Addressing Complex Dynamics
The Future Cities Laboratory (FCL) Global research programme is the leading force in the integration of interdisciplinary research and innovative urban solutions to create sustainable, liveable, and resilient cities. Supported by the four key pillars of foundational science, design, engineering, and governance, over the past 15 years, FCL has successfully brought together experts in fields ranging from urban planning, architecture, social sciences, and environmental sciences to address the complex challenges of urbanisation, healthy living, and climate change.
Cities cover merely 2% of the earth’s surface, house close to 50% of the world’s population, and cause more than 70% of global CO2 emissions. Yet, cities are the most efficient of our settlements. Key areas of exploration of the FCL team include urban dynamics, mobility, sustainability, resilience, socio-economic systems, as well as policy and governance. The researchers have worked with government agencies to develop innovative strategies.
The main outcomes include pioneering work in simulation and modelling, in particular digital twins. These methodologies offer an invaluable tool for urban planners to investigate the impacts of urban sprawl, densification, and mobility, amongst others. An important contribution has been capacity building by training future urban leaders and practitioners. The tools and knowledge that the more than 300 alumni of FCL have been equipped with empower them to implement sustainable practices and help to build a community of informed stakeholders.
FCL’s main accomplishment lies in its holistic approach to urban planning. However, by 2050, more than 60% of the world’s population is expected to live in the tropics and will be challenged by rising ambient temperatures, extreme weather events, and inequalities. Thus, the work of FCL in many ways is just beginning. The team is working on innovative solutions that will be transformative and have tangible long-term impact. In congratulating the team on their success so far, I believe the best is yet to come.
