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Portrait of Nadia Habash

Nadia Habash

Esteemed Architect and Academic

Born
1959
Born in
Jerusalem, Palestine
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Why Nadia is here

Pioneering contributions to architecture and urban planning in Palestine.

Their story

Nadia Habash is a celebrated Palestinian architect and urban planner, known for her innovative and community-centered approach to architecture. As a partner at Habash Consulting Engineers, she has played a significant role in numerous architectural and urban development projects across Palestine, emphasizing sustainable and socially responsible design. Habash's academic contributions as a lecturer and her involvement in various professional organizations further underscore her dedication to advancing architectural practice and education in Palestine.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Nadia’s path.

  1. Educational Achievements

    Graduated from the University of Jordan, School of Architecture in 1982.

  2. Earned a Master's degree in Professional Architectural Design & Design Theory-Philosophy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1986.

  3. Academic and Professional Leadership

    Co-founded the Department of Architecture at Birzeit University, significantly contributing to architectural education in Palestine.

  4. Established Habash Consulting Engineers (HCE) with her brother Ibrahim in 1998, an award-winning practice.

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  5. Elected Positions

    Served as a City Council Member in Ramallah Municipality from 2013-2016.

  6. Became the first woman elected as a member of the Engineers Association Council in Palestine, heading the Ramallah & El-Beireh Branch from 2000-2004.

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  7. Recognition as a Leading Architect

    Won the position of captain of the Palestinian Engineers Syndicate in 2021, marking a significant milestone as a female leader in a predominantly male-dominated field.

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  8. Overcoming a Travel Ban

    Despite being banned from traveling by Israeli authorities for 29 years due to her social activism, Habash continued to excel in her field and make significant contributions to Palestinian architecture and heritage.

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Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Heritage Site Restoration

    Led the restoration of historical and heritage sites locally, including the Araba Palaces Restoration Project, which was recognized for its professional approach to urban heritage and social reuse.

  2. Innovative Design Projects

    Chief designer of several competition-winning projects like the "Archaeological Park at Hisham’s Palace" in Jericho, where her work was evaluated by renowned architect Peter Zumthor.

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  3. Water Reservoirs Design

    Awarded for her design of water reservoirs located in the old cores of Palestinian villages, such as Der Istya and Kufur Abbooush, highlighting her commitment to integrating traditional elements with modern needs.

  4. International Recognition

    Her work on the Arraba Palaces, among others, won the Hassib Sabbagh and Said Khoury award in 2017, and she was named one of the 50 most influential architects in the Middle East in 2019.

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  5. Educational Contributions

    As one of the founders of the Department of Architecture at Birzeit University and an accredited professor, Habash has played a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Palestinian architects.

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