Celebrating Women in Construction and Architecture, Inspiring Inclusivity

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March 7, 2024
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

AIA Middle East and RIBA joined forces to create a joint panel discussion celebrating International Women’s Day on at Technal’s Showroom in Dubai. It was an inspiring evening celebrating the stories and achievements of women in architecture and design in the UAE! From diverse roles to trailblazing work, our panelists shared narratives of empowerment and equality. We explored the perceptions of women working in the Middle East, of women working in the industry in general, and how cultural norms and societal expectations impact their work. A very lively discussion was held about career challenges and barriers and how these could be turned into opportunities. 

Future Forward Architecture by Tariq Khayyat

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March 6, 2024
American University, Dubai 

This presentation by TKDP Architecture Practice delved into transformative approaches that enhance creativity, efficiency, and precision in architectural design. From sustainable materials to 3D printing, attendees discovered practices advancing architectural forms, promoting environmental stewardship, and reducing construction timelines. Innovative design workflows and cutting-edge construction techniques shaping the architectural landscape were discussed and explored.

Color Psychology and Perception in Design

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February 25, 2024
Doha, Qatar

Attendees delved into the relationship between color psychology and design perception, discovering how colors can evoke emotions and communicate messages effectively.

AIA Middle East & Technal Middle East

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AIA National and AIA Middle East is proud to collaborate with United Architects in the Philippines UAP + Technal Middle East to organize the Climate Change Conference on Sunday December 10th, 2023.

  • Title: Climate Change Conference 2023

  • Date: December 10, 2023

  • Location: Dubai Commer City, Umm Ramool, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

About the conference:

The "Climate Change Conference 2023" brought together global leaders, architects, sustainability leaders, and environmental advocates to address the pressing issue of climate change. Hosted in the vibrant city of Dubai, this conference aimed to foster international collaboration and drive actionable solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change on a global scale.

The conference resulted in a collective commitment to actionable steps and collaborative efforts to combat climate change. Attended by over 100 architects in Dubai, including AIA members and UAP members, with special guest and key speaker AIA National 2023 President - Emily Grandstaff-Rice, FAIA - who spoke about the power of leadership and the importance of embracing leadership characteristics in each individual when it comes to climate change.

AIA Middle East President John Robertson and Past President Stephanie Kinnick, AIA LEED AP BDC shared their gratitude towards the conference. They announced the collaboration with UAE ByDesign for the new series in 2024 to cover the Architecture of UAE.

The "Climate Change Conference 2023" served as a catalyst for meaningful change, inspiring a global community to work together towards a more sustainable and resilient future. Everyone shared an understanding of the urgency of the climate crisis and a renewed determination to implement sustainable practices in their respective domains.

Dec 8-9 2023 AIA Middle East Year End Conference

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Join us this winter in Riyadh for the AIA Middle East Year End Conference to celebrate design excellence. This year’s conference will take place on December 8-9 with an additional day on December 10th.

Our event aims to inspire, educate, and connect individuals who are shaping the future of architecture in the Middle East.

Further information will be announced soon - until then, save the dates!

Earn AIA-approved LU credits for conference attendance.

Save the date

Inclusive Climate Action

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Please join us for a focused discussion on Inclusive Climate Action, held in partnership with Gensler at their Dubai offices during Al Serkal Lates on Thursday, September 28th.

We have an array of subject matter experts on the panel, who will share key insights on the topic. Come meet them and hear their thoughts on one of the most critical topics of our time! Feel free to interact and ask any questions you have in mind.

For those who cannot join us physically, we’ve got you covered!  Please use the link below to join us virtually anywhere you are in the world.

REGISTER HERE

Program Agenda:
6:00 to 6:30pm Welcome
6:30 to 7:30pm Panel discussion
7:30 to 8:00pm Q&A and interaction

MOSQUE | BUILDING CROSSES CULTURES

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3rd International Conference on Mosque Architecture | Call for Papers

The Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture in cooperation with Kuwait University are cordially inviting all architects, designers, and researchers interested in mosque architecture to submit their abstracts of papers to participate at the upcoming 3rd international conference on mosque architecture. This conference will take a place at Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Center in Kuwait between 14-16 November 2022 with the general theme “Mosque: Building crosses cultures”.

Full invitation here

Passing of David A. Hansen, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP

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It is with deep regret and sadness that we announce the passing of David A. Hansen, FAIA, Director of Design for Dar in Dubai. David was an award-winning architect who, over his 42-year-career, led the planning and design of over 35 million square feet of environments that make people smarter, happier, and healthier. These include research, education, and healthcare facilities; workplaces and office complexes; and retail centers.

David's work in the Middle East included major commissions in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Most recently, he helped Dar secure projects with Dubai Airports, the University of Dubai, and Aramco in Khobar. He also helped win commissions for retail, high-rise office, mixed use, hotel, residential, and resort projects in the Gulf, Europe, and Africa. His master planning experience, in particular, was extensive, and included projects such as Al Shaab Master Plan in Kuwait City, Kuwait; Baku Park in Baku, Azerbaijan; and Fujairah Urban District in Luanda, Angola, among many others. 

David joined Perkins&Will in 1986. He was elevated to AIA Fellow in 2008 and relocated to Dubai that same year. He became Director of Design for Dar in 2015.

We wish to offer David’s friends and family our heartfelt condolences. While we mourn his loss, we will remember him fondly, admiring his great influence on our profession and our region’s architecture.

Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture Announces the Short List of Qualified Mosques for the Fourth Cycle (2020-2023)

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The Abdullatif Al Fozan Award for Mosque Architecture announced twenty-two (22) mosques shortlisted of the 4th cycle (2020-2023), this announcement has been issued after reviewal sessions of the international jury that were held during the month of February 2022 headed by the architect Rasem Badran ( Jordan) and presence of members of the committee: architect Emre Arolat (Turkey), architect Kashif Chowdhury (Bangladesh), Dr. Ahmed Mustafa, a specialist in Islamic art (UK) and Dr. Sari Hanafi, a specialist in Islamic sociology (France). It’s worthwhile to mention that the international jury has reviewed two hundred (200) mosques of the longlist from all over the world, which were reviewed over two full days.

Full article here

AIA ME New Sponsor "Cove.tool"

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We are pleased to welcome Cove.tool as a sponsor of the AIA Middle East. Cove.tool has the power to help us design more sustainable buildings & spaces and is well aligned with our goal of a more sustainable & resilient built environment.

The company is led by CEO Sandeep Ahuja and is based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA.

Cove.tool, an End-to-End automated performance analysis for energy, daylight LEED, and more helps architects and engineers reduce construction cost while achieving performance targets. Cove.tool has partnered with AIA Middle East to introduce the software to architects and engineers in the middle east and support teams using Revit, Sketchup, Archicad and Rhino workflows.

The tool allows a reduction in analysis time by 66% per project by using automated performance modeling.

AIA International Region 2021 Spring Conference Implementing Change "Sustainability and Resilience in the Built Environment"

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AIA International Region 2021 Spring Conference
Implementing Change: Sustainability and Resilience in the Built Environment

Date: Monday, April 26, 2021
Time: 00:01 - 23:59 pm (Eastern US time)
Location: Online
Cost: Free of charge for all (including AIA and non-AIA members)

Registration here

Join the AIA International Region for a 24-hour, around-the-clock, around-the-world virtual event exploring how architecture can provide solutions to environmental crises, respond proactively to the call for climate action, and help create a net positive built environment for all.

We have a fantastic group of Speakers lined up, including keynotes from Ed Mazria, FAIA (CEO of Architecture 2030 & AIA 2021 Gold Medalist), and Ken Yeang, Hon FAIA. AIA leaders Peter Exley and Robert Ivy will also be presenting.

Speakers at the forefront of sustainability from various backgrounds, including architects, engineers, consultants, and academics, will examine strategies and approaches for implementing meaningful change. The conference will continue the Women in Architecture series, produced in partnership with the RIBA Sri Lanka. The UIA will also be sharing its sustainability expertise both in practice and in education.

Registration is free. Sign up now to gain access to the full conference!

AIA Middle East Co-Founder, Past President and Executive Director Sherif Anis, FAIA elevated to the College of Fellows.

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The fellowship program was developed to elevate those architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national and international level.

Sherif is a founding member of the AIA Middle East Board of Directors, he has served as the Chapter's Treasurer, Secretary, Vice-President and was the 2013 and 2016 President and is the chapter’s Executive Director. Sherif has also served on the AIA International Region Board of Directors as the founding Zone 1 Region Director, the 2017-2018 Secretary and the current Middle East Chapter Representative. 

 Mr. Anis received a Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University School of Architecture.

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LAU SArD earns NAAB Accreditation

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The School of Architecture and Design (SArD) at the Lebanese American University (LAU) has been granted official accreditation for its Bachelor of Architecture by the American National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Congrats to LAU, SArD’ faculty and staff, and to our board member Roger Skaff, AIA, NCARB who has played a major role in this achievement as a consultant, licensing advisor, and practice lecturer, a milestone that is placing the school the first in Lebanon, and the third in the MENA region to have received this prestigious recognition.

For more information here

Ethics in the architectural practice in Lebanon

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Based on the AIA  Code of  Ethics and Professional Conduct and following the Royal Institute of  British Architects's  publication, senior  students in Architecture  at the Lebanese American  University in Byblos undertook three case studies, which  look at    the    idea    of    'ethical     practice'    within    the    architectural     profession.

The aim of conducting  these case studies is not only to analyze the ethical aspect within architecture  practices in Lebanon  but also to  highlight  some of  the ethical issues    that    face    the    architectural    profession    and    to    provoke    debate.

With the guidance of :

Tracy  Nasr - Architectural  Lecturer

Students who worked on this publication:

Romy Hajj - Nadia Ramadan - Marc El Onaissy - Yar Mohammed Raouf - Vanas Mohammed Raouf - Diana Nasreddine - Camille Abboud - Andrew Georges - Sana Shughry

University:

Lebanese American  University - School of Architecture  & Design

Full Publication here