Communities

Exponential human population growth, dynamic demographics, and rapid economic change are accelerating global urbanization, while the absence of holistic planning strategies are leading to uncontrolled sprawl and negative environmental impacts.

To address this challenge, the University of Michigan is developing and integrating novel information technology, transportation, and built-environment solutions to meet community-specific needs and provide people with reliable and efficient access to the resources they need.

Critical components within U-M's Livable Communities research theme include:

• Sustainable Transportation – Conserving energy and improving the performance and safety of transportation modes by developing clean vehicle technologies and more efficient and equitable transportation systems for mass transit, personal transport, and freight shipping.

• Sustainable Built Environment – Reducing environmental impacts and improving human welfare by improving and synthesizing building-level innovations that integrate technology and materials research with engineering systems, advanced controls, and human occupant feedback.

• Engaged Planning and Design – Integrating land-use planning, built-environment infrastructure, and transportation systems to minimize inefficient mobility and better meet community needs.