Dr. Rachel Berney

Biography

Rachel Berney is an urban designer and scholar whose research examines the social, political, and spatial dimensions of public space in cities across the Americas. She focuses on how the built environment shapes community development, equitable urban development, and sustainability in everyday life. Her work critically examines how public space can promote belonging and the impacts of mobility and transit infrastructure on public health and well-being. A central focus of Rachel's research and teaching is community-engaged work that supports inclusive planning practices. She is particularly interested in the legibility of urban environments—how invitations to use public space communicate meaning, foster inclusion, and support equitable urban futures.

Research Interests

Experience

Courses