Founded in 2006 as a think tank within UCLA’s Department of Architecture and Urban Design, cityLAB explores the challenges facing the 21st century metropolis through research and design. cityLAB’s portfolio contains a series of ongoing investigations that manifest in multiple forms, such as research, publication, policy, exhibition, and prototype.

cityLAB’s cofounder, Dana Cuff, played an integral role in passing California state-wide ADU/backyard home legislation. In addition to legislative initiatives, they have been pushing the boundaries of housing design. cityLAB’s prototype Backyard BIHOME is a net-zero home that is designed to produce as much energy as it consumes (learn more here).