The head of Strathclyde University’s Department of Architecture has won an international award for his teaching.
Professor Ashraf Salama has received the 2017 International Union of Architects’ (UIA) Jean Tschumi Prize for Excellence in Architectural Education and Criticism.
The prize is one of several given regularly by the UIA, an international non-governmental organisation which represents more than a million architects in 124 countries.
Professor Salama has been head of Strathclyde’s department since 2014 and is globally recognised as he is also establishing and overseeing other architecture departments in different continents.
Upon receiving the award, Professor Salama said: ‘I am delighted to be receiving this prize and am especially pleased to have been able to develop and promote architectural discourse, unique to the profession and its education, which is people centred and is now globally recognised.’
‘For Strathclyde’s Department of Architecture,’ he continued, ‘it’s very important that our research is well recognised by professional organisations. It’s a highly-regarded department worldwide – I was aware of its work when I was an undergraduate student in Cairo – and being at a research-based, international university like Strathclyde in a cosmopolitan city like Glasgow is extremely valuable.’
Salama was nominated for the award by the Society of Egyptian Architects, who said that his work ‘had influenced generations of architects worldwide.’
Strathclyde’s Department of Architecture has been ranked in the top 10 of UK Complete University Guide for three consecutive years. In a personal capacity Salami has also worked prolifically, publishing nine books during his career.
By Calum Henderson.
