Message from the Dean
This spring, we launched a major new research effort here, the Center for Advanced Urbanism, focused on creating new models for 21st century cities.
It is a timely venture. It seems that everybody is talking about the future of the city these days and at SA+P we think we're positioned to make a unique contribution to that conversation.
Our urban planning program has been ranked Number One in the nation for years, our architecture program has a long and distinguished history in the urban design area and the Media Lab is increasingly engaged in related research, including the newly-formed City Science Initiative.
As part of MIT, we are also surrounded with an unmatched array of faculty in other disciplines – engineering, science, business and the humanities – with whom to collaborate on problem-solving.
With all this expertise to draw on, we feel singularly prepared to tackle large-scale issues of urbanism at a very high level – developing rigorous, reliable, forward-looking theory to serve as a basis for rethinking the entire concept of urbanism.
We have already begun our work, joining forces with the American Institute of Architects to explore how design can help improve urban health. And in April, we hosted the first of what will become a series of symposia, this one focused on the design of infrastructure for the long haul. There is much, much more in the planning stage. To learn more about the Center and its ambitious program, visit cau.mit.edu.
ADÈLE NAUDÉ SANTOS