Maximising civilian use cases from military engineering assets Governments around the world are under increasing pressure to boost defence spending. From geopolitical tensions with Russia and China to pressure from key allies like the United States, many developed nations are preparing for a more uncertain future. But there's a smart way to increase military budgets that also benefits the economy: by investing in dual-use engineering capabilities within the armed forces.

Iconic buildings do more than catch your eye. They help shape the future of cities by attracting investment, tourism, and community pride. From the Eiffel Tower to the Sydney Opera House, these famous landmarks are not just impressive structures—they are engines of economic opportunity. This article explores how iconic architecture can boost urban life, support local economies, and define city identity. We'll also take a closer look at why these buildings matter and how t

How mega projects are reshaping our planet Around the world, governments and private investors are launching huge infrastructure projects that aim to reshape how we live, travel, and work. These projects aren’t just big in size—they come with huge budgets, cutting-edge technology, and long-term ambitions for sustainability, economic growth, and global collaboration. In this updated list, we bring together insights from several sources to highlight the top 10 biggest inf

What are the five steps to build a digital twin for urban planning? The development of a digital twin involves careful planning, phased implementation, and cross-functional collaboration. Here’s a step-by-step guide tailored for city governments and urban planners.

Why Brisbane deserves your attention When people think of global tech hotspots, they might first picture Silicon Valley, Singapore, or Tel Aviv. But increasingly, eyes are turning to Brisbane. With momentum building across startups, advanced manufacturing, and quantum computing, Queensland’s capital is quietly—but rapidly—shaping up as a serious contender in the next wave of global technology development. The city is riding a wave of post-pandemic growth, capitalising o

Modern events and public venues operate in an environment where expectations are high, risks are real, and the margin for error is shrinking. Whether it’s a one-off music festival or a large shopping centre welcoming thousands each day, failing to understand how people move, behave, and react within these spaces can lead to operational chaos, safety risks, and missed commercial opportunities. The solution is already in our hands—literally. Mobile phones, carried by nearly

As cities grow, mobility needs become increasingly complex. Transport planners are tasked with designing systems that reflect real-world behaviours—where, when, and how people move. Traditionally, this insight has been derived from costly and infrequent travel surveys or data collected via road sensors and ticketing systems. But a far richer, more continuous source of information already exists: the data generated by our mobile phones. Known as Mobile Phone Data (MPD),

Is mobility is on the cusp of a sustainable aviation transformation? For decades, aviation has largely been the domain of airports, long-haul routes, and tightly controlled airspaces. Now, with the emergence of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, a new chapter is beginning—one that reimagines how people and goods move through the skies above cities and regions. While still in the development phase, eVTOLs are being seen as a promising solution to cong

Brisbane’s subtropical climate is one of its defining features, shaping its identity and lifestyle. However, the city is increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly prolonged periods of extreme heat. The central business district (CBD), dominated by hard surfaces and dense development, amplifies urban heat island effects, reducing comfort, walkability, and public amenity. As temperatures rise, there is growing recognition that Brisbane must embra

Film and television have the unique ability to bring places to life, shaping the way audiences around the world see destinations. Locations featured in popular films can become tourism hotspots overnight. More than just a temporary surge, these sites often experience long-term benefits that extend to branding, marketing, employment, and infrastructure. From sweeping landscapes captured on screen to quaint towns turned famous by a single scene, film tourism can be a powerf

Nepal finds itself at a crossroads—struggling to move forward while weighed down by economic fragility, political instability, and deep-rooted corruption. What might appear on the surface as a nation hampered by suspended foreign aid and slow infrastructure progress is in fact a complex crisis touching every corner of public life. While the dream of progress endures, the harsh reality for many Nepalis—particularly in remote areas—is that their hopes are being pushed further o

Bali’s tourism model is no longer sustainable. That’s why Indonesia needs to consider a radical but pragmatic solution: developing a new tourism hub—Bali 2.0—from the ground up.

Why did New Zealand towns turn our backs on the water? New Zealand is a country defined by water — from alpine springs and wetlands to dramatic coastlines and powerful rivers. Yet in our towns and cities, rivers are often treated as little more than obstacles to build around or hazards to keep at bay. Urban development has frequently occurred with its back turned to rivers and streams. In these places, the practical demands of flood protection, road networks, and commercia

A new kind of travel trend emerges In recent years, a fresh and unusual type of tourism has started gaining attention around the world. It's called doomsday tourism. This article focuses on one form of doomsday tourism: the type based on exploring safe zones, survival bunkers, and historical shelters linked to global conflict and the fear of nuclear war. It is important to not confuse this trend with other uses of the same term. Doomsday tourism is sometimes used to des

Transforming a floodwater system: how Seoul turned Cheonggyecheon Stream into an urban renewal success story

The Queensland Government has unveiled ambitious plans for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with a centrepiece being the cons

Funding of local services through user pays is an increasingly important option for many regional and local governments.

Public spaces should be more than just places we pass through — they should be places where creativity flourishes and communities connect. One of the simplest ways to achieve this is by supporting street performers, often known as buskers. With a guitar, a hoop, or a deck of cards, they bring life and energy to our streets. But without proper spaces to perform, many buskers are left to work in crowded, noisy, or unsafe environments. This article explores how designing and bui

How data and AI could significantly improve some models used for transport planning. Gross Value Added (GVA) analysis, Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling, and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), while also exploring emerging opportunities to integrate new data sources and artificial intelligence (AI).

There are a number of methods and approaches to assessing the impact of new transport projects. Here are three that can be considered in their own right or as part of a suite of approaches.