Louis Thomas

About Louis Thomas

Dr. Lou Thomas is passionate about creating an equitable, sustainable, and all-age-friendly city. His research focuses on family-oriented and multi-generational high-density as one tool in our toolbox for addressing climate change, inequality, and social isolation. He earned his PhD from MIT and his MCP from UMD.

Areas of Expertise

Planning History or History, Urban Design, Land Use Planning and Governance, Housing, Community Development

Selected Publications

Thomas, L. 2021. “Committed and ‘Won Over’ Parents in Vancouver’s Dense Family-
Oriented Urbanism.” Journal of the American Planning Association. 87:2,
239-253 DOI: 10.1080/01944363.2020.1834871., Thomas, L. 2021. “From Childless Tower to Child-Full Density: Families and the
Evolution of Vancouverism.” Planning Perspectives. 36:3, 559-581 DOI:
10.1080/02665433.2020.1815568. , Thomas, L. Jan. 17, 2022. “Dense Family-oriented Urbanism.” Invited Op-Ed for
PLATFORM. https://www.platformspace.net/home/dense-family-oriented-urbanism, Interview on UCLA’s Housing Voice podcast: Ep 14: Family-Friendly Urbanism with
Louis Thomas (2021). https://www.lewis.ucla.edu/2021/11/10/14-family-friendly-urbanism-with-louis-thomas/

Recent Courses Taught

Introduction to City Planning, Land Use & Conservation, Community Planning, Engagement & Site Design, Senior Research Seminar in Planning