Urban design and planning extend far beyond technical concerns like zoning and infrastructure—they are intertwined with the social and cultural fabric of the communities they shape. As cities continue to grow and evolve, embedding cultural identity within the urban design process is increasingly recognized as a crucial factor in fostering vibrant, resilient, and inclusive spaces. Cultural-centric urban design emphasizes the preservation of heritage, local traditions, and social practices, ensuring that urban environments not only serve functional purposes but also reflect the distinct identities of their inhabitants.

Prominent urbanists and theorists, such as Jane Jacobs, Lewis Mumford, and Aldo Rossi, have long highlighted the importance of culture in city development. Jacobs, in her seminal work The Death and Life of Great American Cities, emphasized the role of local communities in shaping cities, arguing for the preservation of neighborhood identity. Mumford viewed cities as “theaters of social action,” where cultural exchange and interaction define urban life. Meanwhile, Rossi’s concept of “collective memory” underscores the significance of historical continuity in urban form, stressing that cultural memory is essential to understanding and designing cities.

Integrating these cultural principles into urban planning can result in spaces that not only support economic growth but also enhance social cohesion and cultural vibrancy. In this article, we explore the role of culture in urban design, examining how it influences the development of sustainable, inclusive, and human-centered urban environments.