Project Overview:
URBED (Urbanism, Environment, and Design) was a multidisciplinary, employee-owned cooperative specializing in urban design, sustainability, and retrofit projects. Founded in 2006, with roots dating back to 1976, URBED operated from Manchester, UK, and engaged in a wide range of projects focused on the reuse of industrial heritage, development of managed workspaces, revitalization of town centers, and promotion of sustainable urbanism. The cooperative was known for its collaborative approach, working closely with local communities to deliver environmentally conscious and socially responsible solutions. Notably, URBED authored the National Model Design Code and played a leading role in the government’s Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund. In 2021, the firm was honored with the Ashden Award at COP26 in Glasgow, recognizing its pioneering efforts in addressing the climate crisis and fostering equitable societies. Despite its impactful contributions, URBED ceased trading in early 2023 due to challenges in the post-COVID environment, particularly concerning public sector tendering. It’s important to note that the URBED Trust, a separate not-for-profit entity established to promote research into urban futures, continues its operations independently.
Development Highlights:
- Built on Drupal CMS: Utilized Drupal for its flexibility, scalability, and content management capabilities, ensuring an easy-to-update and dynamic website.
User-Friendly Navigation: Designed an intuitive interface to help visitors explore URBED’s projects, research, and consultancy services efficiently.
Project Portfolio Showcase: Implemented a detailed portfolio section highlighting URBED’s expertise in urban regeneration, sustainability, and master planning.
Community Engagement Features: Integrated contact forms, blog sections, and case studies to encourage collaboration and community interaction.
SEO Optimization: Optimized for search engines to enhance visibility and drive engagement from urban development professionals and local authorities.
Responsive and Accessible Design: Ensured a fully responsive website that works across all devices while maintaining accessibility standards for a diverse audience.
Sustainability and Urban Design Focus: Presented research, reports, and tools related to sustainable urbanism and community-led regeneration.
Outcome: The URBED website successfully served as an information hub for sustainable urban development, attracting policymakers, architects, and urban planners. It showcased URBED’s impactful projects and research, fostering discussions on innovative urban planning strategies. Despite the company ceasing operations, the website remains a valuable archive of its legacy, and the URBED Trust continues to drive research on urban sustainability.
