SMART URBANISM focuses on the complex interplay of many small ideas and actions that together can make a big difference - at a time when we have to do more with less. It could be termed emergent or open source urbanism (or even sustainable, collaborative or generative urbanism) and has the qualities of all. 

Our work comes from three agendas and the role that new thinking plays in DOING, LEARNING and INFLUENCING urban change: 
  • Firstly, the needs of the ‘Resilient City’ that looks to wider social, economic and environmental issues that good urbanism can address. 
  • Secondly, it looks to the the ‘Talented City’ where the need to foster innovation and facilitate enterprise demand a more responsive urban fabric that is accommodating of change. 
  • Thirdly, it looks to the ‘Civil City’, where the needs of society and civic leaders are to build social capital at every level of community.

In doing so, it takes the technology-driven 'Smart City' concept and puts in the socially-driven qualities of successful urbanism to create the essential conditions for good urban life in our neighbourhoods, towns and cities.


Our Purpose:
  1. To build a common language for cross-sectoral collaboration
  2. To undertake action-based research that pioneer new ideas
  3. To become a hothouse for creative difference makers 
  4. To be open, inclusive and foster the vital connections
  5. To work closely with our industry partners to develop real solutions