Our urban environments are under threat. The solutions are hidden in nature

In our cities, temperatures are rising. Wealth inequality is growing. Biodiversity and the vital resources that our burgeoning global population relies on to survive, are shrinking. Designing sustainable and resilient urban spaces requires a new approach — one with natural systems at its core. 

Researchers across UTS are set to tackle these challenges head on with the launch of the Green Infrastructure Lab. This novel research facility will draw together academia, industry and the community to deliver sustainable, transdisciplinary green infrastructure projects.

“Green infrastructure refers to systems and practices that use or mimic natural processes,” says Professor Jua Cilliers, Head of the School of Built Environment and founding member of the Green Infrastructure Lab. 

“These include, but aren’t limited to, green walls, urban parks, street trees, rooftop farms and wildlife corridors — what we refer to as green and blue systems and spaces. 

“By integrating nature and nature-like spaces and systems into the urban environments we inhabit, we can better prepare our cities and their inhabitants for the future.”

A transdisciplinary research initiative

The lab will be housed in the Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building and will bring together leading academics from across UTS, including experts in urban planning, urban design, architecture, construction management, property development, design thinking, landscape architecture and visual communication.

As a transdisciplinary research initiative, it will draw on numerous UTS faculties and research centres that are home to complementary expertise. These include the Institute for Sustainable Futures; the Centre for Climate Risk and Resilience; the UTS Business School; the faculties of Science, Health, Engineering and IT, and Arts and Social Sciences; UTS Enterprise Learning; and Tech Lab.

Academic collaborators, industry partners and community stakeholders from beyond UTS will also provide local and global insights into the vast nature of the challenges facing our cities.  

“Transdisciplinary collaboration sits at the core of our research agenda. No single discipline can address the challenges of our urban future alone,” says Professor Cilliers.

Our lab will draw together the brightest minds to pursue ambitious projects that put green infrastructure at the centre of fundamental reforms to urban landscape design

Current projects include the design of a toolkit to address vacancies within commercial buildings, urban agriculture and progressive conservation initiatives, while future research is expected to tackle pressing challenges including climate resilience, transport and housing integration, urban policy and the use of established and emerging techniques and technologies.

The use of emerging technologies like data integration, AI-driven predictive modelling, AI-optimised design and IoT connectivity to drive green infrastructure solutions is expected to be a central focus. 
 

A holistic approach

In addition to producing research projects, the lab will also strive to support the development of industry green infrastructure leaders through academic and industry research programs, a green infrastructure research network and a community engagement hub.

The work will also respond to pressing local and global policy agendas, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the City of Sydney’s Greening Sydney Strategy and CSIRO’s research priorities for urban green infrastructure. 

“Revolutionising the future of our cities is not just a local challenge. The work we do will have relevance for millions of people living in urban environments around the world,” Professor Cilliers says. 

“As such, we strive to take a holistic approach to green infrastructure challenges that encompasses people, policy and projects that will make a difference.”

Find out more about the UTS Green Infrastructure Lab