DESIGN REVIEWS @ OBMI

During the spring semester, I persist in collaboration with the same group of students I engaged with during the fall. The initial task in the ARCH 222 course entails generating volumetric options for the designated project. Towards the conclusion of this segment of the semester, we were afforded an exceptional opportunity to showcase our work and receive constructive feedback from OBMI's designers in Dubai. Our gratitude extends to the firm's leadership, the architects who participated, and, notably, Islam El Mashtooly for his gracious hospitality and the proficiency of his insights into the students' projects.

DOUBLE WINNING @ ARCHITECTURE MASTERPRIZE 2023

Congratulations to my ARCH521_F22 students Linda Ibrahim and Mustafa Mohmedalhassn for winning in two categories (Architecture - Mixed Use and Landscape - Urban Design) at the Architecture Masterprize 2023. The project proposes an innovative approach to the sustainable development of desert settlements in the UAE. Full project here

JUROR @ WORLD ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL IN SINGAPORE

In this year's WAF edition in Singapore, I was assigned to judge the INSIDE / Education. The session I shared with the other judges, Yue Tezuka and Vincent de Graaf, was fascinating. The days spent attending the project presentations were also an occasion to meet with colleagues, both old and new friends.

ARCH 221 FINAL JURY @ GENSLER

The second year students of ARCH221, after the mid jury in October, had the chance to go back to Gensler in Dubai for the final jury of the fall semester. Senior designers and external guests provided valuable feedback to students’ designs.

INVITED SPEAKER @ FORUM IN JEDDAH November 26-27, 2023

I am deeply honored to speak at the esteemed event, "The Future of Architecture and Urbanism Towards Improving the Quality of Life." Distinguished entities, including the Saudi Umran Society and the Association of Arab Architects, organize this prestigious gathering. Such an opportunity represents a significant acknowledgment of my dedicated long-term research into the Arabian Gulf's contemporary architectural and urban dynamics. I express my heartfelt gratitude to the organizers for extending this thoughtful invitation.

SEMINAR AND WORKSHOP @ GERMAN UNIVERSITY IN CAIRO

The weekend at the German University in Cairo proved to be both engaging and intense, offering another valuable opportunity to delve into discussions surrounding the architecture of desert regions. The designated site for the students' project is the Siwa settlement—a location that intertwines history, natural landscape, and the imperative to bridge the past with modernity. This location necessitates a meticulous analysis and subsequent delicate approach to urban and architectural design solutions. Good luck to the students for the continuation of the semester and thanks to GUC faculty for the kind invitation.

TOWARD THE NEXT PUBLICATION

I am very happy to announce that after more than 4 years of research and 3 years of writing my doctoral thesis is completed. It will become a very nice book very soon!

JUROR @ Landscape Middle East Awards

In collaboration with Landscape Middle East Magazine, the IFLA (International Federation of Landscape Architects), and the Saudi Society of Landscape Architecture, the Landscape Middle East Awards stand as the paramount event on the 2023 landscape industry calendar in the region. I am honored to have received an invitation to serve as a juror for this prestigious event. It presents a remarkable opportunity to gain insights from the numerous submissions and discover the most recent trends in landscape design.

URBAN POWER 20 PRESENTATION

Join me for a presentation about the ancient modernity of “The line” at the Future Urbanism Expo in Dubai on October 17th.

Among the most visionary urban initiatives in the contemporary world, "The Line" appears to mark a profound shift in the way we conceptualize the structure and essence of new foundation cities. We will ascertain whether this assertion holds true by examining the critical writings pertaining to the project and its historical references.

URBAN POWER 20 @ FUTURE OF URBANISM EXPO

I am honored to be recognized as one of the 20 most influential urbanists in the region. I would like to express my gratitude to the organizers for this privilege. I am eagerly anticipating my presentation on October 17th

INVITATION FROM ARCHITIZER

Thanks to the Architizer team for the kind invitation to the Awards Gala. I wish I could join!

LECTURE @ POLIS UNIVERSITY / TIRANA

Visiting Polis University was a great experience. It is a very well-organized institution with good teachers. It is a really active place, and I look forward to seeing what the future will bring.

INVITED JUROR @ POLIS UNIVERSITY

I am looking forward to visit Polis University in Tirana where i will deliver a lecture and attend students presentations. This is the first stop of my May trip to southern east Europe. Next one will be Skopje in North Macedonia.

INVITED JUROR @ AJMAN UNIVERSITY

Thanks to Dr. Ayman Kassem for the kind invitation to the interior design 5 final reviews. I saw interesting work and great effort by the students.

INVITED SPEAKER @ LEBANESE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY

I thank the Lebanese American university for the opportunity for a theoretical reflection on my architectural journey, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. A synthesis highlighting the fundamental manifesto of the architecture I teach and practice. Architecture cannot be the expression of the designer's ego. It carries a social responsibility, and if it does not take sides, it is not architecture; it is just building design.

INVITED SPEAKER @ PRINCE SULTAN UNIVERSITY RIYAHD

Thanks to the SA Lab team for the invitation to be part of this exciting lecture series. Among many interesting topics presented by esteemed colleagues, I am glad to contribute to the discussion with our research on architectural and urban design solutions for the contemporary Arabian metropolis.