Our Future Cities

With under 100 days to go until @paris2024 we are happy to share our learning mission to observe and attend the @olympics Games from 23 July to 09 August 2024. This mission is a component of CT2040’s ongoing research efforts and will enrich existing work already underway. Read more at link in bio. To arrange meetings or discuss sponsorships or collaborations, please contact: hello@capetown2040.com #paris2024 #urban #cities #olympic #capetown2040 @team_mzansi

Recently visiting three informal settlement communities in Durban underscored the necessity of field research to understand how systems work and how innovations emerge—beyond the confines of innovation parks. South Africa has approximately 4,297 informal settlements, home to over two million households, highlighting the need for innovation beyond the formal economy and traditional built environment. Engaging directly with impact-led NGOs, community representatives, beneficiaries, and politicians is crucial for promoting well-being and creating the better cities of tomorrow we strive for. #cities #South Africa #durban #research #urbanism #innovation

We’re exited to visit @gemeenterotterdam Rijnhaven area this week as part of @urban__future . The project is transforming previously inaccessible harbour area into a vibrant urban park and beach, significantly enhancing public access to the water. — The development includes the construction of 3,000 homes, with 50% designated as affordable housing, promoting inclusivity and diversity in urban living. — The Rijnhaven project features a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, supporting a diverse range of activities. — The new park will cover 6.5 hectares, equivalent to about 9.5 football fields, making it a central green space in the city. — As of April 2024, the preliminary design for Rijnhaven Park has been approved, bringing the project closer to completion​ — The project is led by the City of Rotterdam in collaboration with @barcode_architects — The development will include floating park sections and a pedestrian loop around the harbour, enhancing connectivity and accessibility within the area​ #rotterdam #netherland #urbanism #housing #publicspaces @cocreatesanl @nl_netherlands

When our clients ask how we can play a role in shaping people-centric urban spaces, we start with a few tough questions. For example: have you had a conversation with young people or observed some practices in the space? Read more of our advice at the link in our bio and share yours too! https://www.ourfuturecities.co/news #publicspace #placemaking #urbanism #cities #peoplecentric #urbandesign #urban #globalsouth

Join us in Rotterdam to hear our CEO @rashiqfataar at Europe’s most inspiring event focusing on sustainable cities, @urban__future He will join former Mayor of Bogota Enrique Penalosa and Member of the Norwegian Parliament, Lan Marie Nguyen Berg who will share their failure during the Cities FuckUp Show moderated by Dejan Stojanovic. In a world where we really only share, preach, and talk about successes and wins, this is an opportunity to show some vulnerability and shine a spotlight on when things went wrong. More at urban-future.org #UF24

There are some cities which require a second look, a second visit, or a more open mind. Our last visit to Doha, guided by a former colleague, opened our eyes to how some districts are evolving, how society is opening up, how bicycles are actually used by locals, and how investment in the subway and wide open spaces is helping to shape Doha and Qatar’s identity. While new museums and cultural institutions take hold and Qatar’s ambitions continue to be bold, it was the ease of moving around, the pride of locals, and the safety and vibrancy of new spaces which left its indelible mark this time. Swipe right to view some of it. #cities #doha #qatar #placemaking #transport #promenade #subway #publicspace #heritage #districts #travel #urbanism

Excited to head back to the Netherlands in early June for @school_for_the_city and catching up with urbanists and friends. If there are any must-see projects or people, please let us know. Some Amsterdam+Rotterdam+Utrecht time always keeps the mind open to what is possible for our cities and communities. #cities #urbanism #rotterdam #amsterdam #design #netherlands

Join Our Future Cities in Cape Town: We’re seeking passionate urbanists to expand our urbanism practice and consultancy. Be part of a team shaping sustainable, vibrant, and equitable cities of tomorrow! For more information and the requirements for each role, please visit the link in our bio.

Our Future Cities founder and CEO, Rashiq Fataar is happy to be included in @scape_magazine ’s THE 100 which spotlights 100 Voices and 100 Icons of Industry in South Africa set to makes waves and inspire for the year ahead. 🇿🇦 #RashiqFataar #OurFutureCities #Visionary #100Voices #cities #africa #The100

In our work, we often have to step back to see the bigger picture and then connect the dots. However, this spatial-social systems approach comes with its challenges and, at times, frustrations - when we have to "come back down to earth". — It requires us to transcend traditional concerns such as 'who owns the land?' and 'which department is responsible?' — It necessitates genuine engagement from both public and private stakeholders — Reveals synergies and opportunities — It asks if we are ready to move from just 'partnership' towards action #cities #spatial #possible #future #urbanism #urban #southafrica #capetown #placemaking #vision Credits @okra_landscapearchitects

How do you deliver 82 Buildings with 7,200 Rooms for 10,500 athletes which then needs to become a mix of housing, offices, shops, schools and more in the future? — @solideoheritage is the single public authority that leads the financing, supervision, and delivery of the infrastructure and facilities needed for the Paris Olympics, which helps lower delivery and coordination risks. The board includes public and private sector. — The site/project was delivered in “Secteurs,” each with a particular development model or tendering approach, and each team with their specific appointed consultants, architects, etc. — For example, Sites D and E were launched to the open market at @mipim_world 2019, where developer consortiums pay a land fee. With this fee, they deliver specific uses and units, e.g., 25% social housing, as well as commercial, retail, educational, and other spaces. — Developers are paid compensation due to the specific Olympic requirements: — Compensation 1: Cash flows to cover the cost of converting rooms and units to offices/other uses after the Games (e.g., no kitchens provided during the Olympic Games in apartments, residential to office conversions, etc.). — Compensation 2: for loss of income for the duration developers cannot generate income from the sale or rental of residential, office, retail units, with a specific rate of compensation per sqm per use. — Secteur A and B, the “Universeine” precinct, was a partnership between Vinci, the city of Saint-Denis, and the Plaine Commune authority, where about half of the residential units will need be converted to offices after the Games. — The final precinct/Secteur is an Eco-District overseen by SEM Plaine Commune Développement with specific environmental goals in terms of living spaces and building materials. It has the widest mix of conversions from residences during the Games. Post-Games, it will include 320 family housing units, a student residence, an urban park, office buildings, a hotel, shops, a water sports centre, and an Arts City. #housing #cities #urban #paris #paris2024 #olympics #architecture #urbanism #olympic Credit: @paris2024 @solideoheritage DRONE PRESS Sennse

Nearly 15 years ago, our inaugural blog post (originally under Future Cape Town) was inspired by Burnham's rallying cry, "Make no little plans," a notion we embraced following a presentation by the indomitable, generation-inspiring @citytocity Over time, our journey has taught us that progress is not just about grand gestures but also about "the small steps and the big leaps," as our manifesto eloquently states. In recent weeks, our explorations in Bellville with @alexjongens @betterbellvilletogether , witnessing firsthand the impact of placemaking, art, and activations, and our visit to Mitchell's Plain—where urban champion @paint.communities has independently fundraised for over 400 meters of public art—have reinforced our belief. Our continuous engagement with @b_arts_culture @inresidencevillas to gently push the Cape Town CBD forward has highlighted a fundamental truth: the essence of urban development lies not in the magnitude of a project but in the quality of spaces and the experiences they foster for people. While there is undeniably a place for big projects, big ideas, and innovative solutions (which we love too!) let's also celebrate and elevate the LITTLE plans, the incremental steps, the tactical interventions, and the quiet, humble doers who make a significant impact in their own right. #cities #citymaking #urban #southafrica #globalsouth #capetown #urbanism #publicspaces Credit: mpires on flickr