Research and expertise
I am a researcher in the field of architecture; my interest is focused on the design process. This pertains to all the tangible and intangible creative, sociological, political, and psychological practices that define the intellectual, formal, and aesthetical manifestations of architectural and urban productions.
My background is rooted in the architectural practice; I have worked at Arata Isozaki and Associates’ office in Tokyo between April 2013 and March 2015 and I have worked as part of Kengo Kuma’s research Laboratory at the University of Tokyo between March 2012 and March 2019.
Current research activity
- Design process within the context of the Architectural Office
- Design process in conflict zones
Recent publications
Recent publications
- “Japanese Architects abroad: an analysis of Kuma, Ban, Fujimoto and Tane’s Strategies for opening their practices in France.” with Salvator-John A. Liotta.
- Book Chapter: «Standardisation, components and the bespoke – the new design challenges » in Architectural Design and Management in the Digital Age – Edited by Bob Giddings, Silvio Melhaldo and Jenni Barret. Wiley, TBP 2023, co-authors: Robert Schmidt-III, Monia Del Pinto, Fang Zhou.
- Guest Editor: Architecture and Culture 'Fluid Regions', in collaboration with Simon Richard, Robert Schmidt-III, Cagri Sanlitruk. Taylor and Francis TBP October 2023.
Conferences
- The Architecture of Borderlands: The Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain. Participating in the SAHGB conference. Paper title: Walls of Politics, with Andrea Canclini. 16- 17 May 2022
- Regions: the 18th Annual International Architectural Humanities Research Association (AHRA). Conference Room moderator for: Conflict: Papers that explore the built environment impacts of regional conflict, colonialism and resistance. 12 November 2021
- Building Technology and Culture in the Asia-Pacific Region: Histories and Projects, organised with Hong Kong University and the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. Member of the symposium scientific committee. June 2022.
Teaching
I contribute to learning and teaching activities including:
Undergraduate and Postgraduate
- Module leader for Design Studio B (B.Arch – Part B)
- Module leader for Reflective Practice (M.Arch – Year 1)
- Contributor to Business of Architecture (B.Arch – Part C)
- Placement Tutor for B.Arch
- Dissertation Supervisor for BArch and MArch Programmes
Enterprise
As part of my role as Placement Tutor for the BArch, I lead architecture students to embark on their professional career. I facilitate talks and workshops introducing students to practicing architects, bridging the gap between academia and the architectural workplace.
My role includes preparing and hosting placement events for 天堂视频 students who are based in practices; liaising and working with enterprises; supporting student-practice recruitment dialogue; contacting, organising and preparing practitioner awards for the end-of-year show.
Profile
I studied architecture at the American University of Beirut and completed my master degree at the University of Tokyo, under the guidance of Kengo Kuma. I focused on the architectural design process, earning my second master鈥檚 degree from IE University and my doctorate from the University of Tokyo.
I worked in the field of architectural design at Arata Isozaki’s office coordinating projects in Qatar, Egypt and France, and I founded and managed my practice Maru Architecture operating in Portugal and Lebanon between 2017 and 2022. I also taught as a part-time lecturer at the American University of Beirut, the Lebanese American University, the Beirut Arab University (RIBA accredited) and Politecnico di Milano.
Other scientific and professional competences
- WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) September 2023
- Teaching Fellowship for HEA UK Professional Standards Framework: Associate Teaching Pathway completed at 天堂视频. (January 2023)
- Member of the Order of Engineers & Architects – Beirut, Lebanon. Licensed Architect
- Invited Guest Reviewer for Studio 2B (REASONABLY ABSURD) at the UCL Bartlett School of Architecture, led by Hadin Charbel and John Cruwys. December 2023.
- Invited Guest Reviewer for Master Year 1 & 2 Studio end-term reviews at the Paris School of Architecture (PSA) organised by Yasemin Sahinar. (December 2022)
- Jury Member for “Re-imagining the Artefact” Design Competition at 天堂视频 as part of the AHRA Conference. November 2021
- Invited Guest Reviewer for MEAD Unit 3 at the UCL Bartlett School of Architecture, organised by Hadin Charbel and Deborah Lopez. May 2021
- Invited Guest Reviewer for “The Global Architect Research Seminar” at Politecnico di Milano, organised by Pierre-Alain Croset. January 2021, January 2022 & January 2024
- Invited Guest Speaker for “Architecture in the Global South” at Politecnico di Milano: "Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon: the case of Bourj el-Barajneh. A space of exception in an incessant temporality”. October 2020
- Invited Jury member at the American University of Beirut for Final Year Project and at Lebanese American University for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th year design studios. May 2018 and May 2019