People-centric spaces: Crafting cities for communities

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• September 2, 2024

Insight summary

As cities swell with more people than ever, there's an increasing shift towards more people-centric urban planning to ensure cities cater directly to human needs rather than just expanding infrastructure. This new approach embraces methods like public consultations and integrates the community's feedback into city designs to improve overall life quality by reducing common urban issues like traffic and pollution. These changes are expected to influence everything from public health and property costs to environmental sustainability, prompting a holistic evolution in how cities are developed and maintained.

People-centric spaces context

Urban centers are rapidly becoming the dominant habitat for humanity, with United Nations (UN) projections suggesting that over 68 percent of the global population will reside in urban areas by 2050. This shift highlights the urgency of rethinking urban planning to better cater to human needs rather than merely accommodating infrastructural demands. Traditional city planning often prioritizes economic growth by focusing on infrastructure, yet this approach can lead to problems, such as increased traffic congestion and pollution, demonstrating a disconnect between infrastructure development and the quality of life for city dwellers.

In response to these challenges, the UN Agency for Human Settlements (UN-Habitat) is pioneering efforts to implement a more people-centric approach in urban design across over 90 countries. This strategy aims to align city planning with its residents' actual needs and desires, using tools that prioritize qualitative over quantitative analysis. For example, in projects like designing a new bus system in Egypt, UN-Habitat has facilitated participatory planning processes that incorporate the perspectives and needs of specific groups, such as women, ensuring that the resulting infrastructure serves the community more effectively.

Public consultations and interactive planning sessions allow for a more democratic approach to urban design. Cities like Kampala (Uganda) and Bucaramanga (Colombia) have seen initiatives like "Open Street Days," where residents can contribute to the planning and co-design of their environments. Such inclusive practices not only foster a sense of community but also set a standard for future developments in making cities truly human-centric, including using smart city technologies to prioritize pedestrians and multi-mobility.

Disruptive impact

People-centric areas are designed to encourage walking and public transport, which can lead to improved physical health and reduced obesity rates. Additionally, these cities often feature more accessible public spaces and amenities, making daily tasks more convenient and reducing stress. However, the increased demand for housing in these well-planned areas can drive up property values and rental costs, potentially pricing out lower-income residents.

Companies in these regions may benefit from increased foot traffic and a higher concentration of potential customers, especially for retail and service-based industries. However, they may face higher property and operational costs due to the desirability of the location. Businesses may also need to adapt their delivery and logistics strategies, as these areas often restrict vehicle access to promote cleaner, pedestrian-friendly environments.

Governments implementing people-centric urban planning must consider these policies' local and international implications. Locally, such initiatives can makes cities more liveable and attractive to residents and investors, and can contribute to environmental sustainability goals. Globally, successful people-centric cities can set urban planning benchmarks, influencing other regions' policies and promoting global standards for sustainable development. However, governments must balance these benefits with the cost of implementing such changes and the need for ongoing investment to maintain the infrastructure and services that support people-centric environments.

Implications of people-centric spaces

Wider implications of people-centric spaces may include: 

• Increased development of pedestrian zones in cities, leading to a decline in demand for parking infrastructure.


• Local governments redesigning urban areas to be more walkable, resulting in reduced urban sprawl.


• Businesses investing in the development of eco-friendly public transportation options, leading to a reduction in carbon footprints.


• Urban planners focusing on mixed-use developments, leading to shorter commutes and more vibrant local economies.


• Public health initiatives promoting active transportation, leading to lower healthcare costs associated with sedentary lifestyles.


• Real estate developers prioritizing green building practices, leading to increased property values in sustainable developments.


• City councils implementing policies that limit vehicle traffic in downtown areas, leading to higher quality of urban life.


• Employers adopting flexible work policies due to more accessible urban centers, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity.


• Increased installation of green spaces and recreational areas in urban planning, leading to enhanced mental health and well-being for residents.


• Governments enacting regulations to ensure that new urban developments include essential services within walking distances, leading to more self-sufficient communities.

Questions to consider

• How could increased walkability in your neighborhood improve your daily routine and health?


• What changes would you like to see in your city to make it more people-centric?