Design
From urban planning to the architecture of the built environment, the structure and function of our surroundings can influence all aspects of human life.
Cladding fires: a fatal warning of a bigger problem
The Grenfell fire is a warning of the danger of performance-based building codes compared with 1980s prescriptive approaches says University of Melbourne expert
Trump’s political climate
Trump's announcement the US is pulling out of the Paris Accord may be a blow for climate action, but others remain committed, says the University of Melbourne.
A greener ‘Kingdom of Bicycles’
As China touts its green energy ambitions, University of Melbourne research finds a return to the Kingdom of the Bicycle isn't getting cyclists on the road.
Why apartments are failing the heat stress test
Most of Melbourne's apartments would fail international building health standards during a heatwave, and Australian building standards don't cover heat stress.
Bushfires: have you treated your risks?
Taking simple precautions can make all the difference when it comes to bushfire resilience.
How hands-on art can make a difference
By encouraging their audience to participate in art making, artists are using the idea of 'flow' to personally engage people in the issues they are exploring.
How are birds faring in our cities?
We chat with two PhD researchers about their work on the impact of city lights on birds, and learning from our digestive systems to build better detergents.
Designing cities with health in mind
Public health specialist Professor Mark Stevenson from the University of Melbourne on the need to prioritise physical wellbeing in our urban planning.
Cities for healthier lives
Cities are making us sick but research led by the University of Melbourne and presented to the UN sets out a blueprint for making our cities healthier.