At our department, we investigate how contemporary cities and urban spaces are designed and developed, and the role that power relations play in urban development. Both human geographers and sociologists study spatial segregation and social inequality in cities, producing valuable knowledge about sustainable urban development.
Our research topics include:
-
What consequences do current urban developments have for people's quality of life and for social inclusion? As cities become increasingly attractive, urban districts are gentrified, and housing prices are rising, What are the implications for social inequality?
-
How do policies for urban sustainability, produce attractive spaces and public goods that are accessible for all? How can we create a sustainable transport system, which is socially inclusive?
-
How do people experience growing up in different parts of a city, in neighborhoods with different conditions (e.g., schools) and demographic characteristics? How do specific social problems, such as poverty, crime and substance abuse, play out in local urban settings?
A strength of our research is that we combine studies of social and spatial inequality with research on sustainable urban development, generating substantial societal relevance. We conduct empirical studies across multiple geographical contexts (nationally and internationally), contributing with critical reflections and providing input to current and future urban policy and planning.
Our research on urban development is internationally recognised and based on collaboration with researchers in many countries. Researchers at ISS are also important contributors to the Norwegian professional and public debate on urban development and policies.
Researchers
Emma Arnold
Michael Gentile
Torstein Storsveen Throndsen
Sverre Johan Herstad
Iselin Hewitt
Karoline Blix Hjelle
Sigrid Jerpstad
Per Gunnar Røe
Torbjørn Skardhamar
Hilde Solli
Marieke van der Star
Terje Wessel
Øyvind Nicolay Wiborg