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:
Improving Design Outcomes: Altaf Engineer, Assistant Professor of Architecture
Assistant Professor of Architecture Altaf Engineer, who joined CAPLA in 2017, has always felt a deep responsibility to apply his knowledge and skills to address critical health, social and environmental issues affecting humans worldwide.
Urban Green Infrastructure Project Led by Landscape Architecture Professor Bo Yang Wins ASLA Honor Award for Research
Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning Professor Bo Yang has been awarded the prestigious Honor Award, Research from the American Society of Landscape Architects for the research project, "Particulate matter mitigation through urban green infrastructure: Research on optimization of block-scale green space."
Tucson Verde Para Todos: CAPLA Faculty and Landscape Architecture Students Engage South Tucson Community through Green Infrastructure
Tucson Verde para Todos aims to address injustices around green infrastructure by promoting a strategy to address inequities in green infrastructure funding, siting and implementation through collaborative, participatory community engagement, as at Star Academic High School.
Untangling Silos: Kristina Currans, Associate Professor of Urban Planning
Associate Professor of Urban Planning Kristina Currans, who has a background in civil engineering, began at CAPLA in 2017. She has a wide variety of research and other interests, with a particular focus on land-use development and transportation planning.
The Intersection of Architecture and Technology: Damon Leverett, Senior Lecturer in Architecture
Senior Lecturer in Architecture Damon Leverett began at CAPLA in 2019. With a background in computer science and architecture, he brings a rich mix of architectural technology and systems design experience to the college.
CAPLA Research Scientist Adriana Zuniga Provides Insight on Climate Change for WalletHub’s ‘Best Beach Towns to Live In’
Adriana Zuniga, CAPLA and Udall Center for Studies in Public Policy assistant research scientist, notes how coastal communities may be severely impacted by climate change in the near future.
The Spaces That Exist Between Private Properties: Bill Mackey, Lecturer in Architecture
“Everything I do as an artist and architect comes into my teaching methodology. I try to think about problems creatively and research them through a multitude of lenses. I expect the same of my students.”
A Deeper Appreciation for Context: Gina Chorover, Lecturer in Planning and Landscape Architecture
“What I love most is bringing the history of a place to the surface for people to see. When people understand the larger context of a building, site or city, they have a deeper appreciation for it.”
Q&A with Real Estate Development Professor Gary Pivo: Should You Buy or Sell a House During the Pandemic?
Professor of Real Estate Development and Urban Planning Gary Pivo discusses COVID-19's impact on the housing market and what it could mean for prospective home buyers or sellers.
Extreme Heat and the COVID-19 Pandemic: Global Heat Health Information Network Launches Comprehensive Online Resource
CAPLA Assistant Professor of Planning and Sustainable Built Environments Ladd Keith contributes urban planning and local governance information to resource that focuses on managing the health risks of extreme heat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Planning Professor Arthur C. Nelson Shares Analysis and Lessons from Development around Tucson’s Sun Link Modern Streetcar
Professor of Planning and Urban Design Arthur C. Nelson teamed with doctoral student Robert Hibberd and MRED and MS Urban Planning students to conduct research highlighted recently in TREND Report.
CAPLA Heritage Conservation Project Director Guides Urban Planning Graduates and Neighbors in Creating a Cultural Asset App for Tucson
Each year Helen Erickson brings together graduate students in her preservation planning course with neighborhood residents on a project designed to benefit the community. This year they created the Tucson Community Treasures app.