The University of Waterloo’s Future Cities Institute (FCI) founded by CAIVAN brings together a global network of interdisciplinary researchers from a variety of fields, industry leaders, practitioners, students and community members to develop new tools and approaches for building healthy, prosperous and sustainable cities.
Fostering – We promote the integration of research, teaching, and knowledge mobilization to drive innovative city and community solutions.
Healthy – We embrace a One Health approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, environmental, and planetary well-being.
Prosperous – We create the conditions for communities to thrive socially and economically by fostering employment, innovation, education, and inclusive growth that benefits citizens.
Future – We explore multiple plausible futures, not just preferred ones, ensuring adaptable and resilient city and community strategies.
Cities and Communities – We engage with municipalities and Indigenous communities to collaboratively shape sustainable development.
News
FCI member Jennifer Dean presents transportation research to federal table on healthy cities
Future Cities Institute (FCI) member Professor Jennifer Dean was recently invited to present her research on active and sustainable transportation to the Federal Table on Healthy Cities. Professor Dean highlighted the critical challenges associated with developing a strong evidence base to guide decision-making around emerging micro-mobility technologies, such as e-bikes and e-scooters.
New article alert from FCI member Michael Drescher!
New article alert from FCI member Michael Drescher!
How can cities balance urban growth with climate adaptation? Dr. Michael Drescher, from the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo, explores this challenge in his latest journal article: "Nature’s role in residential development: Identifying leverage points for climate change planning in Ontario, Canada."
FCI's Robin Mazumder publishes invited commentary introducing 'Neuromimicry' in Nature Human Behaviour.
The Future Cities Institute (FCI) proudly celebrates Robin Mazumder for his recent invited commentary published in Nature Human Behaviour. Mazumder's innovative concept, "neuromimicry," applies structural and dynamical insights from neuroscience to inspire the creation of healthier, more adaptable urban environments.
Events
How to Make Buildings Earthquake-Resilient: A Control Theory Perspective
i-Capstone Symposium
Join us for the i-Capstone Symposium on March 26, 2025, at the E7 Event Space (Second Floor Atrium), University of Waterloo. This annual event showcases the innovative work of fourth-year students from diverse disciplines as they tackle real-world urban challenges in collaboration with industry and community partners.
Where We Live: Critical Perspective on Our Built and Natural Environments
FCI Postdoc Robin Mazumder is a panelist on Where We Live: Critical Perspectives on Our Built and Natural Environments as part of The John Albert Lecture Series. This session, in Victoria, BC, explores how cities and regions can reimagine built environments to create more affordable, beautiful, and sustainable communities that support mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
