Creating smart infrastructure and cities

About our research

Creating Smart Infrastructure and Cities is a research programme focused on designing and adapting urban environments to be more liveable, inclusive, and resilient. Recognising that the majority of urban infrastructure already exists, the programme examines the retrofit and renewal of buildings, transport systems, utilities and urban spaces to meet contemporary and future challenges. This includes integrating technology where it adds value, but places equal emphasis on natural solutions in urban contexts along with governance, accessibility, sustainability, and wellbeing to ensure cities work better for everyone.  

We explore how infrastructure—physical, social, natural and digital—can be reshaped to support healthier, more equitable, and adaptable urban living. The programme addresses challenges such as climate resilience, crisis preparedness, mobility, public health, and urban regeneration, while embedding environmental goals, cultural identity, and civic participation into design. By bringing together engineering, urban planning, social science, and policy, we aim to shape cities that are not only technologically enabled, but fundamentally people-centred, connected, and sustainable.  

Thematic areas 

1. Digital and smart urban systems: Exploring the role of AI, data infrastructure, and intelligent systems in optimising energy, mobility, public services, and urban management.  
2. Urban greening and nature-based solutions: Investigating the design and integration of green spaces, biodiversity corridors, and natural systems to enhance climate resilience, wellbeing, and ecological health in cities.  
3. Equitable mobility and infrastructure access: Designing inclusive, sustainable transport and infrastructure systems that improve access, reduce emissions, and support health and connectivity across diverse urban populations.  
4. Resilient and regenerative urban development: Examining how cities can adapt to shocks and stresses—such as climate change, technological failure, or public health crises—through holistic planning, retrofitting, and renewal strategies.