2026 Urban Green Space Project

Decrypting Downtown’s Public Spaces

Are some urban spaces magnetic while others sit empty? Why do people spend time in some public  spaces but avoid others? Is it the shade, view, proximity to other amenities?

The Urban Design Studio (UDS) at the University of Louisville’s Christina Lee Brown Envirome Institute is exploring innovative, evidence-based urban greening strategies to revitalize downtown Louisville. This initiative aims to create a healthier environment for residents, workers, and visitors through strategic urban forestry efforts.

We are seeking motivated student interns for an 8-week research project to decode Louisville’s built and natural environments through on the ground field research.

Project Scope and Objectives

Working as a collaborative team, the students will conduct a comparative case study of selected urban spaces in Downtown Louisville. The goal is to identify exactly which features, from architectural textures to canopy cover, successfully attract diverse crowds and foster “dwell time.”

Learning and Skill Development

Interns involved in this project will gain hands-on experience with:

- Behavioral Mapping: tracking human movement in real-time to see how people actually use space versus how it was designed

- Conduct Intercept Surveys: Talk to Louisvillians to understand the emotional and sensory drivers behind public spaces

- Analyze Micro-Climates: Use environmental sensors to study how the “urban heat island” effect influences where people sit and stay

- Influence Policy: Synthesize findings into a “Louisville Design Toolkit” to be presented to local urban planners and stakeholders.

The Ideal Team

We are looking for three distinct “lenses” to make this project a success. While students will work as a team, we are looking for interest in:

1. Social Science: Interested in human behavior, psychology, and community engagement

2. Environment: Passion about green infrastructure, climate resilience, and urban nature

3. Mapping and Data: Skilled in GIS, data visualization, and translating stats into stores

Impact and Future Goals

The data collected will contribute to a better understanding of how to make Louisville a more walkable, equitable, and vibrant city.

Key Stakeholders:

• UofL Envirome Institute

• Metro Louisville

• Louisville Downtown Partnership

• Tree Planting Organizations

Key Mentor: Patrick Piuma