About the Institute

According to the United Nations Human Settlement Program (UN-HABITAT), in 2008, more than half of the world's current 6.7 billion people will reside in cities. The implications of this phenomenon are far-reaching for cities and society as a whole. On the one hand, the growth of cities may create new opportunities for economic growth and technological advancement. On the other hand, cities and the functions they support may create and perpetuate complex trans-boundary issues such as climate change.

One of the most critical factors to consider in both the identification of urban issues and derivation of potential solutions is the role of the built environment or more specifically of urban design. Since its institutionalization in the 1960s, the practices and pedagogies of participatory urban design have used the products and processes of collective design visioning to address critical urban issues to more equitable social, economic and environmental ends.

Since 1963, Carnegie Mellon's Urban Laboratory in the School of Architecture has pursued the core principles of participatory urban design through its studio course offerings. With the Pittsburgh region as its focus of study, the Urban Laboratory enriches the training of architects and creates a new generation of urban designers and policymakers positioned to become leaders in the planned growth and sustainable development of our cities.

In 2006, the Remaking Cities Institute was established to expand the regional and global impact of the Urban Laboratory by creating new processes that foster collaboration between faculty, researchers and professionals in the public and private sectors. By enhancing the work created through the Urban Laboratory studio, the Remaking Cities Institute will enable Carnegie Mellon to contribute more effectively and efficiently to efforts that strive to enhance the quality of life in our region.

The mission of the Remaking Cities Institute is to catalyze sustainable urban futures and excellence in community design. Our vision is to be recognized internationally as the key resource for rebuilding urban communities, demonstrated through the revitalization of communities in the Pittsburgh region.