All Things Urban

The DPU summerLab is an international programme by UCL’s Bartlett Development Planning Unit that uses the city as a laboratory to develop socially responsive and justice-oriented urban research and design practices.

The London NightLab 2026 is a five-day, in-person intensive course focused on night-time urbanisms and 24-hour governance. It explores how cities can manage, design, and govern night-time economies in inclusive, sustainable, and resilient ways.

Through lectures, site visits, and a hands-on strategy workshop, participants will examine themes such as night-time governance, safety and gender, data for the 24-hour economy, infrastructure, climate science, and spatial justice after dark. The programme bridges theory and practice and is led by leading academics and practitioners in the field.

• Urban policy professionals
• Urban planners and designers
• Local authority staff
• Public sector professionals
• Private sector practitioners working on night-time strategies
• NGO and civic sector professionals
• Postgraduate students with a strong interest in urban governance

• Background or interest in urban policy, planning, governance, or related fields
• Professional or academic engagement with cities
• Ability to participate in in-person sessions in London, including evening site visits
• English proficiency sufficient for academic and professional discussions

Scholarships available:

Discounted rates may be available for:

• Organisations enrolling two or more participants
• Participants from local authorities
• NGOs, community organisations, and non-profits

Applicants must enquire before 27 February 2026.