Beyond the project: from architecture to the living city

On 6 October 2026, FANNI BC and Vancouver Persian Architects spent an evening focused on a single building: the story of Azhadi Winery in the Okanagan, from its initial idea to its completion. The short talk that concluded the evening posed a crucial question: what happens when the camera pulls back? The talk itself, delivered in Persian, is available in the video accompanying this post. What follows is a written argument based on that discussion.

Every good project is a collaboration

The winery serves as a prime example of a fundamental truth that every architect understands: no serious project is the result of a single individual’s effort, nor can it be confined to one discipline. While the architect plays a pivotal role, there are also structural engineers, specialists in mechanical and electrical systems, landscape architects, contractors, investors, and the myriad regulations and permits that must be navigated, alongside the financial considerations — and ultimately, the people who will inhabit and use the space.

As a project becomes increasingly complex, the emphasis shifts from merely the expertise of each participant to the quality of their collaboration. Success is derived not only from individual expertise but also from a cohesive effort among all involved.

From a building to a city

Now, let’s scale this concept up. Transitioning from a building to a neighbourhood, and then from a neighbourhood to a city.

With each step up in scale, the number of relationships, individuals, and decisions multiplies exponentially. A building typically involves dozens of systems; a city encompasses thousands, with millions of interactions among them. Housing is interconnected with transportation; transportation influences the economy and job availability. Development is linked to essential resources like water, energy, and environmental considerations, while the demographic profile of a population dictates the services a city must provide.

If a well-designed building necessitates the collaboration of several disciplines, then the city of the future cannot be conceived from within the confines of just one or two of those disciplines.

Who needs to be at the table

Architects and planners are essential, but they are merely the starting point. Civil and structural engineers, transportation specialists, water and hydrology experts, environmental and energy consultants, landscape architects, developers, and members of the construction industry all play vital roles. Additionally, experts in economics and finance, public policy, technology, data analysis, and academic research must be included. Importantly, the community itself must have a voice in these discussions.

Certain voices have become increasingly significant over the past two decades: artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and connected systems now permeate nearly every aspect of urban life.

Thus, the question evolves beyond who designs the best building; it becomes about how to amalgamate this diverse knowledge and experience to create a better city.

The missing connections

Herein lies the crux of the issue. Metro Vancouver is not lacking in expertise. It boasts a wealth of talented architects, engineers, planners, developers, technologists, academics, and entrepreneurs.

However, too often, these professionals operate in isolation. Transportation experts work in one silo, water specialists in another, housing authorities in yet another, and technology experts in a separate realm — while the community often finds itself disconnected from these conversations.

The challenge is not a deficiency of expertise but rather a deficiency of connections. The pieces of the puzzle exist, but the links between them are not as strong as they could be.

One of the defining questions for the future city is how to weave together expertise, data, capital, experience, and the voices of the community.

The city as a living system

Recognising this transforms our understanding of a city. A city is not merely a collection of buildings, streets, and infrastructure; it is a complex web of relationships — between individuals, spaces, mobility, water, energy, technology, the economy, governance, and community.

Alter housing, and the implications for mobility ripple outwards. Shift demographics, and the city's requirements evolve. Adapt to climate change, and water, energy, landscape, and infrastructure must all respond. Technology now occupies a central role in nearly every aspect of urban life.

This is why the concept of a living city is so valuable. A living system cannot be designed from a singular perspective. What would it look like if the relationships within a city were cultivated with the same level of care as those within a well-designed building?

Metro Vancouver: real opportunities, real questions

We need not look far for a test case. Metro Vancouver already serves as a significant laboratory for this conversation:

• Housing and affordability
• An ageing population in parts of the region, juxtaposed with younger individuals questioning their ability to remain in their communities
• Mobility and infrastructure
• Water and climate resilience
• The local economy and job creation
• Digital transformation
• Public participation

The talk did not claim to provide answers to any of these pressing issues, nor should a brief discussion attempt to do so. The more pertinent questions are which topics should be prioritised next — and who needs to be involved in these discussions.

What should our next conversation be?

The room on 6 October was filled with decades of combined experience: architects, engineers, specialists, entrepreneurs, academics, and managers. Consequently, the evening concluded with a question rather than a definitive conclusion.

If there is a topic concerning the future of our cities that resonates with you, we want to hear about it. If you possess expertise or experience that could contribute to this dialogue, please share that as well. If you are interested in presenting at a future session, participating, volunteering, or supporting a conversation, we welcome your input.

The next session may not be predetermined; it may be shaped by the responses we receive.

In one sentence

No single discipline is responsible for building the city of the future. While architecture, engineering, technology, economics, and management are all crucial, what ultimately transforms them into a better city is the connections made between these fields and the active involvement of the community.