Urban Planning

we understand how people interact with the built environment.

GWA Dots

Land Use Planning

From the individual building, to the block, and up to the corridor level, we understand the complex interrelationships of an effective built environment. The lifeline of communities depends on how people experience these spaces, as well as how and why they use them. We work to create land plans that consider how best to meet the community’s needs today and tomorrow.

Community Engagement

The best plans are formed and implemented by people who understand the needs and opportunities within their community. Studio GWA draws on its years of people-first urban design and advocacy to deliver unique, interactive engagement approaches that are tailored to the community at hand.  We work with stakeholders, residents, and elected officials to gather meaningful input that results in a more authentic, inclusive, and sustainable plan.

Our community engagement services include:

  • Stakeholder identification
  • Strategic planning and visioning workshop design
  • Outreach strategies
  • Program and event campaigns

Transportation

Thriving communities give people the space they need to travel comfortably, safely, and intuitively. At Studio GWA, we take our years of architectural experience and pair it with our expertise in urban design and transportation programming to create plans that make the most out of valuable space.

Our transportation services include:

  • Transportation demand management
  • Parking management strategies
  • Active transportation planning
  • Complete streets planning
  • Vision zero and pedestrian safety

Urban Design

Every building is part of a larger fabric that contributes to the character of street face and beyond. We bring in a sensitive design approach that considers the scale of the surroundings, the needs of those who live, work, play and visit, and flexibility for the future.

 

related projects

Urban Planning - Madison Street Corridor

Madison Street Corridor

Rockford, IL

Urban Planning

The Madison Street corridor is a key multimodal gateway into downtown Rockford with a variety of coexisting land uses. Small industries, recreational clubs, and landmark buildings like the Prairie Street Brewhouse support entrepreneurship, employment, and...

A channelized creek runs through a neighborhood on a sunny day in Rockford, Illinois

Keith Creek Corridor Study

Rockford, IL

Urban Planning

Region 1 Planning Council partnered with Studio GWA, The Lakota Group, Strand & Associates, and Hey & Associates to conduct a corridor study of Keith Creek. The study creates a framework for improvements and developments...

Resilient Baraboo

Baraboo, WI

Urban Planning

The City of Baraboo selected Studio GWA and Redevelopment Resources to develop Resilient Baraboo, an economic resiliency plan that would help the community prepare, withstand, and recover from shocks to their economic system. While the...

Design rendering - Sterling Riverfront

Sterling Riverfront

Sterling, IL

Architecture, Urban Planning, Historic Tax Credit Consulting

The Lawrence Brothers and Stanley-National complexes are former manufacturing buildings that have shaped the southern gateway to Sterling, Illinois for over 100 years. The success of each enterprise was manifested in the sheer size of...