Thammasat University students interested in urban studies, sociology, environmental studies, political science, economics, and related subjects may find it useful to participate in a free 11 October Zoom webinar on How Cities Learn: Living Labs, Participation, Transformation.
The event, on Wednesday, 11 October 2023 at 3pm Bangkok time, is presented by the Department of Urban Planning and Design, Hong Kong University (HKU).
The TU Library collection includes several books about different aspects of urban development.
Students are invited to register at this link.
The event webpage explains:
Abstract:
Cities hold the key to addressing multiple societal challenges, from health and climate change to productivity and inequality. Yet there are massive gaps in understanding and action. How do we steer urban development to reduce inequalities and enable communities to flourish? How do we scale up innovations like active travel to improve population health and sustainability at the metropolitan scale? How can we mainstream models of urban innovation and development that work with communities?
Such challenges have prompted a growing focus on demonstration and pilot projects to trial more sustainable forms of urban development. These range from positive energy districts and smart grids through to bike share schemes and libraries of things. Even when successful though, such projects often fail to scale up and drive the wider transformation of cities. In the face of these difficulties, attention is turning to the processes through which urban change can be steered.
This seminar examines urban living labs as arguably the most influential quadruple helix partnership model for urban innovation. It explains their emergence, appeal, and evolution into different forms, drawing on first-hand experiences managing urban living labs in EU and UK funded research projects over the past ten years. Despite their promise as a way to produce collaborative, place-based and actionable forms of knowledge, urban living labs have struggled to engage local communities and scale up innovations.
The seminar argues that the concept of learning is essential for urban living labs to address genuine needs and create pathways to scaling up. Taking learning seriously prompts a broader consideration of what distinguishes urban innovation from innovation in more orthodox settings. The seminar concludes by considering the implications for urban transformation more broadly, and the role of universities in supporting it.
About the Speaker:
Professor James Evans currently directs the Manchester Urban Institute at the University of Manchester. His research helps cities become smarter and more sustainable by using technology and data to support learning and transformation. His work on urban living labs and mobile methods has been foundational across the social sciences. […]
Professor Evans is also chief executive officer (CEO) and cofounder of Urban360, a company that offers
integrated monitoring solutions for cities:
We find the data required to make a difference
Urban 360 provides integrated and flexible monitoring solutions for clients to measure improvements to urban environments and human health. We offer independent, world-leading expertise to monitor and evaluate a range of schemes, including Low Traffic Neighbourhoods, indoor air purification, pedestrianisation, urban development and transport upgrades.
Our service handles every stage of the process, and we select the best sensors and technologies for your needs based on rigorous scientific testing. Our clients can access real-time data through our award-winning data portal and benefit from easy-to-understand reports based on our industry-leading analytics.
As a spin-out company from the University of Manchester, we provide scientific levels of rigour, credibility and analysis.
According to its website:
ABOUT US
We are Urban 360
Municipalities are required to monitor and improve air quality and physical activity. Developers want to show how their projects improve health and well-being. At the same time, the market has been flooded with a bewildering range of technologies and digital solutions.
We can help.
Urban 360 monitors and analyses air quality, mobility and health to understand what makes a difference to people’s lives. We integrate decades of academic expertise in environmental monitoring, health and well-being, data analytics and urban development. We offer non-proprietary solutions that do not lock clients into specific products, but help them select the right tools for the job based on scientific testing. We use cutting-edge analytics including counterfactuals, change point analysis, forecasting and weather normalisation to provide our clients with scientifically robust evaluations.
Our mission
HELPING CITIES FLOURISH WHILE MAKING THE PLANET HEALTHIER
Fixing cities is the quickest way to improve people’s lives and address climate change. 84% of the UK population lives in cities and 98% breathe dangerously polluted air.
Making cities more sustainable will reduce pollution and improve health, but currently, there is a lack of evidence about what works. We can help.
By implementing new sensor technologies, we collect crucial data and monitor the impacts of change.
By providing integrated monitoring and evaluation services, Urban360 will be a global driver of urban health, helping address the most pressing challenge of the 21st Century.
[…]
Delivering unmatched value
At Urban 360, we are dedicated to providing exceptional monitoring and evaluation services that prioritise value and reliability for every project. Our flexible offerings are tailored to your specific needs. We handle every stage of the process, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.
Professional Assessment & Guidance
Urban 360 brings together decades of professional and scientific expertise across air quality, transport and health. We will thoroughly review your project, offering invaluable insights and expert advice. Benefit from our world-leading expertise in:
- Air quality,
- Transport,
- Health,
- Smart city technology,
- IoT sensors.
- Tailored Monitoring & Evaluation Solutions
Urban 360 crafts comprehensive, cradle-to-grade solutions customised to meet your project’s requirements. Our clients benefit from our:
- In-depth professional analysis,
- Ability to integrate different kinds of sensors,
- Industry experience from hundreds of successful projects,
- Personalised, top-notch service,
- Effective third-party management,
- Excellent customer support.
- Precise Sensor Selection, Placement & Validation
- Urban 360 specialises in selecting and deploying the most suitable sensor technology for your project. Our strengths include:
- Sector-leading knowledge of cost-effective and scientifically robust sensor options,
- Expert sensor selection and monitoring design based on your specific needs,
- Calibration, deployment and maintenance of sensor networks,
- Accurate and precise data collection,
- Full IoT connectivity.
- Expert Reports, Recommendations & Training
At Urban 360, our team of scientists is always ready to assist you. We provide clear, comprehensive reports, accompanied by actionable recommendations. Additionally, we offer extensive training solutions and knowledge sharing to empower your team.
- Problem-solving expertise,
- Accurate, comprehensive reports,
- Actionable insights to guide decision-making,
- Expert-led training sessions.
- Professional Modelling & Data Analysis
- Urban 360 delivers high-quality data and insightful analytics. Our clients benefit from:
- Comprehensive data analysis methodologies,
- Before-and-after studies using change point detection and natural experiments,
- Advanced modelling techniques,
- Weather normalisation,
- Forecasting and back casting.
- Efficient Data Monitoring & Collection
- Urban 360 specialises in generating robust, secure and reliable real-time data that can be flexibly accessed. Our clients benefit from:
- Timely and efficient updates,
- Swift response times,
- Convenient access to data,
- In-house options to make data open to the public.
(All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)