Vision and approach

General principles and working method

SUS has the ambition to contribute in the creation of sustainable and distinctive cities through
spatial designs and urban strategies. To this end, SUS employs 6 principles, as a guideline for
urban designs and design strategies.


We offer smart urban solutions considering the local context:

  1. Flexible spatial plans, which cities can permanently change from a solid base
  2. The design is based on the specific qualities and characteristics of the place, so that the
    newly developed areas are distinguished from each other
  3. Assumption of user demand
  4. Search for the binding force, the collective, which brings people together
  5. Multi-stakeholder approach, involving stakeholders at all stages of the design process
  6. In all projects, the following principles for sustainable development are central:
    • Improve safety
    • Tackling poverty
    • Encouraging economic developments
    • Sustainable ways of energy generation
    • Encouraging healthy living, working, living environment
    • Improving living conditions

Approach:

Method: In all the various phases of the design process SUS can be involved. The workshop with
stakeholders is crucial to gain commitment for the project. Ownership of a project will be
dentified and is a prerequisite for the implementation phase.


Our approach consists of 5 steps:

  1. In our projects, SUS always starts with taking into consideration the existing context.
    Before we start a workshop or urban design process we gather crucial information about
    the history of the city, its highly appreciated values, its characteristics and social and
    cultural identity. All this necessary information is documented.
  2. After desk research, SUS analyzes which stakeholders will play an active role in the
    different phases of the project. Moreover, by analyzing the local needs and demands the
    outline of the project description is done. All stakeholders and users will be involved in
    certain phases of the design process, giving them a role in prioritizing ideas or topics.
  3. SUS always conducts workshops as a starting point for the project. All involved
    stakeholders have the opportunity to discuss the project description and guidelines for
    the project. This is the official starting point of the project from which the design process
    can begin. Depending on the complexity or phase of the project in the whole process,
    more workshops will follow to interact between design proposals and wishes from
    stakeholders and users.
  4. In early stages, for large complex urban topics, the outcomes of the design is more like
    an open end planning strategy (spatial framework with iconic projects and perspectives
    of projects) , rather than a fixed design.
  5. After the vision and strategy have been established, SUS is involved in the
    implementation phase, in a supervisory role.

SUS can be involved in the early stages of complex and large scale design processes as well as in
later phases of the process. However, the power and skills of SUS will be more effective with
involvement in the early stages of the design process.