About [CPU]

Cities have emerged as a new type of complex system combining social, ecological and technological dimensions. We face uncertainty, adaptation, temporal dynamics and competing dilemmas. As a design field, we explore ways to change trajectories of urban transformation towards sustainable and desirable futures. We explore, use, develop and critique emerging technologies.

Complexity, Planning and Urbanism [CPU] develops new theoretical approaches and computational tools using a complexity science framework (systems, self-organisation, emergence, intelligence, structural change, adaptation) for the design, management, governance and understanding of future cities related to climate change, citizen participation, development strategies, resilient interventions, policy making and urban morphology.

Computational methods are used to expand the realms of static design methods and theory by enabling a temporal and dynamic process. Research activity is essential to the development of new approaches. Our research is transdisciplinary and currently spans Future Cities, Smart Cities, the Internet of Things, agile governance and cities as complex adaptive systems.

Research Themes

[CPU] specifically focuses on the following fields and areas of research and practice in relation to the built environment.

• Complexity Theories of Cities: Adaptation, Evolution, and Emergence
• Complexity Modelling: Data-driven Urban Simulation, Visualisation, and Participation
• Procedural Design Science: Computational Philosophy and Procedural Design
• Speculative Urban Futures: Probabilities and Projections of Future Cities