Hooman Hematian

Illustrated urban neighborhood with red crosswalks and a colorful recreational area.
Screenshot of a journal article from the Journal of Transport & Health on urban public spaces and mental health.
Architectural floor plan with rooms and corridors in two horizontal sections.
Aerial view of modern buildings with a central pedestrian walkway and green areas.
Modern urban setting with buildings, trees, a pedestrian pathway, and a plane in the sky.
A public park with people, trees, a path, benches, and a wooden cabin.

Education

  • Ph.D. Candidate, Design and Planning, University of Manitoba.
  • M.S. Urban Design, school of Architecture, Tarbiat Modares University- Tehran - Iran
  • B.S. Urban Planning, school of Architecture and Urbanism, Azad University- Najafabad Branch- Iran

Bio

Hooman Hematian's academic journey began in Iran and has flourished within Canada's vibrant academic and professional landscape. Before joining the University of Manitoba, Hooman gained over five years of experience as a planner, instructor, and researcher in Iran, contributing to academic and practical urban design and planning advancements.

Hooman holds a Master of Arts in Urban Design and a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning. His research focuses on the intersection of urban design and public health, exploring the psychological dimensions that influence the well-being of urban residents. His dedication to enhancing the quality of life and fostering resilient, healthy communities drives his work, bridging the gap between theory and practice.

Since 2023, Hooman has been actively involved as a professional planner, designing and shaping Canadian communities through projects ranging from placemaking to economic development. He is passionate about translating innovative academic insights into practical solutions that promote sustainable and inclusive urban development.

Research

Hooman Hematian's scholarly work centers on the intricate relationship between urban public spaces and human health and well-being, particularly emphasizing the psychological and subjective dimensions of well-being. Since 2015, Hooman has pursued these topics passionately, contributing to several international research collaborations and earning recognition within the academic community for his insights into the impact of urban design on quality of life.

His earlier research, which focused on urban public spaces and subjective well-being, received substantial acclaim for advancing the understanding of how urban environments influence psychological health.

Hooman's research leverages an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from landscape design, planning, and environmental psychology. His work investigates how urban public spaces' (re)design can enhance community well-being, providing actionable insights for creating healthier, more inclusive urban environments.

Advisor: Dr. Alan Tate

Presentations / publications (selected)

H. Hematian, Dr. E. Ranjbar, Street Design from Mental Health Point of View: Comparing Pedestrian and Car-dominated Streets, Journal of Transport & Health, 27, Elsevier, 2022

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jth.2022.101532

Awards

University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship (2022)