Swarna Selvarajhan

Swarna is an Intern (Research, Collaboration & Innovation – Climate Risk Management, Climate Adaptation) at PlanAdapt.

Based in Darmstadt, Germany, Swarna holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and an Advanced Master’s degree in International Cooperation in Urban Development from TU Darmstadt.

Her master’s thesis titled “Coastal Climate Vulnerability and Adaptation: A Case Study of Chennai City“, where historical coastal ecosystems intersect with contemporary challenges. Investigating Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) strategies rooted in the region’s historical resilience, the project aims to fortify Chennai’s communities against climate change impacts while safeguarding traditional livelihoods. Her academic flagship research on “Decarbonisation in Megacities: A Case of Shenzhen, China,” focuses on low-carbon initiatives, especially evidence-based policymaking in megacities enhancing her expertise in energy efficiency strategies and low-carbon development governance.

Regarding academic research, Swarna’s exploration of the Kingdom of Bhutan yielded valuable insights rooted in centuries-old traditions of environmental stewardship and harmonious living. Meanwhile, her study of water-sensitive design through Singapore’s innovative NEWater initiative underscores humanity’s age-old quest for sustainable resource management. Venturing into socio-cultural realms, Swarna’s research delved into conflict analysis and the dichotomy of places and non-places within the framework of Marc Augé’s supermodernity, offering nuanced perspectives on urban landscapes shaped by historical events and cultural narratives.

Swarna’s background also includes practical experience in international education through her internship at the Global Citizenship Foundation, where she contributed to projects aligned with UN SDG 4.7.

Swarna envisions broader research horizons encompassing climate justice, interdisciplinary collaboration and contributing to a global dialogue, by leveraging not only innovative technologies for sustainable urban futures but also from history to forge a more equitable and resilient tomorrow.

Publications:

Selvarajhan, S. (2021): A Summary of Architecture at The Intersection of Identity, Culture and Otherness. Urban Transitions in Praxis & Academia: Lecture Series.Lecture 4 by Dhara Patel