Aligning with nature to create resilient sustainable cities

Growing up in Iran, a career in urban planning and design wasn’t always on the agenda for Somayeh. As a child she loved astronomy and during her high school years she took an interest in civil engineering and architecture before she learned about the field of urban planning.

“What I liked most about urban planning was its interdisciplinary nature. You need to have knowledge in so many areas including economies, geography, politics, sociology, history, environmental psychology, design and even anthropology,” she said.

Somayeh completed her undergraduate studies in urban planning and throughout the course she also developed an interest in the design and creation aspects of the field – which led her to pursue a master's degree in urban design.

Discovering her research passion

Somayeh had always loved nature and through her studies she quickly realised that globally, cities and human habitats are being built against nature and disturbing its natural cycle.

“Climate change is the result of humans disturbing the natural balance of nature that was there all along. Going against nature is where our conflicts and challenges stem from. We need to build our habitats and change our lifestyles to be aligned with it,” she said.

She used this insight to develop her master’s thesis which explored the intersection of urban design with the occurrence of sand and dust storms – a significant climate change challenge that faces vast parts of Iran.

“Through my thesis, I learned about the climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in urban planning and design that help to build resilient cities.  

“I learned of the importance of adapting our cities to new climate change conditions to avoid further damage to the environment,” she said.

While awareness in this area is increasing, Somayeh says there are still lots of challenges and barriers to be addressed, which is what led her to pursue further research on the topic.

Somayeh is now a PhD student at the Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and is one-year into her 3.5-year research journey.

Exploring research interests abroad

Somayeh was exploring many different university’s research programs when she came across the UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures (ISF) website.

“I was just so excited to see it was the multidisciplinary environment I had been looking for. They have research teams working on cities, energy, water and international development. They focus on sustainability and climate change adaptation. It was the whole package,” she said.  

Somayeh reached out to Professor Pierre Mukheibir, her current supervisor only a few days before ISF’s pre-application was to open.

“My supervisor suggested that I wait for the next one, but I was determined. I filled out the application, gathered my documents, and prepared my research proposal. Then after getting ISF’s pre-approval, I applied for a UTS scholarship, which I was fortunate enough to receive,” she said.

Working to create resilient and sustainable cities

Somayeh’s PhD is looking at blue-green infrastructure as a strategy for climate change adaptation.  

Blue-green infrastructure is an integrated network of greenery and vegetation with water infrastructure that manages storm water run-off and minimises flooding risks by retaining the storm water. This provides cities with multiple benefits including cooling effects, decreasing air pollution and enhancing biodiversity.

Somayeh says there’s a lot of literature suggesting climate adaptation or mitigation practices like blue-green infrastructure – but we’re not fully adopting these measures in the real-world.

“I am investigating the missing dialogue between academia and industry that’s preventing us from implementing these measures. On one hand, we have climate researchers and scientists from many different fields, and on the other hand we have urban planners, urban designers, and policymakers also with different backgrounds.”

“I want to know how we can bridge this gap and overcome the challenges and barriers,” she said.

Somayeh also works as a Research Assistant at ISF, which she describes as a great opportunity and an enriching experience.

“I've got an opportunity to work and study with top researchers in a very diverse and interdisciplinary environment. I am also getting real-world experience whilst studying and I have the chance to make an impact,” she said.

One of the studies she worked on was investigating food security in NSW’s Lismore and Byron Bay area. Alongside the team at ISF, Somayeh researched food systems resiliency during climate hazards including flooding and bushfires – as well as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another project Somayeh worked on involved developing an outcomes framework for the NSW Government to track its progress and performance in rolling out their climate adaptation plan.

The PhD experience

As an international research student Somayeh says the facilities on offer at UTS and the support she has received from fellow students and staff has been amazing.  

“UTS and the ISF are very inclusive and diverse. I have been able to interact with people from different backgrounds and nationalities, which has broadened my mind and perspective,” she said.

Somayeh believes time management, being organised and staying consistent is vital to completing her PhD.

“Breaking down a big goal into smaller short-term ones and having practical steps and a timetable to keep you on track is key – and then giving yourself small breaks after reaching each of those goals is also important.”

How her path evolved

Somayeh didn’t initially plan to go into academia. Each study experience led to knew interests, and more areas she wished to explore.

“If you had asked 17-year-old me where you would see yourself in 10 years, I would have absolutely no idea I would be here. It was a path that unravelled itself gradually, step by step,” she said.

Somayeh loves that within the field of research and academia there's always opportunities to grow, explore, and learn – and that her efforts have meaning, and are a part of a much bigger movement.

As for the future, Somayeh is still not 100% sure of what she wants to do after her PhD.

“I just know that I want to be in a very vibrant research or academic environment – and I’m sure just like my career so far, the next steps will reveal itself in time.” 

Are you thinking about further study? Learn more about the postgraduate experience at UTS and explore our course options. Enquire about postgraduate study at UTS here.