“Design is the engine to change our cities – and our future”

“Investments in urban infrastructure, architecture and planning are keys to urban regeneration—design points the way to a better future for society and our planet. We need healthy cities, yet all over the world indiscriminate development continues to destroy natural habitat and agricultural land. Relentless reliance on automobiles runs nearly unabated, while many city centres are in disrepair.

“We can—we must—build more responsibly, making greater investments in mass transit and public infrastructure. Urban sprawl destroys heritage, wastes resources, and drives socioeconomic imbalances. The world’s 3.2 million architects join with landscape architects, urban planners, and heritage experts to achieve resilient cities, environmental stewardship, cultural protection, and equitable development.

“Everywhere, cities are challenged to provide housing, economic opportunity, clean air, sanitation, and safe drinking water. We know how to take stronger measures against extreme weather. We know how to design for greater security. We know how to encourage walking, cycling, and outdoor recreation—so let us do it.

“Urban design can propel our efforts to protect heritage and halt damage to the global environment. Cities urgently need more effective design and planning policies and new solutions. Architecture can bring better lives to all people.”