08/26/2026
Meet Edson G. Cabalfin, Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professor at the Tulane School of Architecture and Built Environment.
Edson G. Cabalfin, Ph.D., is an educator, architect, designer, curator, and historian. He is the inaugural Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, while concurrently serving as a Professor. He previously served as inaugural Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in the School of Architecture and Built Environment at Tulane University. He was the Curator of the Philippine Pavilion at the 16th Venice Architecture Biennale in 2018.
He received his Ph.D. in History of Architecture and Urban Development from Cornell University in 2012. Under a Fulbright Fellowship, he obtained his Master of Science in Architecture degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2003. Prior to coming to the U.S., he received his professional Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of the Philippines in 1996 and 2001, respectively.
Edson’s research in the last two decades lies at the interdisciplinary intersections of architecture history and theory, cultural studies, gender and sexuality studies, postcolonial theory, Southeast Asian studies, spatial justice, public interest design, and heritage conservation. His research broadly investigates how architecture and the built environment operate as a socio-cultural artifact and phenomenon. He is interested in uncovering the politics of architecture and design especially as it shapes national, regional, and local identities. He has also focused his research and publications particularly on marginalized populations who are often ignored in scholarship such as informal settlers in the city, victims of natural disasters, q***r communities, and post-colonial societies.
