News

As the Faculty of Architecture and Planning prepares to welcome students back to campus, several significant milestones are helping shape the year ahead. From leadership appointments and academic achievements to research excellence and creative work, the Faculty enters the new academic year with much to celebrate.

The Faculty is pleased to announce that Dr. Eric Rapaport will continue serving as Acting Dean from August 2026 to August 2027, providing leadership and continuity as the Faculty advances its teaching, research, and community engagement priorities.

"It is a privilege to work alongside such an inspiring community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners," says Rapaport. "Together, we continue to shape our growing community with creativity, scholarship, and service."

Leadership and Service

The Faculty extends its sincere thanks to Ren Thomas, whose term as Acting Director of the School of Planning has concluded. Throughout her tenure, Thomas demonstrated exceptional dedication to students, colleagues, and the planning profession while helping guide the School through a transformative period.

Among the School's notable accomplishments under her leadership was the successful reaccreditation of the Master of Planning and Bachelor of Community Design degrees and double majors with Sustainability. This important achievement reflects the collective efforts of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and professional partners, and affirms the School's continued excellence in planning education, research and community engagement.

The Faculty also recognizes Catherine Venart, whose term as Acting Associate Dean, Research and Global Relations, has come to an end. Her thoughtful leadership helped strengthen the Faculty's research profile and strategic priorities while advancing opportunities for collaboration and engagement. 

The Faculty is pleased to welcome Associate Professor Jeff Biggar as Acting Director of the School of Planning from August 2026 to July 1, 2027. Through his leadership, teaching, research, and service, Dr. Biggar has made significant contributions to the School and broader Faculty community. We look forward to his continued leadership in this new role.

Academic and Faculty Milestones

The Faculty is also celebrating important faculty achievements and new appointments.

Congratulations to Assistant Professor Kate Thompson on her tenure-track appointment in the School of Planning. This significant career milestone reflects her outstanding contributions to teaching, research, and service, and her ongoing commitment to planning education.

The Faculty is also delighted to welcome Zahra Williams to the School of Architecture as an Assistant Professor. An architect, principal, and director of operations with more than a decade of professional experience in Canada and the United States, Williams brings expertise in project management, technical design, collaboration, and client relations. Her diverse background will enrich student learning and strengthen connections between professional practice and education.

Research and Scholarly Excellence

The Faculty continues to be recognized for excellence in research and scholarship.

Congratulations to Dr. Ahsan Habib, who has been awarded a Dalhousie Distinguished Research Professorship. Granted to a limited number of faculty members, the title recognizes scholars who have achieved distinction in research and made exceptional contributions to their fields. This honour reflects Dr. Habib's outstanding scholarly achievements and impact on transportation research and planning.

The Faculty also congratulates Professor Michael Faciejew, who has co-edited After Concrete: Rethinking Material Dynamics, a new collection of essays exploring contemporary questions surrounding materials, construction, and the built environment. Bringing together diverse perspectives, the publication contributes to ongoing conversations about the future of design, architecture and material practice.

Looking Ahead

This September, the Faculty will host an exhibition by Laure Nolte, the 2024/25 recipient of the prestigious H. Allen Brooks Travelling Fellowship.

The exhibition will showcase research and creative work developed through the fellowship and will be on display in the exhibition space at the School of Architecture from September 14 to 18. A reception will be held on September 17, offering an opportunity for students, faculty, alumni, and community members to engage with the work and celebrate Nolte's accomplishments.

As a new academic year begins, these achievements reflect the strength, creativity, and dedication of the Faculty's students, staff, faculty, alumni, and partners.

We look forward to another exciting year of learning, discovery, research, and community engagement.