Urban Design Lab
The Urban Design Lab (UDL) is an interdisciplinary research unit of Columbia University’s Earth Institute in New York City. Established in 2005, it advances design-based solutions to issues in sustainable development and global urbanization. Richard Plunz, founder of the Urban Design Lab, currently directs the program. The Urban Design Lab brings together academics and professionals in: urban design, planning, and architecture; business and real estate; climatology, ecology, and engineering; the humanities and social sciences; and law. [1]
The Urban Design Lab often works with several departments within Columbia University and the Earth Institute. Its external partners include: the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, the Samsung Group, the United Health Foundation, the United Nations Environment Assembly, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and others. [1]
Projects
The focus of most projects at the UDL is on green and sustainable infrastructure, coastal cities resiliency, food and the urban environment, and climate change and adaptation.[2] It offers academic research opportunities through comprehensive design studios, such as the Urban Ecology Studio,[3] and more focused research seminars.[4]
Local Engagement
The Urban Design Lab leads diverse public initiatives and prioritizes collaboration with underserved local communities. The UDL has worked with New York residents on several projects covering: environmental remediation, high-performance and green building design, micro-infrastructure, public health, and sustainable urban development.
In 2012, the UDL and Columbia’s School of Professional Studies launched a pilot summer program for high school students to explore advanced urban design in studio settings. Recent cohorts have partnered with the 125th Street Business Improvement District in Harlem, focusing on community perspectives on “smart street” innovations.
With the support of the National Science Foundation, the UDL collaborated with the City of New Rochelle on plans for various development initiatives in the area’s downtown and waterfront, as well as around its transit centers.
References
- ^ a b "About – Urban Design Lab". urbandesignlab.columbia.edu.
- ^ "Projects – Urban Design Lab". urbandesignlab.columbia.edu.
- ^ "Urban Ecology Studio – Urban Design Lab". urbandesignlab.columbia.edu.
- ^ "Academic Research – Urban Design Lab". urbandesignlab.columbia.edu.