Ulysses Sengupta

Professor Ulysses Sengupta is a leading academic and practitioner in architecture and urbanism at the Manchester School of Architecture, where he holds the Professor of Architecture and Urbanism title. He is the founding director of the [CPU]lab (Complexity Planning and Urbanism Research Laboratory) and leads the [CPU]ai master’s design atelier, which integrates data-driven design and computational thinking into architectural education. His work bridges academic research, pedagogy, and practice through Softgrid Limited, an internationally networked architecture and urban research firm.

• Founding director of [CPU]lab
• Leader of [CPU]ai atelier
• Director of Softgrid Limited
• International collaborations with institutions like the Architectural Association and University of Westminster

Research Interests focus on cities as complex adaptive systems, utilizing big data, IoT, and machine learning to address urban sustainability and governance. Key themes include:

• Smart cities and digital urban disruption
• Agile governance and participatory planning
• Complexity-based design methodologies
• Global South urbanism and resource-limited settings
• Interdisciplinary tools for urban data analysis
• Eco-architecture and futureproofing urban systems

Articles highlight his work on urban data analysis, mobility-as-a-service, transdisciplinary systems mapping, and the intersection of social/environmental justice in smart cities. His Google Scholar profile reflects a consistent focus on computational urbanism and sustainable transformation frameworks.

Scientific Awards include shortlisting for the Colvin Prize (2025), a prestigious honor in architectural research. His projects span ESRC, H2020, and Innovate UK grants, including leadership in the DACAS network and Synchronicity EU initiative.

Professional Contributions encompass advisory roles for international organizations like RIBA, policy briefs for the United Nations University, and design competitions in China, India, and the UK. His [CPU]ai atelier redefines architectural education through computational complexity.