Omar Degan

Master of Architecture

Assistant Professor

[email protected]

 

About

Omar Degan is the principal of DO Architecture Group, an international architecture and research practice with offices in Mogadishu, Italy, and the USA. He specializes in addressing some of the most pressing global challenges, including post-conflict reconstruction, natural disasters, and climate adaptation. His work focuses on developing culturally and environmentally responsive architectural solutions that promote resilience and social cohesion in fragile contexts.

Degan's leadership in the field has seen him collaborate with major international organizations such as UN-Habitat and IOM, making a tangible impact across the Horn of Africa, South America, and South Asia. His projects have been recognized worldwide, and featured in The New York Times, BBC, and leading architecture platforms such as ArchDaily and Wallpaper.

In 2022, Degan was named an Obama Foundation African Leader, an acknowledgment of his transformative work in architecture. In 2023, he founded FragilityLab, which brings innovative architectural thinking to fragile environments, addressing the critical intersections of climate resilience and urban design.

As one of East Africa's most influential architects, Degan's TEDx talk, "Architecture, Identity, and Reconstructing Somalia," reflects his advocacy for cultural diversity and his belief in the power of architecture to uplift communities. His vision continues to shape global architectural conversations, as he champions design approaches that not only respond to environmental challenges but also promote social justice and equity on a global scale.