This research theme explores new ways of tackling the pressing issue of urban poverty in rapidly urbanising cities of the future.
The research agenda under this theme encompasses areas such as affordable housing, access to healthcare and education, employment opportunities, urban infrastructure and services, social protection programs, and the unique challenges faced by underserved communities in urban settings.
Projects
FCRI 2024 SEED CORN PROJECT
Cities & universities: co-developing a “learning city” model
The team:
- Natasa Lackovic, Lancaster University
- Dr Malissa Maria Mahmud, Sunway University
The project aims to re-think the notion of learning cities through the lens of university engagement, developing a working model for this purpose. The “learning city” paradigm, while addressing contemporary urban challenges, has under-researched university engagement. The research will enhance knowledge on research engagement practices and policies at Lancaster and Sunway universities, providing a learning city model adaptable by other institutions globally. The vision is to position these universities as leaders in university engagement and relational learning, informing the UNESCO Network of Learning Cities. Contextualised at Lancaster and Sunway, the research lays the groundwork for a large-scale project to further develop, apply, and evaluate the model with diverse stakeholders, ultimately achieving more inclusive and sustainable learning experiences internationally, informing policy and practice.
FCRI 2022 SEED CORN PROJECT
Co-Designing Future Cities: Digital Tools for Envisioning Future Urbanism.
The team:
- Dr Richard Wong, Sunway University
- Dr Stephen Homer, Sunway University
- Professor Nick Dunn, Lancaster University
The future of cities is a topic of increasing importance as urbanisation continues to accelerate and cities face complex challenges. The concept of Smart Cities has emerged as a solution, but it often prioritises efficiency over other values and fails to reflect the diverse needs of different communities. To address this issue, a pilot study was conducted on the perceptions of younger generations, specifically university and college students, on “future cities”. The study emphasises the importance of considering the diverse perspectives and needs of different communities and creating a vision that prioritises equity and sustainability. By challenging the dominant narrative of Smart Cities and promoting a more inclusive and equitable vision for the future, this project seeks to create a more context-specific and sustainable urbanism that meets the needs of all communities. The results of this study will provide valuable insights for urban planners, architects, and policymakers in creating more liveable and sustainable cities for all.
ProtoPolicyAsia: Empowering Local Communities and Government in Malaysia in Addressing Social Issues in Ageing and Disabiliti
This 12-month project, ProtoPolicyAsia, aims to increase local community participation in the Malaysian national policy-making process to work together with relevant government agencies on social issues that relate to older persons and persons with disabilities.
GREAT: Gridding Equitable Urban Futures in Areas of Transition in Cali, Colombia and Havana, Cuba
Led by Lancaster University, an international interdisciplinary team of researchers in the UK, Colombia and Cuba will seek to transform our understanding of the relationship between off-grid infrastructures and the dynamics of growth and change of informal settlements in areas of transition. Working closely with communities from two informal settlements, this three-year UKRI-GCRF project will contribute to ‘gridding’ equitable urban futures in Cali, Colombia and Havana, Cuba.
Predicting Urban Food Insecurity Under Climate Change in Brazilian Amazonia
Understanding how climate change and poverty interact to cause food insecurity in developing countries provides vital information for reducing the negative impacts of environmental change. Owing to its novel, topical and applied nature, this research will bring significant benefits to the academic community, governments and the public in UK, Brazil and elsewhere.
The Last 100 Metres: Safeguarding Potable Water Provision to Urban Informal Settlements
This project aims to demonstrate how much faecal contamination happens in the ‘last 100 metres’, a critical zone around the point of use, where water is taken from the standpipe to the home, and how much of that can be reduced through interventions.
ACTUATE: Accelerating the Adoption of the Circular Sanitation Demonstration Systems for Improved Health Outcomes
Supplying clean, secure and sustainable supplies of water, food and energy, while managing waste and optimising circular economies, is still an aspiration rather a policy-in-operation in Sub-Saharan Africa. ACTUATE will encourage the adoption of the anaerobic digester technology and circular economy by showcasing the benefits through co-delivery of community-based demonstration systems in Ghana and Nigeria.
Future Cities Research Institute 