Our cities face critical challenges, including cascading failures of their interconnected systems such as energy, transportation, and communication networks during normal operations and disruption as a result of cyber-physical threats. Cities need to combat climate change with greener infrastructure to meet net-zero goals, whilst become more resilient to novel and unknown stressors and integrate AI-driven solutions using technology in an ethical way that protects privacy. City ecosystems become more challenging due to rapid urbanisation, reduced resources, ageing infrastructure and social inequalities due to accessibility and inclusivity issues.
To address these challenges, our research focuses on designing built ecosystems within cities that are not only intelligent and connected but also sustainable, resilient, and equitable. By integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and digital twins, we aim to address critical challenges like climate change, rapid urbanisation, and resource management. Our mission is to create urban environments that prioritise the well-being of their inhabitants while fostering innovation and efficiency. We constantly brainstorm and reimagine our cities as dynamic, interconnected ecosystems that adapt to the evolving needs of people and the planet, to make people feel included, safer and happier.
Our approach to metaCity
Resilient urban systems
We focus on the interdependencies within urban infrastructure, buildings and neighbourhoods, including transport, energy, and communication networks, to withstand cascading failures from natural, anthropogenic disasters or hybrid cyber-physical threats.
Coupled urban risk mitigation
We study the interconnected risks of urbanisation and climate change, involving consequence analysis as a result of multiscale failures from asset to system to cities, by developing state-of-the-art risk assessment models to mitigate impacts, by incorporating governance and human behaviour.
Innovative technologies for smart cities
We deploy advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and digital twins in enhancing urban functionality and safety. We put emphasis on the implementation of data-driven solutions to manage critical urban systems and improve optimised resilience and sustainability-based decision-making.
Sustainable and equitable urban environments
We develop integrated approaches for creating environmentally sustainable and socially equitable urban spaces, using methods such as participatory decision making and focused group. Our focus is on smart cities, green infrastructure, and energy-efficient systems that prioritise inclusivity and access for underrepresented communities.
Impact
Our research advances science in resilience and sustainability and utilises fit-for-purpose smart technologies, offering innovative solutions to urban challenges. It benefits society and the environment by promoting equitable access, reducing emissions, and enhancing disaster preparedness. In regard to economy, we support sustainable growth and efficient resource management. In regard to people, we ensure improved living conditions and inclusivity, while providing decision and policy makers with data-driven tools and frameworks for informed governance and urban planning.