Dr. Catherine Hamel

Biography

Catherine Hamel is an Associate Professor at the University of Calgary, within the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape. She is a talented visual artist who regularly exhibits her work. Hamel is an advocate for social justice in the built environment, exploring architecture's potential as an instrument for social reconstruction. She believes in the power of shifting attitudes and transforming systems, bringing principles of humility, collaboration, and value-based action to the forefront of her work. Her current focus includes collaborative mapping with people who are reintegrating into unfamiliar environments, emphasizing processes and approaches to adaptation. As a thoughtful changemaker, Hamel utilizes art and community engagement to inspire her students to recognize their potential in instigating change. She emphasizes the importance of aligning architectural practice with values, questioning how community engagement can facilitate necessary shifts in mental health challenges while respecting the community. Through her work, she aims to push the boundaries of traditional thinking in architecture, encouraging a reimagining of possibilities.

Research Interests