UNSW Cities Institute
We unite world class research with a real world approach, engaging with academia, industry, government and community groups to shape policy and pioneer meaningful change in our cities.
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UNSW Cities Institute
Parramatta Innovation Hub
Parramatta NSW 2150
In the spirit of reconciliation, the UNSW Cities Institute acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, waters and community.
By harnessing UNSW’s trademark disciplinary excellence across the built environment, design, economics, climate science, engineering, energy, health and social sciences, we offer holistic, commercially viable solutions that embrace a comprehensive and long term perspective.
Multidisciplinary knowledge: 6 Faculties + 45 Schools + 125 Centres & Institutes
Cities have been the epicentre of civilisation for millenia. Crowded, complex and rich in humanity, they have driven prosperity, inspired innovation and embodied our diversity.
A century ago, just 10 percent of the global population lived in cities. By 2050, around tho thirds of the world will seek to build their lives in urban centres.
The Cities Institute proposes a better future for people by bringing together innovative thinking around people, place and culture.
"Our real world approach gives us capacity for enquiry, passion for engagement and the technical skills to anticipate and prepare for change"
– UNSW Cities Institute
What we do
We unite world class research with a real world approach, engaging with academia, industry, government and community groups to shape policy and pioneer meaningful change in our cities.
Why we're different
We lead with deep experience in design methods, sustainable architecture and healthy urban and strategic planning.
Academic thinking grounds our practical initiatives in robust research. We connect those with insights with those that shape and deliver city outcomes, ensuring a practical application for policy, change and impact that ultimately benefits the communities around us.
How we succeed
- Leverage, extend and accelerate research across all faculties within UNSW and beyond.
- Ensure that research is accessible and impactful, ultimately used to adjust policy, shape opinion and affect change.
- Develop creative pathways to solutions through conversation and collaboration.
- Foster ongoing relationships with government, community and industry partners.
- Fast track innovation and productivity around public infrastructure.
- Be informed by a First Nations methodology.
- Launch real projects that show the shift in our thinking and exemplify change in our urban environments.
- Listen to the lived experiences of our diverse communities.
Our approach
Our strategy and research directions are shaped collaboratively, using city infrastructure, city performance and city wellbeing as the core elements that guide all of our pursuits.
Themes
- Housing
- Sustainability
- Legislation
- Community building
- Investment
- Ownership
- Inclusivity
- Private and public partnerships
- Transport
- Migration
- Public spaces / facilities
- Energy
- Rehabilitating waterways
- Health services
- Care economy
Methods
- Published research
- Public panels, discussions, roundtables and workshops
- Graduate, post graduate and short courses
- Professional development
- Consultancy services
Leadership
The Institute is based in Parramatta and led by Director Professor Peter Poulet, who was appointed to this inaugural position in February 2023. Peter's leadership will guide the Institute’s delivery as an independent entity working with government and industry to reinvent cities for sustainable, healthy, prosperous, and socially just urban futures.
An architect with 35 years of experience in the private, public and the university sector and a practicing and exhibiting visual artist, Professor Poulet brings industry, government, academic and creative capability to the role. His extensive professional background includes his current role as Central City District Commissioner for the Greater Cities Commission, delivering the NSW Government’s vision for Sydney’s future and his previous appointment as NSW Government Architect from 2012 to 2018.
The Institute has a commitment to knowledge transfer through education and innovation. We are developing a suite of educational products from a Master of Cities, Graduate Certificates, Diplomas and micro-credentialled short courses for city leaders across the globe.
Professor Claire Annesley, Dean, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture
Our team
Our team is expanding! We will soon have an Associate Director First Nations and 2 x Scientia Post Doctorate Fellows joining us.
Professor Peter Poulet
is the inaugural Director of the Cities Institute. Peter’s background is as an architect and a practising and exhibiting visual artist. He brings industry, government, academic and creative capability to the role. He is currently Central City District Commissioner for the Greater Cities Commission and his previous appointment was as NSW Government Architect from 2012 to 2018.
Hannah Bolito
is the Manager of Strategy & Business of the Cities Institute. She is an architect and urban designer. She spent the last eight years in strategic planning policy at the City of Sydney and before that worked for the NSW Government Architect’s Office. She is also the Oceania Regional Hub Lead for the Accelerating City Equity project with the International Society for Urban Health.
Sarah Ford
is the Business Administrator of the Cities Institute. She has been working at the UNSW for over 20 years. She is currently also an Administrative Officer at the Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity.
Events
We are excited to be hosting a series of workshops on urban health equity with the International Society for Urban Health. at the International Conference on Urban Climate from August 28-30 2023.
In News
Central City District Commissioner for GCC to lead UNSW Cities Institute
Peter Poulet has commenced his appointment as director of the UNSW Cities Institute with a mission to solve the biggest challenges facing our cities.
UNSW launches Cities Institute to help future-proof our cities
The Institute brings together diverse perspectives, expertise and experiences to solve the biggest challenges facing our cities.
