Cassim Shepard

Cassim Shepard is a Distinguished Lecturer at the Spitzer School of Architecture, City College of New York (2022–present). He previously taught at Columbia University GSAPP (2016–2021). His academic work intersects urban planning, architectural theory, and design activism. Shepard is Principal of S/Q Projects (2010–present), a practice focused on urban research and design, and co-founded Urban Omnibus (2008–2014), an online platform for urban discourse.

Education:

• BA (Honors) in Visual and Environmental Studies, Harvard University (2001)
• MA in Urban Geography, King’s College London (2004)
• Master of City Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2007)

Research focuses on housing policy, urban informality, and alternative land models. His work explores how marginalized communities shape urban spaces through grassroots initiatives. Key themes include community land trusts, incremental urbanism, and the intersection of design with social justice.

Publications highlight critical perspectives on housing theory (John Turner, John Habraken), protest architecture in Mumbai, and the cultural dimensions of urbanism in Istanbul. His book Citymakers (2017) analyzes practical urbanism across global contexts.

No scientific awards explicitly listed, though his work has been featured in prominent journals like Places, Public Culture, and Domus.

Advising and grants: No formal advisee list provided. Professional practice includes projects like the Gwanju Biennale folly and collaborations with architects like David Adjaye. Maintains S/Q Projects as a platform for urban research and creative practice.