Landscape Architecture Welcomes New Assistant Professor
Dr. Udday Datta has joined the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs as Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture. His work explores the intersections of landscape architecture, public health, community design, spatial analysis, and environmental resilience.
Before joining the University of Texas at Arlington, Datta worked with communities across West Virginia on projects related to parks and recreation, walking and biking, food access, and community development. He was senior program coordinator for the Be Wild, Be Wonderful, Be Healthy project, a partnership between the WVU Extension Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He worked with local organizations and community coalitions to map community assets, conduct site assessments, and walk audits, review local plans and policies, and develop design ideas for public spaces. These projects have included work on trails, river access points, parks, sidewalks, and food-related community resources.
His research uses GIS and spatial analysis to understand how the built and natural environment influences health, physical activity, accessibility, and quality of life, with particular attention to underserved communities. His research seeks to translate spatial and community knowledge into practical design and planning strategies that support healthier, more equitable, and resilient communities.
Udday earned his Ph.D. in Human and Community Development, a Master of Landscape Architecture, and a Graduate Certificate in GIS and Spatial Analysis from West Virginia University. He also holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. He has more than eight years of higher-education teaching experience. He has taught design studios and related courses emphasizing design thinking, visual communication, digital representation, spatial analysis, and interdisciplinary problem-solving. His philosophy in teaching and research includes learning by making, mapping, analyzing, and engaging. He advocates for the inclusion of ecological systems, sociological issues, public health, community knowledge, and spatial information in landscape design.
About the College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs
The University of Texas at Arlington's College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs prepares future leaders to shape communities through excellence in teaching, research, and service. CAPPA's nationally recognized programs advance innovation in architecture, planning, public affairs, public policy, landscape architecture, and social work.