This chapter evolved from a presentation by Dr. Sandalack at a conference at Oxford Brookes University, UK, in 2012, which brought together notable and innovative approaches to live projects pedagogy from around the world. The Urban Lab paper was accepted through a peer-reviewed process for development as a chapter and inclusion in this book, which was launched in London, UK, earlier this year. It will be launched in New York City on October 9, 2014.
Dr. Sandalack established the Urban Lab in 2000, with the encouragement of Dr. Mary-Ellen Tyler, Dean of EVDS at the time, who provided that rare resource of space. Subsequent Deans have supported the initiative by providing a space for the Lab. Starting with an idea for one project and a University of Calgary Professional Faculties grant of $15,000, which allowed one computer to be purchased and two research assistants to be hired, the Urban Lab started a program of research, education, and community outreach. Over time, more projects were developed (for a total of approximately $1.5 M over the past 15 years), more students were given research assistantships to work on these projects (close to 50 students as of 2014), and additional hardware and software were purchased. Many publications have been produced, including several book publications, numerous journal submissions, and many articles and interviews in the popular press. Several projects have received recognition from professional awards programs, which indicates that our peers have considered our work to be innovative and exemplary. Refer to the Urban Lab website for a complete list of publications and professional awards.
Current projects include an Urban Alliance project with the City of Calgary that is performing an audit and analysis of Calgary centre 
city public realm; a campus planning study for St. Mary's University College; and an on-going CIHR-funded project with colleagues from the Faculties of Medicine and Kinesiology dealing with neighbourhood form and public health measures.
The Urban Lab is managed by Professor Bev Sandalack and Assistant Professor Francisco Alaniz Uribe, who was Research Associate for many years, and is now directing new projects. They are currently working with other colleagues on new research ideas, and always welcome projects and collaborators.
Links:
http://www.amazon.com/Architecture-Live-Projects-Pedagogy-Practice/dp/0415733529