Walking, sitting, travelling, playing, talking…or just chilling out. Our public spaces satisfy many simple human needs. Yet all too often the design of the urban fabric can impede interaction and movement. The built environment can seem to crowd us out, not invite us in. The solution is to create public spaces in our towns and cities that put people first: environments where people feel comfortable and secure and which foster a sense of community ‘wholeness’.

Buro Happold believes that designing places for people means doing it ‘from the ground up’. If buildings and public spaces are to function – and be appealing – they need to be supported by quality infrastructure. People need easy access to roads, car parks, services and utilities. Getting from A to B should be smooth and seamless and as sustainable as possible. Streets should be well lit and welcoming. People and infrastructure working in harmony: this is our vision for unlocking value in a development.