The History of Architectural Education in the Middle East and North Africa

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.