Research defines our identity as a department. It is the foundation of our scholarship, professional practice, and teaching. Through research, we generate new knowledge, reshape past ideas, and contribute to policy and practice that shapes everyday life. Our research conversations and collaborations locate us in cities around the world.
Research Highlights
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Announcing: Designing the American Century: The Public Landscapes of Clarke and Rapuano, 1915–1965 by Professor of City and Regional Planning Thomas J. Campanella
Campanella’s most recent book was released after he began research decades ago as a Cornell student on two largely underrecognized landscape architects who deeply shaped the urban geography of the New York City we know today.
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Reimagining Urban Research as Participation and Collaboration
In High Stakes, High Hopes, CRP Chair Sophie Oldfield chronicles a long-term partnership with residents of Valhalla Park that dynamically linked the university and the community to reframe research addressing core neighborhood challenges.
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Capturing the Missing Pieces: Connection and Understanding Through Research
With research interests crossing international development and planning, capital-labor relations, and South-South migration, CRP Assistant Professor Ding Fei brings to light the on-the-ground experiences and challenges faced by those working outside the spotlight of media headlines.
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Workbook Tackles Injustice – and Carbon – in Built Environment
CRP faculty Jocelyn Poe and Jennifer Minner, along with Architecture faculty Felix Heisel, are among several coauthors who recently published Embodying Justice in the Built Environment: Circularity in Practice. The guide and workbook seek to help policymakers, practitioners, and communities center justice principles while implementing strategies related to materials resource management, new construction, and alternatives to demolition.
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In the Media
Journal Articles
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Incremental Urbanism and the Circular City: Analyzing Spatial Patterns in Permits, Land Use, and Heritage Regulations
In the article published in Sustainability, AAP faculty Jennifer Minner, Felix Heisel, Shriya Rangarajan (Ph.D. RS ’22), and Yu Wang assess how commonly used local planning tools shape urban redevelopment trajectories.
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Regional Polycentric Spatial Patterns and Air Pollution: An Empirical Study of German Metropolitan Regions
The latest publication produced by CRP Associate Professor Stephan Schmidt’s research group examines the effectiveness of these patterns using satellite-based air quality measures, multi-year datasets, and a multi-spatial scale research design.
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Tracking the Peacocks: A Gravity Analysis of the Chinese Migration System, 1990–2020
CRP Associate Professor John Carruthers coauthors this paper in The Annals of Regional Science which pays special attention to the nation’s transition toward an advanced economy and older demographic structure.
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A Policy Window for Equity? The American Rescue Plan and Local Government Response
A paper coauthored by CRP faculty Mildred Warner and Graduate Student Paula Camila Diaz-Torres (M.R.P. ’22) explores the multiple mechanisms localities used to incorporate equity.
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Demographic Ageing: an Opportunity to Rethink Economy, Society, and Regions
CRP Professor Mildred Warner and Xue Zhang (Ph.D. RS ’19) are among the authors of this paper, suggesting that an “active aging” agenda requires rethinking the economy, urban form, and societal responses.
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Speculative Urban Infrastructure in the Context of Chinese Engagement in Africa
In an Urban Studies article, CRP Assistant Professor Ding Fei examines speculative urban infrastructure in Addis Ababa, highlighting how transnational ambitions and local priorities intersect in shaping contested urban development.
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Scholarly Books
Faculty Labs & Research Groups
Led by faculty with deep disciplinary and transdisciplinary expertise, AAP labs forge networks and collaborations that push boundaries to advance a more resilient, sustainable, and just world.
Partnerships
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Mui Ho Center for Cities
The Center for Cities is a multidisciplinary hub supporting timely initiatives for the advancement of applied research and actionable knowledge that shape more just and sustainable urban futures.
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Clarence S. Stein Institute for Urban and Landscape Studies
The Clarence S. Stein Institute for Urban and Landscape Studies supports the research, teaching, and community service of students and faculty who have demonstrated an interest in the ideas of Clarence Stein.