Research
Research Centers
Research Centers
Florida Center for Innovative Communities (FCIC)
Director: Kathryn Frank, Ph.D.
The Florida Center for Innovative Communities (FCIC) is dedicated to addressing the increasingly challenging issues facing Florida communities and to the emerging concepts of sustainable development, smart growth and livable communities. The mission of the FCIC is to promote balanced growth and development through education, innovative research and services within a collaborative environment.
Center for Health and the Built Environment (CHBE)
Director: Ruth Steiner, Ph.D.
The Center for Health and the Built Environment (CHBE) is focused on the relationship of the built environment to health outcomes with special attention to vulnerable populations. Issues and policies to promote more active living through the design of physical space and environments to promote healthy communities for all people, especially those disproportionately affected by the consequences of poverty and poor land-use planning, are of particular significance to this center.
International Center for Adaptation Planning and Design (iAdapt)
Director: Zhong-Ren Peng, Ph.D.
In the light of climate change, the impacts of sea level rise on coastal communities is acceleratingly increasing. Many coastal cities — like New York, Tampa, and Miami — are prone to intensifying hurricanes and vulnerability to sea level rise. The International Center for Adaptation Planning and Design (iAdapt) has been established to increase the adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities against the effects of sea level rise.
Geo-Facilities Planning and Information Research (GeoPlan) Center
Director: Alexis Thomas
Associate Director: Crystal Goodison
The GeoPlan Center was established in 1984 as a response to the need for a teaching and research environment in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Research projects and community service grants — in progress or completed within GeoPlan — include innovative environmental analysis, urban design applications, and the development of cutting edge software/hardware technology.
Center for International Design and Planning
Director: Abhinav Alakshendra, Ph.D.
The Center for International Design and Planning examines emerging design and planning trends in an era of internationalization. The center also offers service and outreach assistance to disadvantaged communities in developing regions of the world and is committed to exploring the potential of resilient systems and adaptive design strategies for communities facing development and identity challenges in rapidly changing environments.
Center for Landscape Conservation Planning
Directors: Tom Hoctor, Ph.D., & Michael Volk
The Center for Landscape Conservation Planning conducts applied research on the relationship between conservation and land use. The forms a bridge between the disciplines of design, planning, and wildlife conservation. Research results influence public policy through education and direct involvement in the application of relevant science, technology, and planning principles and methods to conservation analysis, planning, and management.