From Intern to Innovator: Supercharging Urban Nature Plans with the UNP+ Portfolio Explorer

For two months this summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work as an intern at the University of East London's Sustainability Research Institute (SRI), eager to contribute to real-world environmental solutions. I leave with a wealth of experience; having had the privilege of building a prototype that I believe will be a game-changer for cities striving to enhance their natural landscapes. I’m incredibly grateful for the journey, and especially for the guidance and camaraderie of the SRI team, particularly Stuart, Sam, and Caroline, whose mentorship was invaluable.

Our cities are at a critical juncture. The call to embrace nature is louder than ever, with initiatives like the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 mandating that cities with over 20,000 inhabitants develop ambitious Urban Greening Plans. These plans are our roadmap to a future where cities are more resilient, bio diverse, and healthier places to live. But for city planners and policymakers on the ground, the path to creating these plans can be daunting. Where do you start? What tools do you use? How do you find relevant case studies or secure funding?

The sheer volume of available resources can be overwhelming, leading to a frustrating bottleneck that can stifle progress before it even begins.

Bridging the Gap: The UNP+ Portfolio Explorer Prototype

It was this very challenge that my two-month internship project aimed to solve. I am incredibly proud to have developed the prototype for the UNP+ Portfolio Explorer, an interactive portal designed to empower city-makers with the resources they need to create and implement effective Urban Nature Plans (UNPs).

The goal was to design a system that does more than just host a database; it needed to be a comprehensive support tool. My work focused on building a functional prototype that would demonstrate how a user-friendly, intuitive, and intelligent platform could transform the way cities approach urban greening.

Here’s a look at some of the key features I built into the prototype:

• AI-Powered Search for Intuitive Discovery: At the heart of the prototype is an AI-driven search engine. Instead of guessing keywords, users can ask natural questions like, "how do I ensure social justice is included?" or "how can I find funding?". The AI interprets the query and suggests relevant resources, making the discovery process seamless and intuitive.

• A 10-Step Journey to Success: The prototype is structured around a clear, 10-step Urban Nature Plan cycle. This framework guides users through every stage of the process, from "Securing Political Commitment" to "Monitoring and Evaluation," demonstrating a logical and comprehensive approach to planning.

• Dynamic Filtering and Visualisation: With a wealth of resources, it was crucial for users to quickly find what they need. I implemented robust filtering options for resource type, language, and cost. Furthermore, the prototype includes interactive charts that provide a visual breakdown of the resource landscape, including the distribution of tools by type and a ranking of top-scoring resources.

• Contextual Knowledge Snippets: To provide even greater support, the prototype features "Knowledge Snippets." When a user's search relates to a key step in the UNP cycle, a helpful tip pops up, offering expert advice and connecting their immediate query to the broader planning process.

My Contribution and What I Learned

This internship was a phenomenal learning experience. In just two months, I had the opportunity to take a concept and build a tangible prototype, applying my technical skills to a project with clear, real-world applications. Working alongside Stuart, Sam, and Caroline, I gained a profound appreciation for the collaborative spirit that drives SRI's success. They fostered an environment where my ideas were valued, and I was given the autonomy to innovate.

Developing the UNP+ Portfolio Explorer prototype was a challenging yet incredibly rewarding task. It pushed me to think critically about the end-user experience and to rapidly design and build a solution that is not only powerful but also accessible.

This prototype is a testament to what can be achieved in a short time when passion, technology, and a clear vision for a greener future come together. It has been an absolute honour to contribute to the vital work of the SRI, and I am excited to see how this foundational work evolves into an indispensable tool for cities across the globe.

UNP+ Prototype

By Rosheen Hassan