Dr. Ha Thai

ha.thai2@rmit.edu.au

Dr Ha Thai’s teaching and research focus on the social and economic significance of urban physical form—how the spatial settings of cities’ street networks, everyday public spaces, and building types shape dwellers’ social and economic activities. His research brings together three major schools of urban analysis, including mathematical-based space syntax, mapping-based urban morphology, and ethnography.

Ha has collaborated with designers and scholars in Vietnam, China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Korea, and the United States on research that engages with informal traders and disadvantaged migrant communities, examining the spatial nature of their livelihoods and transnational place-making practices. His research findings advance knowledge and practices around policymaking, design, and management of cities, advocating more just, inclusive, vibrant, and safe public spaces.

Ha’s most recent projects include Economic Significance of Hanoi’s Urban Form, World Atlas of Chinatowns, and Migrant Place-Making in Australia.