Mumtaz Hammad


Mumtaz Hammad works across urban planning, sound design, and writing to explore spatial justice, cultural preservation, and community-centered mapping. They hold an M.S. in Urban Planning from Columbia University's GSAPP and an M.A. in South Asian Studies from UT Austin. 

Their trans-disciplinary practice investigates how community spaces are located, interpellated, and experienced through processes of planning, performance, and sonic composition. 

Their writings have been published in EFNIKS, Spy Kids Review, URBAN Magazine, Cordite Magazine, and Rest for Resistance. 

CV may be provided upon request.

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Ripples of History: A Water Memory Installation in Somi'sek (Austin, Texas)





Audiovisual Installation Design
Columbia University GSAPP 2024

Role: Spatial Designer, Community Researcher, Audio Designer Project Overview
This temporary audiovisual and cultural installation near Yanaguana Springs (Barton Springs) honors Coahuiltecan indigenous connections to water and place in Somi'sek (Austin). Integrating spatial design, acoustic ecology, and community heritage, the project demonstrates how spatial analysis and design tools can center indigenous perspectives in cultural resource planning and public lands design.

Software: SketchUp, Ableton Live, Adobe Creative Suite
Methods: Site analysis, acoustic design, spatial modeling, soundscape composition
Focus: Indigenous cultural preservation, public space design, water as cultural memory

Design Integration
Site Analysis: Examined relationships between water features, pedestrian circulation patterns, and cultural significance of Yanaguana Springs to Coahuiltecan peoples. Placement balanced accessibility with cultural sensitivity, creating an intimate gathering space honoring indigenous connections to water.

Structural Design: Cork columns with brass rod insertions function as biophilic and acoustic metamaterials, amplifying natural water sounds. Design integrates indigenous textile patterns with contemporary spatial forms. The cork columns will be sustainably sourced. 

Acoustic Planning: Three Bluetooth-enabled JBL Link speakers simultaneously play a soundscape composition sequenced with a loop of integrating field recordings, oral histories, and natural water sounds.


Relevance to Cultural and Environmental Conservation Planning
This project demonstrates interdisciplinary approaches to cultural resource management and public lands design. By centering indigenous perspectives and integrating spatial design with cultural programming, the installation models how planning tools can support equitable access to cultural heritage on public lands—directly aligned with contemporary conservation priorities around indigenous land stewardship and inclusive public space design.


Skills: Spatial design • Site analysis • 3D modeling • Community engagement • Cultural resource planning • Biophilic design principles

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