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.
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The era of the generalist master planner is over. The challenges of the 21st Century city demand a new approach to urban planning and design that is flexible, adaptive, specialized, and focused on implementing real solutions.
—Andre Brumfield, Cities & Urban Design leader
24 Items
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.
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...
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 Land Use Plan
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 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
City Pulse 2023: The Future of Central Business Districts
We surveyed urban residents in 53 cities across the globe to understand their experiences in central business districts from the perspectives of residents, employees, and visitors to the CBD.
Blog
COP28 Wrap Up: Bringing People Together for Global Collective Change
This year’s UN Climate Conference revealed that the world must come together to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
Podcast
The Future of Downtown Is the Lifestyle District
We explore the concept of lifestyle districts, the future of downtowns, and how we can design cities that respond to people’s evolving needs and experiences.
Blog
Trends to Watch: The Future of Cities Relies on Multiuse Districts
As cities undergo massive transformation, Gensler’s Mixed Use & Retail Centers leaders discuss what’s next for the future of cities and multiuse districts.
Blog
Ecological Urbanism Is the Future for Cities in the GCC
As more people move to urban areas, it is essential that our urban spaces be designed in a more ecological manner.
Blog
The Future of Central Business Districts Depends on More Than Office Buildings
Gensler’s latest City Pulse reveals how downtowns can adapt to a changing world — and deliver great experiences.
Blog
AI and the Future of Smart(er) Cities
Our recent work is starting to bring into focus some shared characteristics and design principles for urban-scale technology and AI.
Blog
Why We Need Bold Change to Revitalize Our Cities
While there are points of concern for the current state of our city centers, this is also a unique opportunity to create meaningful and lasting change.
Blog
Dear Downtown, Let’s Rewrite Our Story
How can our cities serve our deepest need — the need for belonging and connection with each other? We have to write a new story.
Blog
A Viable Future for L.A. Starts With Public-Private Partnerships
By partnering with the private sector, the City of L.A. can avoid a downward spiral of disinvestment and flight from Downtown L.A.
Blog
The EV Revolution — And Why Charging Stations Are So Critical
Gensler’s mobility and aviation experts discuss what’s next for electric vehicles, EV charging stations, and more.
Blog
Understanding the Modern Transit Passenger Experience
What makes a great (or not-so-great) transit experience? Here are five factors that drive passenger experience.
Research
Designing Food-Resilient Cities
We researched how designers can reimagine food production to cities to better connect residents to their food and foster a food-resilient future.
Blog
How Civic Architecture Can Strengthen Our Social Fabric
The design of our civic buildings and public spaces can influence our personal and societal health.
Blog
From Pilots to Policy: Exploring Office-to-Residential Conversions in Boston
There are clear steps that can be taken to address the housing shortage, and we believe there is huge opportunity in office-to-residential conversion.
Blog
Baseball Is Changing. Here’s How Cities Could Change With It.
As the future of downtowns evolves and baseball continues to grow, here are five ideas for how ballparks and urban districts could improve.
CITIES & URBAN DESIGN TRENDS TO WATCH
General master planning is rapidly evolving toward specialized city design that can meet blended work-life demands.
Urban centers today require a unique and specialized approach to meet the demands of 21st Century living, marking the end of generalist master plans. Urban planners and designers should consider more mixed-use, flexible approaches that integrate living, working, and leisure into every district and development to cater to the varied needs of urban dwellers.
Demand for affordable housing will be met through strategic partnerships with non-profit developers.
To overcome the regulatory and economic barriers that often face affordable housing, urban designers can leverage partnerships with non-profit, mission-driven developers who can progress projects more quickly and at lower cost. As the focus turns to more social-based developments, harnessing the right partners including developers, housing authorities, and non-profits will be imperative.
Investment in adaptation strategies will continue to increase the profitability and desirability of urban real estate.
Adapting to the impacts of climate change through measures such as urban green cover, resilient public spaces, and equitable design can mitigate the impact of climate change in the built environment. Local governments and city planners have an opportunity to demonstrate the long-term return on investment and incentivize sustainable and resilient development through tax benefits.
CITIES & URBAN DESIGN LEADERSHIP
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...
Ian Mulcahey
Cities & Urban Design Leader, Principal
Ian is a global leader of Gensler’s Cities & Urban Design practice. He is passionate about solving complex urban problems with a particular expertise in the integration of...
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 revitalization...
Dylan Jones
Mobility & Transportation Leader, Cities Sector Leader, Principal
Dylan is a global leader of Gensler’s Mobility & Transportation practice, who works at the intersection of private development and public infrastructure. His work is guided by the...
NEWS
In The Media
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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
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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
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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
Press Release
New Survey Reveals That Hybrid Workers Aren’t to Blame for the Urban ‘Doom Loop’
Gensler’s 2023 City Pulse highlights how workers, residents, and local visitors are responding to their downtowns and what design interventions could improve their experience.
October 31, 2023
In The Media
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Bloomberg
Bloomberg Explored Dowtown Experiences With Gensler Global Cities Lead Sofia Song
The article cited insights from the firm’s latest City Pulse report, which polled 26,000 residents about their experiences in central business districts.
October 31, 2023
In The Media
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Baltimore Banner
MCB Real Estate Unveiled Gensler’s Renderings of the Reimagination of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
Gensler Principal Vaki Mawema was joined by the client, MCB Real Estate, Mayor Brandon Scott, and Governor Wes Moore for a press conference to celebrate Harborplace.
October 30, 2023
Press Release
Governor Moore and Mayor Scott Join MCB Real Estate To Unveil Design Renderings for a Reimagined Harborplace
MCB Real Estate, Gensler, and partners debuted the masterplan for Harborplace, a reimagining of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor that incorporates mixed-use, pedestrian-focused development designed for equitable waterfront access.
October 30, 2023
In The Media
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The Philadelphia Inquirer
Gensler Is Working With Avenue of the Arts Inc. To Make Philly’s Broad Street Safer and Greener
The Philadelphia Inquirer discussed the future of Philly’s Broad Street, highlighting Gensler and Avenue of the Arts’ work to revitalize the streetscape, along with landscape and urban planning firm OJB.
October 25, 2023
In The Media
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New York Times
Reimagining Shuttered Coal Plants as Sites for Economic Growth
Gensler Cities & Urban Design Leader Andre Brumfield shared why the redevelopment of coal plants, including Avon Lake, is “an opportunity for smaller towns to rethink their future.”
October 17, 2023
In The Media
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Fox5 NY
Gensler Mobility Leader Dylan Jones Highlights How New Forms of Mobility Will Shape the Future of Travel
Dylan Jones discusses Gensler’s work on JFK International Airport’s New Terminal One and a design concept for Uber’s vision for an aerial rideshare platform.
September 20, 2023
In The Media
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Amazing Architecture
The Benefits of Building Cities in Harmony With Nature
Amazing Architecture shared insights on ecological urbanism from Steven Velegrinis, Design Director for Gensler Middle East’s Cities and Urban Design practice.
June 22, 2023
In The Media
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Urbanize Chicago
Gensler and Nia Architects Will Design a Mixed-Use Development That Expands the Black Ensemble Theater
The cultural corridor will bring “an arts and cultural destination to Uptown while forwarding the Black Ensemble Theater’s goals of advancing equality in Chicago.”
June 05, 2023
In The Media
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Architizer
Gensler-Designed Projects Win 2023 Architizer A+Awards
Avon Lake Renewable Master Plan won in the Unbuilt Masterplan category and Fifth + Tillery won Popular Choice for Sustainable Commercial Building.
May 30, 2023
In The Media
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Bloomberg
Bloomberg’s Coverage of a SXSW Panel on the Future of Work Shares Insights From Gensler Global Cities Lead Sofia Song
“If you want a great downtown, if you want a great business district, you make it livable,” says Gensler’s Sofia Song.
March 21, 2023
In The Media
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Baltimore Magazine
The Rebirth of Baltimore’s Penn Station Features an “Airy, Luminous Design” by Gensler That Encourages Visitors To Linger
Design Director Peter Stubb noted a glassy wall overlooking the old station and tracks will showcase “train as theater” and celebrate its rich history.
January 26, 2023