Hijab-Wearing Architects and Their Contributions to the Built Environment

HijabWearing Architects and their Contributions to the Built Environment

In this article, we will look at how three hijab-wearing architects are contributing to the built environment. Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh, Iranian architect Habibeh Madjdabadi and Egyptian architect Khaled El-Saadi have all been instrumental in the design of buildings across the Middle East. These architects are working to create buildings that are safe and comfortable for all people. They are also designing spaces for communities.


Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh

Lina Ghotmeh is an award-winning French-Lebanese architect. She is a professor member of the International Academy of Architecture. Her work is characterized by contextual uniqueness and materially sensitive architecture. It is considered "humanistic" architecture.

As the founder of her own firm, Lina Ghotmeh - Architects, she has developed projects that have won several awards. They include the Stone Garden in Beirut, which won the Architecture Project of the Year at the Dezeen Awards 2021. The project, which Ghotmeh designed, is meant to echo layers of the city's history.

Her methodology, which she describes as "archaeology of the future," involves building structures that are symbiotic with the natural environment. These buildings are passive designs that do not use polluting energies to maintain the freshness of the air and heat.

In addition to her own projects, Ghotmeh has worked with other architects on projects such as the Estonian National Museum and Walbrook Square in London. Some of her work has been published by Phaidon and received several prestigious awards.

In 2017, she was a panelist on the international stage at the Venice Biennale of Architecture. She has received several prizes, including the French Academy's Dejean Prize and the Areen Prize.

Ghotmeh is also the co-founder of DGT Architects, a Paris-based multidisciplinary firm. Their recent projects include the Hermes workshop building, which is low carbon and will help promote ecological transition in France. Another project, the National Dance Centre in Tours, is scheduled for completion in the near future.

Ghotmeh's methodology is rooted in her desire to reconnect people with their surroundings. This is done through the use of artisanal practices and a passive approach to design.

Her work has been exhibited in prestigious museums and exhibitions. She has been invited to speak at many workshops and conferences. Among her recent achievements are nominations as a co-president of the RST arches scientific network for extreme climates and as Independent Director on the board of Saint-Gobain in 2021.

Lina Ghotmeh is an inspiring and inspirational woman. Her contribution to the built environment is extensive and remarkable.


Iranian woman architect Habibeh Madjdabadi

Hijab-wearing architects are making a mark in architecture. Several Iranian women architects have overcome social barriers and have made an impact.

The concept of Paris-Saclay Campus is located in the southwest suburbs of Paris. The idea is to create a university campus that includes administrative buildings, commerces, and common spaces. It also includes a residence for 330 students.

Iranian-origin French-British architect Nasrine Seraji-Bozorgzad studied at the Architectural Association in London. She taught architectural design at the University of Dublin. Her projects include the Kowsar Hotel in Isfahan and the Safaieh 4-Star Hotel in Yazd.

Zaha Hadid is an Iraqi-born Muslim. A member of the Iraqi-Iranian cultural scene, she is known as the "Lady Gaga of Architecture". She studied at the American University of Beirut and graduated from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in 2008. Having started her career at Zaha Hadid Architects in London, she is now a leader in global architecture.

Another young Iranian architect, Habibeh Madjdabadi, has a lot to say about the built environment. She was shortlisted for the Worldwide Brick Award and has her own office in Tehran. In addition, she has received numerous awards for her works.

Maryam Rajavi, the first woman to be shortlisted for the Aga Khan Award, was born in Tehran in 1982. She started her professional career in 2003 and has since received several awards. One of her most notable achievements was the restoration of the corporate facade of the Mellat Bank in Iran. This project was awarded the Chicago Prize and she is a finalist for the World Wide Brick Award.

MADJDABADI was born in 1977 and is a prominent architect of the younger generation. Her work focuses on the use of materials, the role of culture in design, and the importance of geography. Her work combines traditional materials and structures with contemporary innovations.

She has also won several awards, including the Stirling Prize. She has been a frequent contributor to architectural magazines and has been featured in various books.

These women, along with many other Iranian architects, have created an impact on the built environment. However, societal factors continue to prevent women from gaining the attention and respect they deserve.


Lebanese architect Habibeh Madjdabadi's design for the Lining Kefraya Hotel

It is hard to ignore the accolades garnered by Habibeh Madjdabadi, a prominent member of the Iranian new wave of architects. With her innovative designs, she has gained a reputation among her peers and the general public alike. The Kefraya' hotel in Loshan is a good example of her aesthetic sensibilities. Located on the renowned Bekaa Valley, this boutique establishment is a veritable symphony of green.

One of the first things that catch a guest's eye is a dog-legged stairway that leads to the hotel's crown jewel: the pool. Aside from the obvious pool, this small but mighty structure boasts a single elevator and lounge furniture. What makes it truly special is the location, which is a far cry from the typical Iranian hotel experience. In fact, the hotel is located atop the largest vineyard in the area, making it a natural fit for the discerning wine connoisseur.

As for the actual building itself, it's a single-storey structure with a swimming pool atop a well-deserved second story. It's also the only one of its kind in the country. Other notable features include a bar, restaurant, and retail shops.

It's worth noting that the Kefraya's amenities were designed to complement and enhance the natural setting. That's not to mention the excellent customer service. Besides, it's in the vicinity of a large number of museums, galleries, and restaurants, making it a logical destination for tourists, business travelers, and local residents alike.

Among the various innovations at the hotel, the most impressive is its heliostat system, which allows for the efficient use of natural daylight in every room. In addition, the hotel uses the latest in energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Additionally, it has been incorporated with a smart-home system for optimum temperature control, which is a definite plus. Lastly, the hotel has a'smart' concierge, whose role is to assist guests with their queries. This is an example of what makes the hotel unique in an increasingly crowded marketplace.


MENA architectures focus on communal spaces

If you look at the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, there is a common thread that runs through all of its architectures: a focus on communal spaces. From the earliest times, these were a symbol of the region's famous Arab hospitality. This emphasis on community care was particularly prevalent before the rise of the western ethos of privacy. Today, the focus on communal spaces has become a central theme in MENA architecture. The Civil Architecture Public Garden for Sharjah is a prime example of this. A converted family home in the 19th century Dar Jacir family compound has been transformed into a public arts space.