Lawrence Scarpa FAIA and Angela Brooks FAIA
The AIA Middle East chapter has been busy organizing and hosting a series of events this year focused on 2 key themes: Sustainability and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). The past events have covered a range of related topics, including designing for intellectual disability, architecture's capacity for repair, and the path to net-zero.
At the beginning of February, the Big5 Saudi panel discussion on the path to net-zero provided valuable insights into how technology and sustainability can unite and lead the path to net-zero. As KSA’s net zero goal will only be made reality by empowering the Kingdom’s future generations, young Saudi designers presented their perspective on sustainability and how they envision contributing to the goals of the Kingdom.
Brooks + Scarpa spoke about their creative process that aspires to make a lasting impression out of even a brief encounter in their talk titled “Ordinary and Extraordinary”. Showcasing the firm's approach to creating buildings that are both functional and beautiful, Angela Brooks and Lawrence Scarpa exhibited their creative use of conventional materials in unique and unexpected ways. In conjunction with the American University of Sharjah, United Architects of the Philippines Dubai chapter, and our local sponsor, Technal, it was a heavily attended and popular event held outdoors at their new Dubai showroom in mid-February.
On February 28th, the Symposium on Designing for Intellectual Disability in Jordan highlighted the importance of legislation, its impact on the private and public sectors, and planning for spatial justice and inclusion.
The Niemeyer Guest House Renovation titled “A tale of architecture’s capacity for repair” on March 9th was hosted in collaboration with the Lebanese American University (LAU) and explored the intersection of historic preservation with contemporary architecture and structural restoration.
Finally, the AIA Middle East chapter presented a talk for the AIA International Spring Conference - The Way our Ancestors lived: the Power of Storytelling in a Heritage context. Arthi Balasubramanian discussed how heritage buildings and neighborhoods can be admired for more than just their architecture and beauty and why storytelling can be especially powerful in a cultural and heritage context by helping to bridge the gap between the past, present and the future. If you missed it live, you can watch the recording and earn CES credits by taking the accompanying quiz.
Looking to the future, the AIA Middle East chapter has two exciting events on the horizon. The first is Build Your House Qatar, which will take place on May 15-18 in Doha, Qatar. This event will provide an opportunity for architects to showcase their work and network with industry professionals. The second event, in conjunction with Gensler, will focus on the topic of inclusivity and will take place on May 25th in Dubai. The event will include local speakers and celebrate student work from universities in the Middle East and Asia, highlighting the next generation of architects who are committed to creating inclusive spaces.
The AIA Middle East chapter's ongoing commitment to sustainability and equity, diversity, and inclusion demonstrates the critical role that architects play in shaping the built environment and creating spaces that are welcoming and inclusive for all.
Stephanie Kinnick, AIA
AIA Middle East Past President and Chapter Representative, AIA International
