XW

Award-winning design & technology firm specialising in cities.

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

Hakan explains why Cross Works has recently setup another office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; and why he believes investing in the countries where we work is crucial.

Peter, who runs Uzbekistan Business Consultants in Tashkent, also explains why Uzbekistan has become the destination of choice for firms setting up in Central Asia.

Listen and subscribe to Nurzod Nurali’s ‘Uzbek Podcast’, and to Peter’s ‘Uzbekistan Uncovered’ podcast to hear more.

#crossworks #ksa #riyadh #expansion #entrepreneurship

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

Today (Monday 8 June), Hakan Agca is attending the Saudi British Joint Business Council (SBJBC) UK-Saudi Investment & Partnership Summit 2026 at Banqueting House, London.

Our Founder and CEO, Hakan Agca, will be joining leaders from across the UK and Saudi Arabia to connect, exchange perspectives, and explore opportunities for long-term collaboration between both markets.

Cross Works Arabia is open and active in Riyadh, so we’re on the lookout for more collaboration opportunities in the design and technology sectors.

We look forward to contributing to conversations that shape the future of UK-Saudi partnerships. If you’re attending, we’d be glad to connect.

#SBJBC #UKSaudi #Partnerships #Investment #KnowledgeSharing #ClientPartnerships #CrossWorks #SaudiArabia #Riyadh #London

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

SMALL FIRM
WINNING A
BIG PROJECT

In 2023, Cross Works was invited to take part in an international competition for the New Tashkent project. We had eight weeks to prepare and pitch our concept; developing the masterplan approach, modelling the new city from scratch, preparing the visual material, videos and presenting it to the Directorate of New Tashkent.

The entries underwent a judging process which included the Directorate, President Mirziyoyev and other stakeholders, and Cross Works’ submission was selected as the winner. It marked an important moment for the firm, demonstrating above all else, that a small firm can indeed perform the duties of a Lead Consultant on a city-scale project.

Pulling together a large consortium of consultants, dealing with the legal negotiations, significantly increasing our PI cover, and taking on the financial risk associated with such a large project, were all the unspoken aspects of taking on such a significant commission. We went ahead and so began our work on New Tashkent. After 3 years, we can say it was a good decision.

As the new city we designed grows out of the land, east of the River Chirchiq, we’re proud to continue working with the Uzbek government and long may the collaboration continue.

#CrossWorks #NewTashkent #Masterplanning #UrbanDesign #Architecture #CityPlanning #Uzbekistan #CompetitionWin

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

WHY DO WE HAVE NEW CITY MASTERPLANS?

Population growth leads to a need for new development land; where this need is ignored, it leads to overcrowding in existing areas of cities and unauthorised housing in the city’s environs & landscape. In turn, infrastructure struggles to keep up. The city fails.

Across the world, we’ve seen what happens when growth is not planned. Cities expand regardless, in the form of favelas, gecekondu neighbourhoods and shanty towns; these are all examples of urban growth that outpaces planning systems that fail to respond quickly enough, and planning authorities that fail to plan ahead.

That is why new masterplans and frameworks matter. In Uzbekistan, they’re leading the way in showing how new cities should be designed and implemented, and at Cross Works we’re proud of our involvement as the Lead Designer, since 2023.

#Masterplanning #UrbanDesign #CityPlanning #UrbanGrowth #Architecture #FutureCities #Uzbekistan #CrossWorks

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

Cross Works is pleased to share that our CEO – Hakan Agca - and Lead Designer of New Tashkent will be speaking on the Samarkand stage at the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026 in Uzbekistan.

Hakan will be on the panel entitled - “Cities at the Center of a New Growth Race” - exploring how Central Asia’s rapidly evolving urban landscape is shaping new opportunities for growth, investment and long-term regional transformation.

As Uzbekistan continues to position itself as a strategic hub for investment and urban development projects, we’re proud of our role as the Lead Consultant and Designer of the New Tashkent Masterplan – the largest of its kind in the country. We look forward to discussing it’s recent developments and impacts at the Forum.

Details can be found on the website; there’s still time to register!

Website : https://t.co/XC1ELsP0qV
Date : 16th – 18th June 2026
Location : Tashkent, Uzbekistan

#CrossWorks #TIIF2026 #NewTashkent #Masterplanning #CityDesign

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

Eid Mubarak from all of us at Cross Works.
Wishing everyone peace, happiness and blessings on Eid al-Adha.

#EidMubarak #EidAlAdha #PeaceAndBlessings #Community #CrossWorks

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

Rain, hail or shine, it has been an insightful few days for Cross Works at UKREiiF in Leeds.

Set against the backdrop of Leeds Dock, this year’s forum brought together national, regional and local voices to discuss some of the most pressing issues shaping the future of the UK’s built environment — from the New Towns agenda and housing delivery, to data centres, airport cities, infrastructure investment and long-term economic planning across the UK’s regions.

What came through clearly is that the conversation has moved beyond ambition alone. Across public and private sectors, the focus is now firmly on delivery: how to unlock complex sites, accelerate planning, attract investment, build new models of partnership and create places that are viable, resilient and adaptable over time.

For Cross Works, many of the themes discussed at UKREiiF reflect the challenges we see across masterplanning, regeneration and strategic development. The UK’s planning and development landscape is increasingly shaped by the need to balance housing growth, infrastructure capacity, environmental resilience, digital transformation and meaningful placemaking — all while responding to shifting policy, funding and delivery pressures.

Solving these interconnected challenges will require more than isolated interventions. It will demand integrated design thinking at every scale: from national growth strategies and regional infrastructure planning, to local masterplans, public realm frameworks and the everyday experience of communities.

The appetite for progress is clear. The next step is ensuring that ambition is matched by delivery models that are collaborative, flexible and grounded in long-term value.

Thank you to everyone we connected with over the past few days. We look forward to continuing the conversations and contributing to the next generation of resilient, inclusive and future-ready places across the UK.

#UKREiiF #CrossWorks #UrbanPlanning #Masterplanning #Regeneration #HousingDelivery #Infrastructure #Placemaking #BuiltEnvironment #EconomicGrowth

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

Cross Works CEO - Hakan Agca - attended the 13th session of the World Urban Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan this week, on his way back from Tashkent.

Held this week from 17th – 22nd May, the World Urban Forum brings together global leaders, policymakers, practitioners and urban thinkers to explore this year’s theme: “Housing the World : Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities.”

For Cross Works the discussions & exhibits in Baku reinforced the importance of looking at housing not as a standalone challenge, but as part of a much wider urban system — shaped by climate resilience, identity, inclusivity and long-term social and economic security. What we find to be most prevalent and discussed, is the often fragile connection between much needed policies & strategies, the actual tangible masterplans that instruct development, and indeed how they’re implemented on site and how success can later be measured. 🏗️📐

We were honoured that our New Tashkent Masterplan was the centre-piece of the Uzbekistan stand; where a 5m x 5m physical model of our masterplan accurately displays what is now being built on site. The model itself - originally procured by Cross Works & RJ Models for MIPIM 2025 - is constantly being updated and improved to reflect the latest changes, as the Masterplan evolves under our stewardship alongside the Directorate of New Tashkent. It’s looking more impressive at each event! 👏🇺🇿

Hakan also had the opportunity to meet government officials and city thinkers from Mongolia to Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan to Kazakhstan, and many more… a great experience all round, and we hope to follow up those conversations in due course. 🌏🤝

Baku is a beautiful city with a fascinating old city and some bold new plans for growth, that’s definitely worth a visit; and Azerbaijan with it’s Turkish speaking people has become a company favourite! 🇦🇿🇹🇷

We look forward to WUF14 in Mexico 🇲🇽 as the World Urban Forum becomes a permanent fixture in our yearly events diary.

#WUF13 #WorldUrbanForum #Baku #UNHabitat #UrbanDesign #CityPlanning #Masterplanning #Housing #ResilientCities #CrossWorks

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

We’re excited to welcome Kisanet Goitom to the team as our new Senior Urban Designer & GIS Specialist, joining our design & tech team in London.

Kisanet brings valuable expertise & extensive experience across urban design, spatial analysis and GIS-led thinking, strengthening our firm-wide capabilities in delivering thoughtful, data-informed and place-sensitive design solutions, from urban quarters to cities and regional frameworks. With extensive experience on projects across KSA and the wider middle east, Kisanet will be an incredible asset to the firm in our latest expansion to Riyadh and Tashkent.

Welcome to Cross Works, Kisanet!

#CrossWorks #UrbanDesign #GIS #DesignandTech #Expansion

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

It was a pleasure to see Cross Works Founder & CEO - Hakan Agca - take to the stage at the Central Asian University Summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan this past weekend.⁠
⁠
Hakan joined a panel session alongside speakers from the World Bank, Mangera Yvars Architects, BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group, Zaha Hadid Architects and others, contributing to critical discourse on issues related to urban development & planning globally; touching on the successes of the New Tashkent Masterplan as a pro-active means of future-proofing the largest capital in the region. 🎤⁠
⁠
The event organised by the Central Asian University and its Dean - Shukrullo Jahongirov – and attended by industry professionals, students of the university and the wider community, was a strong reflection of the rich, vibrant and collaborative environment continuing to grow in Tashkent and Uzbekistan as a whole.⁠
⁠
We were proud to present our efforts in the country over the last three years, and as we now open a regional HQ in Tashkent, we look forward to bringing on board local talent from the local universities like CAU, and embracing the country’s values, culture, and it’s future goals as our own, and being a part of the fabric of Uzbekistan. 🏗️⁠
⁠
#CentralAsianUniversity #CAUsummit #NewTashkent #NewUzbekistan #CrossWorks

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

Data centres are quietly shaping our urban areas and rural hinterlands; and we believe city makers should be taking more notice.

The UK recently announced the New Towns Taskforce; a welcome approach to delivering much need housing & communities across the country. However, the term ‘data centre’ appears once in the 135 page document; which is quite an omission given the size, impact and nature of data centres in their current form.

In our manifesto – Data Communities – we believe a new approach should be taken to ensure that these massive pieces of critical infrastructure are better integrated and designed with future-proofing, sustainability and the long-term good of cities and our landscapes at their core. We’ve come up with some great ideas, and made some recommendations.

Take a look at our manifesto here :
https://t.co/Zg20gPpWZA

#DataCommunities #DataCentres #NewCityThinking #UrbanDesign #Planning #NewTownsTaskforce

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

Cross works is looking for talented people to join our growing team in Camden across the following roles:

Urban Designers
Working on large-scale international masterplanning, urban design, city planning and architectural projects.
🔗: https://t.co/nKzmiCJc13

Design Technologist / Computational Designer
Supporting architectural, urban design and city-planning projects through computational design, GIS, urban analytics and spatial data workflows.
🔗: https://t.co/QCDgunCw8L

Both roles are full-time office-based roles in Camden, London. Applicants must have eligibility to work in the UK.

#Hiring #UrbanDesign #ComputationalDesign #DesignTechnologist #ArchitectureJobs #Masterplanning #CityPlanning #GIS #LondonJobs #CrossWorks

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

Cross Works will be attending UKREiiF in Leeds (19th – 20th May).

Senior Associate Director – Matt Schalcher – will be taking part in the event over the first 2 days, so do get in touch and discuss Cross Works’ capabilities and hear our thoughts around our recent manifestos on the subjects of New City Thinking, Data Communities, and Digitising Cities.

We’re keen to find out more about the New Towns Taskforce and build new relationships with investors, developers, local authorities and our fellow designers; so get in touch!

To arrange a conversation with Matt or the wider Cross Works team, don’t hesitate to reach out. See you in Leeds!

#UKREiiF #CrossWorks #RealEstate #Property #Infrastructure #NewTowns #Innovation #Technology #Placemaking #Leeds

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

Our Associate in the Kingdom - Abdulelah - visited the Riyadh Creative District this morning, with our colleagues from Astrolabs.

As the Cross Works Arabia office continues to grow with new hires, we’re looking for a more permanent home for our operations; and Riyadh Creative District might be that… more news to follow!
A valuable visit, and an inspiring glimpse into one of Riyadh’s most ambitious urban destinations.

Read more about RCRC’s plans here : https://t.co/TQ1AwVYbD0

#RegionalOffices #KAFD #RiyadhCreativeDistrict #CrossWorks

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

We're excited to announce that our CEO, Hakan Agca will be presenting on stage in a panel session at the CAU Summit in Tashkent, Uzbekistan on May 16th.

Other speakers will include a World Bank Expert, Ali Mangera of Mangera Yvars Architects and the founder of BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group, Bjarke Ingels, amongst many others. 🎤

Hakan will also be part of the jury panel during the hackathon on May 15th, where students & participants from universities across Uzbekistan will present their work, in the competition for the best transformation of industrial areas across the country.

The 2 day event, setup by the Central Asian University and its Dean - Shukrullo Jahongirov - is a testament to the rich, vibrant and collaborative environment that is growing in Tashkent and Uzbekistan as a whole. We look forward to attending and presenting our work in the country over the last 4 years, including our New Tashkent Masterplan, currently under construction. 🏗️

#CentralAsianUniversity #CAUsummit #NewTashkent #NewUzbekistan

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

Cross Works has developed the brand identities for @ImmoRoseRDC and @INFRAROSERDC ; one of the largest developers in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Having designed the Baobab Mall complex in Kinshasa for the group in the past, we were asked to work on the branding for the company’s wider portfolio. The aim was to create a logo that would work for both, interchangeably, binding the companies together as a wider family.

For Immorose, we built an identity centred on luxury, elegance and confidence; reflecting the company’s residential and commercial portfolio across the DRC. Whilst Infrarose – the infrastructure-focused company, currently building the new N'djili Airport in Kinshasa – would adopt the branding with a more structured and purposeful direction.

Across both brands, Cross Works provided the logo, typography, colour palettes and brand guidelines; shaping two identities that are connected, clear and built to last.

We recently designed the sales office for Immorose on the banks of the Congo River; another post and video to follow.

Hakan Agca Matt Schalcher Siméon Artamonov Yash Bedse

#CrossWorks #BrandDesign #BrandIdentity #CreativeDirection #Immorose #Infrarose #Kinshasa

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

A productive meeting with Ravshan Usmanov, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the UK and Iceland, Zikrulla Hamidjonov and our Founder / CEO & lead designer of New Tashkent - Hakan Agca.

The discussion focussed on opportunities to expand Cross Works’ activities across Uzbekistan and Central Asia, whilst exploring how the practice’s expertise in architecture, urban design, city planning and technology can contribute to the country’s rapidly evolving development landscape. 🏗️

Exciting times. Watch this space for more news soon. 📰

#CrossWorks #NewTashkent #Uzbekistan #UrbanDesign #Masterplanning #CityPlanning #UrbanTransformation #InternationalCollaboration #UKExpertise

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

We recently released our ‘Data Communities’ manifesto… the first in a series of thought pieces that Cross Works is putting out to the market, in our ever-evolving exploration of the cross over between design, technology and city building.

AI is transforming society — and the infrastructure behind it is transforming our cities. Every technological advancement leaves a spatial footprint and data centres are no exception.

The real question now is whether digital infrastructure will shape our landscapes and cities by design or by default; seeing them as an opportunity in cities, around which we can build our communities.

The time to think critically about the role of data centres in our towns and cities is now, just as their massive global rollout is in play.

Download the manifesto here : https://t.co/tY7VtcREyQ

#DataCommunities #DataCentres #NewCities #DigitisingCities #Manifesto

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

We’re pleased to share that Cross Works has been named a Finalist in the Innovation category at the World Architecture News Awards 2026.

This year we submitted for the Innovation, given the interesting brief we won to write up the guidelines that will define the architectural language for the new city of New Tashkent in Uzbekistan.

We took the brief seriously; not to draw up the buildings in a ‘brand style’ but instead doing the hard work of digging deep into the heritage of Uzbekistan and Central Asia; considering theories of architecture and how to compartmentalise such a broad and complex subject neatly into useable chunks; considering the local supply chain and construction technology available in the region; taking stock of the local climate and the wider masterplan we put in place; and of course learning lessons from past examples of modernisation and nation building elsewhere in the world (such as Ankara, Brasilia and many more).

The result was a 300+ page volume that forms part of the overall design guidelines for Tashkent as a whole which sits alongside the work completed by our colleagues at Atlas, who devised further more guidelines for other elements of the city.

We thank the WAF judges and to everyone involved from Cross Works and the wider consortium.

For anyone else building new towns and cities out there; get in touch, we’d love to help. 🌍🙏

#WANawards #ArchitecturalGuidelines #Innovation #CrossWorks #Design

[XW @CrossWorksLtd]

We’re pleased to share that our CEO - Hakan Agca - will be attending MIPIM #2026 in Cannes, France. Following on from our exhibition of New Tashkent at the Uzbek National Stand at last year's conference, we'll be there to meet new faces, and reconnect with old; and to explore opportunities and projects on display this year. Excited to see what's happening around Central Asia, Middle East, and Africa - as well as closer to home in the UK & Europe.

Cross Works is driven by the power of cities in driving positive change and sustainability; and in turn how technology can enhance their design. MIPIM is a great forum to discuss this with industry peers and potential clients alike; and find common ground in terms of collaboration, R&D and more.

If you’ll be attending, drop us a comment, message or email, and we'll reach out. Hakan will be looking forward to meeting you there.

#MIPIM #Cannes #RealEstate #NewCities #Masterplanning #Architecture #DesignTech #PropTech