Urban Limitrophe

What does it mean to rebuild with dignity after disaster strikes?

In this episode of Urban Limitrophe, we speak with architect Omar Degan, founder of DO Architecture and the Fragility Lab. Together, they explore how architecture can be a tool for healing, not just shelter — and how co-designing with communities leads to more just, resilient spaces in the aftermath of crisis.

Omar shares his journey designing in fragile contexts — from post-conflict housing in Somalia to consulting for the UN — and how his work challenges traditional top-down models of humanitarian aid. Instead of quick fixes, his approach centers culture, collaboration, and care.

You’ll learn how DO Architecture uses emergency design to center communities in fragile contexts, and why beauty, dignity, and belonging should never be seen as luxuries — even in disaster recovery.

Whether you're a planner, designer, changemaker, or curious listener, this conversation invites you to rethink how we rebuild, who we build for, and what’s possible when communities lead the way.

Guest: Omar Degan

Omar Degan is a professor of architecture and the Principal of Do Architecture Group, an architecture firm based between Somalia, Italy and the USA specialising in emergency architecture, post-conflict reconstruction and fragile contexts.

His firm's principle lies in designing culturally, historically and climatically relevant solutions to social problems worldwide, with a particular focus on the most fragile contexts and communities.

Omar obtained his Master in Architecture for Sustainability and Built Environment from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and the Polytechnic University of Turin ( Italy) where he also earned his Post-graduate degree in Emergency contexts and developing countries.

In 2022 he become an Obama Leader and in 2023 co-founded the FragilityLab, a research and non-profit organization that aims to support the process of peace and development through architecture in the most distressed areas of the world.

With a global portfolio spanning Asia, South America, and Africa, he has contributed his expertise to numerous projects worldwide. His extensive experience in the field of architecture has been instrumental in establishing an inclusive and professional architecture office.

Learn more: DO Architecture and FragilityLab

Timestamps

Forthcoming

Acknowledgements

Sponsorships

This episode is supported by the Nurubian, the University of Toronto School of Cities and the Department of Geography and Planning.

Support

Music Producer: Imany Lambropoulos
Podcast Host and Graphic Designer: Alexandra Lambropoulos

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Bold ideas. Real places. Powerful stories.

What do you build when the systems around you fall short?

That’s the question guiding Season 2 of Urban Limitrophe — a podcast about the people and places reshaping how we live together. This season, we journey across continents, through cities, and into communities — from Botswana to Nova Scotia, Tunisia to Togo, Greece to Côte d’Ivoire — to explore how everyday people are building more just, creative, and caring urban futures.

From continental water pipelines to post-conflict recovery, from food justice to Community Land Trusts (CLTs), Season 2 dives into the ideas and actions transforming cities across Africa and the diaspora.

We speak with architects, artists, activists, and changemakers — people who are not just imagining what could be, but building it with what they have. They’re growing food in crowded cities. Reclaiming land stolen from Black communities. Designing places of healing after crisis. And reminding us that innovation doesn’t always come in the form of shiny new tech — sometimes, it looks like trust, tradition, or a new way of gathering.

Why a New Season?

Season 2 marks a new chapter for Urban Limitrophe. It’s still rooted in thoughtful storytelling and grounded research — but it’s reaching wider, listening deeper, and connecting across borders more intentionally.

This season was made possible thanks to the support of The Nurubian and the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Toronto — and the incredible voices who joined us along the way.

What to Expect

Stories from cities and communities across Africa and the diaspora
Conversations on innovation, land, housing, heritage, climate, cycling, and more
Thoughtful interviews with planners, scholars, creatives, and community leaders
Audio episodes available on all major platforms — and on the airwaves via MET Radio 1280AM in Toronto as part of our new segment, the Urbanist Radio Hour.
Two new episodes in French!

Listen to the Season 2 Trailer

Ready for a preview of what’s ahead?

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Here’s to bold ideas, real places, and powerful stories — now and always.

And don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss an episode.

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Episode 28: How DO Architecture Co-Designs for Dignity After Disaster | Omar Degan