Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost

Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Vikas Mehta

Name

Vikas Mehta

College

School of Architecture and Community Design

Department

School of Architecture and Community Design

Undergraduate Degree

Diploma in Architecture

From

School of Architecture, Institute of Environmental Design Gujarat, India

Graduate Degree

Master of Architecture

From

Institute of Architecture and Planning, Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland

Doctoral Degree

Urban and Regional Planning & Design

From

University of Maryland

Previous Post(s)

I have worked as an architect and urban designer for 5 years in Baltimore, MD and for 7 years in New Delhi and Mumbai in India. During my doctoral studies, I have taught graduate and undergraduate courses at University of Maryland and Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA.

Area of Specialization / Research

Urban Design, Community Design, Public Architecture, Public Space, Environment-Behavior Studies

I am interested in the social and behavioral dimensions of architecture and urban design: in identifying the aspects of the physical environment that affect people’s perceptions and interpreting that knowledge for the purpose of design. My current research is structured around exploring how to make public spaces in cities livable and people-friendly. Some of the areas of inquiry are: creating public spaces for social activities, making neighborhoods more walkable, and understanding people’s perception of neighborhood public spaces.

Current Course Offerings

A new course I have written called “Life Between Buildings: Public Space in the City” and Advanced Design Studio.

How and when did you first become interested in your field of study?

As a high school kid, my choice to pursue architecture was based on the simple notion that it was a field at the cusp of art and science. My education in architecture at the Institute of Environmental Design in India was structured toward an emphasis on urban design through architectural intervention. Soon I realized that architecture to me was as much a gesture that affects the larger urban environment, as it was the design and making of the building as a product in itself. Ever since, I have been interested in the built environment’s role in the enhancement of the quality of life of its users.

What made you decide to pursue a career in higher education? 

When I enrolled in the PhD program after working for over twelve years I wasn’t sure if I’d want a full-time career in higher education. But when I started my research in environment and behavior relationships in urban public spaces I realized that my research and the research of others in the field were crucial to students of architecture for them to make informed and good design decisions. I had enjoyed teaching in the past but now I was convinced that a career in higher education, in teaching and research, was the best way for me to contribute to the field of architecture and urban design and to society.

Why did you choose to be a part of the academic community at USF?

I wanted to be a part of a university that believed in enhancing the life of the community it served. The School of Architecture and Community Design (SACD) at USF is a unique school that announces its commitment to the community in its title. My teaching and research interests in architecture and urban design are aligned with the mission of the school and I see a great potential of growth for the school, the university and myself.

What do you enjoy about teaching the students of USF?

The students are very sincere and eager to learn. It is wonderful to have such a diverse student body to teach. The different points of view, experiences, and sensibilities they bring to class make my job more challenging and interesting in a very positive way.

What do you like about the university community?

In the one year that I have been here, I have experienced an atmosphere of collegiality, collaboration, and encouragement.