Urban studies
Studies of urban development and planning have a strong position in Human Geography at the ISS.
Our urban research focuses on the social, cultural, economic and physical development of cities, as well as the underlying mechanisms of development. Some urban geographers at ISS are particularly concerned with material urban development, such as architecture and urban planning, and the social and cultural processes behind such planning. Others focus primarily on social changes in cities - particularly inequality and gentrification – placing emphasis on explaining these changes and analysing their social consequences.
In recent years there has also been a growing focus on transitions to smart and green cities, including issues of mobility and transportation in urban areas.

Research themes and researchers
- City development and urbanisation: Terje Wessel, Michael Gentile, Per Gunnar Røe, Christian Abrahamsson
- Housing markets and segregation: Michael Gentile, Lena Magnusson Turner, Terje Wessel
- Urban planning and architecture: Aleksander Bern, Per Gunnar Røe
- Socio-cultural place analysis: Per Gunnar Røe
- Mobility: Lars Böcker, Mari Andrine Hjorteset, Per Gunnar Røe
- Smart cities: Aron Sandell, Per Gunnar Røe
- Urbanism: Emma Arnold, Aleksander Bern
- Street art: Emma Arnold