The 2025-2026 Keating Visiting Architect Lecture with Uma Bhandaram

As the 2025-2026 Keating Visiting Architect, Uma Bhandaram will deliver a public lecture titled From Data to Decisions: The Role of Spatial Governance at NYC Parks at Barnard College on April 14, 2026.

Cities are increasingly shaped by data. What are the opportunities and limitations to this approach? And how do we adapt as technologies and urban challenges evolve? Using case studies from NYC Parks, this lecture explores the role of spatial governance and data-driven thinking in informing the design and management of urban space.

Uma Bhandaram is a committed public servant with a strong interest in the intersection of urban planning, the built environment, and nature. As Chief of Data & Operational Strategy for the Environment and Planning division at the New York City Parks Department, she applies a systems-based, data-driven approach to shape the city’s operations, planning, and management of its urban forest and natural resources. Her work provides the strategic and analytical foundation for actions that support the development and maintenance of sustainable and resilient green spaces across New York City.

Deeply passionate about civic engagement at the local level, Uma is a member of her community board, where she focuses on addressing and advocating for local environmental, sanitation, and transportation issues. Uma holds dual bachelor’s degrees from UCLA and a Master of Environmental Science degree from the Yale School of the Environment (YSE).