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Big cities across the globe will soon be getting much, much bigger. As architect Kent Larson shares in this future-focused talk from TEDxBoston, 90 percent of the world’s population growth is expected to happen in cities. But while newly established cities tend to sprawl to accommodate growth, Larson envisions that the metropolises of the future will look more like cities of the past — for example, Paris — with tight-knit neighborhoods offering residents everything they need within the radius of a 20-minute walk.

So how will we live comfortably with even more people crammed into even smaller areas?

Larson and his colleagues at the MIT Media Lab are working on several innovations to make city dwelling far more livable, though the Changing Places research group and City Science Initiative. To hear more of the lab’s plans, watch Larson’s talk. Below, take a closer look at five of their fascinating research projects.

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A tiny car that can be parked anywhere: Hiriko (originally CityCar)
Brief description: This tiny two-person vehicle not only spins and runs off a rapid-charging battery — it also physically folds in order to minimize its parking footprint. Three of these small vehicles can fit into one traditional parking space. But the idea here is potentially even bigger. The MIT Media Lab envisions that these vehicles would be available for shared use, on demand. When you need one, you head to your nearest charging station to pick one up, returning it when you’re done.

When will it be available? The MIT Media Lab has been working with Denokinn, an innovation lab which focuses on turning ideas into products, to manufacture and distribute this vehicle. The full-scale working prototype will be crash tested this year and, if it passes, will go into production by 2013. (Read the New York Times’ announcement of the vehicle’s production.)

Headlights that communicate with pedestrians: AEVITA
Brief description: The city of the future will no doubt be filled with autonomous cars. So how will pedestrians know they’ve been seen without a driver that can make eye contact? AEVITA (Autonomous Electric Vehicle Interaction Testing Array) is designed to allow autonomous cars to interact with the world around them, giving pedestrians cues of recognition, and making driving intentions obvious to others.

When will it be available? There are no current plans for commercialization.

Bikes for elderly and disabled: Persuasive Electric Vehicle (PEV)
Brief description: Bike lanes are generally the province of the young and fit. However, the MIT Media Lab is creating vehicles to allow the elderly and disabled to use them too. These three-wheeled electric vehicles are legal for bike lane use because they require pedaling, while giving the rider an electric boost of up to 20 mph. But the use here could be even further reaching — this vehicle would be perfect for the businesswoman who has to wear a suit to the office, but wants a workout on her way home.

When will it be available? At the moment, thereare no plans for commercialization.

An apartment that changes, thanks to robotic walls: CityHome and Robot Walls
Brief description: 850 square feet is not a lot to work with. But an apartment can be made to feel twice that size through a transformable wall system that morphs with the push of a button. With robotic walls, a bedroom can transform into an office, or open up into a party space. A living room can morph separate offices or become a larger meeting space. Each resident would work with a designer to figure out their needs, configuring the perfect system for their demands.

When will it be available? A full-scale working prototype has already been designed. While commercial production is not yet planned, fabrication and assembly is set for the fall of 2013.

Do-it-yourself sunlight for tiny apartments: Robotic Façade/Personalized Sunlight
Brief description: By placing a lot of small apartments within one large structure, many abodes sacrifice direct sunlight. This mass-customizable module combines solar control, heating, cooling and ventilation — while increasing energy efficiency — and allows residents to program a personalized sunlight plan for their apartment, using their cell phone.

When will it be available? There are not currently plans for commercialization.

Want some more ideas on how we’ll live in 20 years? Here, five fascinating cars of the future.