Urban Design in City Governments

Urban Design Department, Boston Redevelopment Authority, City of Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Urban design is the art and science of shaping a city's public realm. That realm is collectively comprised of public spaces, the activities that occur within them, and the buildings that frame them.  The role of the BRA's Urban Design (UD) Department is to ensure that the urban design principles that define Boston’s unique character are widely promoted and embedded in the planning and redevelopment projects in the city. Every day, UD's multidisciplined staff faces the challenge of honoring the City's historic character while promoting contemporary development. -- City of Boston , Massachusetts

Urban Design, City of Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA

What is urban design? This term means different things to different people. To some, it is a decorative art, concerned with making a city more attractive with landscaping, special street lights, banners, dramatic artwork, and the like. To others, it is nothing short of every aspect of how a city is put together, including the design of streets, parks and open space, and how buildings look and feel. In Cambridge, the urban design effort has built on the latter proposition, that urban design is part city and transportation planning, part architecture, and part landscape design. -- City of Cambridge, Massachusetts 

Urban Design Studio, City of Portland, Oregon, USA

The Urban Design Studio works with the community and agency partners to address citywide spatial design issues and opportunities. UDS develops concepts using illustrations, maps and diagrams; facilitates design workshops; and implements objectives through design policy and regulatory framework changes. -- The City of Portland, Oregon

City Design Group, City and County of San Francisco, California, USA

Combining the disciplines of city planning, architecture, and landscape architecture, the department’s team of urban designers works to improve San Francisco’s livability through concern for the physical qualities of the city. In 2005 this important role within the department’s long-range Citywide Planning Division was formalized via the establishment of the City Design Group (CDG).

The City Design Group’s goal is to recognize the positive qualities of San Francisco’s built environment and its relationship with the natural setting, and to create and foster initiatives that build upon these qualities in ways that strengthen the city’s sense of place. -- City and County of San Francisco, California

Urban Design Studio, City of Los Angeles, California, USA

Founded in 2006, the Studio practices an integrated approach that brings together principles of good urban design with innovative policy. The Studio aims to make it easier to build spaces that provide functionality, variety, delight, and a sense of belonging: a better Los Angeles. The Studio is a part of the City of Los Angeles Planning Department. It is supported by student interns from across a range of disciplines. -- The City of Los Angeles, California

CityDesign Studio, City of Dallas, Texas, USA

The Dallas CityDesign Studio was formed in October of 2009 through a grant to the City from the Trinity Trust Foundation, funded by a generous gift from Deedie and Rusty Rose, to focus on neighborhoods and development along the Trinity. Housed within City Hall, the CityDesign Studio blends together the broader design community and the City of Dallas. The purpose of the Dallas CityDesign Studio is to elevate the design consciousness and culture of Dallas, while working to balance social, economic, environmental, and design sustainability towards enhancing livability for all Dallas residents. -- City of Dallas, Texas

Urban Design Department, City of St. Louis, Missouri, USA

The Urban Design Department is part of the City of St. Louis’ Planning and Urban Design Agency. Staff designers work with Aldermen, development professionals, neighborhood residents, and other City departments to guide and support livable, appropriate development based on each project’s needs and goals. -- City of St. Louis, Missouri

Urban Design, City of Toronto, Canada

High-quality urban design is an essential ingredient for building a great city. From the largest-scale plans down to the smallest site and building details, urban designers strive at every level to create beautiful, vibrant, safe and inclusive places. -- City of Toronto, Canada