“Above all nations is humanity.”

The Center for Civilization at the University of Calgary School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape is a design research lab and international think tank working at the intersection of cities, society, and civilization.

We believe humanity finds itself at a critical inflection point. Actions today will determine the longevity of tomorrow. Bold and unapologetic visions of what can be possible must catalyze endeavors that prioritize positive impact and change. As such, we are guided by the principles of diversity and pluralism as antidotes to the supremacy and sectarianism that have ravaged the Earth.

Aspiring to redesign current paradigms and operating procedures of contemporary civilization, we develop and execute sponsored design research projects across multiple scales and disciplines. We also complement the work of our lab by deploying the convening power of our think tank—pursuing longer-term, transdisciplinary projects at an international scale.

Center for Civilization, City of a Thousand Planets Exhibition, City Building Design Lab [Calgary, AB], 2022. Photo: Max Krewiak.