Gihan Karunaratne is an architect and academic. He has a notable record of teaching and lecturing in Architecture, Urban Design, and Interior Design across various international settings. His academic contributions are characterized by substantial research and scholarly publications addressing critical architecture and urban design topics. Karunaratne's current research, which is deeply interdisciplinary, centers on the shifting dynamics of architecture and urban environments, particularly in cities undergoing continuous physical, economic, and social transformations. His work critically engages with the complexities of urban change, with a specific focus on marginalized and non¿conformist communities. A distinctive feature of his research is the exploration of the "underbelly" of cities, offering a detailed analysis of informal settlements and their social, economic, and spatial conditions. His engagement with urban transitions, particularly within the Global South, underscores his scholarly focus on the challenges and potential of informal urban environments. Karunaratne's work contributes to the ongoing academic discourse on urban transformation, spatial justice, and the lived experiences of underserved communities, demonstrating the breadth and depth of his research.