Tom Nielsen

Tom Nielsen is a Professor of Urban and Landscape Planning at Aarhus School of Architecture, where he has been employed since 2014. He serves as Coordinator of Research Laboratory 1: Transformation and holds leadership positions at the Center for Strategic Urban Research. His work focuses on the intersection of urban design, landscape architecture, and climate adaptation.

• PhD from Aarhus School of Architecture (2001)
• Master of Architecture from Aarhus School of Architecture (1996)
• Student exam in math/physics from Ikast County High School (1989)

Professor Nielsen's research centers on urban transformation, particularly examining welfare cities, landscape theory, and the Anthropocene's impact on urban environments. His work explores how cities adapt to climate change, especially sea level rise, while maintaining aesthetic and functional urban spaces. He investigates the philosophical dimensions of urban landscapes and challenges conventional smart city paradigms through projects examining 'earthly cities' and non-smart landscapes.

His recent publications reveal a strong focus on climate adaptation in urban planning, with significant attention to how Danish cities can respond to environmental challenges while preserving quality of urban life. The research shows increasing interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly with environmental scientists and climate researchers, as seen in his sea level rise adaptation projects.

• Member of Advisory board for Ecocentric Planning, Danish Urban Planning Laboratory (2024-present)
• Member of Steering Committee, Center for Future Landscapes (2024-present)
• Member of Plan 22+ expert group (2022-present)

Professor Nielsen actively advises on urban development projects across Denmark, serving as an expert reviewer for municipal planning initiatives in cities like Randers, Brøndby, and Aarhus. His research leadership includes directing the LANDLABS project, a European Doctoral Training Network focused on sustainable urban landscapes. He has secured significant funding from sources including Realdania, the Danish Research Council, and EU programs. His laboratory, Research Laboratory 1: Transformation, serves as a hub for interdisciplinary research on urban change and adaptation.