LSE Cities is an international research centre based at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), dedicated to investigating the complexities of 21st-century cities through research, education, advisory services, and engagement activities. Its mission centres on understanding urban challenges, including sustainability, technology integration, and climate resilience, often positioning itself as a "temporary think tank" for city governments.3[6]
Key activities include leading research strands on urban sustainability, technology, and justice, such as the 2011–2012 Intelligent Cities project, which analyzed site-specific developments like London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and contributed to the 2012 Urban Age Electric City Conference.1 LSE Cities co-led the finance workstream of the New Climate Economy’s Coalition for Urban Transitions (2016–2017), focusing on funding mechanisms for low-carbon urban shifts, and participates in ongoing initiatives like NCE city research programs hosted by organizations such as the World Resources Institute and C40 Cities.2[6] It produces research reports, conference papers (e.g., on smart green cities in 2013), and case studies on topics like Gulf city vulnerabilities to climate change.45[7][8]
Geographically, LSE Cities operates with a global scope, engaging cities worldwide through partnerships and events, though its primary focus stems from London-based investigations.1235 Its work indirectly influences housing via urban sustainability efforts, such as Olympic legacy developments and transitions to resilient, low-carbon infrastructure that support affordable and adaptive housing models amid climate risks.12