Competition / Forefront Fellowship / Urban Design Forum

Forefront is a new initiative led by the Urban Design Forum dedicated to cultivating emerging leaders in urban design, development and policy. Beginning in 2016, the Forum will invite 20 individuals under the age of 40 each year to become Forefront Fellows. Forefront Fellows will be invited to participate in dedicated conversations and site visits in New York City around the theme of Urban Experience Design. Fellows will meet monthly, share projects and receive feedback from their peers and established leaders in the field. 

In addition, Forefront Fellows will enjoy two free years of Forum membership, with benefits such as invitations to exclusive roundtables, tours and dinners in New York City; a monthly bulletin of Fellows’ news and updates; and unparalleled access to our global network of leading urbanists. Our inaugural program, Urban Experience Design, explores how new civic technologies are transforming the management and operations of the public realm. In monthly programs, participants will explore evolving technological advancements that aim to improve urban life. 

Forefront Fellows will confront questions such as: How can we use technology to create tangible improvements to the experience of the city? How can big data be applied to build a more dynamic, equitable, and resilient city? Can we build a Smart City without adopting top down or proprietary approaches?