Final Activity Report “Urbanisation and the Transition to Sustainability”

esearch agenda. What is missing so far, is a sensible integration of the
different scientific approaches.
Substantial knowledge has already been accumulated from disparate research
on various aspects of urbanization and global environmental change. A new
scientific approach should build on these foundations in creating an
innovative and integrated perspective. Urban studies have a long tradition in
the social sciences (urban economy, urban sociology, urban anthropology,
urban politics, and urban geography), in the engineering science and arts
(urban transportation, urban infrastructure, urban design), as well as in the
professional field of planning (urban and regional planning, public
administration). Contributions from the natural sciences have also expanded
our knowledge of urban issues (urban climate, urban metabolism, ecological
services, urban habitat conservation, urban geology and hydrology, urban
environment). Missing so far is a perspective integrating the contributions
from these disciplines. This integrated perspective is essential to a better
understanding of the complex and dynamic realities of urban areas.
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