ABOUT US
Urban Lab KC is a small grassroots community group dedicated to improving the urban landscape of Kansas City. Through our digital media content, we advocate for progressive urban design, provide critical analysis, and actively engage with public figures, policy makers, and community stakeholders to influence real world decisions regarding our built environment.
OUR VISION
We envision a better Kansas City where human-centered design principles shape the urban landscape at every opportunity.
OUR MISSION
We are dedicated to transforming the urban landscape of Kansas City on large and small scales. By showcasing visual media explorations, we aim to inspire progressive urban design, advise informed policy and decision-making, and spark community dialogue.
OUR PILLARS
PEOPLE COME FIRST, ABSOLUTELY
Every project taken on by developers or the city should have a single goal it works toward: enriching the lives of the inhabitants of Kansas City. Improving traffic flow or turning a quick profit are ultimately counter-productive if they are not considering the human-scale impact.
EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO REASONABLE METHODS OF MOBILITY
For decades, the city has built out its infrastructure and established zoning exclusively in favor of private cars. We believe this is fundamentally the exact wrong approach as no one should be required to own a car to participate in society. People are entitled to reasonable options for travel throughout the city, and this should be the default method of planning everywhere.
KANSAS CITY SHOULD STRIVE TO BE AN EXCEPTIONAL & INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENT
There was a period of time when Kansas City was a highly accessible city, with its sprawling transit network, common neighborhood stores, and walkable infrastructure. Additionally, it went above and beyond to create spaces of splendor, such as the WWI Monument and Union Station. We believe by using the existing framework (ready laid out for us, Kansas City should make every effort to restore and continue its legacy of inclusivity and exceptionalism).
URBAN RESILIENCY IS VITAL AS A CITY
For any great community to thrive, it must strive to be both economically and environmentally sustainable. We believe every development and public project should be financially responsible in the long term. Additionally, with an increasing global environmental crisis, Kansas City should holistically work to curb its impact on the environment, both locally and on a global scale.