Dr. Fernando Lara

Biography

Fernando Luiz Lara works on theorizing spaces with an emphasis on the dissemination of design ideas across traditional disciplinary boundaries. Framed within decolonial theories, Lara has written widely on issues pertaining to the built environment across the Americas. His latest publications include 'Spatial Theories of the Americas' (2024); 'Street Matters: A Critical History of 20th Century Urban Policy in Brazil' (with Ana Paula Koury, 2022); 'Excepcionalidad del Modernismo Brasileño' (2019); 'Modern Architecture in Latin America' (with Luis Carranza, 2015); and 'The Rise of Popular Modernist Architecture in Brazil' (2008). He has also edited several books, such as 'Decolonizing Spatial History in the Americas' (2022) and 'Spatial Concepts for Decolonizing the Americas' (with Felipe Hernandez, 2023). Additionally, Fernando Lara serves as an editor for the series 'Latin America: Thoughts' published by Romano Guerra Editora, and is a member of the editorial boards for various journals including Platform Space, Revista DeArq (Universidad de los Andes, Colombia), Revista Pós (FAU USP, Brazil), and Arquitecturas Del Sur (Universidad del Bío-Bío, Chile). Prior to joining the Weitzman School, Lara was the director of the PhD Program in Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin (2018-2023) and chair of the Brazil Center at the Lozano Long Institute of Latin American Studies at the same institution (2012-2015). He has also taught at the University of Michigan (2004-2009) and served as a visiting professor at the University of São Paulo, Instituto de Estudos Brasileiros, in 2017.

Research Interests

Courses