Geospatial Systems - Clara Peiret-Garcia
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Profile
Clara Peiret-Garcia
Biography
About Clara Peiret-Garcia
My name is Clara, and since September 2020 I am part of the second cohort of students in the EPSRC CDT in Geospatial Systems.
My background is in Applied Economics, specifically in Regional and Local Economic Development, and my research interests lie in the areas of urban studies, urban mobility, and public services allocation, although I enjoy learning from multiple fields. Prior to joining the CDT, I worked as a research assistant within various projects focused on how cities are affected by new forms of urban governance, or how their citizens are impacted by environmental hazards. One of the most valuable takeaways from these experiences was the understanding the importance of multidisciplinary research, and how relevant it is for solving the pressing issues society is facing nowadays.
What attracted me to the CDT
There were many factors behind my decision to join the CDT. First was the focus on students’ skills development, both throughout the MRes and the three years of PhD. Second, belonging to a cohort-based program has proven an extraordinary experience, both personally and professionally, as it has allowed me to learn from people with very different backgrounds and interests. The CDT has also encouraged me to pursue my own research interests, giving me the freedom to explore different avenues, and providing me with professional, personal, and financial support to do so. Finally, this program has been an excellent opportunity for experiencing life in a different country, a particularly enriching adventure both from a personal and professional perspective.
PhD Research
Cities in shape: Assessing the effects of urban morphology in accessibility to amenities by active travel.
Urban settlements have become key actors in the fight against the climate crisis. With more than 70% of population expected to live in cities by 2050, and an increasing level of emissions being generated in urban areas, the implementation of more sustainable policies has become indispensable. One of the paths that some cities have started to follow involves encouraging their citizens to use more sustainable means of transport. This involves fostering walking, cycling, and the use of public transport in daily activities such as commuting to work or school, grocery shopping or going to the gym. To achieve this, it is imperative that urban planning and urban design policies are aligned with these objectives.
My research focuses on better understanding how the way we build our cities affects accessibility to amenities by sustainable means of transport. Combining techniques and conceptualisations from different disciplines (i.e., urban morphology, geospatial analytics, urban economics, and machine learning), and exploring a selection of cities around the world, I aim at identifying what elements make places accessible and exploring whether they can be exported and adapted into other contexts. The outcomes of this project will hopefully assist decision-makers in implementing policies that improve sustainability and liveability in our cities.
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