SUFI

Sustainable Architecture and Urbanism

Prof. Ahmed Z. Khan

The global urban population is set to exceed 9 billion by 2100, intensifying urbanisation. However, prevailing models of urbanism, architecture, and patterns of urbanisation are resource-intensive, polluting, and unsustainable. Achieving sustainable architecture and urban design necessitates systemic analysis, envisioning sustainable futures, and prioritising decarbonisation. Key questions include: What will sustainable future cities look like, how will they function, and experienced? What type of architecture and urban (re)design is required for decarbonisation? How can we ensure thermal comfort, resource (energy, material, water) sufficiency, and environmental and spatial quality sustainably? This research axis, alongside URCM and UEGE, explores six core areas: History and Theory – Examining green consciousness, vernacular architecture, and visions/models of cities of the future (COF); Bioclimatic Design – Analysing thermal comfort, climate, resources, and passive strategies; Biomimicry – Harnessing nature-inspired principles, biophilia, and bio-based materials; Carbon Neutrality and Sustainability – Developing analysis, accounting, design and assessment methods; Regeneration – Focusing on sustainable urban renewal, inclusive public spaces, and energy-efficient renovation; and Urban Futures – Exploring COF models, scenarios, and research by design.

Infrastructure and Mobility

Prof. Philippe Bouillard

Transport policies and infrastructure are among the cross-cutting features for sustainable urban futures. The transport industry is taking a significant share in the global warming and climate change responsibility but also has other major negative impacts in terms of noise and safety. The car dominance that has been developed and implemented in most cities led to congested and polluted city centres. In this research axis, we are working on developing sustainable mobility solutions from the perspective of urban design (15-mins city, logistics) and infrastructure (public transport, pedestrians, and cyclists) mainly. The research contributes to reclaiming public space to redevelop the urban environment and (re)create liveable cities.