Housing and urban studies
We design and implement advanced research and create tools and guides for decision support that contribute towards improved access to well-located, habitable land, adequate housing, dignified neighbourhoods, and functional land and housing markets. This is all with the aim of achieving spatial transformation, and the production and maintenance of sustainable human settlements. Our expertise is rooted in architecture, urban development, and urban and regional planning.
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Highlights
The flagship products that our research group currently has, in partnership with our clients/ knowledge partners:
The Urban Knowledge Exchange
A CSIR- developed online platform for sharing reliable urban knowledge to improve practice and innovation for more sustainable human settlements in southern africa and the continent.
For more information, visit
Technologies for service delivery
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation developed this platform for technology developers and suppliers who need to publicise and accelerate the diffusion of their technologies to a spectrum of users and partners. It caters for the needs of the built environment practitioners and decision- makers in search of innovative technologies and support tools for improved human settlements.
For more information, visit
South African Smart Cities Framework
The South African Smart Cities Framework is a decision-making framework to guide the development of smart cities in South Africa. It was developed in collaboration with the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
For more information, visitOur capabilities
Our knowledge and experience have value in the public and private sectors. We conduct quantitative and qualitative research; policy and strategy analysis and development; knowledge management and exchange; preparation of guidelines; decision-support toolkits, norms and standards; spatial and non-spatial data analysis; monitoring and evaluation;, as well as training and capacity building.
Our research
Our team specialises in advancing sustainable human settlements through integrated approaches to urban and peri-urban development.
We research housing policy, urban land markets, and residential mobility to support inclusive, sustainable development. Our work spans informal settlement upgrading, self-build housing, medium-density living, and precinct design. We explore how housing intersects with health, disability, livelihoods, and safety, while promoting township economies, home-based enterprises, and circular economy models. We also partner with municipalities to drive innovation, unlock land value, and address the unique challenges of mining towns and closures.
The Red Book - The Neighbourhood Planning and Design Guide
The Red Book was developed by the CSIR for the Department of Human Settlements. It is aimed at built environment practitioners and supports the development of sustainable human settlements by providing practical information related to the planning and design of the services and infrastructure typically provided as part of a neighbourhood development project. The Red Book supports the development of sustainable human settlements by providing practical information related to the planning and design of the services and infrastructure typically provided as part of a neighbourhood development project.