Oscar McDonald

Associate Director, Space Syntax

Oscar is an urban designer and architect leading the Space Syntax studio. The studio collaboratively combines innovation, research and cutting edge design processes, with the goal of creating better long-term outcomes for cities, regions, people and planet. Oscar joined Space Syntax in 2018, becoming an Associate Director in 2021. He is currently steering the studio in the UK and internationally, particularly focusing on city-scale design and other large-scale strategies and masterplans.

He has wide international experience in urban design, public realm design and architectural projects. Recent work includes the award winning masterplan for Astana, the capital city of Kazakhstan, for which he was project leader of a multi-disciplinary team, pioneering new ways to design cities using evidence-based approaches and generative design. He also co-founded 4D Island CIC, a non-profit collaboration with academic and NGO partners in the Maldives, using data-based urban design to help the country adapt to climate change.