AI Midjourney Render, Neil Leach
AIA Middle East chapter current and future events and talks
Jotun Technical Training
Online & In-Person | October 2024–March 2025
AIA Middle East has partnered with Jotun to bring you a series of technical training courses that are accredited by the AIA and will run them as a series of webinars and in-person seminars. Further details and information will be provided as soon as future dates are confirmed. Stay tuned!
Specifying Traffic Floor Coatings – October 2024
High-Performance Powder Coatings for Aluminium Façades – November 2024
Natural Colour Systems: The language of Colour – January 2025
Anti-carbonation Coatings - Protection of Concrete Structures – date TBC
Fire Protection of Steel Structures Utilizing Intumescent Coatings – date TBC
AIA Middle East Recent Events
2024 AIA Middle East Year End Conference
November 22-23 | Doha, Qatar
We hope you joined us for an inspiring gathering of architects, designers, and industry leaders from around the world! This year’s conference explored the theme “Qatar: Morphogenesis of a Pearl”, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and the future of architecture in the Middle East.
Qatar’s architectural evolution reflects the nation's rapid growth and global aspirations. It is marked by a dynamic mix of traditional influences and cutting-edge designs, reflecting both its rich cultural heritage and its ambitions as a global hub.
During the conference, we delved into the details of how the Urban Fabric of the country sets a bold and daring example of unity in diversity. Qatar has developed from a pearl and fishing village into a modern metropolis with innovative and futuristic architecture in the last four decades. This conference was an opportunity to dive into the architectonics of this rapid transformation. The country presents a wide range of buildings that reflect its identity and heritage while balancing functional, climatic and sustainable demands for both small scale and large scale projects.
We also explored how sustainability has played a pivotal role in the development of the country’s built form. We fully enjoyed exploring Qatar’s evolutionary development and experiencing the morphogenesis of the nation which we refer to as the Pearl. We hope you did too!
Neil Leach
Alien Intelligence: AI and the Future of Architecture
November 8, 2024 | American University in Dubai
Run by professor and architect Neil Leach, this lecture explored the fascinating and sometimes daunting implications of artificial intelligence. Attendees gained insights into AI’s evolution and its potential to reshape architecture. The talk concluded with a thought-provoking exploration of an “alien intelligence” that could surpass human understanding and transform the discipline of architecture.
NCARB & You: AXP, ARE & Certification
November 7, 2024 | Online
Presented by Patricia Ramallo -AIA, NCARB, CAE, LEED AP BD+C & HOMES Assistant Vice President and International Relations-, this session provided a comprehensive overview of the AXP, ARE, and certification processes. Participants learned about global reciprocity agreements and how NCARB is working to strengthen international relations in the field of architecture.
Open Office: CLEAR Engineering Consultants
November 6, 2024 | Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Guests had the opportunity to explore CLEAR Engineering Consultants' creative workspace and connect with the architects and designers behind their visionary projects. From self-guided tours to informal networking, attendees gained insights into the creative processes driving innovation at CLEAR.
We hope you didn’t miss this chance to connect, network, and be inspired by the cutting-edge work at CLEAR!
ArchGlass, 2024
ArchGlass Design Symposium
October 10, 2024 | Dubai, UAE
Co-hosted by AIA Middle East, RIBA Gulf, UAP, and JIA, the ArchGlass Design Symposium brought together thought leaders in glass architecture and façade design. With keynote presentations and a panel discussion, this free event highlighted cutting-edge trends in sustainability, climate adaptation, and design strategy. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with visionary minds from Foster Partners, Nikken Sekkei, and AIA Middle East, amongst others.
Thank you to all who joined us for an evening of innovation and collaboration!
Digital Tools for Urban Design
August 27 2024 | Online
Led by the esteemed Dr. Nabyl Chenaf and Dr. Maryam Shafiei, this online course highlighted the growing importance of digital literacy in contemporary urban design. The session explored how cutting-edge tools like Digital Twin, Generative Design, and Augmented Reality are transforming urban planning and design practices. It emphasized the need to integrate these technologies into the education of architecture and urban design students, with compelling examples of student projects showcasing their real-world applications.
This successful and well-attended event was organized by Alex Albani, AIA ME Continuing Education Director!
Stay tuned for more exciting events from AIA Middle East in 2025!
Stephanie Kinnick, AIA
AIA Middle East Past President and Chapter Representative, AIA International
