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Portrait of Yara Sharif

Yara Sharif

Innovative Architect and Academic

Born
1977
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Why Yara is here

Bridging architecture with politics and empowering communities.

Their story

Yara Sharif is a distinguished architect and academic, known for her work in design as a means to empower "forgotten" communities and explore the intricate relationship between politics and architecture. Her multifaceted approach intertwines research with practical design, making significant contributions to sustainable and community-focused architecture.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Yara’s path.

  1. Educational Achievements

    Sharif's academic journey is marked by a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, a Master of Arts in Urban Design, and a PhD in Urban Planning and Development.

  2. Academic Career

    She has been a lecturer at both the University of Westminster and Oxford Brookes University, contributing significantly to architectural education.

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  3. Professional Practice

    Beyond academia, Sharif is a partner at Golzari-NG Architects London, where her work focuses on sustainable community projects.

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  4. Founding of PART

    Co-founding the Palestine Regeneration Team (PART), Sharif has led projects aiming at healing the fractured landscape of Palestine through creative and responsive spatial possibilities.

  5. Awards and Recognition

    Her research and projects have been recognized with several awards, including the RIBA President’s Award for Research in 2016 and the Holcim Award for Sustainable Construction in 2014.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Research on Architecture and Politics

    Sharif's work critically examines the relationship between architecture and politics, offering insights into how design can be used as a form of empowerment and resistance.

  2. Innovative Design Projects

    Through Golzari-NG Architects and PART, Sharif has worked on sustainable projects that address cultural identity and responsive design, fostering community empowerment.

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  3. Academic Contributions

    Sharif has greatly contributed to architectural education through her teaching and development of design studios that challenge traditional narratives.

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  4. Architecture of Resistance

    Her book, "Architecture of Resistance," explores the spatial dynamics within the Palestinian/Israeli conflict, proposing architecture as a means of exploring and asserting Palestinian narratives and rights.

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  5. Collaborative Projects for Cultural Heritage

    Collaborating with NGOs like Riwaq, Sharif has contributed to projects that have won awards for their impact on sustainable construction and the regeneration of historic centers, such as the Regeneration of Birzeit Historic Centre.

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