Conversations
Integral Urbanism in Philadelphia
An essay by architect Nate Gotcher, a member of the Union team in our Philadelphia office.

Using Philadelphia’s rich landscape of historic churches and faith communities as a backdrop, in this essay architect Nate Gotcher from Union’s Philadelphia office, explores the concept of “integral urbanism” through church-owned land development. Drawing from his expertise in church architecture and walkable communities, Nate highlights initiatives like Partners for Sacred Places and their Philadelphia Fund for Black Sacred Places as organizations preserving and revitalizing church properties for community benefit beyond just housing.