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.
“
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 Sector leader
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Blog
Are ‘New Towns’ the Solution to the U.K. Housing Crisis?
The U.K. is struggling to provide enough housing for its growing population. Now is the time for a more radical approach to the provision of housing.
Blog
The Pandemic Hit New York Hard — But Its Recovery Has Been Swift
Despite facing significant challenges, New York City’s economic recovery showcases its resilience and durability in the face of disruption.
Blog
Introducing the Gensler Transit-Oriented Development Opportunity Index
The Gensler Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Opportunity IndexTM is a tool for unlocking the unrealized value of existing transit stations and facilities.
Blog
Mexico City Is Reckoning With Explosive Economic Growth Alongside a Mounting Water Crisis
Despite an influx of capital and accelerated economic growth, Mexico City is grappling with a water shortage and affordability challenges.
Blog
Equitable Public Engagement for a Changing World
Equitable outcomes begin with an equitable process, and public engagement is key.
Blog
Singapore’s Recovery Is Challenged by High Housing Costs
Learn what Gensler’s City Pulse research reveals about how Singapore has rebounded since the pandemic.
Blog
What Can San Francisco Learn From Successful Building Conversion Programs in Other Cities?
By taking cues from other cities, San Francisco has an opportunity to make it easier to repurpose buildings, address the housing crisis, and revitalize downtown.
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 Sector Leader, Principal
Andre is a Principal and Global Cities Sector Leader at Gensler. He is recognized across the industry for leveraging his extensive experience in the fields of urban design...
Ian Mulcahey
Cities & Urban Design Leader, Strategy Director, Principal
Ian is the Global Director of Cities who works across the UK, Europe, Middle East, and Africa on some of the most pioneering and innovative planning and regeneration projects 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
![]()
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
In The Media
![]()
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
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
![]()
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