Foster + Partners’ Ill-Sam Park highlights the role of collaboration and human-centred design in resilient cities

Ill-Sam Park, Partner and Architect at Foster + Partners, recently delivered a keynote titled “Living Networks – How Design Shapes Urban Interactions” at the Third Annual Forum for Regional and City Development Authorities in Al Khobar. The session explored how architecture and urban design can influence social interaction, resilience, and long-term urban performance through collaborative and human-centred approaches.

The Role of Architects in Living Urban Networks

The keynote positioned cities as interconnected systems shaped by people, infrastructure, and public space. Ill-Sam Park emphasised the evolving responsibility of architects in designing environments that support adaptability, inclusivity, and sustainability. Collaboration across disciplines and stakeholders was presented as essential to responding effectively to complex urban challenges.

Project Insights from Global and Regional Practice

Drawing on a range of regional and international projects by Foster + Partners, the presentation illustrated how design strategies can operate across multiple urban scales. Referenced works included the Trafalgar Square Masterplan, HSBC Headquarters, Central Market Redevelopment, The Lana Dorchester Collection, and ICD Brookfield Place. Each project demonstrated how thoughtful spatial planning can enhance connectivity, public engagement, and quality of life.

Human-Centred and Sustainable Design Strategies

A central theme of the session was the importance of human-centred thinking in shaping resilient urban environments. The keynote highlighted sustainable design principles that prioritise environmental performance while creating spaces that respond to social behaviour, movement, and everyday use. These strategies were framed as critical to building cities that remain functional and meaningful over time.

Forum Context and Strategic Significance

The forum was organised by Sharqia Development Authority | هيئة تطوير المنطقة الشرقية, in partnership with Development Authorities Support Center (DASC) | مركز دعم هيئات التطوير, and brought together policymakers, planners, and design leaders shaping the future of regional and urban development. The discussion reinforced the growing role of design-led thinking in guiding sustainable and people-focused urban transformation.