Masterplanned integrated communities rising in the world’s great cities
Sustainability has become a fundamental principle in all areas of life. The concept embodies environmental and social values that define what it means to live comfortably in today’s times.
This is why integrated communities have long been seen as an attractive option for homeowners and investors alike–for being self-contained, community-centric, sustainable, and authentic ecosystems apart from being a source of profit potential.
Integrated communities offer multiple uses, from residences and retail spaces to offices, entertainment hubs, medical facilities, and others. They promise a distinct kind of comfort and convenience with everything within easy reach, creating enhanced living and working environments. Integrated communities are thus a holistic solution for an efficient urban lifestyle.
Masterplanned integrated communities have been sprouting for a while now. There are those from all over the world that exemplify what it means to be effective in developing communities, and therefore elevate urban lifestyles. Here are just a few examples.
Melbourne Square (Australia)
Among the most ambitious is Australia’s Melbourne Square. The AUD2.8-billion mixed-use precinct aims to create a new civic heart for Southbank, which will feature four residential skyscrapers accommodating more than 2,600 apartments, a luxury hotel, and a commercial building for both boutiques and international brands. This is complemented by built form and public, green spaces.
Located in the Southbank district, Melbourne Square is mere moments away from some of the city’s vibrant areas. Green spaces, even quality educational institutions, and Melbourne’s most celebrated cultural attractions are within easy reach.
At the heart of it will also be a 3.700 square meter public park–comprising 20 percent of Melbourne Square–designed by acclaimed landscape firm Taylor Cullity Lethlean.
One Bangkok (Thailand)
Standout examples include One Bangkok development in Thailand’s capital city. It is a vast $3.5 billion development which, upon completion in 2026, will encompass living and work spaces for some 60,000 people. Thailand’s largest urban development project finally opened some of its areas to the public in March this year.
At the heart of Bangkok sit five mixed-use buildings, three residential buildings, and five hotels, including Bangkok’s first Ritz-Carlton and Andaz.
One Bangkok will also house three interconnected shopping centers, each with their own retail hubs, art and cultural hubs, and green spaces. It also introduces Thailand’s first “outdoor shopping street.” Located adjacent to the city’s iconic Lumphini Park, One Bangkok is set to host Thailand’s highest building to date.
Kota Baru Parahyangan (Indonesia)
Kota Baru Parahyangan is a self-contained city conceived to champion educational values. The 1,250-hectare project is inspired by the local Sudanese communities and Indo-European architecture, and aims to complement, rather than compete with, the existing and surrounding neighborhoods.
With the environment also in mind, it provides an eco-oriented alternative for residents and commercial operators.
Once a backwater town in West Bandung Regency, it has transformed into one of West Java’s most enticing investment prospects. The Kota Baru Parahyangan capitalizes on its nascent appeal alongside its connectivity to the island’s main city, Bandung. Upon its completion, it will feature more than 10 schools and universities, from religious establishments to institutions.
Hotels, a golf course, a retail park, sports clubs, and even a theme park are slated to complete the development’s community-focused amenities.
Launch Bay (New Zealand)
Winton’s Launch Bay is a luxurious neighborhood in Hobsonville Point, a peninsula that juts out into the Waitemata Harbor. It offers a fresh and convenient harbor village life with its cafes, fresh produce markets, and restaurants. It also affords easy living and seamless connectivity, enabling various activities with its playgrounds, waterfront access points, and parks.
Launch Bay comprises four residential developments, namely Ovation, Oval Houses, The Marlborough, and Officers’ Houses. The community drew inspiration from the rich history of Hobsonville Point, which used to be the country’s air base during World War II.
There are large aircraft hangars, free-standing officer houses, munition stores, workshops, and engine-testing facilities throughout the estate.
Belmac Residences (India)
Set in New Kalyani Nagar, Pune, the Belmac Residences is an inclusive, opulent mega township with a serene community sprawled over 6 acres of land, 75 percent of which is dedicated to open spaces for an enhanced living experience.
It boasts six buildings and over 40 amenities, some of which includes a holy temple, a pet park, game rooms for table tennis, an open sitting area, modern clubhouses, spa and massage rooms, yoga centers, salons, and elegant pergolas.
Dwellers are also in close proximity to several key locations–like the Columbia Asia Hospital, the Phoenix Market City, the Pune Airport, the Hyatt Regency, the Kalyani Nagar and Ramwadi Metro Stations, the Aga Khan Palace, and the World Trade Center Pune–offering connectivity and access unlike any other.
At present, it is home to hundreds of happy families, rekindling the joy of an upgraded lifestyle.
