I am an architect, urban design consultant, and urban cultural strategist. With a Ph.D. in Architectural Studies from the University of Putra Malaysia and a Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering from the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Tehran, I have built a strong academic and professional career spanning more than two decades.
My professional journey as a first-class registered architect has been marked by extensive involvement in design, supervision, and construction. I have had valuable opportunities to apply my interdisciplinary knowledge to a wide range of projects, including designing small-scale, second-home villas and managing technically complex mega-scale 100-hectare city center development projects in a metropolitan area that attracts nearly 20 million tourists annually. Furthermore, my varied life experiences in the Middle East, East Asia, and Europe demonstrate my ability to adapt architectural and urban design principles to diverse cultural contexts.
I have actively participated in numerous conferences and served as a jury member in prestigious tourism film festivals and architectural competitions on national and international levels. Furthermore, my work as a scholar is complemented by my role in founding the Euro Asia Tourism Studies Association in 2015. My international perspective is enriched by my extensive travel, having visited nearly 50 countries, which has provided me with a unique understanding of different cultures and architectural practices. These international experiences have influenced my inclusive approach to planning and problem-solving in both practical and academic environments.
My participation in numerous projects has given me practical and academic insights into addressing complex challenges in architecture, tourism, and urban development. As a solution-oriented architect scholar, these experiences have prepared me to take leading roles in addressing issues and designing and planning projects on various levels in different geographical and cultural settings.
Toward Kish Happy Island: Developing Tourists’ Needs in Close and Open Public Spaces
In recent years, there has been a growing focus on improving the quality of life in urban areas, emphasizing equitable resource distribution and social participation. A 2018 study implemented Montgomery’s theory on Kish Island, Iran, focusing on enhancing the city’s natural environment and fostering social interactions to promote happiness and participation in urban design.
Religious Tourism, Heritage, and Urban Projects in the City Center of Mashhad
An interdisciplinary research project on religious tourism and urban development in Mashhad, Iran, has been ongoing since 2016 between Eqbal University and École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture Paris la Villette. The 3-year plan focuses on urban transformations, visitor behavior, modernization’s impact, and the city’s dynamics, aiming to foster scientific exchange and publications.
Vernacular Architecture in Second-home Design in Kish Island
A study at SGS University Putra Malaysia explored integrating vernacular architecture into the contemporary second home design on Kish Island, Iran, aiming to harmonize with the local context. Findings led to guidelines for addressing design challenges and preserving cultural heritage in the region, offering a foundation for enhancing architectural practices in the face of modern development.
ALI AFSHAR 