UNSW Cities Institute

Bringing a spatial understanding of urban human conditions together with world class research, enabling city systems to transition at pace in response to complex legacies of settlement, climate change, community marginalisation and neglect in the Asia Pacific region

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Developing governance systems for current and intergenerational equity

Developing demonstration methodologies leading to exemplar projects

Providing a platform for demonstration 'change stories', catalysing further research and projects

Developing governance systems for current and intergenerational equity

Capacity building and knowledge sharing - leading to an education program

Building a coalition - a vibrant community of practice
News & events

Our go-to destination for staying informed and engaged with the latest happenings! Here, we curate a dynamic collection of news articles and upcoming events to keep you in the loop on the topics that matter most.

Our projects

Our work brings together different configurations of knowledge in the connection between research, policy and practice. The Institute sits across all cities research at UNSW and undertakes work that cannot be done by any single faculty or research centre.

Our team

The Cities Institute offers a new way of working with academic research to create real change. We do not work in a traditional academic capacity as individual ‘sole traders’, but as a collective of researchers, academics, practitioners and policy makers.

Leadership

The Institute is based in Parramatta and led by Director Professor Peter Poulet, who was appointed to this inaugural position in February 2023. Peter's leadership will guide the Institute’s delivery as an independent entity working with government and industry to reinvent cities for sustainable, healthy, prosperous, and socially just urban futures.

An architect with 35 years of experience in the private, public and the university sector and a practicing and exhibiting visual artist, Professor Poulet brings industry, government, academic and creative capability to the role. His extensive professional background includes his current role as Central City District Commissioner for the Greater Cities Commission, delivering the NSW Government’s vision for Sydney’s future and his previous appointment as NSW Government Architect from 2012 to 2018. 
The Institute has a commitment to knowledge transfer through education and innovation. We are developing a suite of educational products from a Master of Cities, Graduate Certificates, Diplomas and micro-credentialled short courses for city leaders across the globe.

Professor Claire Annesley, Dean, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture

Collaborate with us

UNSW Cities Institute
Parramatta Innovation Hub
Parramatta NSW 2150

In the spirit of reconciliation, the UNSW Cities Institute acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, waters and community.