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

Related Content

News & Blog

Blog

Transforming smart cities: Observations on smart city integration

17 November 2020

As smart city technology continues to develop at exponential rates, cities are looking at how to best integrate the new technologies into their communities.

Blog

Councils often ignore residents on social media. How can digital platforms ensure they have a say in planning?

16 June 2020

Local governments across Australia are mandated to consult their residents on urban development issues. They are increasingly using digital platforms to do this.

News

Footy is back, but what will it look like for die-hard fans during a global pandemic?

10 June 2020

As AFL fans across the country get excited for the return of footy on Thursday night, there is still an air of nervous anticipation as to what lies ahead. How do we enjoy our national sport in a time of COVID-19?

News

Meet the women helping to improve how we live in cities and with nature

05 March 2020

As our cities evolve, so too should our approach to building and planning our urban habitats. Here, six RMIT urban researchers share how their work is shaping how we live in our cities and with nature.

News

Meet Jodie Boyd: Expert in cultural history and policy

24 February 2020

What role do libraries have in the 21st century in shaping our national narrative? Dr Jodie Boyd explains how libraries are vital to preserving our story as a multicultural society.

News

Can apocalyptic games prepare us for future sustainability threats?

10 October 2019

What can playing apocalyptic games teach us about climate change or energy security? Urban resilience expert Dr Anthony Richardson explores how games can tackle future challenges at the global gaming festival PAX in Melbourne.

News

Food selfies show an appetite for flexible student eating spaces

14 August 2019

Food selfies taken on campus can offer a whole new way to rethink flexible student spaces and help combat food waste, suggests a new study.

News

Drunk history: Bottle shops, urban life and public order

06 February 2019

From colonial times to our suburban spread, the humble bottle shop has been surprisingly central in urban attempts to create order and contain violence - but it’s a complicated history.

News

RMIT research inspires community gardening for wildlife state-wide

04 September 2018

The new community initiative Gardens for Wildlife, based on RMIT research, will serve as a role-model across Victoria to encourage gardening to support local wildlife.

News

Why public Wi-Fi? The rise of public networks in Australia

10 August 2018

Investment in public Wi-Fi provision by Australian local government authorities (LGAs) has surged in recent years. But why do LGAs choose to operate public networks, and what are these networks used for?

News

August 2018 edition of The Urban Observer out now

09 August 2018

With Australia’s population reaching 25 million this month, the liveability of our cities has become critically important for our national prosperity and sustainability.

News

Remaking Cities: 14th Urban History Planning History Conference Proceedings

30 May 2018

Remaking Cities was the theme of the 14th Urban History Planning History conference, a biennial and multi-disciplinary gathering of scholars and practitioners with interests in the histories of cities and urban planning.

Events

Past Events

Libraries and the Community Symposium

27 February 2020, 8:00AM-5:30PM

Representing and Reflecting Cultural Diversity in Library Research, Policy and Practice (Thursday 27 February to Friday 28 February 2020).

Past Events

Launch of Dry Zones: Planning and the Hangovers of Liquor Licensing History

8 February 2019, 4:00PM-6:30PM

Come along to the official launch of Dr Elizabeth Taylor’s book Dry Zones: Planning and the Hangovers of Liquor Licensing History, published by Palgrave Pivot.