For several years, we’ve been focused on the critical role of the world’s cities and our primary goal to design for people living, working, and playing in urban environments. Shaping the future of cities for the human experience has been our call to action and the centerpiece of our purpose as designers. That purpose is even more true now.

According to Gensler’s City Pulse Survey findings, people’s relationships with their cities are shifting as the pandemic continues to disrupt city life — in particular, persistent health concerns over the use of public transit. This is part of what’s driving a trend toward 20-minute neighborhoods, where every commercial, residential, and institutional need is within a 20-minute walk or bike ride of each other.

As we continue to emerge from lockdown living, the developments that motivate us to leave our homes will be the most in demand, yielding the biggest financial returns for developers and investors. We see this trend continuing to play out, which is why people’s health, wellness, and experiences must be at the center of our design decisions.