Janez Koželj, born in Ljubljana, architect, was a full professor at the Faculty of Architecture, where he lectured on urban design. In his research work he systematically focused on the study and development of operational methods in the design of the contemporary city. In his professional work he verifies theoretical findings in urban studies of city development and restructuring projects for urban brownfields.
From 2006 to 2022, he was deputy mayor of Ljubljana in charge of urban planning and initiated the closure of Ljubljana's city centre to car traffic in 2007.
Among many other awards, he was honoured with honorary membership of the Slovenian Chamber of Architects for his significant contribution to the development of the profession. In 2024, he was awared the title of Honorary Citizen of Ljubljana.