Viren Brahmbhatt

Viren Brahmbhatt serves as Adjunct Associate Professor at the Spitzer School of Architecture, City College of New York (CCNY), CUNY since 2020, with concurrent appointments at Columbia University's GSAPP (2014-2016) and Pratt Institute (2007-present). Previously, he held visiting positions at Washington University in St. Louis (2019) and maintains active professional practice through de.Sign Studio LLC.

His academic foundation includes a Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Design from Pratt Institute and a Bachelor of Architecture from CEPT University, Ahmedabad, India, complemented by registration with the Council of Architecture, India.

Brahmbhatt's research centers on 'messy urbanism'—examining chaotic yet adaptive urban transformations in Global South contexts through case studies in Delhi, Brussels, and New York. His work bridges architectural design with sociopolitical analysis of informal settlements, globalization impacts, and postcolonial urban landscapes, emphasizing context-specific solutions for sustainable development.

His publications reveal consistent focus on urban informality and spatial justice, with recent works analyzing Delhi's colonial legacy and Brussels' public spaces. These contributions span urban theory, architectural practice, and critical geography, advocating for design methodologies responsive to organic urban evolution.

• Fellow, Design Trust for Public Space (1999-2002)

Professional leadership includes directing the Design Trust for Public Space-funded 'Hell’s Kitchen South' project and co-authoring the 'Vacant City' Brussels study, demonstrating commitment to community-engaged research. His industry experience at NYCHA (1995-2007) and international practice informs pedagogical approaches integrating housing policy, urban resilience, and cross-cultural design.

Collaborative initiatives like the Mont des Arts Panorama Populaire exhibition showcase interdisciplinary team-building with institutions including Columbia University and the Storefront for Art and Architecture, emphasizing participatory design processes in contested urban spaces.