Association of Pacific Rim Universities
Sustainable Cities and Landscapes
Our Mission
To drive place based innovation and collaboration in sustainable cities and landscapes through education, research, and policy impact to create resilient, equitable, and vibrant communities.
Why We Created SCL
The Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (SCL) research program is one of seven programs under the umbrella of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) with 21 member universities. Headquartered at the University of Oregon, this global network brings together thought leaders, researchers, and policymakers from across the Pacific Rim to tackle prevalent challenges faced by nations in this region.
APRU SCL addresses the challenges of urban sustainability driven by rapid urbanization and population growth. It emphasizes the interdependence of cities and landscapes, highlighting the environmental impacts of urbanization, such as increased air temperatures, altered water cycles, and disrupted ecological processes. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration, the program explores city-landscape interactions, compares regional practices, and develops solutions to enhance sustainability across Asia Pacific cities. The work of APRU SCL is guided by the principles listed below.
Our Guiding Principles
- We seek broad geopolitical representation across the Pacific Rim.
- We have different understandings and contexts for sustainability.
- We will address the needs of underrepresented communities and vulnerable populations.
- We recognize climate change as a grand challenge for human societies and earth systems. We want our work to be transformative.
Program Overview
With nearly 10 years of global research and programming, the APRU SCL network has published countless articles and two books, hosted webinars for students and practitioners, facilitated conferences in seven different countries, developed student field schools and symposiums, and more. In all programs and projects, we keep the following goals in mind:
- Collaborating to support transdisciplinary research across borders.
- Exchanging knowledge with communities, policymakers, and practitioners.
- Facilitating international, experiential, and place-based educational opportunities.
Housed in University of Oregon's Global Studies Institute, APRU SCL research and programming brings together faculty, students, practitioners, and policymakers from fields ranging from architecture and planning to environmental justice and sustainability. Email sclhub@uoregon.edu to learn more.
Highlighted Programs
This annual event connects experts to develop solutions for urban sustainability, climate adaptation, and resilient cities. It features collaborative Working Groups and a Student Symposium, that allows all participants to network and collaborate on future projects an/or publications. This event is hosted by a different APRU member university each year and provides a uniquely place-based lens to all conference activities.
Scholars and professionals in fields of city and regional planning, landscape architecture, architecture, geography, environmental science, and relevant professions are invited for a two week workshop which culminates in participation in the 2025 Association of Pacific Rim Universities Sustainable Cities and Landscapes annual conference held at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
This 21-day program in Quito and the Galapagos Islands, provides a unique learning experience for students interested in urban planning, architecture, and environmental conservation. It's designed to deepen understanding of the complex socio-ecological system of cities and landscapes using the Galapagos as a case study and explore how it is impacted by the looming climate crisis. This program welcomes students from around the world.