The Cell City Model reimagines the University of Waterloo’s R&T Park as a modular, people-first innovation district, organized into four interconnected “cells” – the Garden, Laboratory, Playground, and Community. Each quadrant offers a unique identity and function, from reflective green spaces and collaborative outdoor work zones to vibrant sports courts and cultural gathering areas. Linked by a continuous pedestrian and cycling corridor and embedded green infrastructure, the site prioritizes walkability, spontaneity, and inclusivity. Inspired by biological systems and urban design principles like the 15-minute city, Cell City transforms a fragmented, car-oriented campus into a dynamic, accessible environment where innovation and daily life intertwine.