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exciting, powerful and resilient futures
Urbanism
Guided by an Experimental, Resilient, and Compassionate Vision, urbanism becomes a tool to think and act at all scales—from remarkable landscapes to adaptable cities and dynamic territories—driven by character, care, and collective ambition for communities and our shared planet.
Every intervention shapes the city not only as it is, but as it needs to be. The current crisis demands a revolution. We envision places that are joyful, curious, future-proof, regenerative, inclusive, and responsive. Through an exploratory, data-informed, and collaborative approach, we create site-specific environments that enable meaningful transformation, adapt to evolving needs, respect planetary boundaries, support biodiversity, and empower people to shape their shared future. With insatiable curiosity and a sense of joy in our work, we are here to shape the future—not just more cities, but better cities.
EXPERIMENTAL: Process-Driven
JOYFUL
Cities are often designed for efficiency rather than social connection. We disrupt conventional urbanism with radical ideas and provocative interventions, reshaping cities as dynamic, living systems. Ours are conceptual strategies that evolve, adapt, inspire joy, and drive change. We pursue iconic, compact landscapes that provoke extraordinary experiences where interaction is inevitable, and the city becomes a fun, playful, exploratory playground. Streets, rooftops, and public spaces are no longer passive—they are activated, layered, and socially impactful.
CURIOUS
Urban life is becoming increasingly complex, demanding innovation, data, and research-driven design to navigate its challenges. Our design work begins with research—we analyse, explore, and redefine. Our approach is data-driven, combining analytical precision with exploratory creativity to challenge conventional thinking. Through constant experimentation and deep research, we uncover bold, unconventional solutions that reshape urban possibilities. Our multidisciplinary expertise bridges architecture, technology, and social sciences, crafting innovative strategies that are both visionary and evidence-based.
Oosterwold, located in Almere, Netherlands, is a development spanning 43 km², where individual creativity knows no bounds. Structured by a framework which MVRDV designed, the area’s rural character is preserved while allowing for innovative and flexible individual development.
At the heart of Oosterwold is the concept of Freeland—a radically liberated environment where residents have the freedom to design and build their own living spaces. Here, the principle of a playful, provocative, and unique approach was key. Residents were encouraged to create the homes of their dreams, but with freedom comes responsibility. The guiding principle remains—do whatever you like, as long as it doesn’t harm others.
MVRDV collaborated with Airbus to conduct a research-driven exploration of the future of Urban Air Mobility (UAM). How will flying vehicles reshape cities? How can we address energy, noise, and safety while establishing protocols for their responsible integration? Most importantly, how can UAM help create more inclusive, future-ready cities?
Guided by this curiosity, MVRDV helped Airbus develop urban scenarios that position UAM as an opportunity rather than a disruption. The study examined how thoughtful, long-term planning could make this revolutionary transport technology inclusive and accessible, benefit people from diverse backgrounds, and support regenerative, site-specific urban growth.
RESILIENT: Planet-Driven
FUTURE-PROOF
Cities are at the frontline of climate change—heat, flooding, biodiversity and resource depletion. Urban design can no longer be passive; it must be adaptive, scalable, and carbon-positive. We stand for design that can weather changing circumstances, creating flexible, resilient spaces that evolve with shifting conditions. Our approach is rooted in metabolic design, treating cities as living systems that cycle resources efficiently. By integrating circular principles, we minimize waste and maximize regeneration. Commitments to intangible sustainability goals aren’t enough—we create responsive, high-impact solutions that shape cities to meet both present demands and future challenges.
REGENERATIVE
Cities can no longer rely solely on technocratic fixes—they must embrace nature-based solutions to tackle rising environmental and social challenges. We don’t just add green; we design syvstemic, nature-centric cities where multi-species life can thrive. Our approach is holistic and ecological, weaving urbanism with living landscapes that regenerate rather than deplete. We create biodiverse environments that welcome the other-than-human, restoring and enriching ecosystems within the urban fabric. By integrating green, responsive systems, we move beyond coexistence toward true interdependence, where cities evolve as thriving, adaptive habitats for all life forms.
Sea2City in Vancouver, Canada, reimagines the waterfront in response to rising sea levels. This research-driven vision transforms the coastline into a dynamic place where urban life and nature coexist, turning climate risks into opportunities for resilient, regenerative, and vibrant coastal living.
Rather than simply protecting the city from water, Sea2City embraces it. The design introduces playful, adaptable public spaces that shift with the tides, lush wetlands provide natural flood defence, and elevated walkways open stunning waterfront views. New buildings are designed to be flood-resilient, while existing structures are retrofitted to withstand rising waters.
MVRDV’s masterplan transforms 35 hectares of former barracks and railyards in the centre of Bordeaux into a vibrant, site-specific neighbourhood. Rooted in the tradition of the European city, it is both an homage to history and a future-proof evolution—intimate, diverse, green, and dense.
A regenerative, holistic approach defines the urban plan, using the existing structures as a foundation for both buildings and public spaces. The design maximises nature-inclusivity, incorporating a vast variety of plant species and water features that cool the city in summer. Streets and squares are made porous, allowing them to absorb rainwater and mitigate flooding from the River Garonne.
COMPASSIONATE: Place & People-Driven
INCLUSIVE
Cities must do more than grow—they must open up. Today, access is unequal: increasing disparities between rich and poor, racial tensions, and exclusionary structures are increasingly problematic. We envision an open city—one that is accessible, equal, and inspirational for all. We design happy places that encourage connection, promote healthy lifestyles, and invite participation. Our approach emphasizes participation that harnesses the power of communities through dynamic, didactic processes. We mix programs, stack functions, and blur boundaries to create vibrant, mixed spaces where diversity is celebrated.
RESPONSIVE
Cities are not blank canvases—they are layered, historical, dynamic. Design must be contextual, site-specific, and connected to local culture, identity, and needs. We don’t impose; we integrate. Our approach is sensitive yet bold, shaping spaces that revitalize rather than replace. By analyzing each site, we pursue tailored, dynamic solutions that emphasize the intrinsic qualities. We blend historical narratives with forward-thinking strategies, ensuring our designs are scalable and adaptable over time. This results in integrated and connected urban environments that evolve with the city, ensuring long-term relevance.
One Green Mile in Mumbai reimagines 200 metres of underutilised space beneath a flyover, transforming it into a vibrant, site-specific public space. The design introduces essential amenities, greenery, and improved mobility, while establishing a strong visual identity. Beyond this singular intervention, it serves as a replicable, research-driven model for sustainable urban development, setting a new benchmark for revitalising underused spaces in Mumbai’s dense metropolitan landscape.
The project prioritises inclusivity, comfort, and accessibility, creating a welcoming environment for all. The first design objective is to enhance usability—integrating lush greenery, shaded areas, and noise-reducing elements to foster a peaceful urban retreat.
The Seoullo Skygarden by MVRDV transforms a former elevated highway in Seoul into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly public space. Once a bustling overpass, it now provides much-needed greenery and stronger connections across the city. Retaining the existing structure, the design introduces gardens, seating, and walkways that encourage interaction, offer new perspectives of Seoul, and turn infrastructure into a living, inclusive urban space.
The Skygarden brings nature into the urban fabric through native plants and trees that support biodiversity and help reduce the urban heat island effect. Accessible entrances welcome everyone, while links between surrounding districts strengthen community connections and promote sustainable mobility by making walking a priority.
Experience Urbanism
GATE M West Bund Dream Center
Lucky Star
Co-living Design Study
One Green Mile
Dawn Bridge
Seoullo 7017 Skygarden
Hongqiao CBD
Almere Floriade 2022
TEDA Urban Fabric
Bjørvika Barcode
UPV Munich
Flight Forum
Nieuw Leyden
The Podium
Innovation Park Artificial Intelligence (IPAI)
Hoowave Water Factory
Shenzhen Terraces
Project Gomila
Hyde Park
Hamburg Innovation Port
Traumhaus Funari
Westerpark West
Franklin Mitte
Almere Oosterwold