Urban Living Lab puts city living under the spotlight

CSIRO has partnered with property developer Celestino to establish the Urban Living Lab at the Sydney Science Park — a place where researchers, industry, government and communities can create, design and test innovative urban development concepts in the real world.

Within the Urban Living Lab’s test environment, researchers will examine the connections between issues such as urban greening, energy efficiency, demands for water, community wellbeing and the impacts of technological advancements, all within a real urban environment. Their work will be critical for developing and renewing our cities and urban spaces to be sustainable in the face of pressures such as population changes and climate change.

“Just like you test new medical technologies in a lab, you need to test new urban-living technologies in a real urban environment,” explained Celestino CEO John Vassallo.

“These technologies will be tested on the homes, businesses, shops, roads and parks of Sydney Science Park.”

Examples of research topics already under consideration include:

• the impact of increased urban greening on local temperatures and ecology, changes in energy and water demand and consumption, and the influence on community wellbeing and health;
• smart water systems that can efficiently provide different classes of water for different uses on demand;
• the influence of digital disruptions and information technology advances on urban structure, industry development and community connectivity.

“We could see people creating new ways to harness solar energy in the workplace and developing novel ideas to store heat and keep homes cool,” said Vassallo.

“New sustainable transport solutions will also be encouraged, as well as inventions that conserve water and energy and drive down utility bills.”

Vassallo said the lab will connect inventors to mentors, scientific expertise and venture capital, hopefully leading to prototypes being commercialised rolled out to the market. Assistant Minister for Science Craig Laundy added that the lab will provide a boost to the local economy, with jobs and opportunities for STEM students.