Smarter urban development

Researching, sharing and promoting urban development that is visionary, viable and popular

For more than 40 years, we have been exploring and championing smarter approaches to urban development—approaches that prioritise fairness, efficiency, and thoughtful planning. These relate to Nicholas Falk’s doctoral thesis on planning and development, and the principles of social justice or equity, the minimisation of waste or efficiency and natural balance. Our work has consistently supported sustainable growth, improved transport, stronger community engagement, and better use of the assets cities already have.

Creating urban environments that thrive in this way calls for more than good intentions. It relies on strong leadership, a shared vision, and close collaboration across government, business, and communities, all working in step and making the most of available resources.

Ultimately, success means protecting our natural assets, fostering innovation, and putting in place the policies that help build vibrant, inclusive cities—places where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.

What is the URBED Trust?

The URBED Trust is a not for profit company with charitable aims set up to promote research into the future of urban areas, and to disseminate best practice.

The trust was reconstituted after Nicholas Falk and David Rudlin won the 2014 Wolfson Economics Prize for showing how to build new Garden Cities that are visionary, viable and popular. A group of expert board members are overseeing different projects, in partnership with other public bodies.

URBED was originally founded as the Urban and Economic Development Group in London’s Covent Garden.

About the URBED Trust

Key projects and publications

Postcards from the Future

“I have seen the future and it works”, Lincoln Steffens, 1919.

Our views are shaped by what we see (and hear). In setting up URBED in 1976, I wanted to spread good practice in urban regeneration and local economic development. But despite advances in digital media, are cities getting any better at learning from each other?

I am going to experiment with a blog on what I have learned from different cities. So let’s start with a study tour to Paris last September, an initiative to transfer lessons on cycling from Copenhagen to London, a short trip to learn how Leipzig has revived its economy, and an event to consider Oxford Futures.