AtkinsRéalis, a global design and engineering firm, and Futurecity, a cultural placemaking agency, have partnered with an initial focus on the Middle East. Cities in the Middle East are being reshaped by investment in arts, culture and destination development.
Part of the agreement is the establishment of the Futurecity Lab, a shared platform for research, cultural foresight, and market intelligence in global cultural placemaking. Projects will aim to compete internationally, and as the Futurecity Lab will inform AtkinsRéalis’ planning, engineering and master-planning work.
By combining AtkinsRéalis’ engineering, architecture and operational delivery expertise with Futurecity’s cultural strategy and placemaking leadership, the organisations seek to embed cultural thinking from the outset of major developments. This approach helps create destinations with clear identity and long term economic, social, and cultural value.
“Futurecity and AtkinsRéalis have created a unique partnership that sets a new approach to city-making. By embedding culture-led placemaking into masterplanning and strategic work from the outset, we offer a groundbreaking service shaping the next generation of urban developments.
“Across the Middle East, where significant investment in the arts is reshaping national transformation agendas, we support governments and developers in delivering culturally distinctive places designed for lasting value.”
Mark Davy, CEO and Founder of Futurecity
The initiative reflects growing recognition that cultural identity and user experience are fundamental to modern city making. Cultural districts, creative neighbourhoods and experience led destinations to increasingly shape investment, tourism and long-term urban value.
Together, AtkinsRéalis and Futurecity aims to support governments and developers in delivering places which will be sustainable, competitive and culturally distinctive.
The new partnership will operate through integrated bid and delivery teams, ensuring cultural insight is embedded at the planning and implementation stages. Defining this vision early enhances design cohesion, strengthens planning confidence, and long-term asset performance.
“This collaboration brings cultural depth into the core of major development programmes. Working with Futurecity strengthens our ability to help clients create destinations with clear identity, long-term value, and a meaningful sense of place.
“Across the Middle East and other fast-evolving markets, this combined expertise allows us to support governments and developers in delivering projects that resonate with people and stand out globally.”
Matthew Tribe, Senior Vice President, Buildings and Places, AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis and Futurecity strives to form a new benchmark for culture-led development, combining cultural insight with technical expertise to create destinations that inspire people, strengthen economies and stand out internationally.
As the partnership develops the organisations will continue to make new tools and methodologies, and push their collaborative work across additional global markets.
