Madalynne (Maddy) Lawrence (She/Her)

M.Pl. Student

Maddy Lawrence is a Second Year Master of Planning Student at Toronto Metropolitan University. A human-centred designer and strategist by trade, she is inspired by her background in psychology, the connection between humans and nature, and the complex but fascinating systems within which we live. Her research is driven by an interest to understand the needs and goals of communities in order to realize resilient solutions that reflect their values. Currently, her major research paper explores the relationship between mental health and blue spaces during warm and cold seasons in Canada. Maddy is passionate about bridging the gap between research and application by using her skills in communication design, storytelling, and clever engagement strategies with the public.

Research Interests: The relationship between the natural and built environments and wellbeing, revitalization and sustainable development practices, urban design for all ages, aging in place, happy city and soft city approaches, child and youth engagement, service design.

Publications:

  • Keh, E,. Lawrence, M., Sauz, R. (2021). The Ethical Smart City Toolkit and Workshop: The design and development of an online public engagement tool and its virtual delivery. [Special issue ‘’Decoding the Smart Cities”]. IxD&A Interaction Design & Architecture(s).