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Blog Colouring Loughborough TOWN Observatory

Symbiosis International University in Pune – India

The Centre for Postdoctoral Development in Infrastructure, Cities and Energy (C-DICE), Symbiosis International University, and Loughborough University event hosted the winning team. Source: the Centre for Postdoctoral Development in Infrastructure, Cities and Energy (C-DICE).

In late September 2025, Mihyun Kim, Research Officer in Spatial Data Science, attended an international research sprint held at Symbiosis International University in Pune, India. The event aimed to strengthen UK–India research collaboration and was supported by the Centre for Postdoctoral Development in Infrastructure, Cities and Energy (C-DICE) at Loughborough University and Symbiosis International University.

The UK–India team, co-led by Mihyun from the UK, won the competition and received a £5,000 grant for a pilot project titled “Circular Solutions for Plastic Waste in Pre- and Post-Construction of Buildings: Driving the Net Zero Pathway.” The project tackles India’s plastic waste challenges by promoting circular and sustainable construction material management across policies, practices, and digital systems.

As part of the project, the Colouring Loughborough team will develop evidence-based methods for a plastic material management system, using Loughborough as a testbed. The research outcomes will contribute to the advancement of the Colouring Loughborough programme and will be implemented within the Construction & Design section.

The pilot study is expected to conclude by mid-December 2025, with plans for the UK–India team to continue their collaboration and explore wider research opportunities. The project is supported by the Impact Hub, University of Cambridge, the Colouring Cities Research Programme international consortium, Loughborough University, and Indian partners including Symbiosis International University. 

source: LinkedIn page of Symbiosis International University

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Blog Colouring Loughborough TOWN Observatory

The International Seminar on Urban Form (ISUF) 2025

In June 2025, Mihyun Kim, Research Officer in Spatial Data Science, attended The International Seminar on Urban Form (ISUF) 2025 held at Castello del Valentino in Torino, Italy, hosted by the Politecnico di Torino. Her team presented research titled “AI-Augmented Space Syntax: Reframing Spatial Analysis into Multi-Layered Spatial Analysis for Adaptive Urban Form.” This research explores the potential of AI systems to enhance urban management and improve human-informed data collection across multiple spatial scales.

The study is part of the Colouring Loughborough project and aims to integrate AI-driven spatial analysis with multi-source geospatial data to inform adaptive, evidence-based urban design and planning decisions.

An overview of ISUF 2025, held at Castello del Valentino in Torino and hosted by the Politecnico di Torino, Italy.Photo source: Mihyun Kim
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Blog Loughborough Stories PhD TOWN Observatory

Creative Photography and Mapping Workshops in Loughborough

As part of her PhD project, Pegah Aftabi organised a series of creative photography and mapping workshops at John Storer House in Loughborough. The workshops aimed to explore how local communities perceive and define heritage in their everyday environments.

A total of 20 local residents participated in the sessions, which combined creative and participatory methods to document places of personal and collective significance. Using a mobile application, participants photographed meaningful locations across the town and shared short stories explaining their importance.

During the workshops, participants also used colour-coded labels to categorise different types of heritage, such as built heritage (buildings, public spaces, streets, and landmarks), natural heritage (green spaces, landscapes and natural settings), and sociocultural practices (social activities, cultural events, and community meet-up points). The classification process allowed participants to visually organise their inputs and visually map their connections to different places in Loughborough. This activity also created opportunities for participants to meet, discuss, and exchange perspectives on what makes Loughborough special to its residents.

The photos above present part of the maps developed collaboratively using participants’ photos and stories

The workshop series was followed by a feedback exercise to evaluate participants’ experiences and reflect on the process as a collective learning exercise. Insights from this session helped assess the workshop’s effectiveness in encouraging dialogue, collaboration, and a shared understanding of urban heritage in Loughborough.

The collected photographs, stories, and mapped data in this workshop will contribute to a digital map of community-centred heritage in Loughborough. These findings will inform the next stage of Pegah’s research on community-centred approaches to urban heritage and planning.

Find out more about this PhD Project here.

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Blog Events Impact Loughborough Stories Loughborough University Scoping Project The Impact Hub TOWN Observatory

Empowering the Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteer Group with AI and Audio Stories

The photo above shows the participants and the instructor, Acka, on the first day of the workshop.

As part of the development of the Heritage Stories Scoping Project, the Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteer Group (LLLSVG) has shown a keen interest in becoming more autonomous and enhancing their software skills. Inspired by the success of StoryMaps created in collaboration with the TOWN Observatory team, the group expressed a desire to learn new digital storytelling techniques. Recognising this enthusiasm, the TOWN Observatory has actively supported their goals, starting with a tailored 3-session workshop focused on creating AI-generated podcasts and audio stories.

The photo above shows Dr Sara Saravi clarifying questions of one of the participants during the second day of the workshop.

Led by instructor Acka Kruszyc, the workshop brought together 9 participants eager to explore AI-driven storytelling. Over three sessions, they learned how to craft scripts from their own researched and fact-checked texts, and how to use AI voices to bring their stories to life. The involvement of experts, Dr Firat Batmaz and Dr Sara Saravi from the Department of Computer Science added valuable technical guidance, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. The outcomes of the workshop were highly successful.

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Above (read left to right): (1) Dr Sara Saravi and Acka Kruczyk listening to the audio stories created by a participant. (2) Participants engaging with AI tools to create their audio stories. (3) Participants working on their audio stories with Dr Cristina Goldschmidt Kiminami providing guidance and support throughout the session.

The session concluded participants motivated and excited about the countless possibilities that AI and audio storytelling present for their future projects. This milestone not only equipped the LLLSVG with new skills but also opened the door to innovative ways of engaging their activities through storytelling and digital media.

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Blog Events Impact Loughborough University The Impact Hub TOWN Observatory

TOWN Observatory at the Loughborough Heritage Open Weekend

The TOWN Observatory (TO) participated in the Loughborough Heritage Open Weekend held on September 20th and 21st. During the event, the team was based at the Careers and Enterprise Hub, where they showcased the TO project and shared updates on its latest developments.

Throughout the weekend, the team offered presentations to the public, highlighting ongoing research and inviting visitors to engage in friendly conversations about the advancements and community involvement associated with the observatory.

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Above (read left to right): (1) Dr Robert Harland presenting the TOWN Observatory; (2) Dr Cristina A G Kiminami presenting the Loughborough Stories platform; (3) Pegah Aftabi presenting about a recent survey on co-creating heritage in Loughborough.

During the event, on Saturday, the TO presented the Loughborough Stories platform, featuring the new Medieval Loughborough initiative undertaken in partnership with the Loughborough Library Local Studies Volunteer Group (LLLSVG). The Heritage Open Weekend also featured an inaugural Medieval Loughborough Walk promoted and hosted by LLLSVG. Following this, the Colouring Loughborough team also shared their work and was available for walk in sessions.

(4) Mihyun Kim, Pegah Aftabi, Dr Cristina A G Kiminami, and Dr Robert Harland at the Careers and Enterprise Hub ready to welcome the public on Saturday

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Above (read left to right): (5) David Kirkby, Christina Harris, and Sharon Gray from the LLLSVG team visiting the TOWN Observatory. (6) TOWN Observatory leaflets (including a map) available to the public. (7) The Medieval Loughborough Walk promoted and hosted by LLLSVG

The event also provided the opportunity to showcase innovative PhD research and early findings through interactive mapping activities with the public and ongoing collaborators.

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Above (8 and 9): The interactive mapping activity conducted by Pegah Aftabi at the Heritage Open Weekend. This session involved an investigation of communities interactions with listed buildings in Loughborough.

On Sunday, other members of the TOWN Observatory team were present. The main highlights were the sharing of the Loughborough in Motion and Chat Loughborough platforms. Several other doctoral researchers also showcased their work.

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Above (read left to right): (10) Matt Beenchey, Tong Chen, Dr Asya Natapov, Wenjie Chen, Mohamed Shamroukh, (11) The TOWN Observatory team presenting the Loughborough in Motion Platform.

Acknowledgements: Thanks to Jill Vincent, Pete Hitchings, Bhavna Patel and John Weightman for their support in facilitating this activity.

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Blog TOWN Observatory

Loughborough academics invited to join the UN-Habitat Global Urban Observatory Network Steering Committee

Loughborough University’s recently launched TOWN Observatory has led to two of its leadership team being invited to contribute their expertise to the Steering Committee of the UN-Habitat Global Urban Observatory Network (GUO-Net).

Given the roles they have played in establishing and overseeing the TOWN Observatory, Dr Robert Harland, Reader in Urban Graphic Heritage, will serve as the named committee member, with Dr Taimaz Larimian, Senior Lecturer in Urban Planning, deputising.

Together, they will support the purpose of the Global Urban Observatory Unit, working with a team of Loughborough researchers dedicated to advancing knowledge in this growing field of urban governance.

To learn more about the Global Urban Observatory Network, click here.

Below is the full list of the newly appointed steering committee members:

1. Chairperson, Dr. Carla-Leanne Washbourne: University of Warwick

2. Vice-Chairperson, Mr. Rashid Seedat: Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO)

3. Mr. Dennis Mwaniki: United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT)

4. Dr. Aref Attia Alshamandy: Qassim Urban Observatory & Egypt Urban Observatory

5. Dr. María Eugenia Goicoechea: Observatorio Urbano Local Buenos Aires Metropolitana (OULBAM)

6. Dr. Karol Janas: Obserwatorium Polityki Miejskiej IRMiR (Urban Policy Observatory IURD)

7. Dr. Dalila Ghodbane: Perspective Brussels

8. Dr. Aseel Almansour: King Abdulaziz University

9. Prof. Nausheen H. Anwar: Karachi Urban Lab (KUL)

10. Eng.Passant Hamza: Egyptian Urban Observatory – Urban Development Fund

11. Mr.Mohamed Alahmri: Royal Commission for Riyadh City – Riyadh Observatory

12. Mr. Saleck Ahmed Cherif: L’Observatoire des Services et du Patrimoine Urbains de Nouakchott (OSPUN)

13. Ms. Gisela Labrador: Metropolitan Region Bogotá – Cundinamarca (Deputy Director)

14. Dr Robert Harland: Loughborough University – TOWN Observatory

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Blog Events TOWN Observatory

T.O. at the Heritage Open Weekend

Heritage open Weekend in Loughborough

The event will be on the 20th and 21st of September
from 10 am to 3 pm.

Enterprise Hub
15 Market Pl, Loughborough LE11 3EA

Click HERE for Program and Booking for Saturday

10 am TOWN Observatory
Presentation about the TOWN Observatory projects, objectives and future actions.
Presenter: Dr Robert Harland

11 am Platform Loughborough Stories
Presentation about the Loughborough Stories platform and its StoryMaps.Presenter: Dr Cristina A. G. Kiminami

12 pm Co-creating Loughborough’s Heritage
Presentation about a recent survey on co-creating heritage in Loughborough, followed by an interactive mapping activity.
Presenter: Pegah Aftabi

1 pm TOWN Observatory
Presentation about the TOWN Observatory projects, objectives and future actions.
Presenter: Dr Robert Harland

2 pm Platform Colouring Loughborough
Presentation about the Colouring Loughborough
Presenter: Dr Taimaz Larimian

Click HERE for Program and Booking for Sunday

10 am TOWN Observatory
Presentation about the TOWN Observatory projects, objectives and future actions.
Presenter: Dr Asya Natapov

11 am Platform Loughborough in Motion
A series of short talks and an interactive activity looking at how people move around and experience Loughborough. Each speaker will share a different perspective on walking, accessibility, and social life in the town

  • Seeing the town: pedestrian dynamics and heritagePresenter: Dr Mohammad Forghani
  • Pedestrian flow: understanding where and when people walkPresenter: Mohamed Shamroukh
  • Perceived accessibility in LoughboroughPresenter: Torah Chen,
  • Social interaction in public spacesPresenter: Wenjie Chen

12 pm Platform Loughborough in Motion
A series of short talks and an interactive activity looking at how people move around and experience Loughborough. Each speaker will share a different perspective on walking, accessibility, and social life in the town

  • Seeing the town: pedestrian dynamics and heritagePresenter: Dr Mohammad Forghani
  • Pedestrian flow: understanding where and when people walkPresenter: Mohamed Shamroukh

1 pm TOWN Observatory
Presentation about the TOWN Observatory projects, objectives and future actions.
Presenter: Dr Asya Natapov

2 pm Platform Loughborough in Motion & Platform Chat Loughborough
A series of short talks and an interactive activity looking at how people move around and experience Loughborough. Each speaker will share a different perspective on walking, accessibility, and social life in the town

  • Perceived accessibility in LoughboroughPresenter: Torah Chen,
  • Social interaction in public spacesPresenter: Wenjie Chen
  • Chat Loughborough

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Blog Loughborough in Motion The Impact Hub TOWN Observatory

Computational Urban Planning and Urban Management Conference 2025 (CUPUM)

The 19th International Conference on Computational Urban Planning and Urban Management (CUPUM) was hosted by the Bartlett Centre for Advanced Spatial Analysis (CASA) at UCL from 23 to 27 June 2025.

The conference featured more than 480 presentations and posters, showcasing an impressive breadth of research. A particular highlight was Professor Michael Batty’s keynote on the role of AI in urban planning and design, which provided valuable insights for future research directions. Alongside the formal sessions, workshops and networking events offered excellent opportunities to exchange ideas and explore collaborations.

At CUPUM 2025, the workshop “Visual Intelligence and Urban Perception” was co-led by several facilitators, including Dr. Asaya Natapov and Dr. Mohammad Forghani from the Impact Hub team.

Visual Intelligence and Urban Perception workshops led by Dr Asaya Natapov and Dr. Mohammad Forghani from the Impact Hub team

The session introduced a custom QGIS plugin, POI VizNet, developed for visibility network analysis, and explored how visual accessibility and perceptual connectivity in urban environments can be quantified using spatial data, image analysis, and graph theory. Participants engaged in hands-on exercises with sample datasets to generate visibility networks, calculate centrality measures, and interpret patterns of visual isolation and prominence. The workshop fostered valuable discussions on the role of visibility in shaping urban experience and on how visual intelligence tools can support more inclusive and human-centred planning.

Furhtermore, Mohamed Shamroukh participated in CUPUM 2025, the leading international conference on Computational Urban Planning and Urban Management. He presented his paper “Spatio-temporal analysis of pedestrian activity in Loughborough using Wi-Fi data”, co-authored with Asya Natapov and Taimaz Larimian, in a session chaired by Duncan Wilson (UCL CASA).

Mohamed Shamroukh presenting his research “Spatio-temporal analysis of pedestrian activity in Loughborough using Wi-Fi data” at CUPUM 2025
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Blog

UNESCO Day at Loughborough University

Professor Ksenia Chmutina’s Welcome Speech at the UNESCO Day event.

Loughborough University held a UNESCO Day on July 2nd 2025, celebrating its unique position in the UK with three UNESCO Chairs based on campus. The occasion marked the appointment of Professor Mike Wilson as UNESCO’s first Chair in Storytelling Education for Sustainability, joining Professor Qiuhua Liang (Informatics and Multi-Hazard Risk Research) and Professor Richard Giulianotti (Sport, Physical Activity and Education for Development).

Professor Ksenia Chmutina presenting the three UNESCO Chairs from Loughborough University. From left to right: Professor Ksenia Chmutina; Professor Qiuhua Liang; Professor Mike Wilson; Professor Richard Giulianotti.

The event, organised by the Institute of Advanced Studies, brought together researchers, students, UNESCO-UK officials, HM Government representatives, and global leaders to reflect on the University’s role in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

One of the international panel discussions, titled “UNESCO in the World,” was chaired by Professor Dan Parsons. This discussion explored the global reach of UNESCO’s mission, featuring six panel members, including Dr Robert Harland, who contributed valuable perspectives to the panel questions.

Panel discussion titled UNESCO in the World featuring Dr Robert Harland as one of the panel members. From left to right: Professor Carmen Péez Gonzalez; Ms Ananya Bhattachaya; Dr Hulli Chen; Dr Robert Harland; Dr Monia Del Pinto; Dr Rachel Sandford.

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Above (read left to right, top to bottom): (1) Vice-Chancellor Professor Nick Jennings opening the UNESCO Day Event; (2) Professor Ksenia Chmutina introducing the event proceedings; (3) Professor Mike Wilson as UNESCO’s first Chair in Storytelling for Sustainability; (4) Professor Mike Wilson presenting the team; (5) Professor Richard Giulianotti, UNESCO Chair in Sport, Physical Activity and Education for Development; (6) Professor Qiuhua Liang, UNESCO Chair in Informatics and Multi-Hazard Risk Research; (7) Audience of the event; (8) Dr Robert Harland and James Ömer Bridge (Chief Executive and Secretary-General of UK UNESCO).

Furthermore, throughout the day, participants engaged with the work of the three UNESCO Chairs, visited exhibitions, and exchanged ideas with policymakers and academics.

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Blog

Urban Places as Narrative Spaces

From left to right: Dr Yolandi Burger, Professor Michael Wilson, Dr Taimaz Larimian, Melinda Swift, Dr Robert Harland, and Professor Chmutina

Members of the Loughborough University School of Design and Creative Arts Urban Practice (UP) group convened a panel discussion on the theme Urban Places as Narrative Spaces, which took place at the University’s Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) on Tuesday, 1 July 2025. 

This new research theme, or ‘frame’, has been introduced to the UP group by Dr Robert Harland, and will be developed over the coming years as part of his role as Deputy Lead for the UNESCO Chair in Storytelling Education for Sustainability initiative. This provides the vital link that incorporates the work of the recently established TOWN Observatory. and work with the Nelson Mandela Foundation on the Named after Nelson project.

The panel was chaired by IAS alumni Dr Yolandi Burger, a recently appointed Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Johannesburg. Among the participating Loughborough colleagues were Professor Mike Wilson, Dr. Robert Harland, and Dr. Taimaz Larimian. The panel also featured in-person guest, Melinda Swift, Senior Manager of Partnerships and Operations at the Gauteng City Region Observatory, South Africa.

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Above (read left to right): (1) Professor Chmutina is presenting and opening the panel; (2) Panel discussing the many diferent perspectives on the subject of Space narratives; (3) Professor Mike Wilson making his closing remarks.