Paul Hess

Paul Hess is a Professor and Associate Chair, Undergraduate (he/him) at the University of Toronto’s St. George Campus. His work bridges urban planning, design thinking, and social science methodologies, focusing on equity, publicness, and the use of streets and urban spaces.

• Education: BA, Reed College; MUP and PhD, University of Washington.

Research interests include:

• Historical and contemporary urban/suburban built environments
• Active transportation planning and pedestrian environments
• Public space design and securitization
• Development control and urban morphology

Recent projects analyze Toronto’s post-war planning system, cycling infrastructure impacts, street design changes, and global urban competitiveness. Publications highlight suburban retrofitting, pedestrian security in New York City, and Mexico City’s livable streets initiatives. He has mentored students on public space and active transportation topics across Toronto, New York, Moscow, and Mexico City.

Administrative roles include Associate Chair and Director of Graduate Programs in Planning (2011–2015, 2018–2020).