Nada Ayyoub

This interview features Shatha Safi, the Director of RIWAQ, renowned for her contributions to architectural conservation in Palestine. Her work focuses on rehabilitating neglected rural areas and cultural landscapes, combining architecture with community participation. Her notable projects include the rehabilitation of Beit Iksa, Hajjah, Birzeit, and Qalandiya, aiming to preserve cultural heritage while improving local infrastructure. She holds degrees in architecture and cultural heritage from Birzeit University and ITILO, Turin, and continues to advocate for sustainable conservation practices in her region.

This interview features Sumaya Dabbagh, a Saudi architect educated in the UK, founded Dabbagh Architects in 2008, completing several significant projects that explore intangible concepts like memory, identity, and belonging. Her contextual architectural approach, deeply connected to the land, is evident in projects across the Gulf Region, such as the globally recognised Mleiha Archaeological Centre and Gargash Mosque. Rooted in local traditions, her designs create spaces that resonate with both users and the surrounding landscape. Dabbagh’s work has also been featured in international exhibitions, including the Sharjah Architecture Triennial.

This interview features Rania Kaadan, an architect and researcher with computational architecture and urban reconstruction expertise. A graduate of the University of Aleppo, she pursued further studies at University College London and MIT, where she developed her interest in advanced digital methodologies for urban regeneration. Currently, she is the Manager of Urban Planning, Strategy, and Transactions at Ernst & Young in Doha, Qatar, where she leads community-centred master planning workshops, uniting decision-makers, end-users, academics, and professionals from various fields. Her work integrates architectural theory, technology, and practical application to create innovative solutions for post-conflict urban environments. Rania is also an adjunct faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, where she continues to bridge academia and practice.

This interview features Dr Rozhen Kamal Mohammed-Amin, an architect and academic with expertise in digital heritage. She serves as President of the Cultural Heritage Organisation and Co-Director of the Nahrein Network at UCL. With over 20 years of professional experience, Rozhen has worked on heritage and academic projects in Iraq and the wider region countries. Her research and leadership in heritage preservation have earned her international recognition, including funding from the UK, USA, and EU for several projects in Iraq and the Middle East.

This interview features Dr Eman Assi an associate professor at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah and a renowned expert in urban conservation. She holds a PhD from the University of Edinburgh and has been involved in numerous heritage documentation and preservation projects across the Gulf and Mediterranean. Her published works on traditional houses in Dubai earned the Sultan bin Salman Award for Cultural Heritage. Eman’s contributions to the field include her role as chair of the scientific committee for international architectural conservation conferences, advancing knowledge and practice in the region.

This interview features Lebriz Atan Karaatli, who co-founded KAAT Architecture + Urban and has gained significant recognition for her work. Her work reflects a deep understanding of context and culture, creating aesthetically compelling and highly functional spaces. She was educated at Istanbul Technical University and holds dual degrees in architecture and interior design.

This interview features Dr Hala Asslan a Syrian architect and researcher, is an expert in heritage preservation. Her career has been dedicated to protecting cultural sites, particularly in conflict zones. She holds a PhD from the École Pratique des Hautes Études in Paris and has worked with international bodies such as ICOMOS and the United Nations Development Programme.

Explore Ula Merie’s work on post-colonial architecture, urban acupuncture, and gender equality in Iraq, hoping to shape inclusive and resilient cities.