ABOUT
The KAUST Urban Lab is a leading research hub focused on addressing critical urban challenges through sustainability, resilience, and livability. Our mission is to transform cities into sustainable, adaptive, and inclusive spaces that improve the quality of life for current and future generations. With cutting-edge research, innovative design solutions, and collaboration with global partners, we aim to drive positive change in urban environments across the world. By integrating advanced computational tools, life-cycle thinking, and environmental analysis, we create forward-thinking strategies that influence urban planning, policy, and infrastructure on a global scale.
Our vision
To shape the future of cities by driving sustainable urban development through groundbreaking research, innovation, and collaboration.
Our mission
At KAUST Urban Lab, our mission is to advance knowledge in urban sustainability, resilience, and livability through interdisciplinary research and impactful solutions. We strive to foster cities that meet the needs of people and the planet while ensuring that urban environments remain adaptable to future challenges. Through education, research, and outreach, we support the vision of building cities that are sustainable, inclusive, and equipped to thrive in the face of change.
Our core values
Social Equity
We advocate for urban development that is inclusive and equitable, ensuring that all community members benefit from our work.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards in research and academic integrity, striving for excellence in all that we do.
Innovation
We pursue creative and practical solutions to the most pressing urban challenges, focusing on future-ready cities
Collaboration
We value partnerships across disciplines, institutions, and industries, believing that global cooperation is essential to solving complex urban issues.
Sustainability
We are committed to advancing environmentally responsible urban practices that reduce carbon footprints and promote ecological balance.
Research Pillars
Our research is organized around five core pillars, each addressing key challenges in urban development. These pillars guide our interdisciplinary research and serve as the foundation for our solutions-driven work.
Optimizing land use, transportation, and mobility solutions to create efficient and connected urban spaces.
Addressing the sustainable management of water resources in urban environments, particularly in arid regions.
Enhancing building energy performance through renewable energy integration and innovative energy solutions.
Promoting the use of sustainable construction materials and improving resource management in urban systems.
Ensuring indoor and outdoor environmental quality, focusing on air quality, thermal comfort, and overall health of urban inhabitants.
Our team
Our multidisciplinary team consists of world-class researchers, faculty, postdoctoral fellows, and engineers. Together, we bring expertise in fields such as environmental science, civil engineering, chemical engineering, and urban planning. By working collaboratively, we bridge gaps between research disciplines and address the complex challenges facing modern cities.
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Collaboration and Partnerships
At KAUST Urban Lab, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We partner with international organizations,
government agencies, industry leaders, and academic institutions to ensure that our research has real-world applications
and contributes to global urban development initiatives. Some of our key partners include government ministries, leading
companies in urban infrastructure, and global academic institutions. Through these collaborations, we advance sustainability,
resilience, and livability in urban areas worldwide.
We are always open to new partnerships. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please visit the contact page or email us at aurbanlab@kaust.edu.sa.
Our impact
Our research has made a significant impact on urban sustainability efforts worldwide. Through projects that influence environmental policy, improve urban infrastructure, and contribute to global sustainability goals like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the KAUST Urban Lab is at the forefront of innovation in urban development.
1. Shaping policy frameworks for sustainable urban infrastructure.
2. Influencing the design of resilient cities capable of adapting to climate change.
3. Developing new technologies for energy efficiency and water management in urban systems.
4. Engaging with communities and governments to implement sustainable urban planning strategies.
5. Publishing high-impact research in leading international journals and conferences.
Contact us
We’d love to hear from you! For general inquiries, collaborations, or media requests, please contact us at:
urbanlab@kaust.edu.sa
+966-12-808-0000