Urban Transformation Network holds first in-person event at Monash University Malaysia

The inaugural Monash Urban Transformation Network event was held at Monash University Malaysia on 6 and 7 May. It included a public seminar, a workshop and field visit across the two days.

The Urban Transformation Network (UTN) is a new initiative across Monash’s Indonesian, Malaysian and Australian campuses, that aims to mobilise the wealth of knowledge across our campuses, to address the complex challenges faced by rapidly urbanising cities in the Global South. UTN brings together Monash multidisciplinary researchers across engineering, architecture, urban design, IT, public health and social science, to shape transformative and innovative solutions for cities that are vulnerable to environmental and climate risks in our region.

At the public seminar, Professor Tony Wong said of the establishment of the Urban Transformation Network: “The minute we start to look at climate adaptation you realise that many players need to come together – it’s no longer just the energy sector that deals with climate mitigation. All of us now need to have a role, and how we come together will determine our capacity to adapt to climate change, and there’s no more significant focal point in that endeavour than in the urban setting. The urban setting tends to converge and concentrate all of the challenges that we face, amplifying the hazards and impacts. And that’s why our ambition is to address the whole issue of the challenges within an urban setting.”

Professor Mike Ryan, Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Senior Vice-President at Monash University said: “We know that cities often concentrate and magnify many of the key challenges including climate change. And we know that the rapid pace of urbanisation in developing economies makes them really vulnerable to environmental risks arising from climate change. New urban infrastructure and entirely new cities are being planned and built which don’t align with existing research and knowledge on sustainable approaches to urban development. So, we really need to make collective efforts towards sustainable urban transformation in concert with global action for climate adaptation and mitigation.”

Professor Diego Ramierz-Lovering spoke about the significant role that architects have to play in creating an integrated environment, the importance of co-designing with community and the critical importance of mission-oriented research and innovation – research that has measurable impact in communities, as demonstrated through the long-term multidisciplinary mission-based projects Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments (RISE) and the Citarum Action Research Program (CARP).

At the workshop and field trip led by Dr Tanvi Maheshwari, participants came together in cross-disciplinary groups to engage in active discussion to design a sponge city, a walkable city, and a high-density city, drawing on research interests and scientific knowledge.

A participant from the UTN seminar in Monash Malaysia said:  "Urban transformation is not just about bricks and mortar; it is about the stories woven through the streets, the aspirations whispered in the alleyways, and the resilience echoing in the cityscape. From the dynamic urban fabric of Southeast Asian regions to the vibrant global constellations, the seminar comprehensively illuminated the transformative power of community engagement, innovative policies, and sustainable development. As we reflect on the insights shared, let us remember that the true essence of urban transformation lies in empowering every voice to shape the cities of tomorrow."

Another participant of the UTN workshop said: "An inspiring session that ignited creativity in urban transformation. Complex elements and interconnected ideas unified connections across different professions. Every conversation urged us to think beyond boundaries."

The aspirations of the Urban Transformation Network align with Monash University’s Impact 2030 strategic plan to respond to climate change, preserve geopolitical security and foster thriving communities.