Lancelot Coar is an Associate Professor in the Department of Architecture at the University of Manitoba and joined the Faculty of Architecture in 2006. He holds a Masters of Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, and previously earned a B.S. in Architectural Engineering and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Drexel University. Currently, he is a PhD candidate in the Department of Architectural Engineering at Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

Lancelot’s research at Centre for Architectural Structures and Technology (CAST) focuses on exploring how the dynamic properties of building materials can assist in establishing highly efficient modes of construction, form-finding practices and structural networks. This has led to the development of his current Ph.D. research exploring a novel method of using bending active frames to create fabric-formed shell structures utilizing principal stress lines.

In the Department of Architecture, Lancelot teaches core technology and topics courses and undergraduate and graduate-level design studios. In his teaching, his interests centre on exploring how architectural practice can effectively respond to the challenges posed by climate change and the social and cultural issues that are impacted by design practices. His studios explore these topics by investigating how design and construction sovereignty can empower underserved and remote communities to prepare for a more resilient and equitable climate future. Most recently this work has been realized through lasting partnerships with Indigenous communities and allied partner organizations in Canada. 

Professor Coar has lectured, written and exhibited his teaching and research extensively and has received financial support from regional and national granting agencies including the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Youth Homeless Innovation Lab, Manitoba Conservation and the Winnipeg Arts council, among others.