We connect and inspire New Yorkers to design, build and care for a better city.

Current Initiatives

Next New York

Rewire
New York City must reshape its buildings and public spaces as engines for a climate positive city.
Forefront

Free to Grow
Our eighth Forefront Fellowship inspires adults to center young people in the built environment.
Community Design

The Local Center
A new community design network in partnership with the Association for Neighborhood & Housing Development
Special Projects

Public Works
Public Works sparks conversations with civic leaders on built environment initiatives shaping the public good.
Special Projects

New City Critics
In our writers fellowship with The Architectural League, we seek to empower a new generation of urban critics.
Next New York

Good Form
Our Good Form series convened design and public health professionals to discuss shaping a healthier city.

Upcoming Events

05.08.24

Climate-Proof Networks

Event Rewire
Join us for a roundtable discussion on shaping resilient transportation with Kate Fillen-Yeh, Luba Guzei, Mary Kimball, Neg Lakew and Tiffany-Ann Taylor.
05.13.24

Abolitionist Place Tour

Event Public Works
Join us for a tour of Abolitionist Place with Mary Margaret Jones, Sheila Lin, and Regina Myer.
05.15.24

Public Space for Community Development

Event The Local Center
Join us for a conversation on reimagining public space for community development with Blondel Pinnock, Pascale Sablan and Elizabeth Hamby. 

News

Forum News

Urban Design Forum Is Thrilled to Announce Five New Members to the Board of Directors
Please join us in giving our newest board members a warm welcome!
Posted — March 22, 2024
FeaturesLocal Center Practice Notes

Local Center Practice Notes: On Coming Together When We Don’t Have All the Answers
Martha Snow reflects on the latest midpoint shareout for Local Center projects and their work reclaiming public spaces.
Posted — March 20, 2024
Forum News

Introducing the Forefront Residency
We’re thrilled to launch the Forefront Residency, enabling alumni to deepen their work toward building a more equitable city. 
Posted — January 18, 2024
FeaturesLocal Center News

Local Center: Hear from Our Teams
Local Center teams share lessons learned from community engagement and where they are headed next.
Posted — December 21, 2023
Features

Practice Notes: On Experiential Learning
Guillermo Gómez reflects on our Gowanus Precinct Study and the value of on-the-ground collective learning.
Posted — November 16, 2023

Join the Forum

Individual Membership
Our Fellows are developers, architects, planners, builders, public officials, scholars, lawyers, and journalists who are building dynamic, equitable and resilient cities.

Company Memberships
Our 50 company members are leading design, development, law, construction and engineering firms who are leading urban development in New York City and around the world.

Support Us
Our work would not be possible without the generous support of civic leaders and design champions. Whether you are interested in joining our Director’s Circle or making a one-time contribution to support our work, we welcome your support.