The essential research of the CAPLA faculty goes well beyond the fields of design, development, planning and sustainability to the core of how we can live better lives in the built environment.
Faculty research solves problems, impacts decisions and shapes policy. Read our CAPLA faculty research stories:
CAPLA Professor’s SunLink Research to be Published in Harvard Law & Policy Review
A new study co-led by CAPLA’s Arthur C. Nelson and the City of Tucson’s Daniel Lawlor finds that the Sun Link streetcar has reshaped Tucson’s growth, economy, and equity since its 2014 launch, driving major real estate investment, population growth, and city revenue gains. The research, to be published in the Harvard Law & Policy Review, highlights the streetcar as a national model for successful urban transit planning.
CAPLA announces 2025 Grassroots Seed Grant Awardees
The College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture has awarded the 2025 Grassroots Seed Grants to three faculty-led projects that advance innovative teaching, research, and creative activity.
Drachman Institute holds Net Zero Urban Water Workshop in Los Angeles
CAPLA’s Drachman Institute brought together experts from across the Southwest for a two-day workshop focused on advancing Net Zero Urban Water—an approach where cities meet water needs through sustainable, local sources without harming long-term supplies or ecosystems.
CAPLA professor’s research sheds light on manufactured housing and heat vulnerability
CAPLA Associate Professor Philip Stoker is advancing research on heat resilience with a new study highlighting how residents of mobile and manufactured housing in Arizona’s urban areas face heightened vulnerability to extreme heat due to limited access to vegetation and land ownership.
University of Arizona study unites mine, local community for improvements
CAPLA researchers are leading efforts to ensure community sustainability and equitable growth in Santa Cruz County as part of a university-led, cross-disciplinary study funded by South32.
CAPLA Faculty Awarded $250K to Start Heat Consortium
A team led by CAPLA’s Sandra Bernal Cordova, Altaf Engineer, and Ladd Keith aim to develop community-centered solutions to the growing threat of extreme heat.
Drachman Institute celebrates community partners, impact
The Drachman Institute recognized 28 community leaders nominated by CAPLA faculty for their outstanding collaboration and leadership across diverse organizations. These awardees represent a wide range of sectors, including local government, nonprofits, and tribal communities, highlighting the strong partnerships fostered through the Drachman Institute.
Extreme Heat Planning Works: Building on a Proven Platform at the Second Annual Southern Arizona Heat Summit
Held at the University of Arizona’s ENR2 building, the 2nd Annual Southern Arizona Heat Summit brought together experts and community leaders to discuss strategies for extreme heat preparedness, featuring presentations from City of Tucson Mayor Regina Romero and other officials.
Santa Cruz River moves closer to national designation with guidance from U of A experts
Mackenzie Waller, assistant professor of landscape architecture, leads effort to have portions of the Santa Cruz River added to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Wildlife Refuge System.
Improving water conservation and mitigating Arizona's heat island effect
The Arizona Board of Regents held a November showcase at the Arizona Experiment Station's Campus Agricultural Center in Tucson, featuring award-winning research from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University around new smart tree watering techniques.
Guiding a New Era: Kirk Dimond, Landscape Architecture Program Chair and Associate Professor
Kirk Dimond, associate professor of Landscape Architecture, was recently named program chair for the landscape architecture program at CAPLA. Hear about his background in the field and vision for the future.
CAPLA students collaborate with Iskashitaa Refugee Network on experiential learning garden
Last spring, CAPLA Sustainable Built Environments Lecturer Nataliya Apanovich partnered with Iskashitaa Refugee Network to create a study concerning issues among University of Arizona students and United Nation (UN) Refugees.