Our Urban Design, Development and Technology theme focuses on the role of design and technology in urban development and governance.
Research in this theme integrates social and spatial dimensions of cities, investigating the broader meaning of particular urban forms. Key questions revolve around the social, economic and environmental significance of public spaces, urban neighbourhoods, city centres and suburbs, through analysing the processes of urban development in relation to social diversity and inclusion, urban governance, environmental protection, cultural heritage, and conservation of historic environment.
Future work will develop further our current research on the social and political dimensions of spatial transformation; through the interplay of governance, technology, and society, especially with regards to public space, surveillance and crime, emergencies, energy and health. We develop these themes at the intersection of theory and practice, science and social science, and local and global concerns.