25/03/2026
What makes a neighbourhood more than just a collection of buildings?
Sustainable urban living is built on four physical scales - from the doorstep of your Building Unit to the vibrant life of the Street, the "green lungs" of Open Public Space, and the social fabric of the Neighbourhood.
By planning across these dimensions, we can create cities that are not just compact and connected, but inclusive and resilient for everyone.
🏘️ 1. The Neighbourhood (the heart of the community)
A great neighbourhood is a "complete community" where your daily needs—work, school, and shops—are just a 5-minute walk away.
Example: In Buraidah, Saudi Arabia, we are leveraging integrated masterplans to move away from fragmented blocks toward a more compact and sustainable urban model that celebrates local culture.
🛣️ 2. The Street (more than just a path for cars)
Streets are our primary public spaces for social and economic interaction. We must prioritize safe, interconnected, and walkable layouts to bridge the "last mile" gap.
Example: In Dakar, Senegal, residents used co-design workshops to transform alleyways with solar lighting and permeable paving, making daily commutes to bus stations safer and cleaner.
🌳 3. Open Public Space (the city's lungs)
Every resident deserves access to safe, green areas that boost biodiversity and mental well-being while mitigating climate hazards like extreme heat.
Example: In Belo Horizonte, Brazil, the "Community in the Valley" project transformed 6 km of high-risk creek banks into linear parks, agroforestry zones, and community gardens.
🏢 4. The Building Unit (designing for daily comfort)
The scale of the building is where climate-responsive design hits home. Using local materials and sustainable architecture reduces energy costs and enhances residents' quality of life.
Example: In Wadi al-Joz, Palestine, youth used Minecraft to collaboratively design a community playground, ensuring the final physical structure met their specific needs for safety and play.
👉 Join the global conversation!
Urban action starts at home, but its impact is global.
Be part of the movement to create more inclusive, safe, and resilient cities.
You can now register for the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) to share local solutions for a sustainable future 📚 - search "world urban forum" to apply.
