It’s been a month since the doors of the Urban Frontiers showcase opened, and we wanted to share some of the activity so far! Hosted by UCL and curated by SHIFT, this temporary exhibition has offered visitors a glimpse into the future of urban living, showcasing groundbreaking innovations that are set to transform our cities. The showcase builds on the momentum from the launch of our Digital Frontiers Roadmap – a vision of the future of curated data ecosystems and digital collaboration to solve urban challenges.

Over the past few weeks, members of the public, local businesses and attendees from SHIFT’s innovation ecosystem have had the chance to engage with cutting-edge technologies and visionary projects that explore the intersection of the physical and digital worlds. From biochar-based building materials to AI-powered infrastructure, the exhibition has highlighted the pioneering work of London-based start-ups, researchers, and community innovators. These are the minds that are actively shaping the cities of tomorrow, and their work has been inspiring for visitors to the space.

For those who haven’t yet had the chance to visit, Urban Frontiers is not your typical exhibition. It’s an immersive experience where the often invisible forces of technology and data come to life. The showcase features:

• Innovative Physical Solutions: Attendees have explored the materials and technologies that will form the backbone of future urban environments, including eco-friendly construction methods and ways of reusing materials in creative and sustainable ways.
• Cutting-edge Digital Innovations: The exhibition has also highlighted digital breakthroughs addressing urban challenges, from AI systems optimising city infrastructures, to data-driven solutions enhancing urban life for humans and wildlife alike.
• Experimental Interventions: Visitors have engaged with projects from the UCL Connected Environments Lab and People and Nature Lab that blend the physical and digital realms, demonstrating the potential of tangible objects to educate about data flows and energy usage.

As Nick Turner, SHIFT’s Data and Digital Lead, put it: “Urban Frontiers embodies our commitment to demystify cutting-edge urban innovations, making them accessible and engaging for everyone. We want to inspire and inform visitors, igniting an inclusive conversation about what innovation really looks like and how it will affect all of us in the future.”

Exciting News: The Showcase is Extended!

We’re thrilled to announce that due to the great interest and positive feedback, the Urban Frontiers showcase has been extended until the end of the year! This means there’s still plenty of time for those who haven’t yet explored this evolving exhibition to do so.

Urban Frontiers is more than just a static display—it’s a living, breathing exhibition that will continue to grow and evolve. New artefacts and projects will be introduced over the coming months, ensuring that each visit offers something interesting. Whether you’ve already visited or are planning to come for the first time, there will often be new innovations to discover and conversations to be had.

Join Us in Shaping the Future

Urban Frontiers is a must-visit for anyone passionate about urban innovation and sustainability. Whether you’re a curious Londoner, a city planner, policy maker, or an innovator yourself, this showcase offers something for everyone. As we extend our run through the end of the year, we invite you to join us in exploring the future of our cities.

Visit the Urban Frontiers showcase at specified times throughout the remainder of the year. Don’t miss your chance to get an insight into the future of our cities – register now to secure your spot!

Exhibition Details:

• Venue: UCL Pool Street, 1 Pool Street, Stratford, E20 2AF
• Dates: 30th July to 23rd December
• Admission: Free at specified times, register here (new sessions added regularly): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/urban-frontiers-tickets-948993514147  

Bringing a large group or looking for an industry session? Email us at hello@shiftlondon.co.uk to organise.