As cities expand and populations surge, urban design becomes a critical force in shaping environments that are sustainable, livable, and inclusive. From Beirut to Barcelona, architects and planners are rethinking how people move, live, and connect.
The Joy Mardini Design Gallery showcases works that often reflect this movement—where function and artistry meet to redefine how we engage with our surroundings.
What Defines Modern Urban Design?
Today’s urbanism is defined not by skyscrapers alone, but by human-centered principles that prioritize accessibility, social engagement, and environmental sustainability.
Designers are embracing:
- Mixed-use development to reduce reliance on cars and activate public spaces
- Green infrastructure such as green roofs and urban gardens
- Smart cities technology for optimizing energy, transit, and safety in real time
Each of these layers contributes to resilient cities capable of adapting to future challenges.
Explore our Gallery to see how object and interior design often mirrors these structural principles on a smaller scale.
Beirut: Design in a City of Contrasts
Beirut’s evolving urban form reflects its deep historical and cultural layers. From revitalized public plazas to adaptive reuse of traditional architecture, the city is a dynamic case study in urban design under pressure.
Many of the designers featured in our Press have worked on or been inspired by Beirut’s architectural shifts. On our Meet the Designers page, you’ll find creatives like Thomas Trad and Karim Chaya, whose work embodies this tension between heritage and innovation.
Recommended Video
This short documentary from Bloomberg Cities explores how global cities are redesigning themselves around people, not cars.
The Role of Design in Building Better Cities
Urban design affects everything—from mental health to economic opportunity. As cities confront issues of climate, migration, and inequality, the designers and thinkers who shape them have an increasingly urgent task.
At Joy Mardini Design Gallery, we believe that good design is civic design. Learn more about our broader mission by exploring our Project archive or Contact us for inquiries and collaborations.
