Head of Research Group: Marie Stender.

Our research

The research group works with the conversion and transformation of housing and places based on the interplay between the built environment and people’s housing, settlement and social lives, especially in urban and rural areas, which are currently changing. The housing and the places where we live are of great importance to our everyday lives, and a balanced settlement is essential for social cohesion. Therefore, it is important to understand the constant transformation of housing and places both in Denmark and internationally.

Research focus

The need for new knowledge  

The transformation of housing and places is related to urbanisation, changes in demographics and business, physical deterioration, reprioritisation of welfare, new housing cultures and changing lifestyles. This can lead to increased polarisation and lack of social cohesion, new urban-rural links, but also increased inequality internally in cities and rural areas, where, e.g., the public housing sector is under both physical and social strain. In these areas, adaptation, transformation and development are needed to create more attractive housing and residential areas. Therefore, new knowledge is needed about the dynamics behind the changes in urban and rural areas. This includes changing housing and settlement preferences, the consequences of the changes (positive and negative), possible answers to the challenges (potentials and new solutions), and how to formulate policies and initiatives that can promote balanced and sustainable development. 

Research efforts

The research group uncovers developmental dynamics and contributes with a theoretical understanding of contexts as well as empirical knowledge about challenges, initiatives and solutions.

Collaborators

The research effort takes place in collaboration with Danish and international universities and knowledge institutions as well as philanthropic foundations. Co-operation takes place alongside central authorities such as ministries and municipalities, as well as with companies and organisations. The relevant organisations are public housing organisations, resident groups and volunteers. The companies are usually owned by the companies of the construction site that are active in the development of cities and residential areas, including other companies that manage the city’s infrastructure and resource flows.

Application

State and municipal authorities, including planners and architects, are central to the application of evidence-based knowledge, new strategic and planning measures as well as adaptation to development opportunities. In addition to this, all types of organisations and companies developing cities and residential areas in a social, economic and environmentally balanced and sustainable manner, are essential actors in applying new research.