Dr Rana Aytug

Rana’s research spans the interdisciplinary field of the built environment, addressing themes such as urban diversity, socio-spatial inequalities, creative placemaking, and equitable urban planning. Adopting innovative and participatory approaches, her work integrates research, practice, and policy to advance the development of sustainable places.

Since joining the Department of Sociological Studies in October 2022, Rana has served as a Research Associate on the Economic and Social Research Council-funded project Just Turn Up. This project examines how informal sport in urban public spaces fosters social interaction and urban inclusion, with London and Sheffield as case study cities.

Previously, as a Postdoctoral Researcher at London College of Communication (LCC), University of the Arts London, Rana investigated placemaking activities and priorities in South London, providing research-informed recommendations to shape LCC’s future placemaking initiatives. Prior to LCC, Rana was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations (CTPSR), Coventry University. Her project, Intercultural Placemakers (awarded by the CU Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme), focused on migrant youth inclusion in public spaces during Coventry’s year as the UK City of Culture. Rana completed her doctoral research at CTPSR in March 2021, investigating the relationship between youth engagement in urban politics and sustaining peace in the diverse city, with Amman, Jordan as a case study. Before her doctoral studies, Rana worked on architecture, spatial planning, and community development projects across the private, non-profit, and voluntary sectors in Jordan.