Dr. Vinayak Bharne

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Vinayak Bharne is an adjunct professor at the University of Southern California's School of Architecture and a practicing urban designer and city planner. His professional experience includes leadership roles, such as Associate Partner and Director of Urban Design & Planning at Gruen Associates, where he contributes to city design efforts for prominent urban projects. Bharne teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in architecture and urbanism at USC, focusing on inclusive sustainable city practices. His research interests include urban design, low-income housing, informal urbanism, and the cultural landscapes of the Global South. He has authored several books and received numerous awards, including the John Chase Visionary Award from the American Planning Association's Los Angeles section in 2024, and an Academic Leadership & Impact Award from the USC Pacific Asia Museum in 2023. Bharne is also involved with various nonprofit organizations and serves as an Executive Editor for a journal on sustainable urban development.

Research Interests

Experience

Adjunct Professor

— Present

University of Southern California • Los Angeles, CA

Teaches courses in architecture and urban design, focusing on global urbanism and heritage conservation.

Associate Partner, Director of Urban Design & Planning

— Present

Gruen Associates • Los Angeles, CA

Leads city design efforts and projects for diverse clients, providing strategic advising for urban policies.

Awards

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John Chase Visionary Award

#

Academic Leadership & Impact Award

#

Allied Professional Appreciation Award

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.