Patricia Lopes Simoes Aelbrecht

Dr. Patricia Lopes Simoes Aelbrecht is a Senior Lecturer in Urban Design, Planning and Intercultural Studies at Cardiff University's School of Geography and Planning. She serves as Co-Founding Director of the Public Space Observatory Research Centre and Research Co-Lead of the SPACE Research Group. As Editor-in-Chief of URBAN DESIGN International, she plays a significant role in shaping urban design discourse globally. Her academic career spans over a decade at Cardiff University, following previous positions at University College London and the University of Sheffield.

Dr. Aelbrecht's educational background includes a PhD in Urban Studies from University College London (2013), an MSc in International Planning from UCL (2007), and a Diploma/BA+MArch in Architecture from the Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal (2001). She also holds a Certificate of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education from the University of Sheffield (2016).

Her research sits at the intersection of urban design, planning, landscape architecture, and human geography, with a particular focus on the design and sociology of the public realm. Dr. Aelbrecht has published extensively on informal social practices in public space and the role of public space design and management in promoting social cohesion and intercultural dialogue. Her work examines how social practices and activism shape and redefine public spaces across European contexts, as well as how mega-events catalyze urban regeneration and the contested regeneration of post-war modernist cityscapes. Prior to academia, she worked for a decade as an architect and urban designer in international practices across the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, and Portugal.

Dr. Aelbrecht's recent publications reveal a growing emphasis on social infrastructure assessment, placemaking tool development, and the intersection of public space design with social cohesion. Her work increasingly bridges academic research with practical implementation, particularly through collaborations with London authorities and the Placemaking Toolkit for Wales project. The publications demonstrate consistent engagement with both theoretical frameworks and practical applications of urban design principles.

• Fellow, Royal Anthropology Institute, UK (2020 - Present)
• Fellow, Higher Education Academy (2016 - Present)
• Member, Urban Design Group (2015 - Present)

As a dedicated supervisor, Dr. Aelbrecht currently mentors several PhD students including Wenjie Li (focusing on 'Landscape Therapy: Urban Space Design in the Post Epidemic Era') and Aysenur Bas (exploring 'Transformative Urban Play: Exploring Transformation Potential of the Play in the Public Space for Social Well-being'). Her research has been supported by various funding bodies including the ESRC, HEFCW, and partnerships with the Greater London Authority. Dr. Aelbrecht also leads the Public Space Observatory Research Centre, which serves as a knowledge exchange platform bringing together academics, practitioners, and policymakers in public space research.

Her professional work extends to community engagement through initiatives like the 'My/your Cardiff Public Space' campaign, which aims to raise public awareness about the social, cultural, economic and environmental values of well-designed public spaces while promoting community engagement and empowerment.