Urban planning students engage with communities through the Freedom Summer Fellowship
“You can’t teach planning today without grappling with how policy actually unfolds within communities,” says Professor Phillip Thompson.
Department
Urban Studies and Planning
MIT researchers measure traffic emissions, to the block, in real-time
A new study pieces together existing data sources in order to develop a detailed, dynamic picture of auto emissions.
John Ochsendorf named associate dean for research for the School of Architecture and Planning
The newly created role will shape the infrastructure needed to nurture the school’s growing research goals.
More trees where they matter, please
An international study reveals disparities in urban shade levels, exacerbating the “heat island” effect in big cities.
Times Higher Education ranks MIT No. 1 in arts and humanities, business and economics, and social sciences for 2026
Top worldwide honors span disciplines across three MIT schools for the second year in a row.
I’m walking here! A new model maps foot traffic in New York City
The first complete charting of foot traffic in any US city can be used for infrastructure decisions and safety improvements.
“Essential” torch heralds the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics
Professor of the practice Carlo Ratti designed this year’s Olympic torch with the ethos and principles he brings to his work at MIT.
How collective memory of the Rwandan genocide was preserved
Delia Wendel’s new book illuminates a painful and painstaking effort by citizens to bear witness to atrocities.
Fostering MIT’s Japan connection
MISTI Japan managing director Christine Pilcavage supports students and faculty interested in exploring the country’s rich cultural traditions and heritage with a STEM flair.
Feeding innovation to solve complex urban problems
Cross-border collaborations are seen as a key to success for the MIT Leventhal Center’s Mexico City Initiative.
Fewer layovers, better-connected airports, more firm growth
Research shows direct flights and links to key airports help multinational firms expand globally and decide where to invest.
Using design to interpret the past and envision the future
MIT graduate student C Jacob Payne reimagines historic architecture and invents new possibilities at the intersection of AI and design.
Digital innovations and cultural heritage in rural towns
A new book providing a roadmap for blending innovation with tradition among shrinking towns blossomed from a practicum in the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning.
Student Spotlight: Diego Temkin
The senior, who is involved in Dormitory Council, Hydrant, the Student Information Processing Board, and SuperUROP, is double majoring in computer science and engineering and in urban planning.
Turning a childhood interest into a career path with MIT Open Learning resources
High schooler Hinata Yamahara’s interest in urban planning was nurtured by free MIT resources, including OpenCourseWare.