Urban design as a discipline barely exists in most American and Canadian cities. In Singapore, there are innovative transportation strategies at work.

In this quote, Moshe Safdie, a renowned architect and urban planner, discusses the state of urban design in North America compared to places like Singapore. He argues that in most American and Canadian cities, urban design as a discipline is not as well-established or prioritized. This suggests that cities in these regions often lack cohesive and innovative planning strategies for their built environments, especially when compared to cities that actively integrate design into their overall development plans.

Safdie contrasts this with Singapore, which he points out as a city where there are innovative and effective transportation strategies in place. He highlights Singapore as an example of a city where urban planning is both highly strategic and forward-thinking, particularly in terms of transportation and infrastructure. The city-state’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability in its urban design serves as a model for other cities looking to develop more integrated and thoughtful urban spaces.

The quote also reflects Safdie’s broader view on the importance of holistic urban planning, where cities are not just collections of buildings but carefully designed spaces that cater to mobility, livability, and sustainability. By mentioning transportation strategies, Safdie points to the role of infrastructure in shaping the way people live and interact within urban environments, emphasizing that good urban design extends beyond aesthetics and involves practical solutions to everyday problems.

Ultimately, Safdie’s statement is a critique of the status quo in urban development in North America, calling attention to the fact that cities there often miss opportunities to innovate in urban design. He encourages looking to examples like Singapore, where urban planning and design are seen as essential to creating functional, sustainable, and vibrant cities that can better meet the needs of their inhabitants.