Researchers in this program focus on digital innovation, the expansion of information and cultural economies, the increasing globalisation of cities, and the diversification of forms of urban surveillance, securitisation and regulation.

The program also researches how we understand, interpret and conserve the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of our cities.


Acknowledgment of Country

We acknowledge the people of the eastern Kulin Nation, on whose unceded lands we work and live, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging. We acknowledge the complex knowledge systems and technologies that have enabled the many First Nations communities of this continent to live on and care for this land and each other over tens of thousands of years.

Projects

Where do the Children Play? Facilities and Venues for Community Playgroups

2015

This project analyses trends in the provision and management of community facilities impacting on the organisation of community playgroups in Australia.

Public Wi-Fi as Urban Infrastructure – the Australian Case

2015–2017

This project is researching the current surge in government, market and community investment in public Wi-Fi in Australia.

Analysing the Social and Economic Value of Community Playgroups

2015–2016

Community playgroups (CPs) are unique in Australia’s early years education and care environment. This project fills knowledge and policy gaps by appraising the social and economic value of CPs.

Practicing Safe Public Wi-Fi: Assessing and Managing Data and Security Risks

2015–2016

This project will produce the first Australian analysis of public Wi-Fi use, and the security and legal risks associated with the use patterns of public networks.

Opportunity Spaces – Schools as Community Hubs

2015

This project looks at renewed interest in developing schools as community hubs, analysing policy and practical dimensions of opening up schools for wider community use.

Collecting Institutions, cultural diversity and the making of citizenship in Australia since the 1970s

2016–2018

This project will analyse the innovative role played by the Australian collecting sector in documenting, promoting and managing cultural diversity.

The impacts of internationalising universities on urban transformation

2016

This research outlines the development of university towns in China, using a case study of the Dushu Lake Higher Education Town, Suzhou in China.

Representing Multicultural Australia in National and State Libraries

2018 (ongoing)

The project aims to investigate the representation of histories and cultures of migrants from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in the National Library and select state library collections.

Building Connections: Schools as Community Hubs

2018–2022

Building Connections is investigating how best to plan, design, govern and manage schools to operate successfully as ‘more than a school’, encouraging the development of resilient and connected communities.

Democratic Urban Development in the Digital Age (DEMUDIG)

2019–2021

This international research project is examining citizens’ use of the Internet and social media to participate in urban development processes, and city governments’ efforts to engage and respond to citizens through these channels.

Planning for the 21st Century Municipal Markets in Victoria

2020 (ongoing)

The aim of this project is to draw on local and international expertise to develop and disseminate new models and planning guidelines for 21st century municipal markets in Victoria.

Key People

Lead researcher

Associate Professor Ian McShane

Associate Professor Ian McShane

Convenor of Urban Cultures and Technologies Program

Researchers

Higher Degree by Research Candidates