Rapid but often poorly conceived urbanisation in hazard-prone areas has become commonplace around the world. This project aims to investigate the myriad ways in which planning/construction/development regulations and/or practices can lead to the creation of disaster risk (in a specific country/region as defined by the candidate). The outcomes of the project have the potential to inform the way that disaster risk can be more effectively managed through improved training, planning, development and engagement with key local stakeholders. The study will be directly aligned with two of the University's research challenges (‘Secure and Resilient Societies' and ‘Changing Environments and Infrastructure') and will be of immense pertinence to Professor Lee Bosher and Dr Ksenia Chmutina's research in the School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering. This area of research will be of great interest to key international organisations such as UNDRR, UNESCO and the World Bank, and it is anticipated that the candidate will be provided opportunities to present their work to these important global organisations.