Areas
Profile
Hometown: Jaipur, India
Education Background: Architecture (Undergraduate)
How did you get interested in your field?
My interest in urban planning developed through a combination of personal experiences and a profound fascination with the dynamic and complex environments that cities represent. Growing up in a bustling global South country, India, I witnessed firsthand the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that urban areas offer. These experiences ignited my curiosity about how cities function, evolve, and impact the lives of their residents.
Additionally, my engagement in community-driven initiatives, where I observed the tangible effects of urban planning and design on marginalized communities, have played a pivotal role in shaping my interest in addressing complex urban challenges. Witnessing the transformative power of thoughtful urban interventions in improving the quality of life for individuals within these communities inspired my commitment to urban planning as a means of driving positive social change. Overall, my personal experiences and my desire to create more equitable, livable, and connected urban environments have been significant factors in nurturing my passion for urban planning.
What was your background prior to coming to Penn?
Growing up in Rajasthan, India, in a family of doctors, my decision to pursue a career in architecture marked a departure from tradition. I spent my early years in a small town in Rajasthan, living in our ancestral home, characterized by ornate sandstone railings and lime plaster walls. This backdrop, rich in architectural heritage and family history, laid the initial seeds of my fascination with the built environment.
My family’s move to Jaipur, one of India's earliest planned cities with a layout rooted in Vastu Shastra, introduced me to the intricacies of urban planning and design. Jaipur's unique blend of culture and urban development ignited my curiosity about cities and how they evolve, fostering my interest in architecture. My academic journey began at the School of Planning and Architecture in Delhi in India, where I delved into the complexities of architecture, design, and urban development. These formative experiences and my subsequent travels across India and the world provided me with diverse perspectives on urbanism and architecture, setting the stage for my continued exploration and passion for design.
Why did you choose Penn?
I chose the University of Pennsylvania as the next step in my academic journey for several reasons. I was drawn to the American system of education, which offers a unique and flexible approach to higher learning, allowing students to shape their educational trajectories based on their individual interests and aspirations. Penn's esteemed School of Design, with its prestigious urban planning program, aligned perfectly with my deep-seated passion for urban development and design. The school's rich history, renowned faculty, and innovative research initiatives offered me the ideal environment to further explore my interests and contribute meaningfully to the field of urban planning. Additionally, the program's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and real-world impact resonated with my desire to effect positive change in urban environments.
Moreover, Penn’s vibrant and diverse academic community played a significant role in my decision. The university's commitment to fostering an inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment allowed me to engage with a wide range of perspectives and ideas. Furthermore, Philadelphia's dynamic urban landscape, with its complex urban challenges and opportunities for hands-on learning and research, provided the perfect backdrop for my studies. In choosing Penn, I saw an opportunity to not only expand my knowledge and skills but also to immerse myself in a city with a rich history of urban development—a city where I could directly apply my academic pursuits to real-world urban issues.
What has been your favorite class so far?
My GIS software classes have been my favorite classes because it seamlessly merges my passion for urban planning and design with the power of technology and data. Through GIS, I have discovered the ability to unlock the hidden stories within geographical information, transforming complex spatial data into actionable insights. This class empowers me to analyze urban environments, map out critical trends, and make informed decisions that can shape the future of cities.
What are you learning right now that will help you in the future?
I’m taking a Planning Studio class with a project based in Kenya. This class offers a unique learning opportunity by focusing on an interdisciplinary approach and an international context. The interdisciplinary nature of the class, involving collaboration with landscape architecture students, equips me with the essential skill of working effectively in diverse teams—a skill highly valued in the field of urban planning. In the real world, urban development projects often require collaboration with professionals from various disciplines, and this experience provides valuable insights into how to harness the strengths of different perspectives to achieve comprehensive and innovative solutions.
Moreover, the class's specific focus on a project in Kenya, a global South country, offers an invaluable exposure to the complexities of planning in diverse cultural, socio-economic, and geographical contexts. Understanding how planning operates in such regions is not only academically enriching but also prepares me to address urban challenges in a more nuanced and culturally sensitive manner. This experience can be directly transferable to future endeavors, especially if I plan to work on urban development projects in India or other global South countries. It provides me with a global perspective, the ability to adapt to diverse environments, and the skills needed to navigate the complex and multifaceted world of urban planning, all of which will undoubtedly be assets in my future career.
What do you like best about Philadelphia?
Philadelphia's walkability, affordability compared to larger cities, and its diverse range of offerings are indeed some of its standout features. The city's pedestrian-friendly layout makes it easy to explore neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and parks on foot, fostering a sense of accessibility and connection. What sets Philadelphia apart for me is its ability to offer a wide spectrum of experiences, from unique activities like axe throwing to a diverse culinary scene that satisfies every palate, all within a setting that includes abundant green spaces for outdoor recreation. This balance of convenience, affordability, and cultural richness contributes to the city's appeal and has so far made it a well-rounded urban experience for me.
What kinds of activities and/or organizations are you involved in?
I am currently focused on a personal project about a placemaking series at Penn.
What are your career ambitions?
With a focus on urban design and planning, I plan to contribute to the social sector by engaging in community-driven projects that prioritize inclusivity and well-designed public spaces. Collaborating with local governments, NGOs, and community organizations, I aim to create sustainable environments that empower marginalized groups and improve overall quality of life. My goal is to bridge the gap between research and practical application, positively impacting social initiatives and fostering vibrant, connected communities.