Research and expertise
I am a practicing architectural designer, working in the field of architectural design and management.
I worked at Arata Isozaki and Associates’ office in Tokyo between April 2013 and March 2015. I have also worked as part of Kengo Kuma’s Research Laboratory at the University of Tokyo between March 2012 and March 2019. My interest in the field is focused on the design process; this pertains to all the creative and managerial procedures that define the intellectual, formal, and aesthetical parts of the practice and architectural production.
Current research activity
- Entrepreneurship and Architecture
- Design process within the context of the Architectural Office
Recently completed research projects
PhD Dissertation: “Design Processes and Management in Architecture. Kengo Kuma & Associates: Between a Design Studio and an Architectural Enterprise
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 Design Skills (B.Arch – Part A)
- Module leader for Reflective Practice (M.Arch – Year 1)
- Contributor to Business of Architecture (B.Arch – Part C)
- Placement Tutor for B.Arch
- Part C Year Tutor
Enterprise
Current projects
- “ilé Apartments” in Lagos, Nigeria. 2’500 square meter apartment building in Lekki area in Lagos. (http://maruarchitecture.com/project/lekki2/)
Recently completed projects
As Project Manager at Maru Architecture
- Acting as Owner Representative and Construction Manager “El-Khalil Residence” in Naas, Lebanon. 3’000 square meter villa. Project built. July 2019 – October 2021 (https://www.bernardkhoury.com/project.php?id=288)
As Project Manager at Yatsu Chahal Architects
- “The Beirut Museum of Art (BeMA)”, Shortlisted with 12 other architectural offices, jury chaired by Lord (Peter) Palumbo, Chairman of The Pritzker Prize for Architecture. The jury included curators Hans-Ulrich Obrist and Dame Julia Peyton-Jones; architects George Arbid, Dr. Farès el-Dahdah, Dr. Rodolphe El-Khoury, Rem Koolhaas and Lord Richard Rogers. August 2016
As Assisting Project Manager at Isozaki, Aoki & Associates
- “Egypt-Japan University of Science & Technology” Alexandria, Egypt. 226’000 square meter educational campus with all its facilities. Project under construction. April 2013 to March 2015.
- “Qatar Education City: Building Renovations” in Doha, Qatar. 5’240 square meter educational buildings. Project under construction. April 2013 to March 2014.
Consultancies
- Client Representative for the Design and Construction of the “Lebanese National Museum Extension: Nuhad Es-Said Pavilion for Culture”, 2019 -2020 [Beirut, Lebanon].
- Architectural and Technical consultant for Nusaned (Lebanese NGO) for the assessment and rehabilitation works following the Beirut Port Explosion, 2020 [Beirut, Lebanon].
- Design Consultant for the design and construction of the digital fabrication laboratory at the Beirut Arab University, 2017 [Beirut, Lebanon].
Profile
I studied architecture at the American University of Beirut and completed my master's degree at the University of Tokyo, under the guidance of Kengo Kuma. I specialized in architectural management, earning my second master's degree from IE University and my doctorate from the University of Tokyo.
I also worked in the field of architectural management at Arata Isozaki’s Office, coordinating projects in Qatar, Egypt, and France. Since 2017, I managed my practice Maru Architecture, operating in Portugal and Lebanon. 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.
Professional Affiliations
- Invited Jury Member and Guest Speaker at Thematic Research Seminar "The Global Architect" at Politecnico di Milano: "Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon: The Case of Burj Al Barajneh, A space of exception in an incessant temporality", October 2020 and January 2021
- Invited Jury member at the American University of Beirut for Final Year Project (FYP), May 2018 and May 2019
- Invited Jury member at the Lebanese American University for 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th year design studios, May 2019
- Member of the Order of Engineers & Architects – Beirut, Lebanon, Licensed Architect, 2009 – Present.
Awards
- Japanese Government “Monbukagakusho (MEXT)” Scholarship Recipient, Masters, and PhD. Program at The University of Tokyo, October 2011 – October 2017
- Honorable Mention for Best Student, Instituto de Empresa University - Master in Architectural Management & Design, February 2015 - March 2016
- Honorable Mention for the best project “Stack Park”, Instituto de Empresa University – Master in Architectural Management & Design, March 2016
- “Adaptive Habitats” Inle Lake, Myanmar. 2nd Prize in World Architecture Festival architectural competition. The project was done in collaboration with Juan Lago-Novas, Savitri Paisalwattana, and Carmen Magrazo, in November 2015.
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.
External Activities
- Redefining Tirana – Tirana, Albania: Joint Workshop between The University of Tokyo and Polis University (Albania), September 2013
- Expo 2015, Sea & Islands Cluster – Milan, Italy: Workshop organized by Politecnico di Milano in collaboration with 18 international universities.