City Syntax Lab

City Syntax merges the precision of syntax — the rules of structure and meaning — with the complexity of cities. Just as grammar organizes words into meaningful sentences, we see urban built environments as dynamic systems where buildings, technologies and policies come together to form living “urban sentences.” We are an interdisciplinary research group within NUS’ College of Design & Engineering, with roots at MIT. We push the boundaries of sustainability, technology, and policy to help shape more equitable, resilient, and intelligent urban environments. City Syntax brings together researchers from a myriad of disciplines to work on groundbreaking ideas and real-world pilots, often in partnership with cities, policymakers, industry, and other researchers. Our work has been published in Nature Communications, Nature Cities, Applied Energy, Sustainable Cities and Society, and other notable outlets, and has also garnered accolades, including recognition from Fast Company's World Changing Ideas and the MIT Climate & Energy Prize.