The global problem of thirsty cities

500 million people already experience water shortages around the world but better governance and smart water management could lead to collaboration rather than competition and manage our dwindling supplies more efficiently.

Floating cities – fact or fantasy?

The concept of floating cities has long fascinated engineers and speculative authors, but will fantasy turn into reality to combat the ravages of sea level rises caused by climate change?

How big data can help city residents

Analysing big data can tell us how a big city ticks and help individual citizens – as well as public planners and tech corporations – get the jobs, housing and services they need.

Reshaping Sydney by design

Over the past two decades,, Sydney has quietly adopted a mandatory competitive design process for the projects that have transformed the city skyline.

Finding hope in the ashes of Notre Dame

The destruction of the ‘heart and soul’ of Paris is also an opportunity to rebuild and restore responsibility for the culture we create.

Rebuilding Notre Dame

A wonderful icon has been largely destroyed by fire. However, we should not despair. Notre Dame will rise from the ashes, as other great buildings have before.

A new national urban management plan for resilient cities

Researchers from The University of Queensland have helped to develop a four-point plan to create more sustainable, liveable, prosperous and resilient cities.

A reset in housing policy is long overdue

The problems with housing systems in Australia and similar countries run deep. Solutions depend on a fundamental rethink of our approach to housing and its central place in our lives and the economy.

Water, water, not everywhere

Safe and clean access to water and sanitation is still not a right afforded to everyone, even in Australia, but tapping into a new way of thinking about water could benefit everyone.

Melbourne should use its desalination plants

Turning on the Wonthaggi water desalination plant now rather than later will save money in the long run and head off an emergency later for the city of Melbourne.

It’s time for more action on dangerous cladding

Urgent action to understand and reduce the dangers from unsuitable cladding on buildings is required from the construction industry to prevent future disasters.