When we completed our research project titled 'Carbon-Based Design' in 2020, we were left with more questions than answers. That study had focused on means to draw down the embodied carbon of buildings, and had explored improved materials, changes to construction processes, improvements in design and incorporation of modern insulation and other technology. But we're urbanists as well as architects, and one statistic stood out. In the built environment, buildings themselves account for only 15% of total emissions. So what about the other 85%?

And so Carbon-Based Urbanism started: a sustainable city is more than the sum of sustainable buildings. Sustainable construction focuses on the scale of the building (embodied and operational emissions), and there is a strong focus on remaining within the agreements of the Paris Agreement. But if the focus of sustainable construction is not broadened, a blind spot will arise at the urban planning level: where are we going to build, what types of (residential) forms, how do we organize mobility, and how do we ensure that people can live sustainably in the city?

Cityförster, PosadMaxwan, and the Municipality of Rotterdam have joined forces in this research project. With the main question "what is the role of urban design on the CO₂ impact of Buildings, Areas, and Users in new neighbourhoods?", the research analyses the footprint of 12 Rotterdam neighbourhoods, explicitly looking beyond the building itself to include public space, mobility, and the lifestyle of users. A clear correlation emerges between urban planning factors (such as density indicators and distance to amenities) and the CO₂ footprint per person. This shows that urban planning does indeed have a role to play in sustainable construction, which can offer a new perspective on urban development.

With six lessons learned, the report presents insights into the footprint of different neighborhood types, which emission categories have the most impact, how emissions from the built environment relate to emissions from residents, and what urban factors can play a pivotal role to reduce emissions. The research teaches us that not only how we build is urgent, but that also where we build and what kind of neighbourhoods should be part of the sustainability debate.

Our project partners are PosadMaxwan, Municipality of Rotterdam, TU Delft , Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, DGBC, ERA Contour and Synchroon.

This project was made possible by the generous support of TBI, Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie and the Municipality of Rotterdam

Download the report now via the pop-up form.
Print copies are available at NAi Booksellers.

The Kiosk project was developed in response to the removal of informal structures in Dhermi, a fast-growing tourist village on Albania's coast. With tourism rising, the need for organized, adaptable infrastructure became pressing.

The design focuses on sun protection, upper-level storage, and layout flexibility for various vendors. Modular and affordable, the kiosk is easy to build, dismantle, and relocate using local, climate-appropriate materials. Its defining feature; a tapered, canopy-box roof, opens for shade by day and closes for secure overnight storage. This dynamic element allows smooth transitions between active use and closure, aligning with daily commercial rhythms.

The open ground level supports multiple configurations, while design investment is concentrated in the expressive roof. Quick to assemble and season-ready, the kiosk offers a cost-effective, climate-responsive solution for small businesses.

The Kiosk was one of the pavilions displayed at the first editoin of Bread&Heat Festival, which took place in Tirana, Albania, in June 2025.

The transformation of Trnavské Mýto into a dynamic cultural and urban hub is entering its next phase. With the building permit secured, Istropolis—designed by CITYFÖRSTER and KCAP in collaboration with Immocap—will break ground in summer 2025.

The project will introduce a state-of-the-art concert and congress hall, modern residences, and high-quality office spaces. The 3,000-person venue will host diverse cultural and business events, featuring in-the-round seating and multi-event flexibility. Offices will include a grand atria and flexible workspaces, while the residences will be nestled within green courtyards and pedestrian-friendly streets.

Istropolis sets new standards in sustainable urban development, integrating passive climate solutions, energy-efficient design, and biodiverse public spaces with 147 trees, 70 local plant species, and dedicated cycling infrastructure. Long overlooked despite its central location, Trnavské Mýto will soon be revitalized with green promenades, fountains, and a lively public square, supporting markets, gatherings, and everyday life.

With construction set to begin, Istropolis moves from vision to reality, shaping the future of Bratislava through architecture, sustainability, and vibrant public life.

The Rákosrendező Masterplan is a transformative 244-hectare brownfield redevelopment in the heart of Budapest, including a 148-hectare action area, redefining one of Europe's most significant urban regeneration sites.

In collaboration with Coldefy, Treibhaus, Spora Architects, and Markó & Placemakers, the project was awarded First Prize in an international competition commissioned by the Budapest Capital Asset Management Centre on behalf of the Municipality of Budapest.
The proposal introduces over 10,000 new homes alongside commercial, civic, and recreational spaces, all structured around the principles of the 15-minute city. At its core lies the existing railway landscape, reimagined as a defining spatial framework that supports mobility, long-distance views, and a network of public parks. This backbone is complemented by a system of interconnected green and blue corridors, enhancing ecological performance while creating attractive, accessible public spaces.
The new district is organised into six distinct neighborhoods, each with its own identity and local centre, anchored by a central mobility hub around a new train station. This structure enables flexibility, accommodating diverse lifestyles, household types, and future urban dynamics. A strong emphasis is placed on high-quality public space, with a sequence of key green areas- including a railway park, the large forest park, and a sports park- linked by a continuous north–south green axis.
The plan will convert the long-neglected railway area on the Pest side, over the next 15 years, into a European benchmark of sustainability- lively, mixed-used and landscape-driven.

With the design for a new residential area in Nad Kamínkou, we see development not merely as the provision of housing, but as a catalyst for the sustainable transformation of the entire neighbourhood. Our aim is to convert what is currently a car-oriented and fragmented site into a vibrant, green and excellently connected district that brings together the urban energy of Prague and the landscape and scenic qualities of Zbraslav, serving as a role model for future neighbourhood developments.
The masterplan combines the potential of the busy Elišky-Přemyslovny Street with the extensive, green Borovičky Park. At the western entrance to the neighbourhood, a mobility hub serves as a clear landmark with a lively public square, making a strong urban statement. It enables convenient transfers between car, bus, bicycle and pedestrian traffic and marks the transition to a lowtraffic residential environment. To the east, the park forms a green counterpole with generous areas for nature, sports and recreation.
The neighbourhood mediates both spatially and functionally between these two poles, balancing urban intensity and landscape openness while offering a careful interplay of privacy and permeability. Three green axes structure the area: a communal north axis with a square, orchard and gardens, a blue-green axis with visible rainwater management, and a green boulevard in the south. The architecture follows this logic: Terraced block structures define clear spatial boundaries and lively ground floor areas, while detached city villas create create a smooth transition to the park. Shared courtyards connect architecture and open space.

The Cetrumprogramma Papendrecht 2040 sets a clear direction for the integrated and sustainable development of the village's heart. Strategically located in the Drechtsteden region and directly connected to the Merwede, Papendrecht Centrum offers broad opportunities.

Through a three-phase process- from analysis to scenarios to the final program -CITYFÖRSTER and BLOC developed a participatory vision with citizens, stakeholders, and the municipality. The 2040 programma positions the centrum as a vital, green heart that unites the historic Dijkdorp character with new connections to the Merwede and the economic strength of the region.

Key interventions include transforming the waterfront into the blue-green face of Papendrecht, developing Winkelpark De Meent into a mixed-use hub, and redesigning the oversized 1980s Market Square into a green, human-scale meeting point. Together with the municipality, long-term goals, a timeline, and project ideas provide a step-by-step path toward realizing the vision.

The following link leads to the comprehensive booklet:

bloc.nl/wp-content/assets/251009_pap_centrum-programma_ml.pdf

The project has the aim of improving urban infrastructure and increasing the value of tourism assets. The city of Saranda is strategically located on the Albanian Riviera, overlooking the Ionian Sea. With its natural harbour and stunning coastal scenery, Saranda has become a central hub for tourism and maritime activities in the region.

The underwater heritage in the south of Albania is considered by National Geographic a top 10 site for underwater archaeology. Despite this recognition, there is currently no direct activity associated with it. The establishment of the Underwater Heritage Centre not only enriches the tourism offer, but also revitalises the city's cultural heritage by repurposing the former maternity building.

The proposed multifunctional programme integrates educational, commercial and entertainment activities to stimulate underwater tourism and connect it to the local economy and business opportunities.

The old maternity hospital dates from the 1940s, the period of the Italo-greek wars. It shows unique architectural qualities, but remains hidden in the urban fabric. To integrate the building in the city, the entrance area is redesigned as an active urban space, and commercial functions are placed in the plinth.

In the new roof pavilion, the building houses a new culinary venue for fine dining but also public evening events. The new rooftop restaurant establishes spectacular views over Saranda and it's coastline, while at the same time upgrading the old heritage building into a new landmark in the city.

The design is based on the historical elements of Münster's cultural landscape and incorporates them into the spatial concept. Starting from the waterway, a carefully configured open space framework of landscape and park areas with site-specific focal points and functions structures the space and forms the basis for an attractive and future-proof model district. A combination of a high mix of uses for revitalization and open-use structures for flexible development
forms the structural backbone of an adaptable and sustainable urban quarter. New ideas of living, sharing and working together will become a living reality here.

The open space concept pursues a careful interlocking of landscape and urban development, in which the natural topography and existing biotope structures are integrated into the urban development. Starting from the waterway, the landscape flows through the entire design area and connects the new buildings with their surroundings. This creates a harmonious interplay between open cultural landscape, urban life and natural design. The focus here is on the use of rainwater, which is integrated into the open spaces not only functionally but also in terms of design.
The mobility concept is based on the promotion of eco-mobility with a clear focus on public transport, cycling and walking and thus contributes to reducing emissions, increasing quality of life and climate-resilient development of the
neighborhood.

Together with BOOM Landscape and in close collaboration with the Municipality of Prishtina, we're using Nature-Based Solutions to tackle urban flooding in Kosovo's capital. The project focuses on an 11-hectare vacant site on Prishtina's
northern edge. Here flows the Prishtina River, the only visible stretch within the city before it disappears underground. Until the late 1940s, Prishtina sat between two rivers: the Vellusha and the Prishtina. In the 1950s–70s, these rivers
were buried, and by the 1980s, Prishtina had no visible rivers. This site is the last open stretch—a rare glimpse of the city's natural heritage.

Today, the area faces challenges: illegal dumping, flooding, and a lack of public spaces and infrastructure. Our role has been to support the municipality in defining the project scope, designing a concept masterplan, and assessing
feasibility.

Our vision? To transform this neglected land into the Wild Botanical River Park—a resilient, multifunctional landscape that restores natural water flows, reduces flood risks, and revitalizes biodiversity. A new bypass channel will guide clean
water through the park, supported by wetlands and native plants that filter runoff and improve water quality. More than flood control, this project reconnects Prishtina to nature. It creates a green-blue corridor linking neighborhoods, offering
space to relax and explore.

The park is a living laboratory, using native plants to clean air, water, and soil while supporting research and education. The Wild River Park creates a vibrant ecological gateway—a bold step toward a greener, healthier, and more resilient
Prishtina.

The overall objective of the assignment is to develop a Tourism Master Plan for the Tourism Development Area (TDA) of Dushanbe and surrounding areas that is seamlessly integrated with plans for national, regional, and urban development, including relevant legal and regulatory requirements, sociocultural and environmental safeguards, financing needs and modalities, and assessment of economic viability of proposed investments along with more detailed pre-feasibility studies on the highest-priority individual projects. To achieve the overall objective, the following specific objectives are established:

1. Conduct a comprehensive Strategic Analysis for tourism development in Dushanbe, including tourism demand and marketing mix fundamentals of tourism clusters, supporting factors and resources for destination competitiveness and sustainability, infrastructure and urban services in tourism clusters, regulatory/planning framework, sociocultural and environmental impacts.

2. Develop a Tourism Master Plan for Dushanbe based on its key success factors as international destination, defining strategic framework, spatial tourism planning, a governance structure for tourism development, high-level development plans in critical components of tourism competitiveness and sustainability, sociocultural and environmental safeguards, and investment plan with the prioritization of the proposed projects.

3. Prepare Concept Papers for the highest priority investment projects, including description, rationale, scope, and expected impacts.

The historic port area of the Merwevierhavens (M4H) in Rotterdam will soon begin an extensive redevelopment. Once deeply embedded in the maritime world of the Port of Rotterdam, the area is now transitioning towards new futures. Industry is moving away, and new developments will transform the area towards into a vibrant mixed-use urban district. The planning framework envisions a circular economy, smart mobility and sustainable energy concepts, among other things.

Faced with the prospect of this change, Keilecollectief took the opportunity to ask itself "How do we want to build in the future?" This exhibition is a co-production of answers and further questions. It explores building cultures of the past, present and possible futures. The question is dissected into the themes of architecture, materials, urbanism, and landscape.

The question, "How do we want to build?" or rather, "How do we want to build cities?", inevitably entails the bigger question of "How do we want to live in future cities?" Cityförster's contribution to the answer is twofold. Over a historical-to-speculative timeline of 1900-2050, we worked to analyze the relations between socio-economic trends, spatial policy and iconic societal developments. Through this work it becomes clear that policy is always dictating a certain quality and style of life.

During the 20th century we observed the rise and increasing friction of our economy of growth, and how this resulted in the enormous climate impacts we are experiencing today. On the other hand, our research into four case studies reveals how urban factors such as the urban fabric, density and space ratios all impact our way of life. The study shows that high-density inner-city neighbourhoods are most cost-efficient, while also hinting that these neighbourhoods and their residents may generate lower ecological footprints.

Looking to the future, we propose spatial planning based on "sufficiency"; a rationale of urban design for a lifestyle of enough, instead of surplus. Owning less and sharing more is a key principle for community-based design, and future urban design should consider this at its core. With compact homes, biobased buildings and shared facilities, future cities should enable a sustainable lifestyle for all residents. This rationale, which reduces emissions of buildings, cities and residents, is what we call Carbon-Based Urbanism.

The exhibition was on public display from June 15 until September 15 2024 in Keilepand, Rotterdam, and was accompanied by a supporting programme filled with guided tours, open days, presentations, debate nights, movie screenings and serious games. Through this work, Cityförster contributes to the discourse about building practices in the Netherlands. The exhibition was a co-production with Keilecollectief, Group A/CarbonLab, Happel Cornelisse Verhoeven, De Urbanisten and Studio Adams, and was supported by Stimuleringsfonds Creatieve Industrie, Gemeente Rotterdam, Programmabureau M4H, AIR Rotterdam, Cordeel, Vandersanden, and Dura Vermeer Bouw Heyma.

This project involves a detailed public infrastructure gap analysis and the creation of an action plan for the development of two pilot sites in Georgia: Samshvilde in Kvemo Kartli and Pikalebi in Kakheti. Samshvilde is known for its archaeological and cultural heritage, while Pikalebi is historically significant as Kakheti's gateway.

The plan aims to unlock the tourism potential of these sites, minimize environmental impact, and engage stakeholders and the local community inclusively. It includes budget estimates for the necessary public investments in both locations.

Key project tasks encompass public infrastructure assessment, community engagement, social impact assessment, and stakeholder mapping. The report identifies development challenges and opportunities for both sites, stressing the importance of strategic planning and community involvement.

For Samshvilde, the focus is on improving roads, drinking water, and sewage systems while preserving the village's character and enhancing public spaces. For Pikalebi, the report suggests a dispersed design approach inspired by the „Albergo Diffuso" concept to maintain the area's natural beauty and integrate hotel infrastructure with the environment.

Overall, the action plan seeks to transform Samshvilde and Pikalebi into vibrant, sustainable tourist destinations while protecting their cultural and natural heritage for future generations.

As part of the CEWI-cooperation, Cityförster is developing an implementation concept that shows how the sustainable and careful renovation of real estate can be implemented in the DJH Landesverband Baden-Württemberg e.V.

The mission for DJH Lochen is to be a flagship project for circularity, sustainability and sufficiency. This concept is translated to the offer of the youth hostel, and the architectural design and planning. Following the didactic focus of DJH Baden-Württemberg, the hostel should offer its guests an educational experience for sustainable awareness. This means programs with sustainability themes, active outdoor experiences, and workshops with local resources. These themes are also represented in the architectural concept. The main target groups are school groups, leisure (sports) groups, conference groups, and individual travelers like hikers, cyclists and retreat participants.

The theme of sufficiency has guided the hostel to rethink its offer of rooms: smaller rooms to emphasize the outdoor experience, and the development of a summer house for the peak season. This summer house provides extra guest rooms in the warmer months, making a low-tech building without heating or cooling possible. The summer house transforms the old garage by extending it with a new floor on top. Upon arrival, the summer house is the eyecatcher of the circularity concept.

The main goal of the renovation is to restructure the rooms and meet today's requirements. Because the exterior was renovated in 1982, the focus of the renovation is on the space plan and installations. This means a minimal renovation is sufficient. Where possible, building components are harvested on site or in the region, and repurposed in the summer house and the youth hostel. Where larger quantities of materials are needed, materials based on recycled resources and granulated raw materials are applied, for example recycled rubber, concrete and repurposed wood shingles.

The beautiful location of DJH Lochen next tot the Lochenpass creates an inspiring natural environment in the forest on the hills. The existing outdoor facilities are upgraded, and new functionalities are added to extend the possibilities for outdoor activities. The new multifunctional outdoor spaces contribute to the sustainable outdoor experience of DJH Lochen.