The foundation of urban renewal stems from the necessity to address aging urban fabrics that have deteriorated physically, economically, and socially — and to imbue them with a new layer of functionality, identity, and vitality.
At GMA, we place special emphasis on engaging in dialogue with the existing environment — as opposed to building on untouched land — meaning engaging with current residents, respecting historical layers, infrastructure, scale, light, and the very essence of life itself.
Our planners at GMA Architects continually examine innovation and how it integrates with the evolving urban fabric, balancing density to prevent overcrowding, and fostering new vitality without severing memory or disconnecting from a sense of place.
We operate as architects leading the urban renewal process by bridging three key vectors:
- The municipal system — aiming for densification, advanced transportation solutions, forward-thinking planning, and overarching urban strategies.
- The developer — seeking clarity, efficiency, and economic feasibility.
- The local community — residents navigating the evolving space, torn between the fear of losing familiarity and the desire for improvement.
A holistic approach is essential within this tension:
"Solving for apartments and ground floors" becomes part of crafting a new spatial strategy — one that bridges the old and the new, the private and the public, the building and the street.
This includes planning systems of pathways and passages, shaded areas, spots for rest and retreat, transparency — all integrated into the positioning of residential units and their façade design.
Urban renewal at its best is measured not only by the number of housing units and floors but by the quality of life it fosters.
At GMA Architects, we emphasize the connections that renewal preserves and the refinement of local culture — guided by a principle that champions the art of continuity.
