Urban design and sustainable infrastructure
Building a sustainable future
Australia's $230 billion public infrastructure pipeline over the next five years underscores the critical need for investment to sustain population growth and foster nationwide economic development.
With the national housing market surpassing $9 trillion and the construction sector contributing 9% to GDP, there is a significant opportunity for strategic partnerships between researchers, industry and government. Queensland, poised for an $8.1 billion economic boost, including $4.6 billion in tourism, infrastructure, and trade, is at the forefront.
The University of Queensland, with research expertise in urban planning, sustainable development, and materials innovation, is ready to lead in creating resilient, accessible, and liveable urban settings.
What we offer
Partnering with us provides access to the following benefits.
Our capabilities
We deliver transformative outcomes and solutions for our government and industry partners, underpinned by world-leading expertise.
Modern methods of construction
- Prefabrication and modular construction
- 3D printing and advanced manufacturing
- Building information modelling (BIM)
- Robotics and automation
- Sustainable construction practices
- Smart construction technologies
- Lean and offsite construction
- High-performance and innovative materials
- Virtual and augmented reality
- Zero-carbon and energy-efficient building design
Sustainable materials innovation
- Biodegradable and bio-based materials
- Recycled and upcycled materials
- Low-carbon cement and concrete alternatives
- Nanomaterials for sustainability
- Green insulation materials
- Phase-change materials (PCMs)
- Sustainable timber and engineered wood products
- Natural fibre composites
- Circular economy in material use
- Durability of sustainable materials
Placemaking
- Community engagement strategy
- Public space design
- Cultural and historical preservation
- Urban green spaces
- Accessible design
- Social cohesion and inclusivity
- Creative placemaking
- Sustainable and resilient urban design
- Temporary and tactical urbanism
- Economic development and revitalisation
Property and construction economics
- Property market dynamics and analysis
- Construction cost estimation and management
- Real estate investment and finance
- Housing affordability
- Property valuation methodologies
- Sustainable construction practices
- Risk management in property development
- Urban land use and property rights
- Infrastructure financing and public-private partnerships (PPPs)
- Economic impacts of property development
Social impact of urbanisation
- Affordable housing policies
- Community participation in urban planning
- Social exclusion and marginalisation
- Public spaces and community interaction
- Health and well-being in urban environments
- Education access and quality
- Cultural preservation and identity
- Employment opportunities and economic mobility
- Social infrastructure and service delivery
- Governance and urban policy effectiveness
Hotels and student accommodation
- Hospitality operations
- Guest experience
- Hotel branding and marketing strategies
- Revenue management strategies
- Sustainable practices in hospitality
- Design and architecture of hotels
- Student accommodation demand and supply
- Student housing affordability and accessibility
- Social and community aspects of student living
- Technology integration in accommodation facilities
Tourism
- Tourist mobility and sustainable transportation
- Planning for sustainable tourism
- Heritage preservation in urban tourism
- Smart Technologies in tourism experiences
- Sustainable design of tourist accommodations
- Cultural identity
- Impact on urban infrastructure
- Ecotourism and green spaces in urban areas
- Tourist behaviour and urban experience
- Resilience and climate adaptation
Transport
- Urban mobility planning
- Sustainable transport systems
- Smart transportation technologies
- Public transport infrastructure optimisation
- Congestion reduction strategies
- Transportation and land use interactions
- Freight logistics and supply chain management
- Environmental impacts of transportation
- Transport safety
- Mobility as a service (MaaS)
Partner with us
Keen to know more or have an idea for a partnership? Contact our industry specialist.
Mr Tom Court
Associate Director (Urban Design and Sustainable Infrastructure)
Strategic Partnerships - Government and Industry
Email t.court@uq.edu.au
Research stories
See our research in action, learn more about ongoing projects and read our success stories.
Architecture’s hopes and concerns for our climate future
Replacing kerbside carparking with bike lanes
