Dr Mehrdad Borna

Dr Mehrdad Borna


Mehrdad has over 17 years of sustainable architecture and environmental design experience in professional practice, higher education and public sector. In addition to teaching at a variety of levels and subjects within the architecture, sustainability and environmental design fields, Mehrdad's impactful contributions extend beyond academia. He collaborates closely with the Mayor of London's Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation, spearheading the development and implementation of their sustainability strategy. In this capacity, Mehrdad plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban development, ensuring that sustainability remains at the forefront of strategic planning initiatives. 

He also provides consultation and advice to a range of sustainability, air quality and environmental design-related projects, both in the private and public sector. He is a member of IAQM, IES, and Scientific Committee Member of PLEA (Passive Low Energy Architecture). His work is regularly presented at conferences and symposia, including the London Build Sustainability Summit, the GermanU15, London Festival of Architecture, the International Scientific Conference on Technologies, UNESCO, at the Global Climate Change Conference, Turkey and the Conference on Disaster Resilience, Sri Lanka. His work has been selected for numerous publications including “Forgotten Space” organised by the RIBA and published by The Architects’ Journal, and his work at the Architecture Foundation where he has been awarded Winner of the Public Vote. 

Mehrdad's doctoral studies at the University of Westminster have led to the development of guidelines aimed at mitigating air pollution in urban areas. His thesis, accessible here, represents a significant contribution to the field, offering innovative urban strategies to combat this pressing environmental issue. Mehrdad's research underscores his dedication to advancing sustainable urban development and environmental stewardship.


Borna, M.; Turci, G.; Marchetti, M.; Schiano-Phan, R. Evaluating the Influence of Urban Blocks on Air Pollution Concentration Levels: The Case Study of Golden Lane Estate in London. Sustainability 2024, 16, 696. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16020696

Borna et al., (2022) A correlational analysis of COVID-19 incidence and mortality and urban determinants of vitamin D status across the London boroughs. Scientific reports vol. 12,1 11741. 11 Jul. 2022, doi:10.1038/s41598-022-15664-y

Sana, A. and Borna, M. (2022) Modifying microclimate by introducing green floor in multi storey buildings in Lahore Pakistan: a review in relation to orientation, microclimate modifiers and built environment. the 36th International PLEA conference. 22-25 November 2022, Santiago de Chile. Available from https://rb.gy/twskxc

Borna, M., Schiano-Phan, R., (2020). Improving Hyperlocal Air Quality in Cities Impact of vegetation on pollutants concentration at pedestrian level. Planning Post Carbon Cities. Proceedings of the 35th PLEA Conference on Passive and Low Energy Architecture. 1-3 September 2020, A Coruña: University of A Coruña, Spain. Available from shorturl.at/atwy8

Turci, G., Marchetti, M., Borna, M. Schiano-phan, R., (2019). The impact of urban morphology and vegetation on air quality. Ufficio Tecnico magazine, 2019 (10), pp. 9-14.

Borna, M. (2014). How microclimates have an impact on social interaction. In: Prof.Dr.Semra, A., eds, Global Climate Change. Istanbul, Turkey. 6–7 November 2013. Istanbul: Yildiz Technical University, 263-277

Borna, M. (2011). The fifth elevation, a forgotten space. In: Prof Amaratunga, D., Dr Haigh, R., Dr Keraminiyage, K., Dr Kulatunga, U., and Dr Pathirage, C., eds, International Conference on Building Resilience. Kandalama, Seri Lanka. 19-21 July 2011. Manchester: University of Salford, 5-8.

Borna, M. (2011). Bankside BikeShed Competition. Architects’ Journal, 233 (9), 9-11.

Borna, M. (2011). Forgotten spaces: proposal Hanging Garden. Architects’ Journal, Available from https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/archive/forgotten-spaces-2011-proposals-g-h

Pelsmakers, S., Borna, M., Konadu, A. (2010). Zero carbon housing in dense urban areas. In: Prof. Vetterli, M., eds, UNESCO Chair, International Scientific Conference on Technologies for Development. Lausanne, Switzerland. 8-10 February 2010. Lausanne: EPFL, 73-79.


  • Environment and Technology