Introduction of the head of this laboratory

Tetsuharu OBA, Professor

  • Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University
    (Concurrent Appointment)
  • Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University
  • Faculty of Engineering, Kyoto University

Biography

Graduated from Kyoto University Faculty of Engineering, Department of Civil and Earth Resources Engineering, in 2000. Completed the master’s program at Kyoto University Graduate School of Engineering in 2002 and earned a Doctor of Engineering degree after completing the doctoral program in 2006. Worked as a researcher at Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting Co., Ltd. (formerly UFJ Institute, Ltd.), then served as an assistant professor and associate professor at the Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, followed by an associate professor position at the Graduate School of Management. Assumed the current position in 2024. Since 2018, I have also been serving as a part-time lecturer at the Graduate School of Urban Management, Osaka Metropolitan University (formerly Osaka City University). In 2012, conducted research as a visiting scholar at the School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, USA. Engages in empirical and practical research leveraging urban information to realize sustainable and resilient cities and nations. Areas of expertise include urban and regional planning, urban transportation planning, infrastructure planning and management, and spatial information science.

Primary Courses

Undergraduate

「Systems Analysis and Exercise for Planning and Management」（Faculty of Engineering）
「Surveying and Field Practice」（Faculty of Engineering）

Graduate

「Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems」（Graduate School of Engineering）
「Project Management」（Graduate School of Management）
「Project Management」（Graduate School of Management, in English）

Part-Time Lecturer（Osaka Metropolitan University）

「Regional Transportation」（Graduate School of Urban Management）

Message

Modern society faces complex and diverse challenges such as population decline, rapid urbanization, climate change, and technological innovation. To address these issues and support future socioeconomic activities, it is essential to redefine cities, nations, and infrastructure not merely as assets but as robust and efficiently manageable foundational systems. This laboratory, as a planning-oriented civil engineering research group, tackles these challenging themes through approaches grounded in both engineering and social sciences. We aim to build sustainable and resilient cities and nations for the future by conducting empirical studies using urban information and practical research in the field.

Our main research themes include (1) Urban and National Planning, and Infrastructure Development and Management, (2) Urban Regeneration and Conservation, (3) Urban Resilience, and (4) Utilization of Geospatial Information and Digital Urban Infrastructure. We delve deeply into planning theories, policy studies, and methodologies from interdisciplinary and international perspectives. Additionally, we are committed to applying our research outcomes to solve real-world problems and give back to society.

In this laboratory, students not only develop theoretical analytical skills and practical problem-solving abilities but also gain opportunities to participate in collaborative projects with national and local governments, companies, and organizations. They can engage in urban analysis using cutting-edge technologies, discuss issues in multicultural environments, and acquire broad perspectives and practical skills applicable in real-world settings. Moreover, we provide an environment that encourages proposing innovative ideas unrestricted by conventional frameworks, allowing students to explore their unique perspectives and interests.

Would you like to take the first step toward shaping the future on the stage of “cities” and “society” by acquiring specialized knowledge and practical skills that make a difference? We welcome individuals eager to join us in fearlessly tackling challenges and working together to build a better future. A visit to our laboratory could be the first step toward your personal growth and uncovering new possibilities. We warmly invite you to visit and explore what we have to offer.

Major Papers and Publications

  • Avrami, E.[eds.] (2019). Preservation and the New Data Landscape, Columbia University Press.(Chapter：Perspectives on Data in Urban Historic Preservation Policy (Coauthor：Douglas S. Noonan and Tetsuharu Oba))
    ISBN：978-1-9413-3248-1
  • Tetsuharu Oba and Douglas S. Noonan (2020). The Price of Preserving Neighborhoods: The Unequal Impacts of Historic District Designation, Economic Development Quarterly, 34(4), pp.343-355.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.1177/0891242420941932
  • Tetsuharu Oba and Hiroyuki Iseki (2020). Transportation Impacts on Cityscape Preservation: Spatial Distribution and Attributes of Surface Parking Lots in the Historic Central Districts, Journal of Urban Planning and Development, 146(2).
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)UP.1943-5444.0000559
  • Tetsuharu Oba (2020). Causal Effect of Undergrounding and Utility Pole Removal Projects on Nearby Land Prices Considering the Timing of the Project Start, Underground Work, and Removal, Infrastructure Planning and Management Vol.37 (Special Issue), 75(6), pp.I_181-I_190.
    DOI：https://doi.org/10.2208/jscejipm.75.6_I_181

Links

ORCID ID：0000-0002-0954-814X
J-Global ID：200901035608935076
researchmap URL：https://researchmap.jp/read0134837
Activity Database on Education and Research, Kyoto University：https://kdb.iimc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/profile/ja.48ac10fa89212b15.html
Graduate School of Management, Kyoto University：https://www.gsm.kyoto-u.ac.jp/faculty/318/

Laboratory’s Operational Policy

  1. Vision and Mission
    Vision：Co-create sustainable and resilient cities and nations for the future.
    Mission：Contribute to solving real-world issues by conducting empirical and practical research using urban information and sharing the outcomes with society.
  2. Policies for Education and Research
    1. Education Policy
      • Respect each student’s individuality and nurture their independence.
      • Welcome students from around the world and value diverse perspectives.
      • Foster rich personal networks within and beyond the laboratory through events such as lectures, workshops, and alumni gatherings.
      • Develop talented individuals capable of contributing to urban planning and civil engineering fields.
    2. Research Policy
      • Encourage creativity while maintaining a strong sense of responsibility.
      • Connect academic theories to practical problem-solving.
      • Pursue originality while respecting prior studies, both domestic and international.
      • Although degree theses are individual projects, collaboration within and beyond the laboratory is encouraged.
      • Strengthen industry-government-academia collaborations for joint research and development.
      • Promote research ethics by ensuring clear understanding and compliance.
    3. Required Skills, Knowledge, and Desired Characteristics
      • Interest in issues related to cities, nations, and infrastructure.
      • (Preferable) Broad knowledge of urban planning, transportation planning, civil engineering planning, econometrics, (spatial) statistics, geospatial information science, and data science.
      • (Preferable) Skills in GIS, R, Python, or similar tools.
      • Teamwork and a willingness to take on challenges.
      • A self-directed learning attitude, a sense of social contribution, and curiosity.
  3. For Undergraduate and Graduate Students
    • We emphasize an environment of mutual learning through open discussions and collaboration.
    • Students are encouraged to actively plan and participate in laboratory-hosted events in addition to regular seminars.
    • Research topics for degree theses are decided through discussions between faculty and students, with a strong expectation for fresh perspectives.
    • We believe active engagement in research enhances not only the quality and quantity of outcomes but also students’ personal growth.
    • While we accommodate entrance exam preparation and job hunting, proper time management is expected.
    • Laboratory visits are welcome. Please feel free to reach out.
  4. For Postdocs and Research Fellows
    • We aim to provide a foundation for postdocs and research fellows to deepen their expertise and advance to their next career stage.
    • If you are interested, do not hesitate to contact us.
    • We welcome diverse backgrounds and perspectives to bring fresh ideas to the laboratory.
  5. For Researchers, Government, and Industry Stakeholders
    • With researchers, we aim to take on academic challenges through joint research and exchange of information.
    • With government and industry stakeholders, we seek to provide concrete solutions to societal issues through policy proposals and implementation-oriented projects.
    • Open dialogue and diverse perspectives are valued, so feel free to get in touch if interested.
  6. Laboratory Seminars
    1. Purpose
      • An opportunity for deepening academic knowledge and cultivating practical problem-solving abilities.
      • An opportunity for generating unique perspectives and innovative ideas through active discussions with students, faculty, and external stakeholders.
      • A platform to integrate knowledge from multiple fields and develop a multifaceted understanding of issues in cities, national territories, and infrastructure.
    2. Operations
      • Frequency: Held weekly during both spring and fall semesters.
      • Format: Primarily in-person, with online sessions as needed.
    3. Participants
      • All students from undergraduate seniors to doctoral candidates in the laboratory.
      • External lecturers.
      • Individuals with relevant interests, subject to faculty approval.
    4. Contents
      • Weekly presentations by 2–3 students on their research progress, followed by feedback from faculty and peers.
      • Discussions on the latest papers and materials related to research themes.
      • Sharing knowledge and skills necessary for conducting research, such as research ethics and literature searches.
      • Hosting special lectures and workshops with guest speakers, including hands-on sessions.
  7. Research Environment
    • Starting in FY2025, we will enhance the research environment in our laboratory.
    • Each student will have access to a dedicated computer and necessary software.
    • Relevant literature and data can be accessed in consultation with faculty.
    • Actively utilize Kyoto University libraries.