Aravind Unni

About Me

I'm Aravind Unni, an urban practitioner, researcher, and activist with a passion for building cities which are inclusive, equitable and sustainable.  My journey spans over 14 years, during which I have engaged in grassroots work with informal workers and urban communities, striving to ensure their voices are heard in urban planning and development.

I hold a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of California - Berkeley. Currently, I’m pursuing a PhD at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Mumbai, focusing on the mobilizations and negotiations of street vendors in Indian cities post the Street Vendors Act 2014. I've had the opportunity to work with diverse communities, social movements, and governments, advocating for policies that support sustainable and inclusive urban development.

Through practice and research, I am committed to addressing the intersections of urbanization, informality, and social justice, particularly in the Global South. I believe in the power of people-led action. Whether it's through participatory planning or policy advocacy, I strive to empower communities to drive change from the bottom up. I've engaged with global networks, representing urban communities and these experiences have deepened my understanding of global challenges of urbanization and climate change, reinforcing my commitment to building solidarities across contexts to create more inclusive urban frameworks.

Beyond work, I love travelling and have a passion for sketching and photography. Exploring new cultures, meeting people, and indulging in street food are some of my pursuits. These experiences continually inspire my work and broaden my understanding of the diverse urban landscapes that make our world so vibrant.

Currently based out of Delhi, I continue to explore urban informality and advocate for the inclusion of marginalized communities in the urban fabric.

If you're interested in cities, urban planning, social justice, or just want to connect, I'd love to hear from you.

Email me at aravindunni.urban@gmail.com

Follow me on Twitter @aravindunni23

Connect on Linkedin @www.linkedin.com/in/aravindunni