Program Overview

Introduction to the APRU Sustainable Cities and Landscapes Program

The Association of Pacific Rim Universities-Sustainable Cities and Landscape Program (APRU-SCL) is a dynamic network that addresses the pressing challenges of urban sustainability. With the world becoming increasingly urbanized, the program focuses on making cities more efficient, green, and livable.

Our Mission

The mission of the APRU-SCL program is to drive place-based innovation and collaboration in sustainable cities and landscapes through education, research, and policy impact. The goal is to create resilient, equitable, and vibrant communities.

About the APRU-SCL Program

The APRU-SCL program is hosted by the University of Oregon and co-led with program directors from the University of Oregon and the University of Michigan. The program unites thought leaders, researchers, and policymakers from 21 member universities to address urban sustainability challenges. The program emphasizes the interdependence of cities and their surrounding landscapes, focusing on mitigating environmental impacts such as increased air temperatures, altered water cycles, and disrupted ecological processes resulting from rapid urbanization.

Highlighted Programs

• Annual Conference: 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, allowing participants to network and collaborate on future projects and/or publications.
• Visiting Scholars: 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 to collaborate with faculty and students.
• Galapagos Field School: This 21-day program provides a unique learning experience for students interested in urban planning, architecture, and environmental conservation. It deepens understanding of the complex socio-ecological system of cities and landscapes using the Galapagos as a case study.

Cross-Disciplinary Guiding Research Principles

• Broad geopolitical representation across the Pacific Rim.
• Different understandings and contexts for sustainability.
• Addressing the needs of underrepresented communities and vulnerable populations.
• Recognizing climate change as a grand challenge for human societies and earth systems, aiming for transformative work.

SCL Program Contributions

The University of Oregon has founded the Sustainable Cities and Landscapes (SCL) Research Program with seven partner universities and continues to lead it with a Steering Committee of 20 committed member universities. The program celebrates SCL's accomplishments in:

• Building a community of interdisciplinary scholars and practitioners.
• Major publications, including the Routledge Handbook on Sustainable Cities and Landscapes in the Pacific Rim.
• Student professional development at every conference and field schools.
• Policy impact in many societies, consultancies for international organizations, and links to policymakers.
• Collaboration with UN-Habitat and UNESCAP Asia-Pacific Mayors' Academy.
• Annual APRU Climate Change Simulation.

Program Goals

The program keeps the following goals in mind:

1. Research Innovation: Drive transformative research innovation by fostering global collaboration and advancing knowledge that addresses complex, real-world challenges.
2. Societal Impact: Amplify societal impact through dynamic partnerships and initiatives that shape policy, strengthen communities, and inspire sustainable change.
3. Student Experiential Education: Champion student experiential education by creating immersive, international, and place-based learning opportunities that prepare future leaders.
4. Generate Revenue: Generate strategic revenue streams that sustain growth, empower academic excellence, and fuel bold ideas for global engagement.