Name: Samna Sadaf Khan
Role: I am the Knowledge Mobilization Coordinator on the MAP-SWAN (Stakeholders’ walkability/wheelability audit in neighbourhoods) team
1) Where are you from, and where did you study?
I recently moved to Canada from Pakistan. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a Master’s degree in Urban Management and Development
2) What motivates you to make the world more accessible?
I’ve always focused on people-centric design and public spaces in my architectural practice. Considering the needs of each user pushes design boundaries while keeping it rational. My main motivation emerged from living and traveling in various countries, where I realized how outdoor features shape mobility experience, improve our health and gives the freedom to perform activities. I also got a better understanding of urban management through a research-based master’s program which tied my passion together – having accessible cities through thoughtful policies, laws, and design strategies.
3) In simple language, describe your research project/the project in which you are collaborating.
I am involved in SWAN project as a knowledge mobilization coordinator. The project explores how neighborhood environments impact mobility and social engagement for individuals with sensory and cognitive disabilities, using the SWAN tool. It takes a community-engaged approach, with individuals with lived disability experiences contributing as co-researchers in tool development, data collection, and knowledge sharing.
4) What are your hidden talent and your greatest quality?
I think my greatest quality is that I adapt quickly in new environments. How will the hidden talent remain hidden if I share – but I will give it away. I have great sewing skills since a young age and for a long time I used to stitch my dresses instead of buying as I loved designing them.
5) What is the best way to make yourself smile?
Food, especially if it is a dessert – cheese cake!
6) What do you like to do during your hobbies?
I love to sketch and paint, but I am not at all regular with it as a hobby.
7) What place in the world do you dream of visiting?
It is difficult to name any particular destination. I have been fortunate to travel a lot in the past 5-6 years especially in Europe. Having seen a lot of historical cities, now I want to change my travel plans to more nature oriented destinations.
8) Which book you have read or movie you have watched that has inspired/marked you the most?
Some of books related to my field, which keep inspiring me, are Happy City by Charles Montgomery and The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs
9) If you could have dinner with a known researcher/scientist/clinician/person who would it be and why?
If I can go back in time and have dinner with Jane Jacobs, it will be a dream come true. She coined the terms “mixed primary uses” and “eyes on the street” and wrote though provoking book, The Death and Life of Great American Cities. Her work deeply inspired my vision about cities and keeps motivating me towards more thoughtful actions for cities. I would be interested to listen to her journey of arriving at her observation about cities.