URBAN POLICY AND STRATEGY STUDENTS HIT CHICAGO

Students from the Built Environment Masters of Urban Policy and Strategy (MUPS) have landed in Chicago for an international studio.  The program is part of the Masters’ degree that seeks to build policy capabilities with international insights for future leaders in urban affairs.

All students have at least three years work experience before joining the program and come from a wide range of backgrounds including infrastructure, finance, business, architecture, and planning. They share a passion for understanding and shaping our urban places and the course gives them the tools, knowledge and insights to manage our cities.

Professor Sue Holliday (front row, far left) and Professor James Weirick (back row, third from left) with their students in Federal Square, Chicago.

Photo courtesy of Jodi Lawton from UNSW Built Environment.

In Chicago, the Regional Transport Authority is hosting the studio.  Leanne Redden, the Chief Executive of the RTA, is an alumna of UNSW Built Environment and now lives and works in Chicago. She has asked the MUPS students to give the RTA and their colleagues in local government advice on how to encourage redevelopment in the vicinity of transit stations located in deprived areas of Chicago.  Two case studies will be examined in the context of national and international best practice. A presentation and report will be presented to the RTA executive at the end of the studio. 

This studio is running in collaboration with students from the Masters of Urban Development and Design (MUDD).  They are in Chicago at the same time and are being hosted by the Global Cities unit at architects Skidmore Owings Merrill. 

By Professor Sue Holliday

If you want to start a global career while you study, click here for the MUPS program details.