Urban infrastructures are under pressure. More than half of the world’s population lives in cities and relies on infrastructures such as buildings, roads, and networks for work and leisure.
These systems are embedded in the subsurface, leading to a densely occupied surface. Ageing infrastructure — such as roads, cables, and pipelines—requires construction and maintenance interventions. Climate change also compels urban engineers to design new solutions. For instance, paved areas with large amounts of concrete and asphalt cannot absorb heavy rainfall, and neighbourhoods lacking green spaces intensify heat during hot summers. At the UT FieldLab, we design new infrastructures, create digital models, and develop nature-inspired solutions that enhance the liveability, resilience, and sustainability of cities. Shall we innovate together to shape the cities of tomorrow?
