Lebanese Professor Lina Ghatmeh has been awarded the "Arab Luminaries" award in the field of architecture and design, in recognition of her pioneering role in the field of creative architecture that combines local and global elements. This award also honors her modern architectural approach that interacts with both the natural and built environments, establishing sustainable impacts in future built environments.
Ghatmeh was recognized for her innovative designs, which have set new standards for integrative architecture that blends the built and natural environments. She has worked on designing numerous architectural landmarks, including the "Stone Garden" tower in Beirut, Lebanon (her hometown), the national stadium in Japan, and the Science Center in Naples. She has also contributed to the "WonderLab" exhibition in Beijing, the Estonian Museum, and many other accomplishments that are now considered influential contemporary engineering works, from which many architects around the world draw inspiration due to their pioneering qualities that combine relevance and precision.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, stated that the arts of architecture and its landmarks provide cities and urban communities with their distinct identity and character that define them and reflect their values; they stand as witnesses to the test of time, narrating the story of human creativity and the history of the development of both Arab and global civilizations.
He praised Professor Lina Ghatmeh for winning the "Arab Luminaries" award in architecture and design, noting that she has presented more than 65 architectural projects worldwide, including museums, exhibitions, and towers, with designs tied to the cultures of the world and utilizing materials from her local environment. He also highlighted her role as an educator in architecture at several global colleges and universities, expressing pride in Arab individuals who have excelled and left their intellectual and architectural marks around the world, continuing the legacy of their rich and ancient Arab civilization.
Lina Ghatmeh has participated in numerous global events, such as "Expo Milano 2015" and the 17th Venice Architecture Biennale, and has conducted in-depth research and detailed studies on urban environments, employing specialized materials suitable for the nature of the places. She has worked in various locations and lectured at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, the Royal College of Art, the Royal Academy of Arts, the Bartlett School, the Architecture and Heritage Museum in France, Yale University, and the University of Toronto.
Ghatmeh manages her own architectural studio and holds a bachelor's degree in architecture from the American University of Beirut and a master's degree in Landscape Architecture from the College of Environmental Design at the University of Georgia in the United States.
Mohammed Al Qargawi, head of the Supreme Committee for the "Arab Luminaries" initiative, conveyed to Professor Ghatmeh in a phone call that our region possesses very high capabilities and creative personalities. He mentioned her as a model of a person from the area who has contributed greatly, especially in architecture and design, and emphasized that her designs draw inspiration from the local environment and symbolize the resilience of people in this region.
Professor Lina Ghatmeh’s approach focuses on interacting with both natural and built environments, drawing inspiration from local themes that reflect the history, nature, and aesthetics of cities. She re-invents local techniques and utilizes locally produced materials that are compatible with the environment and surrounding conditions, withstanding various challenges.
