Projects – Page 2 – Urban Transformations

Resilient Cities: Industrial Network and Institutional Perspectives on Economic Growth and Well-being

project

While the effects of the economic crisis have been felt in urban regions across Europe, the level of impact has varied considerably from place to place. Nevertheless, there is currently limited understanding on the factors that…

Turning livelihoods to rubbish? Assessing the impacts of formalization and technologization of waste management on the urban poor

project

Increasing environmental concerns and awareness of the financial benefits of waste have led to greater involvement of public and private actors in waste disposal. This has had implications for those urban poor who depend on it…

Gentrification, Displacement, and the Impacts of Council Estate Renewal in C21st London

project

Amidst rising land prices and increased pressure on housing, many traditionally working-class neighbourhoods now face demolition and reconstruction as ‘mixed communities’. But while this new phrase of urban development has been widely criticized, the exact nature…

Euro-China GE: Dynamics of Green Growth in European and Chinese Cities (DRAGON)

project

Green growth, combining environmental protection with economic growth, is central to ensuring a future that is both prosperous and sustainable. Cities, where much of the world’s energy consumption and carbon emissions are concentrated, have an essential…

The choreography of everyday multiculture: Bowling together?

project

The Choreography of Everyday Multiculture: Bowling Together? explores how the social dynamics of a heterogenous and fast-evolving area of London are played out in one of its leisure spaces, a local bowling alley. Connected to the…

Economic Recovery in Post-Conflict Cities: the Role of the Urban Informal Economy

project

In the wake of political upheaval or violence, many cities struggle with poverty and weak governance. As a result, livelihoods and basic services are often in a state of collapse, meaning the informal economy (IE) is…

Fair and Inclusive Environmental/Social Transition Alternatives: Learning from the ‘Living Well’ and ‘Green Economy’ pathways to sustainability

project

While there is some agreement on the need to move towards a fairer and more sustainable society, how to best achieve this is still the source of some debate. In particular, there are tensions between more…

Antique map of London with magnifying glass casting light onto it

Public accountability to residents in contractual urban redevelopment (PARCOUR)

project

Regulatory instruments such as contracts, deeds and by-laws are used as tools to manage partnerships between different stakeholders in urban regeneration projects. However, these contractual relationships have significant implications for the democratic legitimacy of these projects,…

Smart cities in the making: Learning from Milton Keynes

project

Smart cities in the making: Learning from Milton Keynes seeks to explore the little understood connections between new technologies and their users, with the aim of improving the connections between smart systems and citizens. Using Milton…

Urban Living Pilot – From Citizen to Co-innovator, from City Council to Facilitator

project

As the largest city outside London, with a diverse and youthful population, Birmingham has the potential to set a new agenda for urban living. Yet the city has struggled for decades with economic difficulties, reinforced by…