Cultural placemaking partnership starts between AtkinsRéalis and Futurecity. This deal aims to build better cities in the Middle East. The two companies work together from the start of projects. They focus on culture and community needs in urban plans. Governments and builders want cities that feel alive and unique. This partnership meets those needs head-on.
Partnership Launch Details
AtkinsRéalis and Futurecity kick off the cultural placemaking partnership at MIPIM Cannes 2026. MIPIM gathers real estate leaders worldwide. The event gives them a big stage to show their plans. They already help city heads and big developers. Their work puts social value and local identity into new buildings and areas. Middle East projects now stress creative growth over plain construction.
This team-up comes at the right time. Regions like the Gulf push for places people love to live in. Culture helps make spaces draw visitors and residents alike.
Futurecity Lab Initiative
Futurecity Lab forms the heart of this cultural placemaking partnership. It tests new ideas on culture trends, money from the arts, and designs for real people. Early test projects are now run in key spots. Partners will show Lab results at MIPIM. They plan the next steps for cities that put humans first. Futurecity brings know-how from 400 projects around the world.
The Lab links art with planning. It studies how culture boosts jobs and fun in cities. Early wins prove it works well.
Executive Insights
Matthew Tribe leads Buildings and Places at AtkinsRéalis as Senior VP. He says culture drives big changes in Middle East cities. “It mixes our build skills with smart culture plans,” he adds. This creates spots that last and thrive.
Mark Davy runs Futurecity as CEO and founder. He calls the arts key city tools, like roads or power. Futurecity excels at public art, trend scans, and place branding. Their past work includes Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Global project. Both leaders see culture as a growth engine. They blend tech and heart in designs.
Global Engagement Plans
The pair joins top events like Cityscape, MIPIM Middle East, and Future Investment Initiative. They lead talks on culture-led builds. The cultural placemaking partnership grows liveable spots across the Gulf and beyond. It draws on UK roots but eyes the Mideast scale. Clients gain full plans from idea to open doors. Future steps include more Labs and project wins. This sets a model for world cities.
