Strada
Crafting Urban Environments that Foster Profound Connections

In the realm of unlimited creative possibilities, a cross-disciplinary design studio like Strada plays a vital role in driving innovative excellence. Strada is a respected design firm that embraces a holistic approach, distinguishing itself through a strong commitment to creating urban environments that promote meaningful physical and social connections.

Beyond urban design and its foundational principles, Strada draws upon complementary disciplines, encompassing architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and graphic design. Integrating these diverse fields achieves a comprehensive approach that extends beyond the boundaries of a singular discipline.

“Our endeavors extend beyond visionary urban projects, as we seamlessly integrate them with the architectural fabric. This synergy enables us to realize our designs by assuming responsibility for the construction process, resulting in a more immersive and all-encompassing urban experience,” says Abby Mountain, principal at Strada.

The firm bridges the gap between macro and micro levels, fostering a relationship between the urban landscape and its occupants. From comprehensive vision plans to meticulous attention to building details, Strada ensures a unified urban experience. By integrating disciplines and orchestrating an intricate interplay, Strada creates captivating urban environments that transcend functionality, leaving a lasting impact on users.

The tactile perception of pavement and landscape is examined, while integrating sustainability and stormwater management. From the outset, Strada collaborates with developers, clients, and agencies to create a dynamic vision plan instead of a rigid master plan. This adaptable approach, shaped by stakeholder input, ensures a high-quality environment and experience over time. Strada’s long-term urban projects showcase its distinctive and strategic approach.

Prioritizing a human-centric approach, Strada aims to create vibrant and inclusive spaces. The Strada team understands the essential elements for effective space utilization through extensive dialogue and diverse perspectives. By focusing on how spaces feel and avoiding limitations, Strada ensures authenticity and relevance. People’s needs and experiences precede visual appeal in the planning and design process.

“Our goal is to inspire and empower people to engage with their surroundings and cater to their various needs, such as wellness, connectivity, community gathering, and physical influence on the space,” says Tom Price, principal at Strada.

Strada prioritizes sustainability in studio operations and project designs. Its studios are strategically located in transit-friendly areas, promoting public transportation and biking. With expertise in green master plans, Strada integrates stormwater management into streets, enhancing the landscape. Strada team members collaborated on innovative projects like Bakery Square - Living Place, Pittsburgh’s first Green Street, incorporating stormwater infrastructure, universal design, and multimodal transportation. Strada’s approach fosters well-being, sustainability, and community engagement through courtyard spaces and transforming streets into active public spaces.

Its people-centered design approach is a methodology that places individuals and communities at the heart of the design process. In the face of skepticism or doubts, Strada employs a strategy of deep listening and dialogue to engage with the concerns and perspectives of various stakeholders. This approach allows team members to understand the needs, desires, and challenges of the people who will ultimately interact with the finished spaces. Strada integrates ideas across industries, employing cross-market design integration in urban projects. The firm has successfully demonstrated resilience in navigating challenging circumstances, including securing funding and overcoming zoning complexities for sustainable practices. Combining expertise in urban design and architecture, Strada collaborates with its cross-disciplinary team of landscape architects, and interior designers as well as specialized architects, consultants and key stakeholders, to incorporate diverse perspectives into outdoor space design. Engaging the community fosters firsthand experiences and meaningful dialogue.

A notable project that exemplifies Strada’s capabilities is the long-term development of Bakery Square in the east end of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The project commenced with renovating a historic Nabisco building from the early 1990s, which involved collaborating with the developer and Google to create a corporate campus interior. Simultaneously, Strada worked with them and Carnegie Mellon University to shape the vision plan for Bakery Square. The involvement of all three entities and community groups fostered strong relationships that comprehensively drove the development and design process. This integrated approach resulted in a more meaningful and engaging design process, ultimately enhancing the space’s physical experience.

Strada’s studio locations foster close community connections, enabling a more personalized design process. Team members residing nearby understand each place’s history and aspirations. With expertise in adaptive reuse and historic preservation, Strada values existing infrastructure and enhances its qualities, revitalizing the essence of a place through a meaningful design process.