Model Metropolis
Design your district, connect the city and admire what you built together.
About
In Model Metropolis, each team designs a section of a giant model city. The city has zones such as industrial, residential, leisure and business districts, linked by infrastructure including roads, rail and waterways.
Teams work on their own section but must collaborate with the others, taking a whole-city approach so that the design stays consistent across zones and transport networks flow smoothly into neighbouring sections. Neighbours check in constantly as the city takes shape.
Using a wide range of materials, teams create an imaginative city that is both functional and attractive, with every street and station planned to fit.
When time is up, teams join all the sections together and celebrate their success in working towards a common goal, standing back to admire the finished metropolis. It is an inspiring theme for organisations planning growth, change or a new strategy.
Learning outcomes
Model Metropolis shows how local decisions affect the whole system. A road that does not line up or a railway that stops at a border quickly becomes everyone's problem.
Teams must balance their own creativity with shared rules, mirroring how departments work within a common strategy.
Regular check-ins with neighbouring teams build communication habits and encourage people to think beyond their own area.
The finished city is a striking symbol of collaboration and long-term planning. Participants leave with a renewed appreciation of how joined-up thinking helps an organisation grow in the right direction. Facilitators can link the debrief to your own strategy, values or change programme.
Facilitators encourage teams to visit neighbouring zones regularly, so problems are spotted early and solved together rather than at the last minute. The finished city makes a striking photograph and a great talking point.
Program flow
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Briefing
Teams receive their city zone, building materials and the master plan for the whole metropolis.
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Plan together
Teams agree shared design rules and where roads, rail and waterways will cross between zones.
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Build the zone
Teams create their district, from buildings and parks to stations and bridges.
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Check the connections
Neighbouring teams confirm that every road, track and waterway lines up perfectly.
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City reveal
All sections are joined, and the group celebrates the finished metropolis.
What is included
Included
- Professional facilitators on the day
- Model building materials and tools
- Master plan and zone briefs
- Facilitators and design support
- Group photograph of the finished city
Not included
- Venue hire
- Catering and refreshments
- Audiovisual equipment
- Coach transfers
- Branded materials
Frequently asked questions
How many participants can take part?
From 10 to 500, split into smaller teams.
How long does it last?
Around 2.5 hours, including the briefing and wrap-up.
Do we need design skills?
No. Teams receive a clear brief, and creativity matters more than technical skill.
Can it run indoors or outdoors?
It works best indoors, in a hotel function room, conference centre or large meeting space.
Can the city reflect our strategy?
Yes. Zones and themes can be linked to your business goals or future plans.
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Request a quote for Model Metropolis
Tell us your group size, date and goals. We will reply with a tailored proposal.