Developing Cities and Business Locations of the Future
Climate change, energy supply, housing shortages, and the mobility transition reshape our built environment. The borders between city, industry, infrastructure, and landscape is dissolving.
Hybrid spaces are emerging with new concepts for use, energy, mobility, and identity.
Strategic land use is gaining urgency. There lies potential in every piece of land. We just need to unlock it. But how? How do we envision our future? How can we ensure developments are environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable?
At Drees & Sommer, we take a holistic, interdisciplinary, and strategic approach to development. We create places with lasting long-term positive value for people, cities, and businesses impact.
Six Challenges, Six Perspectives
Different types of land, legal requirements, and social demands call for individual solutions. Our six developmental perspectives each address a core question. Together, they form a structured framework for action.
How do we transform existing sites into resilient locations?
We build on what already exists. We transform monofunctional areas into vibrant, multi-use locations that serve people, businesses, and climate goals.
How do we unlock value in built-up areas?
Brownfield sites offer space for growth without consuming new land. We convert them into livable neighborhoods that strengthen regions and respect existing structures.
How do we build without wasting resources?
New construction carries long-term responsibility. When plan new locations, we keep future generations in mind: climate-neutral, connected, digital, and integrated into the environment.
How do we connect life, work, mobility, and climate in modern neighborhoods?
Urban spaces are laboratories for the future. We develop multi-use neighborhoods that enable diverse needs and efficient operations.
How do we create spatial identity, purpose, and appeal?
Places shape perception. We connect people, communities, and architecture to create a clear spatial character.
How do we modernize industrial sites for future technologies?
Industry remains the backbone of our value chain. We develop spaces that combine production, innovation, and sustainability to support innovation, efficiency, and measurable energy performance.
Our Approach: Holistic Spatial Design
We think across boundaries, whether brownfield and greenfield, urban district, and industrial site. Location, market, energy, mobility, and identity interact. We connect these elements into clear, scalable development strategies.
Our strength is combining strategy, planning, and implementation under one roof. Our teams unite urban planners, economic experts, architects, and environmental and energy consultants. They guide projects from first analysis to delivery.
When Your Vision Becomes a Place
From ideation to implementation, our approach is structured, active, and impact-driven.
- Analysis
We assess site data, environment, market, energy, and infrastructure to unlock your full potential. - Valuation
We assess development potential and economic viability. We factor in sustainability criteria, ESG requirements, and climate resilience. - Use Scenarios and Target Definition
We develop realistic scenarios and clear target images. They reflect local, regional, and social demands. - Strategy
We define an integrated framework for governance, funding, energy, and mobility strategy. - Stakeholder Activation
We involve owners, administration, business, and the public early on. This builds acceptance, cooperation, and implementation. - Implementation
We guide planning, funding applications, investor processes, and project implementation. We stay involved until your vision becomes reality.
Let's talk.
We look forward to hearing from you!