Sharmeen Dafedar

Sharmeen Sayed Dafedar is a PhD student at the school of Architecture at Carleton University in Canada. She is an Architect from India and has a Bachelor of Architecture from Mumbai University (2014) and SMArchS degree from MIT (2019). Her research delves into the intersection of traditional architecture and cultural crafts, focusing on how urban environments and cultural productions interact and evolve in contemporary contexts. With a rich professional background, Sharmeen has worked as an architect in Mumbai and as an architectural designer in New York.

As a PhD Student, Sharmeen is currently involved in two key research projects at the School. The first, in collaboration with the CSALT and IC-IMPACTS, focuses on developing sustainable, earthquake-and wind-resistant 3D-printed concrete affordable and sustainable housing for communities in India and Canada. The second, led by Dr. Lisa Moffitt, explores the use of rammed earth in a Canadian context, examining sustainable material practices and their relevance to contemporary architectural techniques. As a Research Assistant on these projects, she is involved in research through design, hands-on creative processes, and sustainable construction methods.

Sharmeen's multifaceted career and artistic pursuits highlight her deep commitment to preserving and understanding cultural practices, women’s craftwork within local communities. Beyond architecture, she expresses her creativity through the culinary arts and exploring the history of Indian food. Additionally, she has a fascination for the representation of architecture in science fiction and other works of fiction, having taught courses on this subject in Mumbai.