Multispecies Urbanism: Designing Cities for All Life Forms

Introduction

Modern cities are predominantly designed for humans.

However, Debra Solomon’s Multispecies Urbanism approach proposes designing cities not only for humans but for entire ecosystems. This perspective lays the foundation for ecological justice, recognizing the role of non-human species in urban life.

What is Multispecies Urbanism?

Multispecies Urbanism advocates for including non-human species in urban design and planning processes. Microorganisms, plants, animals, and other living beings are considered active participants in urban ecosystems.

According to Solomon, their ecological contributions—such as pollination, water regulation, and soil formation—should be treated as vital infrastructure services that cities must support.

Why It Matters

• Ecological Justice: The rights and needs of non-human species should be considered in urban planning.

• Sustainability: Supporting natural processes strengthens long-term urban sustainability.

• Biodiversity: The presence of diverse species enhances ecosystem health and resilience.

Our Approach at Skab

At Skab, we integrate non-human species into urban design, creating sustainable and ecologically responsible living spaces. By acknowledging the needs of local ecosystems, we aim to develop cities that are both beautiful and ethically grounded.

Conclusion

Multispecies Urbanism encourages designing cities for all life forms, not just humans. By adopting this approach, we can create more just, sustainable, and resilient urban environments.

At Skab, we embed this vision into our projects, shaping the cities of the future with ecological intelligence at their core.

Reference: Solomon, Debra (2025). “Debra Solomon: Multispecies Urbanism.” Landezine. https://landezine.com/debra-solomon-multispecies-urbanism/