Upali Nanda

Dr. Upali Nanda is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan and an Associate Professor of Practice at the Taubman School of Architecture and Urban Planning. She holds a PhD in Architecture from Texas A&M University (2005), an MA in Architecture from the National University of Singapore (2001), and a BArch from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi (1999). Currently serving as Director of Research at HKS Inc., a global architectural firm, Dr. Nanda's academic and professional work bridges architecture, healthcare design, and human wellbeing.

• PhD in Architecture, Texas A&M University (2005)
• MA in Architecture, National University of Singapore (2001)
• BArch, School of Planning and Architecture, India (1999)

Dr. Nanda's research focuses on the intersection of architecture and health. Her core interests—Human Health and Wellbeing, Sensory Design, and Power of Place—explore how built environments impact mental and physical health. She has pioneered evidence-based approaches to healthcare design, including the concept of 'Sensthetics,' which examines crossmodal sensory experiences in architectural contexts.

Her recent publications highlight interdisciplinary applications of design thinking across healthcare, education, and urban environments. Key trends include leveraging sensory design for mental health, optimizing healthcare facilities through data-driven models, and addressing aging populations through adaptive urban planning. These works emphasize the role of architecture in shaping healthier outcomes across diverse populations.

Dr. Nanda has received notable recognition for her contributions, including:

• Top 10 Most Influential People in Healthcare Design (Healthcare Design Magazine, 2015)
• Women in Architecture Innovator Award (Architectural Record, 2018)

In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Nanda contributes to practice-based research at HKS Inc., where she develops tools like the Design Diagnostic and Post-Occupancy Evaluation Toolkit. Her work integrates neuroscience principles (e.g., neuroesthetics) with architectural practice, influencing global standards for patient-centered environments.