rotterdam
Circular Cities and Regions

Cities and Regions (new)

Cities are ever-evolving, complex ecosystems, and our understanding of them is an ongoing journey.  We are committed to continually updating, enriching, and enhancing our urban knowledge, particularly in the context of sustainability. Our focus is on addressing the unique challenges of urban sustainability and circularity, which are rooted in the dense, diverse, and dynamic populations, activities, and spatial configurations that define our cities. 

As the urbanist Jane Jacobs once said,

"Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody."

Underlining the importance of inclusive urban sustainability and the significance of the connection between regions and cities. 

Our Mission 

At Focus Area Cities & Regions, we serve as a catalyst for practice-oriented research and education that transcends traditional sectoral and disciplinary boundaries. We bring together researchers, students, and stakeholders from various urban domains to collaboratively explore innovative, inter- and transdisciplinary approaches. 

Our Expertise 

In the realm of Focus Area Cities & Regions, Leiden University, Delft University of Technology, and Erasmus University Rotterdam have joined forces. These institutions have a strong track record in addressing circularity from various perspectives—ecological, social, and technical, including material and resource flows. Cities & Regions builds upon this collective expertise. We continually explore new pathways within and beyond academia, pushing the boundaries of urban sustainability knowledge.