UTSA Westside Community Partnership
GeoDesign Lab
GeoDesign Research for Sustainable and Resilient Communities Lab at the University of Texas at San Antonio aims to promote sustainable and resilient communities through geospatial research approaches to urban design and planning processes. We focus on diverse ways to measure geographic context, land use patterns, and environmental conditions through GIS and spatial modeling to identify significant patterns, design ideas, and policy recommendations that could enhance the quality of life, especially in socially vulnerable communities.
Built Environment
With rapid urbanization occurring worldwide, we address challenges with urban forms and structures that affect human well-being. The quality and design of the built environment can also exacerbate or mitigate social problems in the neighborhood and are important for promoting a more inclusive and equitable environment. Specific topics include but are not limited to:
- Urban form and structures
- Urban vacancies
- Walkable environment
Green Infrastructure
Green infrastructure includes diverse natural resources that could serve as an infrastructure in urban areas. We seek the benefits green infrastructure can bring and find spatial patterns linked to the socioeconomic characteristics of the neighborhoods from the perspective of environmental justice. Specific topics include but are not limited to:
- Tree canopy
- Green spaces and parks
- Low-impact development
Climate Adaptation
As the world’s climate shifts in increasingly unpredictable ways, human adaptation to the environment and risk reduction are crucial. We analyze the current built environment and green infrastructure to recommend tools for climate adaptation. Specific topics include but are not limited to:
- Extreme weather events
(heat, flooding, etc.) - Disaster mitigation, preparedness
- Extreme weather events
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