The Challenges of Urbanisation
Cities are powerful engines of innovation, creativity, and economic growth. But rapid urbanisation also brings serious challenges—such as a lack of affordable housing, unequal development, traffic congestion, pressure on services, public health concerns, social tensions, and environmental impacts.
At the same time, cities are key to solving major global issues like climate change, sustainable development, and population ageing.
Tackling these complex challenges requires collaboration across disciplines—and an approach that encourages critical thinking, inclusivity, and innovation.
A Human Centred Approach
Urban Futures aims to make cities better places to live—more sustainable, more inclusive, and more connected. At the heart of our work is a human-centred focus: People, Place, and Planet.
Our Themes
Urban Futures is organised around five key themes that tackle major urban challenges:
Northumbria colleagues can join the internal Urban Futures IDRT mailing list here.
