Masterplanning & Urban Design
We recognise that buildings have an impact beyond the confines of their sites. We are interested in the wider relationships between buildings and their historical, environmental and socio-economic contexts. In our urban design, we want to create accessible and liveable communities and cities which inspire a sense of belonging and ownership for all.
Sara Grohmann is our Masterplanning & Urban Design lead
Shaping sustainable communities
Great places to live go beyond the homes. People stay in communities that offer variety, intensity and meet their daily needs. Walkable neighbourhoods, ample amenities, and a variety of open space all shape desirable places to live. We codesign with experts and communities to create masterplans that maximise the potential of the place. We also utilise One Planet Living as a living framework to support a better, more sustainable future.
Future Campus
Whether in education or workplace, the physical campus remains essential for fostering deep interaction, innovation, and inclusion that a digital environment cannot replicate. We develop plans with staff, stakeholders, and the wider community to address the needs of institutions while enhancing learning and workspace to promote innovation. We advocate inclusive spaces for social interaction, learning, and growth, while creating a sustainable model for future growth. We work closely with estate departments to create strategies for the sustainable management of their campuses and assessment of how best to reduce embodied and operational carbon.
Celebrating character and culture
Culture holds society together. It shapes the character of a place. Our masterplans for cultural destinations develop distinctive experiences that are meaningful both to the local community and those who visit. Our team of conservation architects and creative reuse experts are integral to our project teams. They bring their specialist knowledge of planning and legal regulation alongside their understanding of the fabric of old buildings to projects, ensuring that we can plan effectively for development that embraces history while looking to the future.
Renewing our cities and centres
Now more than ever, our centres are facing dramatic change. Changes in how we spend and socialise present new challenges. Our work with councils, private clients, and local communities addresses these concerns while creating meaningful opportunities for the communities they serve. Our expertise establishes new approaches to enhance liveability and long term sustainably.