Cities Ourselves exhibition runs through September 11, 2010, but you can look at some of the concepts right here. The guiding principles in the designs are for cities brave enough to support human-powered vehicles, provide access for clean passenger vehicles, and create walking pathways through “local, natural, cultural, social and historical districts.”

Ahmedabad

Welcome to the seventh-largest city in India, Mumbai. Pedestrians and bicyclists have given way to cars, motorized rickshaws and motorbikes. The architect here suggests a cool way to restore paths for bikes and pedestrians.

Mexico City

The city’s Tacubaya district is no longer a safe place for pedestrians and bike riders. This architect suggests creating a pedestrian utopia, with cars channeled away from walkways, bike paths, and bus lanes.

New York

The Big Apple side of the Brooklyn Bridge is like a clogged artery ready to burst. The architects suggest creating bike lanes on the lower level of the bridge and restrict the elevated walkway to …yes, walkers!

Buenos Aires

Great air, my eye. The port district of La Boca is home to squatters and ruin. Architects suggest creating a new port area with tango clubs and cafes–all connected by water taxis, bike lanes, and mass transit.

Budapest

The Pest waterfront and Elisabeth Bridge are a congested nightmare at the edge of the Danube. Architects say it’s time to bury the road and put in trams to a renovated waterfront district.

The Institute of Transportation and Development Policy predicts that 60 percent of the world’s population will live in core cities by 2030. It’s high time we greened up the eyesores and made way for humans.