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During its early history, the human race, small in numbers and overawed by the power of nature, adapted its habitat and settlements to the landscape in which it sought shelter. With the passage of time, the creativity of the human race led to technological advances and a certain arrogance to challenge nature and landscape and not necessarily work with it. Where this has happened, the wrath of nature has cost cities and its citizens heavily, whether in the form of landslides, floods or other disruptions. In spite of ever-increasing advances in technology and the expected growth in urbanisation, it will be to our own benefit if we remember the lessons of our past follies. Cities need to be designed in sync with the landscapes on which they are built. And the underlying landscape needs to be, where possible, the generator of the urban form. Also, within the cities that are getting ever bigger in size, landscape needs to be given a role that will benefit all citizens. This is the only way forward towards sustainable urbanisation in the long term.