What are the latest trends and innovations in site planning and how do you keep up with them?

1 Biophilic design

Biophilic design is an approach that incorporates elements of nature and living systems into the built environment, aiming to enhance human health, well-being, and performance. Biophilic design can include features such as natural light, vegetation, water, materials, textures, shapes, sounds, and views that evoke positive emotional responses and reduce stress. Biophilic design can also improve the ecological performance of a site, by reducing energy consumption, stormwater runoff, and greenhouse gas emissions, and increasing biodiversity and resilience. To learn more about biophilic design, you can check out online resources such as the International Living Future Institute, the Biophilic Design Initiative, and the Biophilic Cities Network.

2 Smart cities

Smart cities are urban areas that use digital technologies and data to improve the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of their services, infrastructure, and governance. Smart cities can leverage technologies such as sensors, internet of things, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, blockchain, and 5G to optimize mobility, energy, water, waste, security, health, education, and social inclusion. Smart cities can also foster innovation, creativity, and participation among their citizens and stakeholders. To learn more about smart cities, you can follow online platforms such as the Smart Cities Council, the Smart Cities World, and the Smart City Expo World Congress.

3 Green infrastructure

Green infrastructure is a network of natural and semi-natural features that provide multiple benefits for people and the environment, such as stormwater management, climate adaptation, air quality improvement, biodiversity conservation, recreation, and aesthetics. Green infrastructure can include elements such as parks, green roofs, green walls, rain gardens, bioswales, urban forests, wetlands, and greenways. Green infrastructure can also complement and enhance the performance of conventional gray infrastructure, such as roads, pipes, and buildings. To learn more about green infrastructure, you can access online tools such as the Green Infrastructure Center, the Green Infrastructure Foundation, and the Green Infrastructure Leadership Exchange.

4 Circular economy

Circular economy is a system that aims to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. Circular economy can offer opportunities for site planning to reduce environmental impacts, save costs, and create value. Circular economy can involve strategies such as designing for durability, modularity, and recyclability, using renewable and recycled materials, minimizing land use and soil sealing, promoting sharing and reuse of spaces and resources, and restoring and enhancing natural capital. To learn more about circular economy, you can explore online sources such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the Circular Economy Club, and the Circularity Gap Report.

5 Community engagement

Community engagement is the process of involving and collaborating with the people who live, work, or have an interest in a site or a project. Community engagement can help site planning to understand the needs, preferences, values, and concerns of the community, as well as to gain their support, feedback, and input. Community engagement can also empower the community to participate in the decision-making and implementation of the site plan, and to benefit from its outcomes. To learn more about community engagement, you can consult online guides such as the International Association for Public Participation, the Community Planning Toolkit, and the Participatory City.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?