Natalia Escobar Castrillón

Dr. Natalia Escobar Castrillón is a licensed architect and Associate Professor of Architecture and Spatial Justice at Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism. Her work bridges urban equity, spatial justice, and critical conservation through community-engaged design research.

• PhD in History and Theory of Architecture, Harvard University
• M.Des, Harvard University
• M.Arch, University of Seville

Her research focuses on dismantling systemic biases in urban design, particularly White settler, patriarchal, and ableist spatial systems, with fieldwork in Canada, Chile, Brazil, and Germany. She employs counter-mapping, ethnography, and participatory design to amplify marginalized voices.

Recent articles emphasize anti-racist urban practices, disability-inclusive design, and reparative heritage conservation, reflecting her commitment to transforming academic inquiry into tangible community outcomes like the 255 Donald community garden in Ottawa.

• 2017 AIA New York Center of Architecture Publications Award (OBL/QUE journal)

She has received grants from SSHRC, IADB, OCF, and FAPESP, and previously taught at Harvard University, Boston University, Universidad Católica de Chile, and Universidade de São Paulo. Her Equitable Cities lab advocates for cities that prioritize care work and social interdependence.