Lola Sheppard. OAA
Biography
Lola is a registered architect and Professor at the University of Waterloo.
Lola Sheppard’s research exists at the intersection of architecture, landscape, and urbanism. It privileges architecture as a mutable territory that is formed out of and responsive to its history and environment. Much of her recent design research has focused on the role of architecture, infrastructure and the public realm in the unique and challenging context of Arctic Canada, and worki. She has partnered with numerous northern communities and organizations to develop culturally responsive solutions to the building challenges of the North.
In parallel to her research, Lola Sheppard founded Lateral Office in 2003 in partnership with Mason White, an internationally recognized, award-winning firm focusing on research driven design practice. Lola is also co-editor of the journal Bracket: Architecture, Environment, Digital Culture, and the co-author of Many Norths: Spatial Practice in a Polar Territory (Actar 2017), one of the few books written about architecture and infrastructure in the Canadian North. She is co-editor of Bracket Goes Soft] (Actar 2013) and Bracket at Extremes] (Actar 2016). She is also co-author of Pamphlet Architecture #30 titled COUPLING: Strategies for Infrastructural Opportunism, published by Princeton Architectural Press (2011).
Lola Sheppard is dedicated to expanding the agency of architecture, bringing to light the forces at work within a site-specific climate and geography, and able to look for synergies between issues and opportunities.
Lola Sheppard’s research exists at the intersection of architecture, landscape, and urbanism. It privileges architecture as a mutable territory that is formed out of and responsive to its history and environment. Much of her recent design research has focused on the role of architecture, infrastructure and the public realm in the unique and challenging context of Arctic Canada, and worki. She has partnered with numerous northern communities and organizations to develop culturally responsive solutions to the building challenges of the North.
In parallel to her research, Lola Sheppard founded Lateral Office in 2003 in partnership with Mason White, an internationally recognized, award-winning firm focusing on research driven design practice. Lola is also co-editor of the journal Bracket: Architecture, Environment, Digital Culture, and the co-author of Many Norths: Spatial Practice in a Polar Territory (Actar 2017), one of the few books written about architecture and infrastructure in the Canadian North. She is co-editor of Bracket Goes Soft] (Actar 2013) and Bracket at Extremes] (Actar 2016). She is also co-author of Pamphlet Architecture #30 titled COUPLING: Strategies for Infrastructural Opportunism, published by Princeton Architectural Press (2011).
Lola Sheppard is dedicated to expanding the agency of architecture, bringing to light the forces at work within a site-specific climate and geography, and able to look for synergies between issues and opportunities.
Education
- 2001, Post-Professional Master of Architecture MA, Harvard Graduate School of Design, United States
- 1995, Bachelor of Architecture BA, McGill University, Quebec
- 1994, Bachelor of Science in Architecture BSc, McGill University, Canada
Awards
- 2024 - Association of Collegiate School of Architecture Faculty Design Award for the exhibition Contested Circumpolar Domestic Territories
- 2023 - Canadian Architect Award of Merit for Inuusirvik Wellness Hub, Iqaluit
- 2023 – Azure Award for Nunavut Inuit Heritage Centre, Unbuilt category
- 2022 - Association of Collegiate School of Architecture Faculty Design Award for Arctic Indigenous Wellness Centre
- 2021- Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction, Silver for North America for Arctic Indigenous Wellness Centre
- 2016 - Urban Design Award - Temporary Installation, Impulse
- 2014 - Venice Biennale in Architecture, Honorable Mention for exhibition Arctic Adaptation: Nunavut at 15
- 2013 - PA Architecture Award, for Arctic Food Network Project
- 2012 – Arctic Inspiration Prize for Arctic Food Network project examining architecture and food security
- 2011 - Architectural League of New York, Emerging Voices Award
- 2010 - Prix de Rome for Professional Architects, Canada Council for the Arts
Teaching*
- ARCH 692 - Thesis Research and Design Studio I
- Taught in 2024
* Only courses taught in the past 5 years are displayed.
Selected/Recent Publications
- Sheppard, L., White, M. “Entangled Arctic: Home/Land in the House/Territory” in Arctic Practices - Design For a Changing World, eds. Bert De Jonghe & Elise Misao Hunchuck, [forthcoming]
- Sheppard, L., White M. “Architecture’s Non-Nested and Elastic Scales” in forA, issue 2. Ed. Sarah Handelman, University of Applied Arts, Vienna, 2024.
- Sheppard, L. "Nunavut Urban Futures,” Building and Dwelling in Inuit Nunangat, Etudes Inuit Studies, vol 42 (2), 2021.
- Nakanishi J., Sheppard L., and Hutton J., Finding a New Commons: Architecture's Role in Cultural Sustainability for Japan's Shrinking Regions, Dearq, Volume 127, 88-99, Canada, 2020.
- Sheppard L., and White M., Ecology v: River of concrete: The seeding of a fifth ecology, Journal of Architectural Education, Volume 71, 268-269, Canada, 2017.
- White M., and Sheppard L., Productive urbanisms: From runways to greenways, PLEA 2009 - Architecture Energy and the Occupant's Perspective: Proceedings of the 26th International Conference on Passive and Low Energy Architecture, Canada, 2009.
In The News
Graduate studies
- Currently considering applications from graduate students. A completed online application is required for admission; start the application process now.