NYC’s Principles of Good Urban Design — A Guidebook for Today’s Cities

The Urban Designers Institute Aotearoa (UDIA) is pleased to spotlight the recently published Principles of Good Urban Design for New York City guidebook (2024) by the New York City Department of City Planning. Developed through collaboration with more than 40 city agencies, the guide provides a clear, values-led framework to shape urban design outcomes that respond to the complexities of contemporary city life.

Rather than prescribing stylistic solutions or rigid checklists, the guide sets out four high-level principles that are both timeless and timely, offering direction for shaping more equitable, inclusive, and resilient urban environments.

Principle 1: Enhance People’s Daily Lives

At the core of good urban design is the experience of daily life. This principle advocates for streets and public spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and support wellbeing, especially for those who rely most on the public realm.

Principle 2: Care for a Neighbourhood’s History, Culture, and Identity

Design should honour local character and community values. This principle emphasises the importance of understanding and reinforcing a place’s unique cultural, historical, and social context.

Principle 3: Embrace the City’s Dynamism

Cities are constantly evolving — good design must anticipate and support that change. This includes designing for flexibility, encouraging mixed uses, and considering long-term social and climate resilience.

Principle 4: Confront Society’s Greatest Challenges

Urban design plays a critical role in addressing complex issues like climate change, inequality, and public health. This principle encourages solutions that are ambitious, equitable, and future-focused.

These principles are supported by implemented project examples, clear diagrams that are both accessible and grounded in professional experience. While the content is shaped by the context of New York City, the clarity of the principles holds relevance for cities of all scales, including the diverse urban environment of Aotearoa.

“Good urban design is centred on the experience of daily life and care for our neighbourhoods so that we may continue to embrace our dynamic city and confront the challenges ahead.”

— NYC Department of City Planning

As UDIA continues to develop our Practice Notes, this guide serves as a timely international reminder that reinforces the importance of a human-centred, systems-aware, and collaborative approach to urban design.

We encourage UDIA members to explore the NYC guide and reflect on its relevance to our work in Aotearoa. Share your perspectives, insights, and lived knowledge as we shape our collective Practice Notes together.

Source & Credit: New York City Department of City Planning. (2024). Principles of Good Urban Design. You can read the full NYC guide here: Principles of Good Urban Design (NYC Planning, 2024)