WSP in the UK’s Post

Out Now! Watch James Sander's and Matt Ducharme talk on the book, Renewing the Dream: The Mobility Revolution and the Future of Los Angeles. Edited by James Sanders and produced with the global architecture studio Woods Bagot, this book explores the forces propelling this shift as well as its controversial impact on Los Angeles, as a city once famed for its car-oriented, low-rise landscape is transformed into a more diverse, more dense, more complex place. https://lnkd.in/e4KDnb3w

Good article exposing the effects of the Merced 2020 project.

I am thrilled that my team was selected as the winner of @C40Cities Students #ReinventingCities competition to transform Mouraria in Lisbon into a green & thriving neighbourhood. The neighbourhood of Mouraria, a medieval settlement situated within the immediate city centre of Lisbon serves as an example among other historic urban areas located within many European cities. They all share similar characteristics which make them advantageous compared to modern city districts, e.g. convenient location within close vicinity to day-to-day functions and built structure in human scale. However, they are often the most vulnerable to any of the effects of climate change. In addition, their historic value is often being commodified for the benefits of tourists, hence leading to desertification and urban sprawl. For those reasons, it is now more relevant then ever to redesign historic urban areas - transform and adapt them towards present and future environmental, social and economic challenges. The project I worked on together with Martyna Idasiak shows how the existing structure can be transformed into a resilient and thriving neighbourhood. The main focus was put on proposing design solutions that are context-based and which would integrate the best in the exiting medieval urban structure. If you would like to read more about the project itself - check out this article: https://lnkd.in/dwVA3nzw

The University of Aberdeen continues to stand out as one of the premier universities in Scotland, with more than 5,000 graduates finding employment annually. A significant 41% of these graduates pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related fields. The city boasts a retention rate of 35%, placing it among the highest in the UK, trailing behind cities like Manchester (50%) and Glasgow (41%). This factor has contributed to the growth of energy tech businesses and a thriving science sector in Aberdeen. The city is witnessing the emergence of high-growth industries like clean tech, climate tech, and renewables. With over 300 companies employing nearly 4,400 individuals and generating a turnover exceeding £520 million each year, there is a projected growth of 3,200 jobs in the next five years, according to Oxford Economics. The 'professional, scientific, and tech' sectors are poised for significant expansion in the city. Furthermore, Aberdeen's focus on renewable energy initiatives has created numerous opportunities for students interested in science and technology. As the city transitions towards a knowledge-based economy, graduates will have a crucial role in driving Aberdeen beyond its traditional industries. Find out more:

My master’s thesis is finally available online! A year ago, I successfully completed my second master's degree, this time in Global Studies at the University of Gothenburg. My primary objective in enrolling in this program was to broaden my theoretical skillset and incorporate a global perspective into my comprehension of our urbanized world. Among the diverse courses I had the privilege to participate in, "The Global Politics of Heritage" proved to be particularly enlightening. It not only left a lasting impression but also inspired the focus of my final thesis. Titled "Social Heritage As Leverage: Recognising the Social Dimension of Heritage in Sustainable Urban Development," my thesis delves into the intricacies of heritage in the built environment, citizens' relationships with their urban surroundings, and the often-overlooked topic of socio-intangible heritage in urban preservation debates and redevelopment projects. As cities inevitably evolve it is the responsibility of urban developers to ensure the well-being of citizens, including their sense of connection to both their current and future environments. This thesis introduces the concept of social heritage, which refers to citizens' socio-intangible relationship with the built environment and its heritage, as a significant aspect to consider in (re)development processes. By prioritising the social aspects of cultural heritage, researchers and developers can gain a better understanding of how the built environment affects the people who inhabit and use it, contributing to the creation of sustainable and inclusive urban spaces. Social heritage can also act as a bridge between the familiar and unfamiliar and reinforce citizens' rightful position in urban development.

We’re back with another College Major Monday, and we’re highlighting Urban Studies and Urban Technology! 🏙️ With this major, students will explore the intersection of urbanism and technology and the digital systems of the future. They’ll learn to create technologies and build organizations that address real urban challenges, like unequal access to the internet, transportation challenges, safe drinking water, and more. Birkman areas of interest ➡️ This field is the intersection of Birkman GREEN (helping people) with Birkman BLUE (designing solutions). What schools have good programs? ➡️ Boston University; University of Michigan What are some potential careers? ➡️ Urban and Environmental Policy Planning, Sustainable Management, Economic Development Do you know someone who might like a career in Urban Studies and Urban Technology? Share this post with them, and leave a comment if you have questions.

Dr. Shiwei Chen from the Erasmus University Rotterdam, is researching the societal impact efforts and principles of the Erasmus Initiatives, Including Vital Cities and Citizens. Shiwei: “A key focus for VCC is critically evaluating academic research approaches to better understand and develop societal impact research practices. In that process, they are guided by seven core values: inclusiveness, sharing, justice, commitment, reciprocity, empowerment, and reflexivity.” Read more about Shiwei's insights on VCC's impact here: https://lnkd.in/eK4i3DzS

From Foes to Friends with Kavin Mac - Thank you for being such a great friend for such a long time. Is it 10 years or more? When I think back to the time doing the Architecture Degree at University of Technology Sydney, one face immediately comes to mind – Kavin. Our journey began with sparks flying as we clashed in the fiery furnace of a group assignment. Our strong personalities and diverging ideas led to heated debates and passionate arguments. At times, it felt like we were worlds apart. But little did we know that beneath the surface of those disagreements, a beautiful friendship was taking root. As the project progressed, something magical happened. We began to see the brilliance in each other's perspectives, the dedication in our work, and the unwavering commitment to our shared goals. We realized that our differences were not dividers but bridges to innovation. By the end of that project, we weren't just colleagues; we were close friends. Our bond had transformed from a tale of conflict into a story of collaboration, resilience, and mutual respect. Today, I celebrate Kavin not only as a fellow graduate but as someone whose friendship I cherish deeply. Our journey serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most remarkable connections emerge from the most unlikely beginnings. Here's to Kavin and to the incredible friendships that education and shared experiences can gift us. #UniversityDays #FriendshipJourney #FromFoesToFriends #SharedExperiences #ArchitectureStudy

A new beginning, a new start. I have started my master's in Urban Studies at Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium. This a an interdisciplinary master's degree program with students from different academic backgrounds studying different aspects of ''Urban''. My particular interest in this degree is in Urban Design and Planning for Sustainable Development.

🏙️ Have you heard about the ±15-Minute Cities? At the heart of this concept lies the vision of creating more liveable and sustainable urban environments 🚶♀️ 🚲 . Enrol in this course and acquire a comprehensive understanding of this human-centered urban planning approach, including the benefits and the challenges it poses. Click here to find out more 👉 https://buff.ly/3ZoH9Cc #onlinelarning #sustainability EIT - European Institute of Innovation and Technology EIT Urban Mobility