Em­po­we­ring ur­ban sta­ke­hol­ders

As one of the world’s leading institutions in technology and science, ETH Zurich is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation to tackle society’s most pressing challenges. The Future Cities Laboratory (FCL) Global programme at the Singapore-ETH Centre is a pioneering initiative, embodying a multidisciplinary approach to reimagining urban spaces for the future. Cities around the world face many challenges, including urban growth, climate change, resource management, social equity, and infrastructure development. FCL Global has adopted the mission to address these challenges, leveraging on ETH Zurich’s foundation in both cutting-edge basic and translational research. 

In the last years, FCL Global has developed new paradigms and models for sustainable urban living that consider ecological limitation while maximising human well-being. By fostering collaboration between architects, engineers, urban planners, ecologists, and social scientists, the initiative has managed to create holistic and integrative solutions that address the complexity of urban systems. 

Another success factor has been the integration of digitalisation, focusing on smart city technologies that enhance urban efficiency, improve public services, and increase resilience to environmental stresses. Through collaboration with global partners, these insights are aligned with global best practices, ensuring that solutions are not only innovative, but also adaptable to different urban contexts. 

Moreover, FCL Global has served as a centre for educating the next generation of experts in the field of urban planning, who will envision and build the cities of tomorrow, equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to drive sustainable urban transformation. In summary, FCL Global at ETH Zurich and in Singapore is a prime example of research that connects a host of disciplines to drive innovation for the benefit of society. In my opinion, this is the future of excellence in research and innovation.