The History of Architectural Education in the Middle East and North Africa - by Farhan Karim & Mohammad Gharipour (Hardcover)

About the Book

Traces the modernization process of architectural education in Middle Eastern and North African countries between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Book Synopsis

The History of Architectural Education in the Middle East and North Africa explores the varied socio-political landscapes within which different architectural programs and schools were established across Middle Eastern and North African countries. It addresses a significant gap in our understanding of the diverse strategies and paths through which architectural pedagogy underwent institutionalization and standardization during nineteenth and twentieth centuries. This process of modernization was greatly influenced by rapidly evolving socio-economic conditions and the interests of the real estate market. Concurrently, architectural educators and institutions responded to public demands for more inclusive urban environments, shaping the social ambitions and expectations of emerging modern cities.

Karim and Gharipour present an interconnected and parallel history of these institutions through a series of case studies. They argue that architectural pedagogy and its stakeholders didn't solely shape the technical discourse of the building industry. Instead, their activism and advocacy collectively ignited epistemological debates concerning the perception of modern urban society and its direction.

Review Quotes

Challenging traditional conceptions of historical knowledge, Karim and Gharipour develop a compelling compendium of writings that collectively provide a fresh look on the development of architecture as profession, as education, and as knowledge system. This is an essential inquiry into the history of architectural education in a continuously transforming region.--Ashraf M. Salama, University of Northumbria