AIA Middle East Update - June 2024

AIA Middle East, Perkins Eastman Open House 

THE AIA MIDDLE EAST EVENTS AND TALKS  

Build Your House Qatar 

May 13-15, 2024 in Doha, Qatar.  

In its 5th edition, this premier platform brings together architects, consultants, contractors, suppliers, interior designers, and solution providers for construction services in Qatar. The event provides an opportunity for architects to showcase their work and network with industry professionals. 

In collaboration between the American Institute of Architects Middle East Chapter (AIA Middle East) and Build Your House Exhibition, the event took place at the Qatar National Convention Centre. 

Perkins Eastman Open House 

May 16, 2024 

Perkins Eastman Architects hosted an open house event attended by over 60 designers. The event featured two 30-minute sessions introducing team practices and office culture, along with a showcase of final work by students from the American University in the Emirates. 


Breaking Boundaries: Theory & Practice, Levels of Place Understanding, and Disciplines of Knowledge 

June 3, 2024 

Presented by Dr. Rami Daher in partnership with Raed Al Naber, our Middle East Jordan representative, this event was hosted at the German Jordanian University Jabal Amman Campus. The presentation aimed to create a connection and synergy between theory and practice in architecture, heritage conservation, urban design, and planning. 

It emphasized the importance of visionary thinking informed by theory and research. This includes critical thinking about ‘Site’, ‘Program’, ‘Type’, and ‘how places are understood’, which impact crucial aspects of architecture, place, and society.  

Shared Inheritances—LEGORRETA: Mexican Architecture in Egypt, Middle East and Beyond 

June 4, 2024 

Sponsored by H.E. Leonora Rueda, Ambassador of Mexico to Egypt and the American University in Cairo (AUC), this exhibition explored LEGORRETA's work globally, particularly its presence in Africa and the Middle East, and its collaboration with interior designers and visual artists. Ihab El Habbak attended as a representative of the AIA Middle East and met with renowned Mexican architect Victor Legorreta, son of the late Ricardo Legorreta. Victor discussed his influences from Islamic architecture and his innovative interpretations that have modernized this rich tradition. 

AIA24 Middle East Delegation  

June 5, 2024 

AIA Middle East sent Thierry Paret, FAIA, and Li Ren, AIA, as delegates to represent the chapter at the AIA24 annual meeting in Washington, DC. They participated in voting for the 2025 president-elect and the AIA National Board of Directors. 

 

AIA X AIAS Middle East 

June 19, 2024 

Roger Skaff, AIA, the AIA Middle East Country Representative for Lebanon, participated in the AIA x AIAS Middle East Panel. He discussed the AIA's impact in the Middle East and its valuable member benefits, aiming to inspire AIAS members and provide guidance to emerging architects on their professional journey in the region. 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Jotun Technical Training 

Online and in-person I Starting August 2024 

Jotun and AIA ME have partnered for a series of technical training courses accredited by the AIA. These will be offered as webinars and in-person seminars. Further details will be provided as dates are confirmed. Topics include: 

  • Anti-carbonation Coatings: Protection of Concrete Structures 

  • Fire Protection of Steel Structures Utilizing Intumescent Coatings 

  • High Performance Powder Coatings for Aluminium Façade Industry 

  • NCS - Natural Colour Systems 

  • Specifying Traffic Floor Coatings 

Stephanie Kinnick, AIA
AIA Middle East Past President and Chapter Representative, AIA International