The Best Cities for Urban Design in the World
![The Palace of Assembly in Chandigarh, India, was designed by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/20x11/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/egwy2j-e1619194315212.webp)
Much thought goes into urban design – to shape cities so they connect the local populations with their environment. And it’s a collaborative effort that spans architecture, public space, sustainability, social equity, transportation and other aspects of city life. From Zurich to Singapore, and Amsterdam to Washington DC, we’ve picked a few of the best designed cities in the world.
1. Singapore City, Singapore
Architectural Landmark
![Singapore, view of the Art Science Museum, Singapore skyline and Marina Bay from Helix Bridge](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dnn3km.webp)
2. Zurich, Switzerland
Architectural Landmark
![Heidi Weber Pavilion in Zurich, Switzerland(Le Corbusier 1965)](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/b3yn50.webp)
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
Architectural Landmark
![Superkilen is a public park in the Norrebro district of Copenhagen, Denmark.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dthfym.webp)
4. Seoul, South Korea
Architectural Landmark
![South Korea,Seoul,Jung-gu district,the Dongdaemun Design Plaza,also called the DDP,by the architect Zaha Hadid,is a major urban development landmark inaugurated on March 2014](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/m0p7fd.webp)
When Seoul was initially designed as a capital city in the 1300s, political figures were careful to ensure it was well planned, and this has continued throughout its history. Today, the city is working on the 2030 Seoul Plan, the first of its kind to be designed by its citizens. After consulting with experts and metropolitan government representatives, five core issues were agreed: the creation of a “people-centred city without discrimination”; a “dynamic global city with a strong job market”; a “vibrant cultural and historic city”; a “lively and safe city”; and “a community-oriented city with stable housing and easy transportation”.
5. Chandigarh, India
Architectural Landmark
![Sculptural wall detail. Neelam Cinema Chandigarh, Chandigarh, India. Architect: Le Corbusier, 1954.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/j45pet.webp)
6. Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Architectural Landmark
![Couple on bikes in Spui square, Amsterdam](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/gcaxwp.webp)
7. Washington DC, USA
Architectural Landmark
![The Watergate complex Washington DC US USA detail. Fountain in the main entrance area.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/at15ah.webp)
In 1791, a plan was created by French urban designer Major Pierre Charles L’Enfant to design the capital city of America for George Washington. The so-called ‘L’Enfant Plan’ developed the 10-mile square plot of land into what it is today. The plan, which was later revised by Andrew Ellicott, placed the White House on a ridge parallel to the Potomac River (though he wanted it to be five times the size of the building actually constructed) and laid out broad streets and avenues in a grid system. The city fell into disarray in the early 1900s, and the McMillan Plan was created to reconstruct the city back to L’Enfant’s design. The city’s well-planned layout could be revamped to better control traffic, though – a 2010 study found Washington-area commuters spent 70 hours a year in traffic delays, tied for the nation’s worst road congestion.
8. Düsseldorf, Germany
Architectural Landmark
![Dusseldorf Dusseldorf Duesseldorf Neuer Zollhof buildings by Frank O. Gehry at the Medienhafen MediaHarbor Media Harbor Harbour.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/dg00me.webp)
9. Machu Picchu, Peru
Archaeological site
![View of the Lost Incan City of Machu Picchu near Cusco, Peru. Machu Picchu is a Peruvian Historical Sanctuary. Terraces can be seen on foreground.](https://cdn-v2.theculturetrip.com/10x/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/hddt71.webp)