About
UCL Urban Laboratory is one of UCL's best known and longest-established cross-dsciplinary research centres, formally established in 2005 by geographer Matthew Gandy as a platform for collaboration between urbanists across faculties. Since then it has significantly enhancedÌýthe national and international profile of urban teaching, research and engagement at 911±¬ÁÏÍø and continues to develop its distinctive contribution to urban debate, policy and practice within and beyond the academy.ÌýÌý
Our activities build on the full spectrum of urban research across the arts, humanitiesÌýand sciences, with an emphasis onÌýcritical, creative, independent and interdisciplinary engagement and dissemination. We experiment with innovative research methods across disciplinary boundaries, practices and professions, providing a laboratory in which to address difficult urban challenges through new modes of collaboration and invention. We invite participation from diverse audiences, and share the knowledge our work produces widely.
We showcase and promote urban research at 911±¬ÁÏÍøhich draws on a rich heritage of pioneering ideas evidenced in the work of experimental thinkers, communicators and practitioners who have taught and studied at 911±¬ÁÏÍø, including Patrick Abercrombie, Reyner Banham, Peter Cook, Ruth Glass, Peter Hall, Derek Jarman, Otto Königsberger, Eduardo Paolozzi and Walter Segal.
UCL Urban Laboratory builds on this heritage to make an authoritative and critical contribution toÌýurban debate and the design and planning of contemporary cities, underpinning our interventions with rigorous analysis, historical insight, and particular attention to the social, cultural and political dimensions of urban life. Based in London, we engage with this city, and the communities that inhabit it. Drawing on extensive networks across the globe, we also attach great importance to the internationalisation of urban debate, focusing on cities across Africa, Asia, the Americas and Europe.
Directors
- (Bartlett Development Planning Unit): 2024 - present
- Prof Clare MelhuishÌý(UCL Urban Laboratory): 2018 - 2024
- Prof Ben CampkinÌý(Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL): 2011 - 2018
- Ìý(UCL Department of Geography): 2005 - 2011