AtkinsRéalis, the global design and engineering firm, and Futurecity, the cultural placemaking agency, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding at MIPIM 2026 to advance culture-led urban development across global markets.
The partnership will initially focus on the Middle East, where major investment in arts, culture and destination development is reshaping cities. A core part of the agreement is the creation of the Futurecity Lab, a shared platform for research, cultural foresight, and market intelligence in global cultural placemaking. The Futurecity Lab will inform AtkinsRéalis’ planning, engineering and master-planning work, helping projects strengthen identity and compete internationally.
By combining AtkinsRéalis’ engineering, architecture and programme delivery expertise with Futurecity’s cultural strategy and placemaking leadership, the two organisations aim to embed cultural thinking from the outset of major developments. This integrated approach helps create destinations with clear identity and long term economic, social, and cultural value.
“Across the Middle East, cities are undergoing profound transformation, with culture emerging as a defining catalyst of change. This partnership embodies our shared conviction that cultural intelligence is essential to shaping the next generation of urban environments."
Matthew Tribe, Senior Vice President, Buildings and Places, AtkinsRéalis
The initiative reflects growing recognition that cultural identity and user experience are central to modern city making. Cultural districts, creative neighbourhoods and experience led destinations to increasingly influence investment, tourism and long-term urban value. Together, AtkinsRéalis and Futurecity will support governments and developers in delivering places that are sustainable, competitiveand culturally distinctive.
The new relationship will operate through integrated bid and delivery teams, ensuring cultural insight remains present throughout planning and implementation. Establishing this vision early strengthens design cohesion, planning confidence, and long-term asset performance.
“Futurecity and AtkinsRéalis have created a unique partnership that sets a new approach to city-making. By embedding culture-led placemaking into masterplanning and strategic work from the outset, we offer a groundbreaking service shaping the next generation of urban developments. Across the Middle East, where significant investment in the arts is reshaping national transformation agendas, we support governments and developers in delivering culturally distinctive places designed for lasting value.”
Mark Davy, CEO and Founder of Futurecity
Together, AtkinsRéalis and Futurecity aim to set a new benchmark for culture-led development, combining cultural insight with technical expertise to create destinations that inspire people, strengthen economies and stand out internationally. As the partnership evolves, the organisations will continue to refine their shared offer, develop new tools and methodologies, and expand their collaborative work across additional global markets.
Images: Richard Bonner, AtkinsRéalis Buildings & Places Managing Director for UK and Ireland, and Mark Davy, CEO and Founder of Futurecity; Wembley Park, Quintain & Lone Star; Diriyah Gate II Public Art Masterplan, Diriyah Company; London City Island, Ballymore; King Salman Park; King Abdullah Financial District