Spaces live through change. Urban Catalyst develops spaces in transformation. For more than twenty years we have been working in fields of tension and discourse on future issues on a local and global, from micro to meta level.

In open, dynamic processes we co-productively develop plans and models for spaces in transformation, new visions of the future and creative strategies for their implementation. We do field research, involve local people and design a better city together.

Our key to success is communication. We see ourselves as "translators" who combine planning expertise with positions from administration, economy and civil society.  

For complex tasks, we develop and design coherent, inclusive and participative planning processes that become a clear compass for the future for all those involved. This makes unusual and creative solutions conceivable and planning becomes a communicative and inspiring process.

Our strategic concepts for neighborhoods, cities and regions detect the forces of spatial change and turn institutions, initiatives, local actors, planning authorities and external experts into idea generators in the planning process.

Step by step, we develop reliable strategic overall concepts, mission statements and visions for cities and regions. They grow along with us as the places take shape.

How can new technologies, data and applications contribute to a sustainable and socially just city? We accompany and advise municipalities on the topic of Smart City. 

In our application-oriented research, we are jointly developing new ways of using digitization in line with local urban development objectives and assessing the associated risks. Our understanding is based on a holistic and spatial approach that puts digital innovations at the service of a sustainable and resilient city.

Urban Catalyst advises national and international decision-makers on strategic development issues and on the formulation of new political approaches.

We develop expertise and innovative networking formats to strengthen cities and urban actors in managing transformation processes towards more sustainability. We have relevant knowledge on relevant sustainability agendas as well as on the challenges at the municipal planning level.

In recent years, we have increasingly tested innovative strategies at the interfaces of research, administration and actor levels. We develop recommendations for action and guidelines that are not only future-oriented but also practical.

Urban Catalyst is always part of research collaborations involving leading universities, international organizations, local authorities and experts.

In the UC Academy, we impart our extensive knowledge of current topics and methodological approaches to  urban development in various modules.

The modules are structured as cooperative workshops. Expert input, teamwork on case studies, joint discussions and innovative formats create new and inspiring perspectives for your own work.