Functional mix at the heart of contemporary urban planning

Contemporary urban planning aims to move beyond mono-functional districts to create places that are more lively, sustainable, and aligned with everyday needs. Functional mix — combining housing, shops, services, and jobs — is a key lever.

When well designed, it reduces travel demand, strengthens social life, and supports local economies. But it cannot rely on principles or quotas alone: it must be grounded in real uses, project phasing, and the economic viability of activities.

Functional mix is not an end in itself, but a balance to be built over time, neighborhood by neighborhood.