norman foster institute: sustainable cities program applications 2025

norman foster institute: the program on sustainable cities

The Norman Foster Institute (NFI), an initiative of the Norman Foster Foundation (NFF), has officially launched the application process for its highly anticipated 2025 Program on Sustainable Cities. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Madrid, this immersive 36-week initiative is designed to foster interdisciplinary thinking and research for scholars around the world, under the visionary leadership of Co-Directors Norman Foster and Kent Larson.

The application deadline is 15 June, 2024 at 24h00 CEST – apply here!

the Norman Foster Institute is now accepting applications for its Programme on Sustainable Cities, taking place in Madrid from January to December 2025.

all images courtesy of the Norman Foster Foundation

Scheduled to run from January to December 2025, the Program on Sustainable Cities promises a unique blend of hands-on experience and academic insights. This opportunity will see participants diving into the heart of three pilot African cities, engaging directly with local planners and managers. Acknowledging the challenges and opportunities this diverse terrain presents, and run by the Norman Foster Foundation (NFF), the Norman Foster Institute (read here) aims to address the complexities of urban development in a continent on the brink of transformative change.

the Programme is led by Co-Directors Norman Foster and Kent Larson

Sustainable Cities is structured across three stages— Foundations, Transformations, and Interventions— allocating time between studio and fieldwork. Furthermore, the NFI City Lab will serve as a crucible for scholars, empowering them to develop sustainability strategies for pilot cities using cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and interactive interfaces. From leadership and advocacy to communication and data analytics, participants will also acquire a comprehensive toolkit to tackle urban issues worldwide, ranging from bustling metropolises to informal settlements. The culmination of the program will witness scholars presenting their findings to each city’s administration, ensuring a tangible impact on real-world urban scenarios.

each year, participants immerse themselves in three pilot cities, engaging directly with local planners and managers

the program welcomes scholars and professionals

The program is intended for those who seek a holistic approach to the design and management of cities. It welcomes graduate and postgraduate scholars, along with professionals in various fields such as Anthropology, Architecture, Arts, Computer Science, Construction, Data Analytics, Design, Economics, Engineering, Environment, Geography, History, Law, Mathematics, Public Policy, Sociology, Transportation, Urbanism and other related disciplines.

the 2025 academic year will focus on African cities

The Norman Foster Institute provides a Master’s Degree Diploma

Additionally, The Norman Foster Institute provides a Master’s Degree Diploma, for the Program on Sustainable Cities, in partnership with the NFI’s Academic Partner, the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. The program is signed by Co-Directors Norman Foster, President of the Norman Foster Foundation and Advocate of the United Nations Forum of Mayors and Kent Larson, Director of the City Science Group at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab. The diploma is signed by the NFI Provost, Prof. Edgar Pieterse, Founding Director of the African Centre for Cities (ACC), University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa, and the Rector of Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Prof. Amaya Mendikoetxea.

the 36-week programme is structured across three stages: Foundations, Transformations and Interventions

the course starts with tools and skills that can be used to address wide-ranging issues in cities

towards the end of the year, the scholars will present their findings to each city’s administration

scholarships are awarded to talented applicants in need of financial support, based on merit, distinctive competencies, background and/or academic excellence

the NFI City Lab supports scholars as they work on developing sustainability strategies using artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and interactive interfaces