How AtkinsRéalis is planning and delivering future-ready cities in Asia

Markets

Buildings & places

Transportation

Sean Wong

Director, New Development, Hong Kong, China contact form

Balancing development objectives with the needs of communities is one of the most complex tasks in urban development. In Asia, this balance is further shaped by rapid population growth and the rising demand for resilient transportation, water, and energy systems. At AtkinsRéalis, we respond by placing people at the heart of urban design – working with clients and stakeholders to develop short, medium, and long-term solutions that align with local priorities. As a multidisciplinary organization, we bring planning and technical teams together to ensure solutions are delivered on time, to a high standard, and in ways that support sustainable, livable communities.

One example is the proposed GreenWay network in the Kai Tak development areas – a 13-kiometer shared-use pathway designed to connect open spaces and tourism destinations for both cyclists and pedestrians. As the first initiative of its kind in Hong Kong, it required extensive close coordination among multiple agencies and stakeholders to move from concept to implementation. While not a typical urban development project, it reflects the same integrated, people-first approach that we apply across our work in Asia.

"Backed by strong governance and strict ethical standards, to ensure high levels of trust and safety in everything we do."

Sean Wong
Director, New Development, Asia

Aligning growth with community needs in Asia

Collaboration, powered by data and technology, is central to how we approach urban development across Asia. We connect local teams with global expertise across disciplines and sectors to solve complex challenges. Our focus is to deliver practical, empathy-driven solutions that balance infrastructure goals with accessibility, safety, and inclusion.

How collaboration improves urban planning outcomes

By tracking behavioral data, we gain insights that help improve both efficiency and livability in the places we shape. Technology also strengthens trust with decision-makers by making it easier to incorporate feedback into design. For example, when extending road networks and other infrastructure, we used digital modeling to stimulate and test design options step by step. This approach helped minimize environmental disruption and reduce the need for land resumption, resulting in better outcomes for both clients and communities.

Using digital tools and AI to enhance safety and delivery

Safety is foundational to every project we undertake. We foster psychologically safe environments where colleagues feel empowered to speak up, leading to more efficient and cost-effective delivery. At every stage, we embed digital tools and information technology systems, backed by strong governance and strict ethical standards, to ensure high levels of trust and safety in everything we do.

In the Northern Metropolis projects, for example, we introduced advanced technologies that improved both safety and efficiency without compromising quality or cost. The same approach applies across our wider portfolio, where AI and other digital tools enhance site supervision, giving teams better visibility and control so they can act quickly to keep people safe.

Case study: Fanling North and blue-green infrastructure in Hong Kong

We are committed to end-to-end delivery, taking into account the full lifecycle of a project – from feasibility studies and investigations through to design, construction, and asset and cost management. We embed sustainability frameworks throughout the process, providing clients with the flexibility to bring us in at any stage, in any sector.

This commitment is exemplified in large-scale programs, like the blue-green drainage system in Fanling North, Hong Kong. Designed to transform natural waterways into sustainable urban infrastructure, the project reflects our nature-based, community-first approach. Drawing on expertise from our UK teams, particularly their experience on the London Olympic Park project.

A key innovation was the reuse of an existing river meander, which we converted into a drainage storage facility within a new public park. This not only enhanced flood resilience but also added long-term community value by integrating green space into urban infrastructure.

As Asia continues to shape its future, AtkinsRéalis is proud to be engineering integrated, future-ready cities. My team and I are honored to contribute to this journey – building places that are smarter, more sustainable, and designed to last.

Explore our capabilities and see how we deliver integrated future-ready cities for Asia. Explore our capabilities and see how we deliver integrated future-ready cities for Asia.