Over the past 200 years, the number of people living in cities has increased dramatically – from less than five percent, to almost half of the world's population. And as cities are directly responsible for rising rates of environmental degradation, the need for sustainable urban living has never been greater. Our Sustainable Urbanism research looks at ways of developing urban resilience – the ability for people, businesses, communities and systems within a city to adapt in the face of global challenges.

Humans are now a major environmental force – particularly since the industrial revolution – and today, our cities are responsible for almost 80% of all CO₂ emissions. With estimates suggesting up to 70% of the world will live in a city by 2050, that figure is set to rise even higher.

People change the environment by consuming energy, resources and land. In turn, the polluted environment affects people — particularly their health. Cities need to adapt in order to minimise our impact on the planet, while maintaining the growth needed to support an increasing population.

We explore the models, technologies and policies that can guide governments and planners to develop sustainable cities. Our work is used by governments to guide policy decisions on strategic planning and re-naturing strategies.

Our research is regularly published in journals such as the International Journal of Urban Sustainable Development, Journal of Urban Design, Landscape and Urban Planning, and our staff regularly present their research at international conferences.

Partnerships and funders

We collaborate with academic and non-academic institutions that are involved in shaping urban futures, including AECOM, the City of Portsmouth, Atkins and RICS.

Recent research funders include the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the British Academy, and Portsmouth City Council. In March 2018, we received £149,673 from the ESRC, and have recently run two Newton Fund projects with budgets in the region of £46,000 each.

Research groups

Interested in a PhD in Architecture, Interiors & Urbanism?

Browse our postgraduate research degrees – including PhDs and MPhils – at our Architecture, Interiors & Urbanism postgraduate research degrees page.