Insights What are the trends shaping the future of urban planning?
According to The World Bank, 70% of the world’s population will be living in urban spaces by 2050, and further research and estimates have equated this figure to close to 7 billion people. It’s clear more people around the world are living in urban spaces, which could be for several reasons, including more job opportunities, easier access to health care systems and exposure to different cultures. As a result, there will be a greater need for improved infrastructure, green spaces and transportation.
AtkinsRéalis offers engineering, procurement and construction services to a range of companies in various industries. We understand the importance of urban planning and working as a group - which
includes Atkins, Faithful+Gould, and Acuity - we create endless opportunities and build sustainable solutions to help clients meet their goals. With the increasing population, urban planning will play a huge role in sustainable development. Urban planning increases people's well-being and sense of belonging and reduces carbon emissions. Below, we explore the key urban planning trends that are set to have a huge impact on the way cities are managed and developed in the future.
Mobility
Mobility and urban planning have always been
interconnected. As cities have grown, urban planners have had to respond to the
demands in travel, as well as create suitable infrastructure for new modes of
transport, such as autonomous vehicles and electric vehicles. When urban
transport systems are poorly designed, this can lead to a range of threats,
such as air pollution, road traffic injuries and further dangers to human
health. That’s why there’s now a lot of investment in mobility choices to
compensate for all the different ways people like to travel in urban areas. For
example, as electric vehicles have been on the rise, there has been an increase
in EV charging infrastructure. According to research, there will be
1.3 million public charging stations by 2025, and then a further 2.9 million by
2030. Above all, mobility and planning are continuously evolving to support the needs of commuters.
Green planning
One of the most prominent trends in urban planning is green infrastructure – otherwise known as green planning – which is the strategic design of multi-functional spaces that deliver environmental
benefits and a great quality of life. Today’s urban spaces are now facing pressure from climate change, growing populations and a lack of natural space that creates a healthy and sustainable environment. Urban planners are increasingly focused on green building applications and
sustainable development. Therefore, eco-friendly districts and neighbourhoods are starting to gain momentum throughout the world. They support
healthier lifestyles and water conversion and ensure more aesthetic environments. As many cities look to decarbonise, the importance of green spaces will no doubt have a huge impact on the future of urban development and planning.
Data-driven urban spaces
With the rise of smart cities, urban planning will likely be much more data-focused in the future. Through data and analysis, urban planners can gather accurate information about a city’s resources and the type of infrastructures that will be required to improve living arrangements. Predictive analytics, for example, allow urban planners to create virtual models of infrastructure and transport networks to gain new insights, which help them to design the best systems to reduce traffic and pollution. Data-driven technologies allow urban planners to gain a holistic understanding
of a city. Therefore, data-driven urban spaces and smart cities will most certainly continue to evolve.
Blue Zones
Blue zones are another emerging trend in urban planning that supports healthier, more resilient communities. Blue zone areas were born from a desire to help people live longer. These longevity
hotspots and blue zone principles are being implemented by many urban planners in their design practices to improve human health. The importance of blue zones lies in their ability to cultivate a more positive atmosphere. For example, creating more walkable spaces and more opportunities for people to cycle, are key to successful blue zones. It’s a very human-centric approach to urban planning that balances the relationship between sociability and the natural environment.
Let AtkinsRéalis support your career growth in the built environment
AtkinsRéalis has worked on a range of challenging projects on a global scale. Our goal is to engineer a better future for our planet and its people. We’re here to support you at any stage of your
career, whether that’s in transportation, cities and development or industrial and manufacturing AtkinsRéalis is always eager to find the best talent and we’re able to provide
professionals with opportunities in multiple markets.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
![Blueprints and a hard hat on a table with hands writing over the blueprints.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/gCtvIzX4lkgElwjcrKkQGQ/75/shutterstock_1807436797-min.jpg)
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/25/2024
Summary
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is on track to become a global tech hub centered around innovation and digital entrepreneurship. Vision 2030 has already made waves in transforming the nation’s
![A picture of Shaila smiling in a pink jacket](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/Fs4sXhd4S0XBCwjcq4c3aQ/75/Shaila+TN+3.png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/24/2024
Summary
Hello! I'm Shaila, Associate Director and IT Business Partner at AtkinsRéalis in India. I lead diverse projects, nurture teams, and champion equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I). Using my
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Picture of Wannacha smiling in a white shirt.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/cZibr30WnEaV9AjcqrybMA/75/WANNACHA_TN.png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/23/2024
Summary
Hello! My name is Wannacha, and I joined AtkinsRéalis in Seoul in early 2024 as a process engineer. I'm proud to bring a unique blend of technical expertise and my own cultural insight
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![A picture of Adam Brooks in a suit smiling.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/NqMOvndEIk_fNQjcqnc8-w/75/Adam+Brooks+-+TN.png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/23/2024
Summary
Hello, I'm Adam. And, remarkably, I'm nearing my 40th anniversary with AtkinsRéalis! What started as an ‘apprentice’ as a trainee straight out of school has evolved into a fulfilling career, w
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Photo of Mahalakshmi with the AtkinsRéalis logo](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/np3xO56nN0OfAwjcqnc8-w/75/Mahalakshmi+TN+(1).png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/23/2024
Summary
Hi, my name is Mahalakshmi. I'm an Associate Group Data Architect at AtkinsRéalis and a mother of two. I began my career in September 2010 at Infosys before moving on to a longer stint
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Close up hand signing contract with pen](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/sO_H58P5iUnIiwjcqgqs_A/75/shutterstock_1286215696-min.jpg)
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/22/2024
Summary
In 2021, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) inaugurated the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), a collaborative regional approach to address climate change. The goals of this
![Graphic representation of faces in different colours.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/A3iXatQHh0g6wQjcpU9v8w/75/TT50+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/16/2024
Summary
Fantastic news: AtkinsRéalis has been named one of The Times' Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2024! This prestigious honor shows how dedicated everyone at our organization is to promot
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![A Picture of Jo smiling outdoors.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/TIMW30C24kg6wwjcpU9v8w/75/Jo_tn2+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/16/2024
Summary
My name is Jo, and I'm a nuclear safety engineer at AtkinsRéalis. My primary role is to provide engineering and safety advice during the design and operation of nuclear facilities and for the
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Construction projects in Riyadh - the city from an aerial view](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/GMVm1QEtGEHPsQjaDNNiZg/75/Riyadh.jpg)
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/12/2024
Summary
Skip to Quantity Surveying jobs in Riyadh The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is in the midst of a period of economic and sustainability-led transformation. Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud (MBS)
![Photo of Jo smiling for the camera](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/i7X_O905VkVDXAjcoieojA/75/JO+TN+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/11/2024
Summary
Hello! My name is Jo. As a Nuclear Safety Engineer at AtkinsRéalis, my experience so far has seen me work across various project lifecycles - from generic design assessments to nuclear new bui
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Picture of Mei smiling in front of a screen.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/kMLdoAfTNU6hLQjcpIXZ2Q/75/Mei+1.png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/11/2024
Summary
I'm Mei, a chartered engineer with extensive experience in water and wastewater engineering projects in the UK and internationally. I’m the Water Sector Lead and Project Director in AtkinsRéal
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![A Picture of Paul smiling.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/RBMGnUs9gkJQ5gjcoHiKiQ/75/paul+miller+(2).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/10/2024
Summary
Hello. My name is Paul, and I'm the Practice Director for Risk at AtkinsRéalis. Risk management is a dynamic field where problem solvers thrive on keeping projects and programmes secure and on
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
AtkinsRéalis
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more