CITIES & URBAN DESIGN
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
01
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.
02
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.
03
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.
04
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.
05
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.
06
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
Debunking Three Myths About Designing for Older Adults
Several months ago, as a part of the Gensler research initiative, we embarked on a three-month study to uncover answers to our broad research question: What are the attitudes and preferences of adults, over the age of 55, that are living independently?
8 Trends to Watch: Economic Headwinds Will Help Us Focus on What We Value
As we begin reset planning for the new year, we need to let post-pandemic patterns and attitudes evolve while planning for future flexibility, nuance, and performance. Here are eight trends to watch in 2023 that will be shaped by what we value.
What Can Cities Do to Bring People Back to Public Transit?
While most city dwellers feel positively about their city’s public transit system, fewer feel that it provides a great experience. This indicates that transit systems that fulfill basic functions are not doing enough — passengers need more.
“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.”
—Sofia Song, Global Cities Lead, Gensler
Riverfront Jacksonville Master Plan
Jacksonville, Florida
Riverfront Jacksonville will be the largest public-private partnership in the history of Jacksonville and will generate substantial economic benefits and public revenues. The site comprises more than 15 acres of public green space and 2.3 million square feet of new real estate assets that...
The AVE + West Humboldt Park Corridor Plan
Chicago, Illinois
As part of Chicago’s INVEST South/West initiative, Gensler was selected to lead master planning for a 10-block corridor strategy plan to transform a stretch along Chicago Avenue in the West Humboldt Park neighborhood. The project aims to create development opportunities that will generate wealth...
Southtown Redevelopment Plan
Birmingham, Alabama
Working with the Housing Authority of Birmingham District and Corporate Realty Company, Gensler crafted a mixed-income, mixed-use redevelopment plan for Southtown Court, a public housing development south of the city’s downtown. Rooted in a community-based design process, Gensler's master plan...
Andre Brumfield
Cities & Urban Design Leader, Design Director, Principal
Andre is a global leader of Gensler’s Cities & Urban Design practice. A Design Director in the firm’s Chicago office, he is focused on and committed to revitalizing and...
Christopher Rzomp
Cities & Urban Design Leader, Urban Planner
Chris is a global leader of Gensler’s Cities & Urban Design practice, based in our Washington D.C. offices. With a portfolio ranging from small-scale neighborhood...
Oliver Schaper
Cities & Urban Design Leader, Design Director, Principal
Oliver is an inter-disciplinary Design Director and Cities & Urban Design Leader for the Northeast region whose expertise is developing holistic, civic-minded, and sustainable...
