Change in the Middle East: Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future

While the Middle East is a depository of rich historical and archeological heritage from many great civilizations, the region is inventing its future through a new generation of architecture and engineering. Speakers will address the range of current architectural production in the Middle East, from preservation of ancient heritage, to new forms in super tall towers, museums, universities and mega cities. Welcome: Jill Lerner, FAIA, Principal, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, President-Elect, AIANY Moderator: Michael Luongo, journalist Panel 1: “Preserving the Past” Dr. Suad Amiry, Founder and Khaldun Bshara, Acting Executive Director, Riwaq to discuss Riwaq Palestinian projects Lisa Ackerman, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, World Monuments Fund to discuss projects in Syria, Egypt, and Iraq (Babylon) “The Middle East Now” – Case Study Mohamed Al Assam, Chairman/Managing Director, Dewan Architects and Engineers, Abu Dhabi to show the variety of typologies in current work under development in the Middle East Panel 2: “Inventing the Future” Prof. Shams Eldien Naga, Principal, NAGA, Dubai to discuss tall buildings and mega projects in the Middle East Anthony Fieldman, AIA LEED AP, Design Principal, Perkins+Will to discuss university development in the Middle East at Kuwait University Brian Wait, Partner, Ateliers Jean Nouvel, and Partner in Charge of the Qatar Museum to discuss the role of the museum in the future image of the Middle East Cost: free for AIA members and students; $10 for non-members. Organized by the Center for Architecture. A program of the exhibitions Change: Architecture and Engineering in the Middle East, 2000-Present and City of Mirages: Baghdad, 1952-1982 on view at the Center for Architecture.