Cities are at an inflection point. As concerns about global health continue and remote work trends take hold, people are beginning to question the need to live in big cities, especially as urban centers struggle with issues of affordability, low levels of transit ridership, overcrowding, and more. Cities can use this moment to imagine a new community-focused model for growth, one that is more convenient, inclusive, resilient, and healthy.

Confidential Mixed-Use District

TRENDS SHAPING CITIES & URBAN DESIGN

More cities will think regeneratively to combat climate change.

To address climate change, pollution, and natural resource depletion, a more regenerative, resilient approach is required to planning and developing cities. Urban centers with circular metabolisms, or “circular cities,” minimize sprawl, repurpose waste, and increase biodiversity. Green infrastructure and natural resource conservation are critical strategies. The engineered urban environment should be in balance with the carrying capacity of natural systems.

To reimagine downtown cores, cities will need to adopt a mixed-use mindset.

The trend away from single-use Central Business Districts (CBDs) into places with a greater mix of uses will continue. Diversity in building types and uses, and diversity at many different levels (city, neighborhood, building) are key. For example, more residential and pedestrian-oriented uses with more green space can be infused into CBDs to make them more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and healthy. Cities should also adopt mixed-income and multigenerational communities to become more diverse and inclusive.

Equity and accessibility will continue to define the 20-minute neighborhood.

The 20-minute neighborhood concept is a tool to create social cohesions and strengthen sense of community, so equity is a critical part of the conversation. Equitable transportation, housing, employment, and technology infrastructure are key parts to well-rounded neighborhoods. Investing in accessible and affordable high-speed internet as a public utility is critical.

Investing in parks and flexible streets can create healthier cities.

Designers and urbanists will continue to prioritize pedestrian-oriented urban spaces over car-centric developments, which means outdoor spaces will be a key ingredient. Access to nature through landscaped public plazas, green spaces, sidewalks, and urban parks increases health benefits and creates community by reducing stress and depression, promoting positive emotions, and facilitating cognitive functioning. Privately owned public spaces (POPs) that connect to the public realm also help in creating these healthy places.

Rising cities will provide compelling alternatives.

Rising cities are booming as people seeking more value and space look to relocate from large cities to more affordable, less dense places. To be a compelling alternative, a rising city should build arts and culture, look for ways to create more equity and diversity, and celebrate its local DNA in new developments.

Mobility’s next phase will advance our cities.

From e-scooters to e-bikes, improvements in vehicles powered by an electric motor and battery are transforming first- and last-mile mobility. Beyond the benefits for tackling climate change, the shift to electrification has even broader implications for how we might reimagine our urban environments and city streets. For example, gas stations and parking garages could be repurposed for new uses that promote health and wellness. Using mobility innovation as a catalyst, we can remake our cities toward a much more human-centric model.

Adams Street Activation Study, Phoenix

“To address climate change, pollution, and natural resource depletion, we must take a more regenerative, resilient approach to planning and developing our cities.”

—“Why Circular Cities Play a Critical Role in Restoring Ecologies,” Dialogue blog

The Ave on Chicago Avenue, Chicago

Al Bustan, Madinah, Saudi Arabia

EXPLORE RELATED RESEARCH & INSIGHT

How the Intersection of Architecture and Mobility Will Shape the Cities of Tomorrow

It’s clear that cities around the world need new ideas and fresh thinking to improve life and prepare for the challenges of today and tomorrow. Recognizing a shared interest in solving for these complex urban mobility challenges, BMW Designworks and Gensler came together to explore a new range of design ideas for urban living in a project called Architecture X Mobility.

If Rush Hour Goes Away, How Should Public Transit Adapt?

A successful future for public transportation is likely to consist of highly fluid service that supports more trips throughout the typical day than just the daily commute.

Cultivating a Food Resilient Future

Our research on food resilience started out with the focus on rethinking urban agriculture, identifying 12 opportunity areas where urban farms can be integrated into our cities.

“Because remote workers can now go pretty much anywhere, cities are going to have to start focusing on attracting residents, particularly millennials, and that means providing that smaller city experience, and not just focusing on attracting businesses.”