Global Urbanism MASc Alumni Stories -Ginani Utami

How was The Bartlett different to what you had known at high school / at your previous university? 

One of the experiences that stood out to me at The Bartlett was the highly interdisciplinary nature of the faculty, in the best possible way. As a cohort, we came from diverse academic backgrounds; from architecture and urban planning to geography, anthropology, history, and the arts. This diversity fostered a rich and thought-provoking discussions, and it allows us to examine the built environment from multiple perspectives. 

In contrast to my undergraduate studies in architecture, which primarily focused on the engineering and practical aspects of the built environment, The Bartlett encouraged a more critical and global approach. While discussions about the human condition were present in my previous education, The Bartlett provided a deeper engagement with urban planning through a decolonial lens, challenging dominant narratives and exploring power dynamics in shaping cities. This shift broadened my understanding of how space is produced, governed, and contested on a global scale. 

What attracted you to the course? 

As an architecture practitioner, I have worked across multiple countries and cities, and each time I designed building solutions, I was deeply intrigued by the process of researching and engaging with the local context. I have always believed that every city and project has its own unique cultural and spatial needs. However, I began to notice a recurring challenge where urban planning and architectural design often follow technocratic models rooted in the approaches of large metropolitan cities in the West. These mainstream frameworks, while effective, can sometimes feel saturated and fail to reflect the local character and specific socio-cultural contexts of different regions. It makes you rethink who are we really designing these buildings for.  

I was drawn to this course because I wanted to expand my understanding of urban planning beyond these dominant paradigms. I sought to critically examine how urbanism is practiced globally and to explore alternative approaches that are more responsive to local conditions. The opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives and challenge conventional urban planning methodologies was what ultimately attracted me to this program. 

What aspects of your studies did you enjoy the most? 

There were many aspects of my studies that I enjoyed, but one of the most notable highlights was the opportunity to engage directly with the city and its diverse stakeholders. The Engaged Urbanism module, in particular, stood out as it allowed us to interact with a wide range of practitioners and actors shaping urban spaces—from representatives of the Greater London Authority and local council officers to grassroots community organizations and artists. These conversations provided invaluable insight into the complexities of urban governance and spatial production beyond theoretical frameworks. 

Additionally, the Cities Methodologies module encouraged us to explore alternative and mixed-method research approaches, pushing us to think beyond traditional academic formats. It was fascinating to see how my peers approached their research, producing creative outputs such as maps, videos, and even dance interpretations of Limehouse. This emphasis on experimental methodologies made the learning process both dynamic and intellectually stimulating. 

As part of the Global Studio pathway, I had the opportunity to examine urban contexts in three vastly different cities—Johannesburg, Kingston, and Skardu—each facing distinct challenges that could not be directly compared. This experience required us to step outside our professional assumptions and apply new frameworks to analyze urban issues in a way that was contextually grounded. The exposure to such diverse urban realities deepened my understanding of global urbanism and reinforced the importance of localized, context-sensitive approaches to urban research and practice. 

What makes you most proud to be a MASc graduate? 

What makes me most proud to be a MASc Global Urbanism graduate is the transformative experience of engaging with cities beyond traditional frameworks. Throughout my studies, I was able to critically examine urbanism through a decolonial lens, moving away from the technocratic, Western-centric approaches that often dominate urban planning. My research, whether in Acornhoek, Kampung Akuarium, or in East London allowed me to interact with diverse communities and practitioners, gaining firsthand insights into the power dynamics that shape urban spaces. The interdisciplinary nature of the program pushed me to think beyond architecture and urban design, encouraging me to explore anthropology, governance, and alternative methodologies of research. 

I take pride in the ability to translate my research into meaningful conversations and potential action. The program equipped me with the tools to challenge dominant narratives, advocate for marginalized voices, and explore solutions that are deeply rooted in local contexts rather than imposed from external models. Being a MASc graduate means being part of a network of thinkers and practitioners committed to reshaping the way we approach urbanism towards a more inclusive, just, and responsive to the diverse realities of cities worldwide. 

Describe your time at The Urban Lab in three words. 

Interdisciplinary, experimental, intuitive. 

What were the most interesting things you did, saw or got involved with during your studies? 

Beyond the classroom, my field research in Kampung Akuarium, Acornhoek, and East London was particularly impactful, as it allowed me to engage with real-world urban challenges beyond theoretical discourse. 

In Kampung Akuarium, I investigated how marginalized communities reclaim urban spaces in response to forced evictions and top-down redevelopment projects. Collaborating with RUJAK and engaging in discussions with government officials, academics, cultural specialists, NGOs, and local community members, I gathered valuable data that illuminated the struggles of urban poor communities in Jakarta’s northern coastal areas. This experience deepened my understanding of spatial justice and the ways in which urban planning and governance can either empower or displace vulnerable populations. 

In Acornhoek, South Africa, I explored the relationship between mobility patterns and informal urban development. My research examined how emerging construction economies and infrastructure investments intersect with everyday mobility, particularly for low-income communities. I conducted on-the-ground observations, interviews, and spatial mapping to analyze how informal settlements expand in response to transport accessibility, as well as how inadequate mobility infrastructure limits economic opportunities in a group, and we collaborated with some students from the University of Witswaterstraand. This experience reinforced my interest in the role of transport and infrastructure in shaping livelihoods and underscored the need for context-specific, community-driven urban solutions. 

In East London, I worked on a project exploring alternative mapping methodologies to highlight the spatial narratives of Bengali communities. This research challenged dominant cartographic representations that often overlook the cultural and social dynamics of migrant communities. By engaging with local residents and businesses, I developed participatory mapping techniques that captured the lived experiences of the Bengali diaspora, illustrating their spatial relationships, movement patterns, and historical connections to the city. This project underscored the importance of alternative mapping as a tool for advocacy, representation, and policy intervention in urban planning. 

These diverse research experiences highlighted the power dynamics embedded in urban development and the importance of integrating grassroots perspectives into planning processes. They not only shaped my academic trajectory but also strengthened my commitment to advocating for equitable, inclusive, and locally responsive urban solutions. 

In what way did studying in London and UCL East enrich your studies? 

Studying in London and at UCL East placed me in the centre of a global city where complex urban challenges, diverse communities, and dynamic planning debates intersect. London itself became a living laboratory, allowing me to observe firsthand the tensions between regeneration and displacement, heritage and modernization, and grassroots activism and top-down planning. This context gave real-world relevance to the theories I explored in my coursework, particularly in understanding power dynamics, spatial justice, and alternative urban strategies. 

UCL East, with its emphasis on interdisciplinary and engaged urbanism, provided a unique environment where academic research extended beyond the classroom into direct interactions with the city. I had the opportunity to work with diverse practitioners, gaining insights into how policies and planning decisions shape urban life at different scales. 

London’s vast cultural and academic ecosystem provided unparalleled access to exhibitions, lectures, and institutions that broadened my perspectives. My research in East London, particularly in creating alternative mappings for Bengali communities, was a direct result of this immersive environment. Engaging with the city’s multicultural fabric reinforced my understanding of how urban spaces are continuously shaped by migration, economic forces, and social movements. Studying at UCL East within the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of London allowed me to critically engage with global urban challenges while remaining rooted in the local complexities of the city, ultimately shaping my approach to urbanism and planning. 

Who inspired you most and why? 

One of the most inspiring figures during my studies was Professor Jennifer Robinson, my dissertation supervisor. Her extensive and globally engaged body of work influenced the way I approach urban studies. She challenged dominant hierarchies of urban knowledge and introduced me to comparative urbanism, encouraging me to think critically and expansively across diverse city contexts. Her methodological guidance shaped my dissertation and enriched my understanding of how to approach urban research in a grounded yet globally relevant way. Discussing with her helps me ask the right question and taught me how to conduct academic research more effectively. 

I was also greatly inspired by Dr. Nishat Awan, whose work on migration, mapping, and spatial justice sharpened my sensitivity to borders, displacement, and the politics of representation in the built environment. Her research on alternative and participatory mapping particularly resonated with me and affirmed my commitment to highlighting marginalized narratives through spatial research. 

Beyond academia, I was also inspired by the academicians and communities I engaged with during my field research, particularly in Johannesburg and Jakarta. Their resilience in navigating exclusionary urban systems and their efforts to reclaim and/or shape space reinforced my belief in bottom-up urbanism and the power of community-led planning. 

My peers at The Bartlett also inspired me through their diverse backgrounds and creative approaches to research. Going through the program together and engaging in critical discussions about our studies, witnessing their insightful creative research—whether through alternative mapping, video ethnographies, or performance-based research—encouraged me to explore new ways of understanding and representing urban experiences. 

What advice would you give to a student considering your course? 

Embrace this program’s interdisciplinary nature and be open to questioning your belief system and conventional urban practices. Unlike many traditional urban planning or architecture programs, this course challenges dominant narratives by incorporating perspectives from anthropology, geography, history, humanities and the arts. It encourages you to critically examine spatial power dynamics, decolonial urbanism, and alternative methodologies. 

Be prepared to step outside your comfort zone, whether by engaging with community groups or experimenting with creative research methods. The course is what you make of it, the more you actively participate in discussions, collaborate with peers from different backgrounds, and take advantage of London’s diverse urban landscape, the more enriching your experience will be. You are also encouraged to incorporate your positionality and personal interest in your research, you are mostly in control of the direction of your research. 

Finally, if you’re passionate about exploring urbanism beyond technocratic and Western-centric approaches, this course will give you the tools to rethink the built environment in a way that is socially just, inclusive, and globally relevant. 

Which organisation do you work for and what is your job title? 

I am currently working as an independent urban researcher. 

Tell us about your current role: What is the core purpose and typical activities? 

I am currently seeking opportunities in urban research, spatial justice, and mobility planning while also conducting research projects in Indonesia. My current research focus is on tackling issues affecting marginalized communities from where I come from, particularly in coastal cities and their impact on vulnerable populations. I critically examine existing policies that shape knowledge production and policy engagement, highlighting gaps in urban planning and governance. Through my work, I aim to challenge dominant narratives and advocate for more inclusive, context-specific solutions. 

Which parts of your course experience were the best preparation for your job? 

It’s a hard pick because each module complements each other. One of the most valuable aspects of the course was how it encouraged us to critically engage with real-world urban challenges through interdisciplinary and decolonial perspectives. I would go with Engaged Urbanism, Cities Methodologies, and City Co-Labs, which gave me hands-on experience working with communities, local governments, and civil society actors. These experiences were crucial in preparing me to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes in my current work. Field research in Kampung Akuarium, Acornhoek, and East London allowed me to explore the politics of space and infrastructure firsthand, which I now apply directly in freelance urban research projects focused on coastal cities, spatial justice, and mobility. The emphasis on alternative knowledge production and context-driven urban analysis provided the critical foundation for the work I’m doing now. 

What are your future ambitions? 

Doing this program, I have discovered a deep passion for multidisciplinary research, particularly in exploring spatial production and power dynamics in urban environments. My goal is to become an urban researcher specializing in these areas, advocating for marginalized voices and alternative approaches to urban development. In the near future, I plan to pursue a PhD and contribute my research on an international scale, engaging with scholars and practitioners to challenge dominant narratives in city planning. Ultimately, I want to be part of the new generation of urban practitioners who seek solutions beyond the prevailing capitalistic and technocratic models of urban development. 

What advice would you give to a student looking to get into a career in your sector? 

Unlike many other programs at The Bartlett, this course strongly emphasizes the importance of multiple perspectives, integrating both artistic and scientific approaches to urbanism. It is particularly suited for students who want to critically engage with decolonial perspectives and challenge mainstream urban planning practices. The program encourages students to think beyond conventional methodologies and envision alternative futures for cities. However, prospective students should be aware that while it offers a rich theoretical and research-based foundation, it may not necessarily provide the professional accreditations required for certain urban planning or design careers.