As part of the Pedestrian Space ‘Global URBAN HEAT Media Lab‘ and network in development, I have been recording bits of conversations with incoming collaborators around the world, as well as students interested in pursuing academic internships related to the project.
Urban heat feels like the most urgent and important climate challenge that we’ve seen, and it’s not just about temperature but also who can safely walk from one place to another.
As part of that, we met with Bryant Leung, an undergraduate student at UC Irvine, studying urban planning with a focus on urban design, architecture, climate adaptation, and environmental justice.
His academic work and research have centered on issues of urban resilience, including transportation systems, community-centered planning, and climate-related challenges such as heat vulnerability in cities.
Bryant notes in this conversation and video that ‘Urban heat feels like the most urgent and important climate challenge that we’ve seen, and it’s not just about temperature but also who can safely walk from one place to another.’
The interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of the Pedestrian Space Urban Heat initiative strongly resonates with his interests, particularly our emphasis on integrating municipal strategies, lived experiences, and public engagement into curriculum development.
He joins the ‘Global URBAN HEAT Media Lab’ network with interest in exploring how design and planning interventions—such as urban greening, shading strategies, and mobility systems—can mitigate urban heat while supporting equitable outcomes.
Welcome Bryant!
View more about the Pedestrian Space Global URBAN HEAT Media Lab project and network below.