Sean Weiss

Sean Weiss is an Associate Professor at the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at City College of New York. His research focuses on the intersection of architecture, urban history, and infrastructure development, particularly in modern Paris.

Dr. Weiss's research interests span Urban History, Architectural History, and the development of Modern Paris. His work examines how infrastructure projects like water systems and street maintenance have shaped urban landscapes and public perception. He investigates the role of visual representation in engineering projects and the materiality of paper in urban planning processes. His research demonstrates how seemingly technical aspects of urban development are deeply intertwined with political and social factors.

Dr. Weiss has published extensively on topics related to Parisian urban development, including the political use of photography in water infrastructure projects and the administration of street maintenance through paperwork. His publications reveal a consistent interest in how bureaucratic processes and documentation shape urban experience and mediate public understanding of infrastructure. His work spans academic journals like Technology and Culture, Journal of Urban History, and architectural publications including Log and The Conversation.

As an educator at the Spitzer School of Architecture, Dr. Weiss brings historical perspective to architectural practice, emphasizing the social and political dimensions of built environments. His expertise in sustainability and affordable housing informs his approach to contemporary architectural challenges, encouraging students to consider the broader implications of design decisions within urban contexts.