about
We believe in the importance of good urban design as a catalyst for obtaining economic and social well-being
philosophy
We’re planners because we’re passionate about livable, successful communities. It’s the energy that fuels our approach to each and every project we undertake – as demonstrated in our work, and in the number of happy, repeat clients we serve. Marketing may be a fact of life, but we think being excited about our work is the best “best form of advertising.”
But we’re also mindful that quality plans always suit the client – matching needs, objectives, and resources. Simply put, we believe in plans that are clear and actionable, guiding available resources to realize objectives.
Our Approach
We provide expertise in urban planning, research, policy formulation, development planning, project management and expert testimony. Our approach is grounded in:
- Understanding the history, existing character and future vision of the community.
- Integrating public and private interests while aligning diverse community views and disciplines.
- Engaging stakeholders in community development.
- Recognizing the importance and longevity of planning decisions.
- Achieving sustainability through the careful management of urban growth.
WHAT WE DO
Civitas Alliance provides planning and design services across a range of urban scales:
Regional and Urban masterplans, Neighborhood & Site development, Streets, parks and public spaces
Our unique, multi-disciplinary approach incorporates urban design, spatial planning, regeneration, visioning, transport planning and sustainable design. We employ the benefits of research, observation, on-site surveys, data analysis, simulation to shape the social, economic and environmental impacts of development. Our resulting work helps mitigate the risks in the planning, design and operation of urban places by linking design inputs to performance outputs.
SPATIAL PLANNING
We offers consultancy advice to clients in the planning of cities, towns and neighborhoods, including town and city centers, mixed-use cultural quarters, waterfronts and residential areas.
URBAN DESIGN
Towns and cities of today have evolved over different economic and cultural – we need to view them as dynamic organic environments.
We need to understand, accept and creatively guide change.
We believe in the importance of good design as a key catalyst for economic and social well-being, and has long been an advocate and teacher of positive and sustainable place-making.
REGENERATION
Breathing new life and vitality into existing places is as important as planning new, arguably more so. It requires the careful integration of a delicate balance of information and interests, strategy and skills, while maintaining an overall perspective of the potential of a place.
Place-based projects are rooted in the context of their specific environment – in time, as well as space. We integrate physical proposals with economic and social programs, to preserve and regenerate communities over the long term. This involves maximizing the beneficial linkage between strategy and policy action and ensuring the public, private sector and community players are capable of delivery as funding becomes available.
FUTURE & SCENARIO VISIONING
We have developed and refined specialist techniques to help clients address change and
explore the long term future, decades ahead. This includes visioning, scenario planning and back-casting.
The goal is to help participants explore the future without fear or over-emphasis on the constraints of current political, legal or cultural horizons, which can impede thinking and constantly change.
CONSULTATION & ENGAGEMENT
Civitas Alliance has a high level of expertise and experience using diverse approaches to engage with communities in challenging projects. This includes community and stakeholder workshops, business breakfasts, design charrettes, study visits, exhibitions and awaydays.
The format depends on the nature and awareness level of the community. Great emphasis is placed on creative facilitation in the development of visions, strategies, action plans and partnership delivery structures. Tried and tested methodologies increase the chances of obstacles being overcome and plans being successfully implemented, often because community and professional capacity has been enhanced.