Urban Design Science for Health Lab

The Urban Design Science for Health Lab was established in 2022 by its Founder and Director, Dr Javad Koohsari. The lab integrates urban design, public health and spatial science to investigate how neighbourhoods, street networks, public spaces and workplaces relate to population health. Its research programme addresses physical activity, sedentary behaviour, cardiometabolic health, mental health, healthy ageing and health inequalities. Through empirical research and methodological development, the lab develops scientific evidence to inform urban design and planning.

A central focus of the programme is the scientific development of urban design. Research examines how environmental characteristics are defined and measured, how their relationships with health are interpreted, and how findings can inform spatial design decisions. Methods include spatial analysis, space syntax, environmental measurement and epidemiological research. Current work also examines parametric urban design and artificial intelligence, with particular attention to the scientific validity, accuracy, spatial specificity and ethical implications of these approaches.

The programme builds on the Director’s career research record, including 148 peer-reviewed journal articles and over 8,600 Google Scholar citations as of September 2026. His publications include contributions to Nature, Nature Reviews Cardiology, The Lancet Planetary Health, Cities, British Journal of Sports Medicine, Landscape and Urban Planning and Health and Place. This record is complemented by competitive research funding, postgraduate supervision and sustained international collaboration.

KOOHSARI Javad, PhD (Urban Design), PhD (Sports Science)

Founder & Director | Urban Design Science for Health Lab

Top 2% Scientist (Stanford/Elsevier Global List, 2021–2026)