A selection of recently announced masterplans, cultural buildings, and residential communities is highlighting a shift toward integrated, environmentally responsive urban planning. From Europe to the Middle East and North America, these proposals balance spatial innovation with long-term sustainability.
- BIG’s “CityWave” in Milan
- Olson Kundig’s Museum of Art in Seattle
- Foster + Partners’ Laheq in Saudi Arabia
- DLR Group’s Ogami North Coast in Egypt
- Beta Realities’ Oberer Schaltengarten Neuendettelsau in Germany
The projects demonstrate a growing focus on ecological and social resilience in the built environment, incorporating car-free living, passive performance strategies, and adaptive modular construction.
CityWave: A Photovoltaic Masterpiece in Milan
In Milan, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has topped out its CityWave project during Salone del Mobile 2025, marking a major milestone for the final development phase of the CityLife masterplan. The 73,000 m² project consists of two office buildings connected by a 140-meter-long photovoltaic timber canopy, one of the world’s largest rooftop solar installations in an urban context.
| Key Features | Design | Location | Expected Completion |
| One of the world’s largest rooftop solar installations | Two interconnected office buildings with a photovoltaic timber canopy | Milan, Italy | 2026 |
CityWave integrates passive strategies such as groundwater cooling and thermal storage to reduce energy demand by up to 40%. The project’s unified structure references Italy’s portico tradition and Milan’s architectural history, featuring courtyards, shaded loggias, and a rooftop terrace.
The Museum of Art in Seattle
Seattle University has revealed plans for a new Museum of Art designed by Olson Kundig, with groundbreaking set for August 2026 and completion expected before the fall 2028 academic term. The museum is envisioned as both a cultural landmark and an educational space supporting the university’s mission.
“The museum will serve as a catalyst for the community, fostering connections between the campus and surrounding neighborhood,” said Tom Kundig, principal of Olson Kundig.
The museum features flexible galleries that can host visual art, performances, and interdisciplinary programming, and will house the Hedreen collection, donated in 2024 by philanthropist Richard Hedreen, which includes over 200 works spanning from Renaissance to contemporary art.
Laheq: A Luxury Green Community in Saudi Arabia
Foster + Partners has revealed the design for Laheq, the first residential-led development at The Red Sea in Saudi Arabia. Developed by Red Sea Global, the 400-hectare island is envisioned as a luxury green community shaped by a sustainable design concept called ‘Forever Garden.’
The 800-meter-wide circular structure known as ‘The Ring’ surrounds a manmade lagoon and white sand beaches, preserving the island’s outer ecosystems. The elevated ring will house residences, two hotels, and a souk, and is designed with integrated greenery and shading to promote wellbeing.
| Key Features | Design | Location | Expected Completion |
| A luxury green community | The Ring, a 800-meter-wide circular structure | The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia | TBD |
Laheq aims to balance luxury living with environmental stewardship, incorporating green corridors, a 115-berth marina, beach club, racket and fitness facilities, watersports schools, and an 18-hole golf course.
Ogami North Coast: A Site-Responsive Master Plan in Egypt
DLR Group has unveiled the master plan and architectural vision for Ogami North Coast, a 440-acre mixed-use development in Ras El Hekma, Egypt, commissioned by SODIC. The project utilizes the firm’s “State of Optimal Flow” strategy, integrating architecture, public space, and circulation to support human-scale interaction and long-term adaptability.
- Public areas organized along green corridors and swimmable lagoons
- Low-profile, rhythmic massing that follows the site’s natural contours
- Residential units prioritizing passive performance and contextual material palettes
The master plan allocates 24% of the land to open space and 5.6% to water networks, emphasizing low-impact development and environmental sensitivity.
Oberer Schaltengarten Neuendettelsau: A Sustainable Neighborhood in Germany
Beta Realities has developed the masterplan for Oberer Schaltengarten Neuendettelsau, a 6.4-hectare car-free residential neighborhood in Germany, commissioned by the City of Neuendettelsau. The concept blends urban density with surrounding natural landscapes through a block structure inspired by existing developments.
| Key Features | Design | Location | Expected Completion |
| Car-free neighborhood | Block structure inspired by existing developments | Neuendettelsau, Germany | TBD |
The neighborhood features a gradual transition to the adjacent forest, with a green belt that also serves as a noise buffer. Central to the plan is a mobility hub made from modular timber, offering flexible use and supporting shared and public transport. Buildings utilize modular wooden blocks, which isolate CO2 and can be disassembled or repurposed.
Conclusion
These projects demonstrate a growing focus on ecological and social resilience in the built environment, showcasing innovative designs that balance spatial innovation with long-term sustainability. As architects and urban planners, we can learn from these examples and strive to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
