Xuanbo joined UQ|UP from China, via the University of New South Wales. He commenced as an MPhil student and, thanks to his excellent progress, was upgraded to PhD candidate status. Xuanbo is researching the social effects of gated communities in Shanghai. His supervisors are Drs Sara Alidoust and Dorina Pojani. Continue reading
Author Archives: uqupadmin
New article on public space in Urban Design and Planning, by UQ|UP team
This study centres on alternative public space in Indonesian cities in the post-Reformation era. Through in-depth interviews with experts and personal observations of a variety of public spaces in Bandung and Surabaya, the authors explore: (a) the concept of ‘alternative public space’ in the context of Indonesian cities, (b) the actors that have driven the … Continue reading
Sufian Almubarak confirmed as PhD candidate
Sufian joined UQ|UP from Imam Muhammad bin Saud University, one of the most prestigious universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He has received a full scholarship to study in Australia. His research will focus on car-free lifestyles among residents of sprawling cities in Saudi Arabia and Australia. Sufian is supervised by Drs Dorina Pojani … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani on the Globe and Mail talking about the impact of new capital cities
Rio to Brasilia, Seoul to Sejong, Old Cairo to New Cairo, Yangon to Naypyidaw, and now Jakarta to Nusantara. Climate mitigation in capital cities costs. Is building new ones the solution? UQ|UP’s Dorina Pojani, author of Trophy Cities, talks to Ivy Lerner-Frank at the Globe and Mail (Canada) without mincing words. Read the full article: … Continue reading
New OOPS Awards Night launched!
For the first time ever, OOPS is hosting an OOPS Awards Night! From 2022 on, this event will be held annually to recognise the achievements of UQ|UP students and staff. These awards are inclusive of all planning-related degrees in both undergraduate and postgraduate divisions. The awards are branched into three categories which include Academic Awards, … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani on 9News advocating for the preservation of Queenslander houses
A derelict Queenslander has been slated for demolition even though it should be protected under heritage regulations. The decision angering the local community, but Council says it’s damaged beyond repair. Dorina Pojani pitches in: https://mobile.twitter.com/9newsqueensland/status/1518872220529045504 Continue reading
Congratulations, Tmnit!
Tmnit Halefom was just awarded her MPhil degree. Sincere congratulations on this major accomplishment! Tmnit’s thesis research focused on active transport, in particular the traffic stress that cyclists experience in Brisbane. Her next stop is Melbourne, where she is embarking on PhD journey – fully funded by the University of Swinburne. At UQ|UP, we are … Continue reading
Sebastien Darchen on GEMS panel discussing the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane
GEMS held its first industry event of the year, a panel discussion on the 2032 Brisbane Olympics! Members had the privilege of listening to an engaging and diverse panel including Council Member Jonathan Sri and UQ|UP’s Sebastien Darchen, who provided invaluable insight and greatly contributed to this challenging conversation. The panel discussed topics like the … Continue reading
More on the SEQ City Deal: Laurel Johnson pitches in on ABC News
Outside of Brisbane, regional centres are booming. So why is there ‘not a lot’ for them in SEQ’s $1.8b City Deal? Read Laurel Johnson’s interview on ABC News: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-28/seq-public-transport-challenges/100939888 Continue reading
More housing in flood-prone areas? Dorina Pojani chimes in on ABC News
A month on from Queensland’s devastating flood disaster, thousands of families are attempting to rebuild as federal government funding for a joint support package remains up in the air. Build back better? Build back faster? Not build at all? Various experts from Queensland universities are interviewed, including UQ|UP’s Dorina Pojani. Watch the full news clip: … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani on ABC Radio Brisbane setting forth her vision for the SEQ Liveability Fund
If you had $285 million to make your neighbourhood more liveable, what would you spend it on? In southeast Queensland’s City Deal, there’s big ticket items – like the $450 million Brisbane Metro Woolloongabba Station or $210 million for affordable housing in Caboolture West. And then there’s $285 million dollars for a “Liveability Fund”. UQ|UP’s … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani on ABC News talking about the SEQ City Deal
The SEQ City Deal is great news for the development sector. It’s an exciting time to be a planner in Brisbane when there is all this money set aside for planning projects. But are we focusing too much on big-ticket transport items and neglecting smaller scale projects such as cycling networks and greenways? Read Dorina … Continue reading
Laurel Johnson on The Guardian advocating for a shakeup of the planning system in the aftermath of Brisbane floods
Queensland floods raise questions about the ethical obligation of planners. Laurel Johnson says the planning industry needs to return to its roots of caring for the health and safety of urban residents. Read Laurel’s interview in The Guardian: http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/mar/20/queensland-floods-raise-questions-about-the-ethical-obligation-of-planners-industry-figures-say Continue reading
UQ|UP HDR students invited to join AECURN
The Australasian Early Career Urban Research Network has been created to connect like-minded researchers and academics. Over the years, it has conducted several symposiums as platforms for Early Career Researchers or HDR students. It is a great place for UQ|UP students to liaise with their peers from other universities and exchange information, regardless of research stage. In addition, AECURN … Continue reading
Stephanie Wyeth nominated for PIA Qld Outstanding Woman in Planning award 2022
Some cheerful news as we, once again, deal with widespread flooding in Brisbane. Stephanie Wyeth has been nominated for PIA’s Outstanding Woman in Planning award! This is an amazing achievement and at UQ|UP, we are most proud and excited. The award will be announced at the annual PIA QLD Women in Planning Breakfast. Running in … Continue reading
New article about motorcycle delivery services in Journal of Transport and Health, co-authored by Dorina Pojani and Vietnamese colleagues
Delivery riders have been front-line workers throughout the pandemic but little is known about their own health and safety during this time. This study explores the health and safety issues facing delivery riders in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, during the Covid-19 pandemic, in particular during the second lockdown (May–October 2021). A web-based survey of … Continue reading
Upcoming Women in Planning event hosted by OOPS
Join UQ OOPS on International Women’s Day to celebrate influential female leaders in the planning industry! This exciting event will provide an insight into the roles women play in the planning industry. Women in Planning will showcase several female professionals, in which they will share their Gaines knowledge and valuable experiences from the planning workforce, … Continue reading
YIMBY Qld survey launched
YIMBY Queensland (Yes in my Backyard!) have released a new survey calling for responses to inform the future of development in Brisbane and South-East Queensland. The UQ|UP community is invited to complete the survey. The results will assist Brisbane City Council in their future iterations of the City Plan and any amendments they might consider … Continue reading
UQ|UP members finalists in Faculty of Science awards
We congratulate two UQ|UP members who have lead teams which are finalists in the 2021 Faculty of Science awards for the Partnership and Collaboration – Team award: SEES Study Bubble, led by Stephanie Wyeth EDI Committee, chaired by Dorina Pojani The entire UQ|UP community is invited to the awards ceremony. Please see the event details … Continue reading
Postgraduate UQ|UP students ‘Meet & Greet’ coming up!
OOPS is keen to attract more postgraduate students and big changes are coming from this year onwards. Events focusing on postgraduate students are planned to allow everyone to get to know each other better. The first event is: ‘Meet & Greet’ on Tuesday the 1st of March at 11:00 am in Steele Building. Come along – … Continue reading
New article on public space in Indonesia in City, Culture and Society, by UQ|UP team
This study examines how the Reformation has affected public space in Indonesian cities. The article draws on expert interviews and systematic field observations in Surabaya and Bandung, Indonesia’s most important cities after Jakarta. The findings reveal that, with democracy and decentralisation, the public sector is more keenly aware of the socio-political functions of public space, … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani talking about new capital city planning on ABC Radio Melbourne
Dorina in conversation with David Astle in Evenings, an eclectic program featuring the latest in arts, sport, science, music, medicine and more. She talks about her latest book, Trophy Cities. Listen to the full interview on ABC Radio Melbourne: https://www.abc.net.au/radio/melbourne/programs/evenings/evenings/13744714 (start at 2:08:00) Continue reading
Sara Alidoust and Dorina Pojani awarded Promoting Women Fellowships
Promoting Women Fellowships, valued at $12,500 each, are sponsored by the UQ Gender Steering Committee. They provide recipients with funding to undertake activities which enable them to propel themselves towards promotion. Sara will use her fellowship to study informal housing approaches in South East Queensland. Dorina will use hers to study corruption in the planning … Continue reading
New Conversation article on master-planned capitals, by Dorina Pojani
The new capitals created since 1900 have been, for the most part, great planning disasters. They are dreary, overpowering, underserviced, wasteful and unaffordable. Indonesia just announced the name of its planned new capital, Nusantara, to be built on Borneo island, about 1,300 kilometres away from the current capital, Jakarta. How can Indonesia avoid the pitfalls … Continue reading
New encyclopedia entry on low carbon transport and cycling, by Weichang Kong and Dorina Pojani
So far, only a handful of larger Northern European and East Asian cities have managed to achieve high proportions of cycling for transport. Also, in a few smaller university towns or working-class enclaves, cycling is normalized as part of the everyday culture. The cycling policies and programs which have been learned from these places are … Continue reading
Governance and policy co-design/co-production workshop coming up
Governance and policy co-design/co-production workshop Tuesday 8 February 2022 (7-9pm Brisbane time; 9-11am Leeds and Glasgow time) Hosted by the Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR), The University of Queensland (UQ), Leeds Social Sciences Institute (LSSI), University of Leeds (UoL) and MRC/CSO Social & Public Health Sciences Unit (SPHSU), University of Glasgow (GU) Workshop via … Continue reading
New article on students’ bus ridership in Transportation, co-authored by Dorina Pojani
University students are regarded as a readily available market segment for public transport. In Hanoi, as elsewhere, they constitute a large portion of bus passengers. However, one portion has been quitting buses, and the reasons were so far unknown. Nor was it clear whether they planned on retuning. Through a survey of more than 800 … Continue reading
New article on recreational cycling in Journal of Transport & Health, co-authored by Dorina Pojani
This study joins a growing body of literature on the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on activity patterns. Set in Hanoi, Vietnam, it is the first study to examine recreational cycling in the Global South. It highlights that a growth in recreational cycling presents both opportunities and challenges. Title: The emergence of recreational cycling in … Continue reading
Ideas competition to re-imagine the Australian Dream
The Australian Urban Design Research Centre has launched an ideas competition looking for a future Australian city “that embodies a new Australian Dream for the 21st century.” The Business as (Un)usual competition is open to students and recent graduates. There is a prize pool of $10,000 on offer. More info: https://architectureau.com/articles/business-as-unusual/?utm_source=ArchitectureAU Go UQ|UP students! Unleash … Continue reading
New article on bikesharing in Transportation Planning and Technology, co-authored by UQ|UP team
What makes some people eschew bikesharing? What distinguishes users from non-users? The present study examines the transport priorities and socio-demographic characteristics of both users and non-users of bikesharing in the context of Adelaide, an Australian metropolis of 1.3 million people. We apply statistical techniques, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and two-level Nested Logit (NL) modelling, … Continue reading
Read Dorina’s UNESCAP blog on paratransit in Asia
Meeting urban mobility needs through paratransit and informal transport in Asia-Pacific cities: http://www.unescap.org/blog/meeting-urban-mobility-needs-through-paratransit-and-informal-transport-asia-pacific-cities. Policy-makers and practitioners may wish to refer to the UNESCAP study on Enhancing Sustainability and Inclusiveness of Urban Passenger Transport in Asian Cities and the 2021 Review of Developments in Transport in Asia and the Pacific which were prepared with Dorina Pojani’s … Continue reading
New article on gender and planning in Australian Planner, by UQ|UP team
Through a dozen in-depth interviews of urban planning professionals in Brisbane, Australia, this study examines the relationship between the experience of women in the planning profession and the consideration of women’s issues in the city. The study reveals that Brisbane’s planning industry continues to be perceived by those who work within it as an ‘old-boys-club’. … Continue reading
Happy New Year from UQ|UP
We’re happy to see the back of 2021. After a tumultuous 12 months of hybrid teaching and Zoom conferences, we send positive vibes to all our staff, students, and colleagues around Australia in the new year. Here’s to a creative, inspired, prosperous, and – above all – healthy 2022! Continue reading
UQ|UP team wins BEL Connect Grant
Our application for a BEL Connect Grant for the project “We Don’t Know Where to Go or How to Get There: Mapping out the Mobility Needs for Tourists in Urban Destinations”, has been successful to the value of $18,500. A wonderful Chrismas present. Congratulations to the team: Richard Buning (UQ Business School) Anne Hardy (University … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani interviewed by SPCIS on Covid-19 safety, the Olympics, and public transport
The 24th Winter Olympics will be held in Beijing. As a major event, it poses a large risk of mass Covid-19 infection. Li Yuxuan of the Saint Pierre Center for International Security interviews UQ|UP’s Dorina Pojani on how to plan the daily travel of athletes and participants so as to reduce the possibility of infection. … Continue reading
UQ|UP staff receive recognition for high quality teaching
We congratulate all UQ|UP members, as well as our colleagues in human geography, who received recognition for their high quality teaching in 2021: SEES. Best in Program for Planning (based on SeCAT scores): Sonia Roitman FoS. Dean’s Commendation for most effective teaching (based on nominations from students who achieved a GPA of 6.6 or more): … Continue reading
Are you a new cyclist? Volunteer for a UQ|UP study
Have you taken up cycling during the pandemic? If the answer is yes, we would like to hear from you! We are conducting a study on people’s active transport choices and motivations during the Covid-19 pandemic. The project is led by Dorina Pojani. To get in touch, please email Fahimeh Khalaj (f.khalaj@uq.edu.au). The project has … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani talking about car-free living on the Hustle & Bustle podcast
The Hustle and Bustle is a series of conversations with city thinkers and shapers, focused on South East Queensland. The podcast is hosted by Nicole Bennetts, a passionate urbanist on the Gold Coast. The episodes are light hearted, conversational and inspiring. In Episode 18, Nicole interviews UQ|UP’s Dorina Pojani on one of her latest research … Continue reading
New ABC article on Indigenous knowledge systems, co-authored by Jim Walker
Indigenous knowledge systems are vital to the design of solutions to climate change — so why are Indigenous voices so rarely included in deliberations? The limits to meaningful Indigenous presence in climate change response events are more structural than simply the day-to-day politics of exclusion. While there is now a growing chorus of calls by … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani on SBS Radio talking about her new book Trophy Cities
Canberra is the capital of Australia, but not everyone in the world knows it. Why should a small, new and little-known city host the seat of political power? Wouldn’t it be more logical to use the most important cities from an economic and cultural point of view, such as Melbourne or Sydney? Australia’s choice to … Continue reading
Happy World Town Planning Day!
Today, UQ|UP celebrates the amazing planners all the around the world and recognise their continued efforts to help plan, design and deliver better cities and regions! Continue reading
Seminar on city-networks in the global economy, by Thomas Sigler
Title A City-Networks Perspective on the Global Economy Abstract A popular approach to conceptualising the global economy has been through the lens of network science, in which cities act as economic ‘hubs’, and the connections between them as ‘spokes’. Such connections refer to various types of flows, including information, resources, and capital. This presentation … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani on ABC Radio talking about public transport options on the Sunshine Coast
Sarah Howells, the host of the Breakfast program on ABC Radio Sunshine Coast, invited UQ|UP member Dorina Pojani to chat about mass transit options on the coast. The Sun Coast Council has proposed various options and routes, including light rail: https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/Council/Planning-and-Projects/Major-Regional-Projects/Sunshine-Coast-Mass-Transit-Project/Document-Library. Should the Sunshine Coast emulate the Gold Coast? What are the risks and opportunities? … Continue reading
New article on public transport and Covid-19 in Journal of Transport & Health, co-authored by Dorina Pojani
In contrast to other cities worldwide, the pandemic has not decimated bus ridership in Hanoi. Notably, the Vietnamese capital has mostly relied on the use of face masks and hand sanitizer during travel, instead of requiring physical distancing on buses. This study examines public bus passengers’ levels of compliance with Covid-19 safety measures, and the … Continue reading
Green Programs Seminar: The environmental impact of transport
Open for members of the Green Office, Green Labs, and Green Ambassador Program, this seminar will inform you about the options available for getting to and from campus in a sustainable way that works for you! Afterwards there will be morning tea and the opportunity to network with other Green Programs reps. This event will … Continue reading
New article on construction informality in Land Use Policy, co-authored by Dorina Pojani
Incumbent governments commonly increase public expenditures prior to elections in order to curry favor with voters and boost their chances of retaining office. This study, set in Albania, focuses on a non-fiscal approach to winning votes: condoning, or at least tolerating, informal construction activities in the residential sector prior to elections. We term this approach … Continue reading
QLD Climate Youth Forum coming up
Young Queenslanders are already shaping Queensland’s future when it comes to reducing emissions and building resilience. If you’re a Queenslander aged 25 years and under, you can have a say about current and future climate action in Queensland. Share your thoughts in an online forum—led by Linh Do—Climate Reality Leader and Director of the Leaders for … Continue reading
New Conversation article on cycling and weather, by UQ|UP team
Hopping on your bike when it’s raining, or snowing, might seem unappealing. But research by Richard Bean, Dorina Pojani, and Jonathan Corcoran, recently featured in The Conversation found that inclement weather conditions deter some cyclists more than others. In the first analysis of its kind, the UP|UP team captured eight years of data from 40 … Continue reading
Book launch coming up: Trophy cities, by Dorina Pojani
Trophy cities: A feminist perspective on new capitals Abstract This seminar will present Dr Pojani’s latest book Trophy cities: A feminist perspective on new capitals (Edward Elgar, 2021). Offering a fresh perspective, this timely book analyses the socio-cultural and physical production of planned capital cities through the theoretical lens of feminism. Dr Pojani evaluates the historical, … Continue reading
Point8 transport planning cadet recruitment
Point8 is currently seeking applications for their annual Cadet Program. The program is suitable for 3rd- or 4th-year university students interested in undertaking work experience in transport planning and related disciplines. For more information, check out the LinkedIn add: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6848107031099011072 or contact the Point8 Cadet Recruitment Team at cadetrecruiting@point8.com.au Continue reading
Dorina Pojani’s new book on masterplanned capital cities is out!
Offering a fresh perspective, this timely book analyzes the socio-cultural and physical production of planned capital cities through the theoretical lens of feminism. Dorina Pojani evaluates the historical, spatial and symbolic manifestations of new capital cities, as well as the everyday experiences of those living there, to shed light on planning processes, outcomes and contemporary … Continue reading
Community forum on housing injustice – coming up in West End
Housing Justice in Unjust Cities on Friday 24th September, 5:30PM, AHEPA Hall in West End, Brisbane. The forum intends to explore different angles and perspectives on housing, with a particular emphasis on the perspectives of marginalised people, including First Nations peoples, disabled people, and refugees, and will look at tenant’s rights and anti-eviction movements. Contributors include … Continue reading
Minister’s Planning Awards – nominations closing soon!
The QLD Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning is committed to shaping Queensland’s future — and that means investing in tomorrow’s planners by giving them an opportunity to put their skills, knowledge, and ideas to practice in real-life scenarios. The Minister’s Planning Awards give planning students the opportunity to submit applications to … Continue reading
New article on Covid-19 and children’s travel in Journal of Transport Geography, co-authored by Dorina Pojani
This is among the first studies to provide empirical evidence on active school travel rates and determinants before and after the first Covid-19 lockdown in spring 2020. We have collected and analyzed primary survey data on the school travel patterns of 472 school-age children in Hanoi, Vietnam. The findings show that the Covid-19 pandemic has … Continue reading
Place Jam get-together coming up
Place Jam is an Australasian placemaking peer network, ‘helping make places sticky’ since 2015. Their next get-together is on Thursday 9th September 5.00pm – 8.00pm at Wandering Cooks, 63 Vulture Street, West End, Brisbane Hosted as a collaboration between Urbanistas, PlacemakingX, and Place Jam, this will be the first of a move towards seasonal after … Continue reading
The Festival of Urbanism starts in one week!
The Festival of ‘endangered’ Urbanism13-24 September The annual Festival of Urbanism is a series of conversations where researchers, practitioners, community advocates and industry leaders come together to debate the threats and opportunities facing our cities. You are invited to join the various events that make up the 8th Festival of ‘endangered’ Urbanism. All events across … Continue reading
Tmnit Halefom Hailu on public panel discussing the ongoing war in Tigray, Ethiopia
This Sunday, one of our HDR students, Tmnit Halefom Hailu, partook in a public discussion in which the panelists talked about the ongoing war in Tigray, Ethiopia, and indicated that genocide is occurring. A major humanitarian crisis is unfolding. A native of Tigray, Ms Hailu provided an overview of the political context that led to … Continue reading
THI Urban Change Festival
Studio THI is an independent not-for-profit providing a platform for government, developers, professional advisors, and the community to work together to champion, envision and deliver sustainable urban development. Studio THI seeks to shape purposeful, ambitious, and enduring places that enrich the way we live, learn, work and play. The upcoming Studio THI Urban Change Festival … Continue reading
New book chapter on the role of parking in the sharing economy, by UQ|UP team (Edward Elgar Publishing)
This chapter discusses how parking policies, the emerging sharing economy, and automated vehicles (AVs) interrelate to influence urban mobility. Chapter title: Parking Policy and bay-sharing for unmooring automobility from cities Chapter authors: Anthony Kimpton, Dorina Pojani, Neil Sipe, Jonathan Corcoran Book title: A Modern Guide to the Urban Sharing Economy Book editors: Thomas Sigler, Jonathan … Continue reading
New paper on cycling and weather in Journal of Transport Geography, by UQ|UP team
This study examines the effect of weather on bikeshare use. We employ data from forty Public Bicycle Sharing Programs located in forty cities (16 countries) across five different climate zones, spanning tropical to boreal climates. Our curated dataset is longitudinal and consists of nearly 100 million cycling trips. Key findings include: (a) the most significant … Continue reading
Seminar by David Wadley on how to successfully complete a research thesis
Agenda: This interactive seminar will be quite informal and highly pragmatic. It aims to offer some new angles from project management which can help those who are intending to write, or are currently completing, a research thesis. Emphasis will be placed on initial aspects (project scope, initiation and risk management) which can condition the entire … Continue reading
EDI-C seminar on disability, neurodiversity and special needs
This seminar is an opportunity to gain an understanding of the experiences of how people with disabilities navigate a world of imbalances and challenges presented by frameworks designed for non-disabled people. Hear about personal experiences from people with disability in academia and their pathway to success. Title: Disability and the Diverse Pathway to Success Speakers: … Continue reading
Science lunchtime webinar: Engaging with Indigenous communities
A panel of Indigenous people are coming together in UQ’s NAIDOC week to answer your questions about engaging with Indigenous communities respectfully and appropriately, to enable productive collaboration that creates positive outcomes for both communities and science. Join online on Wednesday 4 August at 12 pm for a yarn with some of UQ’s Indigenous staff … Continue reading
UQ|UP workshoping Brisbane housing challenges and opportunities with BCC
Brisbane has not been immune to the many housing challenges that have faced Australia and the rest of the world in the Covid-19 era. The Brisbane City Council has been undertaking background research and analysis into the emerging trends and statistics in our housing sectors. The UQ|UP group was invited to workshop the challenges, trends, … Continue reading
Join UQ’s MaaS scheme
A Mobility as a Service (MaaS) scheme will be launched at UQ in mid-2021. A MaaS scheme is defined as the integration of transport services through a single access point with a common interface. This UQ scheme will provide users with access to a range of unlimited or discounted transport options for a fixed monthly … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani guest lecturing on transport in Southeast Asia at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI)
This presentation will examine issues related to policy transfer in urban transport planning in Southeast Asia. It will consider the metropolitan regions of four major capitals: Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Bangkok. Who transfers policy and why, what elements of policy are transferred, in what direction and to what degree, and what barriers does transfer … Continue reading
Join INTBAU’s Architecture Challenge!
The Architecture Challenge is a competition for low-carbon, no-carbon, and carbon-negative designs for resilient and adaptable houses. Proposals must advance local traditions, be low-cost and easy to build, and respond to a real location anywhere in the world that is affected by one or more of: lack of houses that are affordable, sustainable, and appropriate … Continue reading
New article on post-Covid urban futures in Journal of Urbanism, by Dorina Pojani and Sara Alidoust
This article recounts a study of media predictions on the future of cities, post-pandemic. From a theoretical perspective, we consider discourse and storytelling (written, oral, or visual) as crucial public policy and planning tools. The study is based on a qualitative analysis of more than 110 media articles from more than 60 sources, which appeared … Continue reading
New issue of OOPS Connect newsletter is out!
Being a small society, OOPS strives to bring the very best opportunities and advancements to its members using UQ|UP’s longstanding relationships with industry sponsors and alumni. As of 2020, OOPS began publishing its Connect Newsletter. This provides students with the opportunity to take part in a professional student publication and to work alongside the executive … Continue reading
Congratulations Dr Tigor Wilfritz Soaduon Panjaitan!
Tigor just completed all the requirements for the award of the Doctor of Philosophy degree at UQ. His thesis, prepared under the supervision of Dr Dorina Pojani and Dr Sebastien Darchen, discussed public space politics in Indonesian cities. Sincere congratulations on this accomplishment from the entire UQ|UP team! The attainment of a PhD is a … Continue reading
New article on public space privatisation in the Journal of Urbanism, co-authored by Dorina Pojani
Academics have decried the erosion of public space under the neoliberal practices that have taken root since the 1980s in cities around the world. However, it is unclear whether users are concerned about the ownership of the urban spaces they use. To find out, this study surveyed users and observed their behaviour in three types … Continue reading
New encyclopedia entry on children’s active school travel, by UQ|UP team
This article reviews the available literature on children’s active school travel (walking and cycling) around the world. Rates of active travel to school vary substantially by setting but, cycling is much less popular than walking nearly everywhere. Active school travel is more consistently associated with (1) socio-economic and demographic variables including lower socio-economic background of … Continue reading
New paper on NIMBYism in JHBE co-authored by Dorina Pojani
We explore the participation levels of NIMBY (‘Not In My Backyard’) proponents versus other voices at public hearings San Francisco, a city with an exceptionally dire housing crisis. Once very diverse, radical, and bohemian, San Francisco has become the most expensive city in the US, which caters to a wealthy minority—heavily connected to the tech … Continue reading
IJURR forum for HDR students: ‘Becoming an Urban Researcher During a Pandemic’
UQ|UP HDR students are invited to join peers from around the world to reflect on their experiences doing (or attempting to do) field research during a global, but geographically uneven, pandemic. The discussion will build on the International Journal of Urban and Regional Research’s (IJURR) recently published Spotlight on Becoming an Urban Research During a … Continue reading
Australasian Transport Research Forum (ATRF) is back in Brisbane!
The 42nd Australasian Transport Research Forum (ATRF) will take place in Brisbane, between the 8th and 10th December 2021. The conference will use the EasyChair system (https://www.easychair.org/my/conference?conf=atrf2021) and additional information will be made available on the ATRF website (http://atrf.info/) in due course. More information is provided in the Call for Papers below. The transport planning … Continue reading
Human geography seminar on transit and crime by Professor Jonathan Corcoran
Our everyday urban lives often entail encountering a familiar stranger – this is someone who we recognise but have never spoken to – a phenomenon known to hold important social benefits. The emergence of large scale big data sources present new and exciting opportunities as well as computational challenges through which we can both capture … Continue reading
Upcoming EDI Seminar on Spanish-speaking migrants in Brisbane
Perceived discrimination (PD) in the field of Discourse Analysis is the study of discourse that focuses on the perspectives of the victims of discrimination, exploring what they say and how they say it. This seminar will present the results of a PD study of twelve Spanish speaking immigrants to Brisbane, during semi-structured, co-constructed interviews. Data … Continue reading
UQ|UP team wins Faculty of Science COVID Research Recovery Funding
Congratulations to the planning team! In awarding this fund (nearly $50,000), the Faculty noted that our application clearly showed UQ|UP’s commitment to high-quality teaching during the difficult and unexpected circumstances associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, our willingness to take on additional duties to achieve this, the impact this had on our research, and the potential … Continue reading
Caroline Milne receives Town Planning Thesis Prize 2020
Many congratulations to UQ|UP honour’s student Caroline Milne for receiving the Town Planning Thesis prize 2020 on the basis of highest marks in exposition or thesis. This prize ($400) is funded by a donor, UQ|UP Adjunct Prof. John Brannock. The award will be noted on Caroline’s official academic transcript. Thesis title: The Implications of Participatory … Continue reading
UQ|UP staff receive Dean’s Commendation for Excellent Teaching
Each semester, the Faculty of Science asks our full-time students who achieved a GPA of 6.6 or greater in the previous semester to nominate their most effective teacher. These nominations allow the Faculty to celebrate the outstanding efforts of UQ|UP and other staff to support students through effective teaching. UQ|UP lecturers Stephanie Wyeth and Dorina Pojani … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani at ACRN’s ‘Speaking Out Series 1’: Inspiring women in urban research
The Australian Cities Research Network is convening the first webinar panel for the new ACRN ‘Speaking Out’ series which focuses on how the urban research community can contribute to addressing issues of gender inequity. Specifically, the ways in which urban research can work to: inform urban policy / practice; contribute to public debate / social movements; … Continue reading
New article on transport poverty in Sustainability, by UQ|UP team
The widening income gap in post-reform China has given rise to social inequality. Among those, transport poverty and inequality have significantly affected the daily life of low-income groups. While important, this is an under-researched topic in China. This gap in the academic literature is glaring given the country’s urbanization rates, sprawling cities and income differentials. … Continue reading
Sebastien Darchen joins ACRN Committee
The Australasian Cities Research Network (ACRN) was established in the early 2000s with the aim of promoting, fostering, championing, and disseminating research relevant to Australian cities and regions. This is achieved via the State of Australian Cities (SOAC) Conference which has been running since 2003. Membership of the ACRN is open to all those engaged … Continue reading
New article on carfree living in Case Studies on Transport Policy, co-authored by Dorina Pojani
This exploratory study examines the motivations of people who live “car-free” by choice in Brisbane, Australia. The Theory of Planned Behaviour is employed as a guiding framework for the analysis. Unlike the “car-less”, the “car-free” are physically and intellectually able to drive, and have sufficient income to purchase and maintain a car, yet they have … Continue reading
PhD scholarship to study climate change adaptation at UQ and Exter
A full PhD scholarship is available as part of the QUEX Institute, a research partnership between The University of Queensland, Australia, and the University of Exeter, UK. The project is on Urban planning and climate change adaptation in Pacific Country cities. The PhD student will be based at UQ, with a research stay at Exeter. … Continue reading
Planning student focus groups – all invited
BRTP and MURP Students are invited to participate focus groups on the undergraduate and postgraduate program. These focus groups are part of the Reimagining UQ Planning Project which is seeking your feedback and ideas on how to enhance the academic and student experience in the program. The focus groups are designed and led by students. … Continue reading
Free academic book offer for planners and human geographers
A retiring SEES academic is offering a large collection of books in several social sciences disciplines free to staff, postdocs and HDR students in SEES and other Schools. All in good or very good condition, the books are on display from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from this coming Wednesday 7th to Friday 9th April … Continue reading
New article on ridesharing in Journal of Transport Geography, co-authored by UQ|UP team
Ridesharing and the tech companies that enable it have become household names. However, as research has focused on users rather than non-users, much less is known about the latter. Understanding the characteristics, behaviours, and motivations of non-users is quite important too, if the planning goal is to shift urban populations from private cars to ridesharing. … Continue reading
UQ|UP team wins AURIN grant to study bikeability in Australian cities
Bikeability for Transportation: Tools and Data for Research and Practice. This project will develop a new bikeability assessment tool, making it possible to assess and monitor planning, design, infrastructure and policy interventions over time. Combined with AURIN’s existing walkability tool, objective and accessible bikeability measures will support multi‐modal transportation planning with a strong active transportation … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani on the media talking about flood risk and city planning
Devastating flooding is ongoing across Australia, where an area the size of Alaska with some 10 million people is at risk for excessive rainfall and storminess. The devastating floods come a little over a year after one of Australia’s worst fires seasons on record. From a planning perspective, an obvious suggestion is that housing shouldn’t … Continue reading
Congratulations, Dr Fahimeh Khalaj!
Congratulations to Fahimeh Khalaj who just completed her PhD in Planning at UQ. The title of her thesis is ‘Are cities still building highways? A comparison of Australia and Iran‘. A scientific consensus has emerged that the dominant 20th century paradigm of solving transportation congestion problems by building more highways has failed. The legacy of … Continue reading
Research seminar on planning for climate change adaptation
This research was motivated by a concern that existing societal processes may exacerbate a given socio-ecological system’s susceptibility to the adverse consequences of climate change. Yet, such societal processes are simultaneously underrepresented in adaptation research and practice. The research examined how the problem of climate change adaptation is structured within multi-level policy and planning frameworks. … Continue reading
UQ|UP staff interviewed by Contact Magazine on post-Covid urban lifestyles
The big question: What does the future hold for urban lifestyles? There is no indication that the ‘pre-COVID-19 normal’ will be returning. So, is the ‘now normal’ going to be the ‘new normal’? And what does this mean for future urban environments? UQ|UP experts, including Drs Thomas Sigler and Dorina Pojani, talk about the future … Continue reading
EDI-C seminar on working parents in academia
Successful child raising requires attention, time, effort, energy and goodwill. The responsibility for raising the next generation of citizens is under-valued and falls disproportionately to women. This responsibility impedes women’s progress and success in the workplace, including in universities. This seminar will provide the opportunity to explore how the imbalances inherent in sexist attitudes to … Continue reading
Happy IWD!
Wishing all the incredible women at UQ|UP – students and staff – a very happy International Women’s Day 2021. Thank you for all things you do. Shine on… Not just today but everyday! In 2021, let’s all choose to challenge and call out gender bias in the planning profession and inequality in cities. Let’s seek … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani on ABC News talking about public participation in planning
Development applications lodged with Brisbane City Council are being flooded with proforma submissions in a bid to sway the council’s decision to approve or reject applications, but submitters may be wasting their time. Experts say the system isn’t perfect but provides democratic input for residents. Read the full story, including Dorina’s interview: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-04/development-applications-flooded-with-submissions/13208310 Continue reading
OOPS hosting Women in Planning event to celebrate IWD
Join OOPS at 6.30pm Monday 8 March to celebrate International Women’s Day with influential female planners and leaders in our industry. All are welcome to see our presenters partake in sharing their experience and advice, and a dynamic Q&A session. Women in Planning is in the Planning Studios (Room 314/315) in the Steele Building. If … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani on the Sunshine Coast News talking about gentrification
The Sunshine Coast faces a battle to keep young families and maintain diversity as surging home prices threaten to “gentrify” the region, a national expert warns. Gentrification happens when wealthier people move into a lower-income area, pushing up house prices and often displacing original residents. Interviewed experts, including UQ|UP’s Dorina Pojani, warn the Sunshine Coast … Continue reading
Very auspicious outlook for employment in planning
The number of people working as Urban and Regional Planners (in their main job) has grown very strongly over the past decade: from 11,400 in 2014 to 14,300 in 2019. With the Australian borders closed, future demand will need to be met by locally trained planners for the next few years. Below are several links … Continue reading
Dorina Pojani on ABC Radio talking about urban trees and walkability
Why do we need more trees in Brisbane? What’s the connection between trees and urban transport? UQ|UP’s Dorina Pojani was interviewed by Kelly Higgins-Devine at ABC Radio Brisbane to discuss these issues. The interview aired on 4 Feb, at 8.50 am. Listen to the recording of Mornings: http://www.abc.net.au/radio/brisbane/programs/mornings/mornings/13101292 (min. 22). Continue reading