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The research undertaken by the Centre addresses some of Australia’s most significant social, economic and environmental problems. It does so by identifying the changes that need to be made within urban areas and focusing on how to make those transitions. This work is approached through local, national and global lenses, and we have strong national and international links with researchers and policymakers from around the world

Areas of investigation include

Regenerating our cities

Built form is a crucial element of urban areas. As cities develop new areas are constructed and existing areas are redeveloped. This research theme studies the strategies through which cities in Australia and around the world can reshape themselves in a way reduces carbon intensity while meeting sustainable development goals.

This work looks at the roles of urban planning policy, building sector energy policy, urban design, building retrofitting, design and operation, and community and private-sector engagement. Key disciplines involved are urban planning and design, urban informatics and architecture.

Housing transitions

The operation of housing markets in Australia has created substantial inequalities, with socioeconomic, spatial and intergenerational aspects. Policy has struggled to understand and react to these challenges. With this theme we are studying ways to improve housing access and affordability so that housing can become a source of opportunity rather than inequity.

This work investigates the drivers and consequences of the restructuring of urban housing markets. Priority issues include strategies to improve housing and creating more equitable cities, regions and communities for current and future generations. Key disciplines include urban sociology, urban economics, sociology, human geography, demography, social policy and urban planning

New ways of urban living

This theme addresses the behaviours of individual businesses and households, and the factors that can shape these behaviours in order to develop more sustainable urban lifestyles and practices. A particular focus is the consideration of non-financial factors that affect the uptake of sustainable technologies and practices.

Our research considers how individuals and households can live well and sustainably in changing urban settings through an investigation of their attitudes, behaviours and social practices. Key disciplines include urban sociology, psychology, and built environment and health