In Singapore, the emotional connection to the city is notably strong. About 77 per cent of residents said they were satisfied with the city as a place to live – higher than the global average of 73 per cent recorded during the survey period from July to November 2024.
“The data shows that people don’t stay in cities just because of convenience or infrastructure. They stay because they feel deeply connected,” said Ms Angela Spathonis, managing director of Gensler Singapore.
She added: “Singapore already does this well, with safe neighbourhoods, strong infrastructure and inclusive services. But the next step is to invest in what we call emotional infrastructure – places that do more than function. They must foster identity, community and shared memory.”
Gensler’s concept of the “Magnetic City” highlights the rising importance of intangible qualities – pride, belonging and community spirit – in determining urban retention.
Ms Spathonis pointed to projects like the revitalised Shaw Plaza in Balestier as examples of design that reconnects communities with their surroundings. “As Singapore grows more diverse and space becomes limited, new developments must reflect the unique stories of each neighbourhood,” she said.
Mr Najeeb Rahmat, co-studio director at Gensler Singapore, noted that Singapore’s competitive edge lies in the stability it offers.
“In a volatile world, Singapore’s strength is its consistency. It offers forward-thinking education, reliable infrastructure, and strong institutional trust – all crucial for people deciding where to build their lives,” he said.
Mr Najeeb believes that future-ready cities must provide more than amenities. “They need to signal long-term reliability and purpose. Singapore is already ahead in that regard.”
The City Pulse 2025 report underscores a critical point: the factors that draw people to cities differ from those that convince them to stay. While economic opportunity, safety, and healthcare access lay the groundwork, emotional bonds are what anchor people long-term.
Notably:
However, the report also warns that one in three city residents globally is considering leaving their city – highlighting the high stakes for urban planners.
Associate Professor Zdravko Trivic from the National University of Singapore (NUS) said Gensler’s research stands out for giving weight to intangible urban values such as place attachment, civic pride, and inclusiveness.
“Cities must go beyond physical infrastructure. Urban strategies must focus on nurturing emotional resilience, identity and social ties – especially as communities age and evolve,” he said.
He noted that Singapore’s planning frameworks – including ageing-friendly design, cultural development plans, and community engagement efforts – reflect a shift from “hardware” to “heartware”. But more work remains, especially in areas facing redevelopment or demographic shifts.
“In cases of housing displacement, providing familiar amenities alone may not suffice,” he added. “We need empathetic, people-centric approaches that create inclusive and engaging environments – places that reflect who we are and who we’re becoming.”
The Gensler report breaks down the magnetic city into key dimensions:
Looking ahead, both experts and designers agree: the next phase of urban planning must move beyond efficiency and towards emotional sustainability.
“Singapore has the chance to lead by designing not just smart cities, but meaningful ones – cities people feel proud to belong to,” said Ms Spathonis.
As Prof Trivic summed it up: “The most successful cities of the future will be those that are not only liveable, but lovable.”
