Design x Technology Lecture: Upali Nanda

The Art & Science of Being Human: An emerging perspective on research in practice

In this presentation Dr. Upali Nanda, Global Research Director for HKS and Associate Professor of Practice at University of Michigan will share what it takes to build research in practice, how an anchor on the art and science of being Human can transform our ecological and societal challenges, and how intersections between industry, academy and non-profits are essential to build robust coalitions that can get to meaningful impact.

What you can expect:

1. Real look at behind the curtains of what research in practice looks like
2. Honest conversation about opportunities and challenges of bringing research into practice
3. ABCs of change: AI/ Automation, Brain/ Building; Climate/ Carbon. How to use these building blocks in effective coalitions of change
4. Call to action: Understand from the students what they see as their role in a rapidly changing world, and the pathways to make that happen

Dr. Upali Nanda is Principal and Global Director of Research for HKS, an international architectural firm where she spearheads and leads research projects globally. She also teaches as Associate Professor of Practice at the Taubman School of Architecture and Urban Planning at University of Michigan and serves as the Executive Director for the non-profit Center for Advanced Design Research and Education. Her award-winning research around health and wellbeing, neuroscience and architecture, sensthetics, point of decision design, and outcome-driven design has been widely published. She has won various research and innovation awards including the 2018 Women in Architecture Innovator Award.