Cities & Urban Design
We believe that thoughtful design connects nature, technology, and people while planning for resilience in a changing world. The places we create are rooted in local culture and act as a catalyst for socially sustainable urban transformation.
“
Our plan will transform Harborplace into a truly inclusive, world-class destination that will create a diversity of accessible experiences on the ground, in and around buildings, and on the water.
—Vaki Mawema, Co-Managing Director, Gensler Baltimore
26 Items
Reimagining North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois
Gensler and a team of key real estate leaders studied the innovations and interventions that could elevate the North Michigan Avenue experience.
Harborplace
Baltimore, Maryland
Gensler is partnering with MCB Real Estate to lead the design of the master plan for the future of Harborplace, a mixed-use waterfront destination in Baltimore.
Fleet Street Quarter Public Realm Strategy
London, United Kingdom
Gensler has been working closely with Fleet Street Quarter BID, the City of London, and key stakeholders and businesses to define a vision to create a sustai...
Right to Dream Ghana
Ghana, West Africa
Gensler partnered with Right to Dream to elevate the charity's existing academic and sports facilities in Ghana to be the best academy of its kind in Africa.
Avon Lake Renewable Master Plan
Avon Lake, Ohio
Gensler worked in collaboration with the City of Avon Lake and ALERG to reposition the site of a recently decommissioned coal-fired power plant.
Amtrak – Baltimore Penn Station Lanvale Expansion
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore Penn Station is a transformative project that helps the city rethink its future and leverages the concept of “train as theater.”
Englewood Agro-Eco District
Chicago, Illinois
Gensler is working with Chicago to repurpose an abandoned railroad to create a natural trail, part of a larger plan to create the U.S.' first Agro-Eco district.
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...
Black Ensemble Theater
Chicago, Illinois
Gensler is teaming up to to create a culturally diverse, artist-centric live and work village, center to support The Black Ensemble Theater’s mission.
Haizhu Innovation Bay
Guangzhou, China
Haizhu Innovation Bay envisions a hub for innovation-leading enterprises that will attract both talent and tourism as a new destination in Lijiao at the intersection of Guangzhou City Central Axis and Pearl River.
El Monte Busway and Transit Pavilion
El Monte, California
The LEED Gold, $50.0 million El Monte Busway and Transit Center replaces the existing busway and provides an enhanced experience for 40,000 daily commuters.
Western Kentucky University Campus Master Plan
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Gensler designed the Western Kentucky University Campus Master Plan as a visionary roadmap focused on the student experience.
University of Tasmania Urban Precincts Master Plan
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Working closely with the University of Tasmania, Gensler developed a campus master plan and urban design framework for its Hobart CBD campus location.
205 Feddan
Cairo, Egypt
As a new destination for Cairo, 205 Feddan features a cluster of super tall towers and signals an exemplary design that blends experience and architecture to create a sense of belonging.
First Creek Redevelopment Plan
Knoxville, Tennessee
Gensler is crafting a revitalization plan for First Creek, a 22-acre public housing site on the edge of downtown Knoxville that introduces mixed-income housing.
Southtown Redevelopment Plan
Birmingham, Alabama
Gensler crafted a mixed-income, mixed use redevelopment plan for Southtown Court, a public housing development south of Birmingham's Downtown.
Citadel Mall Redevelopment Plan
Charleston, South Carolina
Gensler’s Cities & Urban Design and Analytics teams partnered on a vision to help transform downtown Charleston’s struggling Citadel Mall into a 54-acre regional hub for healthcare, providing robust market analysis and a subsequent three-phase redevelopment plan.
Peña Station Transit-Oriented Development Plan
Denver, Colorado
Working with DEN Real Estate, Gensler developed a long-term development framework for a key, 60-acre site adjacent to the 61st St. and Peña light rail station.
Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame Streetscape
Hollywood, California
Gensler reimagined the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame by creating a streetscape plan that enhances the pedestrian experience and supports transportation modes.
Corferias 2030
Bogotá, Colombia
After successful completion of the competition to design the new Bogotá International Convention Center (Agora Bogotá), programmed and managed by Gensler...
Southbridge Redevelopment Plan
Chicago, Illinois
Gensler created a master plan for Harold Ickes Homes, a former public housing high-rise located in Chicago’s South Loop on the city’s Near South Side. Now...
Menlo Park Innovation District Plan
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Gensler Minneapolis crafted a master plan for 18 acres of undeveloped land located immediately adjacent to the Twin Cities campus and existing academic and medical assets. When complete, the Menlo Park Innovation District will be a launchpad for innovation, fostering connections between the academic, research, and business communities.
New Carrollton
New Carrollton, Maryland
This public-private partnership looks to turn an under-performing transit-adjacent site into a vibrant transit-oriented hub in New Carrollton, Maryland...
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The DIFC Authority commissioned Gensler to create a comprehensive master plan for the city’s rapidly expanding financial sector, comprising two million square meters and a number of flagship buildings.
Msheireb Downtown Doha
Doha, Qatar
Gensler served as the lead consultant, design architect, and executive architect for Phases 2 and 3 of the 31-hectare Msheireb Downtown Doha development.
Abu Dhabi Financial Centre
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
After the city identified Al Maryah Island as its new financial center, Gensler created a master plan and comprehensive design guidelines for this...
Client Services
Our multidisciplinary team helps shape people-centered urban experiences and mobility solutions for clients across the public and private sectors.
Urban Design & Master Planning
From new cities to urban districts to individual blocks, we design places that connect people. Our urban design plans balance public realm, vertical development, and complex urban systems. We work with developers, public agencies, non-governmental organizations, and institutions at all stages, from vision plans and feasibility studies to entitlements and implementation.
Transit & Mobility Planning
Our clients include public transit agencies, developers, and public-private partnerships delivering major infrastructure projects and transit facilities. We bring deep expertise in transit-oriented and multimodal development and believe that new and alternative mobility strategies can influence how we plan for the next generation.
Special District & Campus Planning
We offer specialized expertise in projects involving sports, entertainment, retail, and educational facilities to anchor urban districts and catalyze development. We work with economic development agencies, professional sports teams, universities, and developers to create compelling and functional plans for transformational projects.
Long-Range & Strategic Planning
We assist municipalities and institutions in setting long-range visions and policies that guide development for the future of our cities. Our planners and strategists are experts in the public process, with experience in stakeholder engagement and facilitation.
Neighborhood Planning
We believe in equitable neighborhoods that provide access to opportunity and choice. With a sensitive approach towards the unique scale of neighborhoods, we plan thriving and cohesive places to live. We work directly with public agencies and community organizations to create unique stakeholder-driven plans that prioritize residents’ needs, honor the past, and look to the future.
Affordable Housing
We recognize that many of our global cities are facing a housing crisis and take an active role in ensuring housing for all. Our team offers experience planning and designing affordable urban housing solutions for all income levels.
INSIGHTS
Research
The Return of the City
We examined how global perceptions have shifted from 2021 to 2023 across 15 global cities to understand the obstacles and opportunities facing cities today.
Research
Vulnerable Communities & Climate Change: Building in Resilience
Resilience hubs, which offer community spaces, disaster preparedness, and self-sustainability, can improve insurability, lower insurance rates, and enhance the resilience of vulnerable cities.
Research
Aligning Practice With Climate Justice
Our research explores how climate change disproportionately affects under-invested communities nationwide, with a current focus on Baltimore. We aim to inspire equitable design practices through a framework that prioritizes climate justice.
Blog
Regional Revitalization: Designing for Impact in the Middle East
Tim Martin, Managing Director, Gensler Middle East, discusses designing for the region’s revitalization opportunity.
Blog
The Future of D.C. as the Capital of Creativity
A conversation on the shifts and opportunities that could transform our nation’s capital and redefine its role on the global stage.
Blog
Beyond The Kiosk: Designing Digital Experiences for the Urban Streetscape
Gensler's leaders of Cities & Urban Design and Digital Experience Design discuss how technology can play a role in shaping our experiences of the city.
Blog
Designing Safe, Walkable Cities for Future Generations of Children
Thoughtful urban design can transform cities into vibrant, inclusive spaces where children can thrive, connect, and grow.
Blog
The Impact of Inclusive Design on Children’s Health and Happiness
By using inclusive design strategies in city and urban planning, we can build spaces that allow children to flourish, learn, play, and grow.
Blog
How the Olympics and Paralympics Can Shape Cities in New Ways
A look at the legacy, equity, and sustainability shaping the Games, and how this event can unlock a city’s future potential while showcasing it in novels ways.
Blog
The “Five I’s” of Design
By embracing imagination, initiative, inclusion, intention, and impact, we can elevate the human experience through design.
Research
Finance the Future: Strategies for Equitable Neighborhood Development
We explored how to effectively translate ESG commitments into financially viable equitable developments that address the housing crisis disproportionately affecting low-income and marginalized communities.
Blog
Reimagining North Michigan Avenue: A New Era for Chicago’s High Street
Gensler’s study envisions a series of interventions to create an engaging experience on one of the world’s most iconic high streets.
Research
Redefining the Future of Urban Wellness in China
We created a framework and adaptable urban design toolkit to promote wellness in Chinese cities at the neighborhood level.
Blog
Maximising Urban Space: 3 Strategies for Solving the U.K.’s Housing Crisis
Addressing the U.K. housing shortage will require a multifaceted, strategic approach, recognising the urgent need for land to accommodate new homes and infrastructure.
Blog
Designing for Racial Equity and Inclusion
Equitable design isn’t just about building physical structures; it’s about reshaping our society to ensure a more prosperous tomorrow.
Blog
San Francisco Is on the Brink of a Revival, Fueled by AI, Innovators, and Investors
Contrary to reports of the city’s demise, more people are feeling satisfied with their living experience.
Trends in Cities & Urban Design
Cities rethink zoning for housing and neighborhood-centric developments.
Local governments take a closer look at legacy zoning and building codes to address housing shortages, facilitate office conversions, and create live-work lifestyle districts that can attract visitors and support local businesses.
Transit-oriented infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly development takes off.
The U.S. doubles down on transit infrastructure, including the creation of more connected, walkable, and bikeable communities near public transit hubs.
Cities prioritize resilience in their planning and design.
Across the globe, hardening infrastructure against climate impacts has become a priority. 2025 will see urban design initiatives that feature resilient strategies that contribute to long-term ecological sustainability.
CITIES & URBAN DESIGN LEADERSHIP
Andre Brumfield
Cities Sector Leader, Principal
Andre Brumfield leverages expertise in urban design, planning, and architecture to catalyze neighborhood revitalization and drive urban districts’ redevelopment
Ian Mulcahey
Cities & Urban Design Leader, Strategy Director, Principal
Ian Mulcahey is a global leader of Gensler’s Cities & Urban Design practice who is passionate about solving complex urban problems.
Christopher Rzomp
Cities & Urban Design Leader, Urban Planner
Chris Rzomp is a global leader of Gensler's Cities & Urban Design practice with a portfolio that ranges from small-scale neighborhood revitalization to new municipality creation.
Dylan Jones
Mobility & Transportation Leader, Cities Sector Leader, Principal
Dylan Jones is a global leader of Gensler’s Mobility & Transportation practice, who works at the intersection of private development and public infrastructure.
NEWS
In The Media
![]()
NAIOP Development Magazine
Gensler’s Oliver Schaper Shared Insights About Ontario’s EVE Park, a Net-Zero Residential Development
Schaper discussed how centralizing parking infrastructure creates a more human-centered suburban residential planning model, resulting in a community where residents live in a park (and not a parking lot).
September 25, 2024
In The Media
![]()
Crain’s Chicago Business
Crain’s Chicago Business Celebrated Andre Brumfield on Its List of 2024 Notable Black Leaders
Brumfield notes his top achievement is Englewood Agro-Eco District Land Use Plan, which will transform a former rail line into “an economic hub for urban agriculture,” supporting equity and creating jobs.
September 23, 2024
In The Media
![]()
AIA Illinois
Gensler’s Englewood Agro-Eco District & Nature Trail Master Plan Wins 2024 AIA Illinois Honor Award
Gensler was awarded an AIA Illinois Honor Award for Excellence in Master Planning for the Englewood Agro-Eco District and Nature Trail Master Plan.
August 29, 2024
In The Media
![]()
The National
Why the 20-Minute City Is a Natural Fit for the Gulf
As urban planners in the Middle East embrace walkable city concepts, innovative design strategies prioritize sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility to shape the future of vibrant, connected communities.
August 20, 2024
In The Media
![]()
The Architect’s Newspaper
Gensler Leads the Transformation of Chicago’s North Michigan Avenue
Gensler’s vision improves pedestrian access by broadening sidewalks to create space for food and beverage kiosks, lighting fixtures, public art, green space, and stages for street performances.
July 15, 2024
In The Media
![]()
Bloomberg CityLab
Bloomberg CityLab Toured the Hollywood Walk of Fame With Gensler Mobility & Transportation Leader Jaymes Dunsmore
Dunsmore discussed the firm’s vision to reimagine the destination by making it safer for visitors and locals, improving transportation, upgrading the streetscape, and providing better tree coverage to mitigate the heat island effect.
June 25, 2024
Press Release
New City Pulse Report Signals the Return of Urban Life
Gensler’s City Pulse Retrospective indicates sustained growth in urban desirability, suggesting that the pandemic was a catalyst for the revitalization and transformation of city living.
April 30, 2024
In The Media
![]()
Bloomberg
Key Takeaways From Gensler’s 2023 City Pulse Survey Across 53 Global Cities
Residents in 92 CBDs shared their experiences as downtowns are increasingly embraced as places for entertainment, retail, and dining in addition to work.
April 15, 2024
In The Media
![]()
Monocle
Monocle Featured a Radio Interview With Gensler Europe Managing Principal Duncan Swinhoe
Duncan Swinhoe shared insights on the future of European cities, the potential for office conversions, and why central business districts need to become multi-use districts.
April 02, 2024
In The Media
![]()
Time Out
Time Out Shared Gensler’s Renderings of the Hollywood Walk of Fame’s Pedestrian-Friendly Makeover
The project will introduce bus and bike lanes, widen sidewalks, improve safety, and reduce car traffic.
March 21, 2024
In The Media
![]()
Los Angeles Times
Gensler’s Design Concept To Revitalize Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame
The plan will eliminate two traffic lanes along most of the route, adding bike lanes and widening sidewalks to enhance the experience for everyone.
March 21, 2024
In The Media
![]()
CNN Style
CNN Style Rounded Up Architecture That’s ‘Set To Shape the World in 2024,’ Including EVE Park
Designed by Gensler, Electric Vehicle Enclave Park is a net-zero residential project in Canada that aims to attract the EV enthusiast with unique features.
January 10, 2024
In The Media
![]()
Property & Development Magazine
Gensler’s Reinvigoration of London’s Fleet Street Quarter Aims to Create a More Unified and Improved CBD Experience
Ian Mulcahey shared how the public realm strategy can “transform an essential and historic part of London’s Central Business District to create a dynamic 24/7 working, cultural and visitor destination.”
November 27, 2023
In The Media
![]()
Building Design
Gensler’s “Radical” Vision for a Public Realm Transformation of London’s Fleet Street Quarter
The £80m public realm transformation of Fleet Street area would be the district’s biggest overhaul in a century.
November 22, 2023
In The Media
![]()
Fast Company
Here’s Why “Hybrid Workers Are Actually a Big Part of the Reason Downtowns Are Hanging On”
Fast Company spotlighted Gensler’s City Pulse report and explained why hybrid workers are spending more time in CBDs outside of working hours — and opting to work at third spaces in downtowns rather than at home.
November 02, 2023