James Simpson

Dr James Simpson is a Lecturer in the Department of Landscape Architecture at the University of Sheffield's School of Architecture and Landscape, where he has been a faculty member since 2018. He co-leads the Socio-spatial Urbanism Unit (SsUU), an interdisciplinary research collective exploring social dynamics in urban open spaces through theoretical development and empirical investigation.

His educational background includes:

• BA (1st Class Honours) in Landscape Architecture with Planning, University of Sheffield (2011)
• Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA), University of Sheffield
• MA (Distinction) in Landscape Research, University of Sheffield (awarded during ESRC scholarship)
• PhD in Urban Street Edge Engagement, University of Sheffield (completed 2018)

Dr Simpson's research investigates how people experience, interact with, and adapt urban spaces and residential environments, with emphasis on pedestrian visual engagement with street edges. He pioneers mobile and virtual-reality eye-tracking methodologies to develop socially responsive design solutions. His work bridges landscape architecture, environmental psychology, and socio-spatial theory, focusing on residential environments, pro-environmental behaviors, and rethinking private-communal space boundaries.

His publication record reveals consistent focus on urban street design evolution, particularly street edge subdivision, restorative potential of everyday spaces, and ground floor interface dynamics. Methodological innovations include three-dimensional gaze projection heat-mapping for outdoor environments, demonstrating interdisciplinary integration of technology and urban design theory.

Scientific awards include:

• International Association of People Environment Studies Young Researcher Award (2014)
• Wardell Armstrong Prize for best landscape and planning portfolio (2011)
• Y+H Landscape Institute Prize for best final project (2011)

Dr Simpson supervises Master's dissertations and coordinates key modules including Site Planning for Housing and Sustainable Housing. His research was initiated through an Economic and Social Research Council 1+3 Pathway Development Scholarship, and he continues to secure funding for interdisciplinary urban studies through the Socio-spatial Urbanism Unit.

As co-lead of the Socio-spatial Urbanism Unit, he cultivates collaborations between academic researchers, practitioners, and teachers to advance theoretical frameworks for understanding social processes in urban open spaces. This unit directly informs his teaching practice and research agenda, emphasizing experiential learning and community engagement in urban design education.