Researchers explore the role of nature in cities
On 29 April, EPFL's Habitat Research Center will launch Landscape Habitats, a cross-disciplinary research cluster devoted to the role of nature in cities. All EPFL laboratories are invited to get involved in its work. How can we ensure that cities of the future will have sufficient access to clean water? What strategies can we develop to prevent floods' How can we create and sustain harmonious relationships with the air and soil? On 29 April, EPFL's Habitat Research Center will launch the Landscape Habitats research cluster, which will study the role of nature in cities. The occasion will also be marked by the opening of The Living City exhibition, organized by researcher Matthew Skjonberg in EPFL's Archizoom space. The exhibition presents a three-century overview of the field of civic design, with a special focus on the creation of regional park systems. A crucial role The role of nature in the city is of crucial importance for Paola Vigaṇ, the director of the Habitat Research Center and a professor of urban theory and urban design at EPFL: "The image we have of cities today leaves no room for a deep connection with rivers, forests and lakes. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is the only way we can come up with innovative ideas in this field - we want our research to change paradigms." The new Habitat Research Center produces research, leads projects (it is coordinating one of the teams working on a vision for Greater Geneva), runs meetings between researchers and organizes seminars.
