Ibrahim Fawakherji
Architectural Writer, Researcher & Editorial Columnist at ArchUp
About
Fawakherji is a pen name and critical column on architecture, cities, design culture, technology, memory, and the social meaning of space. It treats buildings and urban life as evidence of power, habit, aspiration, economy, and the daily negotiations through which cities are made.
The column gathers essays that move between close observation and broader architectural argument, from housing economics and temporal urbanism to architectural media, competitions, city life, artificial intelligence, and the cultural memory of buildings. The archive below represents a growing body of writing currently being shaped into a forthcoming collected volume.
Its areas of interest include architectural criticism, urbanism, design culture, architectural media, cities, housing, society, technology, and AI, giving the page a focused role as the central column hub for this body of work.
Selected Essays
Architectural Events and Exhibitions: July–August 2025
A Research Overview by ArchUp EditorialBetween summer’s high temperatures and the season’s peak in architectural dialogues, the months of July and August offer a…
The Kitchen as a Stage: Why American Families Pose in the Heart of the Home
In the endless gallery of American family portraits, a curious trend persists: the kitchen—pristine, spacious, and glowing with polished countertops—is the chosen backdrop. Whether…
Excess or Disgust: Architecture Between Material Surplus and Aesthetic Scarcity
By the Editor-in-Chief – ArchUpIn the corners of emerging cities, materials accumulate as questions do. The abundance of building materials in today’s markets resembles…
Concrete Doesn’t Shudder: What Does Job Extinction Mean for the Future of Construction?
In an era where brains are replaced by processors and years of experience are compressed into a .zip file, global work systems are reeling…
Museum Heist: When Architecture Becomes a Cinematic Game
Have you ever wondered why museum heists are among the most thrilling scenes in global cinema? Why are museums always portrayed as majestic, nearly…
Memory in Stone: How Architecture Carries the Sacred Burden of Preservation
Humanity’s deep-rooted impulse to preserve sacred texts, cultural symbols, communal memories is inseparable from architecture. Throughout history, buildings served not only as shelters but…
The Architecture Job Market in Mid-2025: A Global Surge Rooted in Practical Expertise
Discover the trends of the Architecture Job in Mid-2025, featuring a surge in demand for skilled architects across disciplines. As we cross the halfway…
Designing for Radiation: A Practical Architecture Guide for At-Risk Zones
As global tensions rise and the risk of nuclear incidents becomes more pronounced, people in exposed areas need clear, actionable information. This guide offers…
Green Hajj for a Sustainable Environment
As the largest annual gathering of people on Earth, Hajj brings together nearly three million Muslims from around the globe to perform one of…
Between Blueprint and Heartbeat: The Architect–Client Relationship
One evening, while flipping through a cultural documentary series on an international channel, I came across a guest whose presence instantly caught my attention….
The Critical Role of Professional Building Inspectors: A Comprehensive Guide
In the realm of architecture and real estate, ensuring the structural integrity and compliance of buildings is paramount. Engaging a professional building inspector is…
Royal Architecture: Power, Identity, and the Legacy of Sovereigns in Stone
In the grand theatre of history, kings and queens have long understood the profound truth that power is best expressed not in words, but…
The Client: How Emotions, Family Dynamics, and Personality Shape Architectural Projects
Introduction: Architecture as Emotional TranslationIn a recent panel discussion I attended, a professor shared a revealing anecdote. Before delivering a lecture on residential design,…
Wicked 2024: How Architecture and Color Bring the Story to Life
The University of Shiz: Where Neo-Gothic Meets Sustainable FantasyThe University of Shiz, the film’s central architectural icon, blends 19th-century Neo-Gothic grandeur with futuristic ecological design. Production…
Chromatic Currents & Textural Shifts: Material and Color Trends at 2025
The 2025 edition of Salone del Mobile brought more than aesthetic statements it introduced a chromatic language and material tactility that defined the emotional…
Where is AI in Furniture? A Critical Inquiry from Salone del Mobile 2025
By now, it’s clear that Artificial Intelligence is not coming—it’s already here. From generative design to algorithm-driven planning and smart cities, architecture and product…
Living in Layers: The Rise of Expandable Furniture at Salone del Mobile 2025
In a world grappling with limited space, rising housing costs, and the pursuit of smarter living, the furniture showcased at Salone del Mobile 2025…
ArchUp at Salone del Mobile 2025: Your Ultimate Guide to Milan’s Design Week
As Milan transforms into the global capital of design, ArchUp embarks on an exclusive journey to Salone del Mobile 2025, delivering on-the-ground coverage, architectural…
Artificial Intelligence and the Transformation of the Architectural Endoscope Industry: Tools, Opportunities, and Challenges
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing architectural visualization, transforming how architects and designers conceptualize and present their ideas. Traditionally, creating high-quality renderings required skilled artists…
Economic Turbulence Hits Markets as Trump’s Tariffs Shake the Construction Industry
April 2, 2025, marks a historic turning point for global markets as President Donald Trump’s latest round of tariffs—imposing 25% duties on auto imports…
New Trump Tariffs: A Deep Dive into the Impact on Construction and Architectural Projects
On April 2, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced the immediate implementation of new tariffs, imposing a 25% duty on imported automobiles and auto…
The Multi-Talented Architect: Bridging Creativity, Technicality, and Economic Insight
Architects have traditionally been viewed as specialists focused on designing buildings and spaces. However, certain legendary figures in architecture have transcended these boundaries, embodying…
The Solo Architect Business Model: Advantages, Challenges, and Global Examples
Architecture has traditionally been dominated by large firms with extensive teams managing diverse projects simultaneously. Yet, an alternative approach the solo architect business model…
Cultural Etiquette and Spatial Behaviors: How Architecture Reflects and Influences Global Traditions
Architecture is not merely about structural design or aesthetic beauty; it’s a profound reflection of culture and society. Buildings and spaces are inherently shaped…
Revolutionary Ocean-Degradable Plastic Developed by Japanese Researchers
A team led by Dr. Takuzo Aida at the Riken Center for Emergent Matter Science (CEMS) in Japan has pioneered a fully biodegradable plastic that dissolves…
The Last Supper: Bridging Art, Architecture, and Biblical Imagination
The concept of a divinely provided meal holds significant places in both Islamic and Christian traditions, each narrating events where a sacred meal symbolizes…
Cultural Significance of Colors
Colors have been integral to human expression and communication, serving as a universal language that conveys emotions, beliefs, and cultural identities. The significance and…
The Declining Marine Population and Its Impact on Urban Planning: Lessons from War and Resource Exploitation
Introduction: A World at War with Its Own ResourcesIn 2024, I stood on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, watching the relentless waves crash…
Makkah Hotels Projects: Transforming Hospitality for Pilgrims
Introduction: The Rising Demand for Hospitality in MakkahMecca, the holiest city in Islam, has long been a focal point for religious tourism. As the…
Impact of Tariffs on Construction Sector: Rising Costs of Building Materials in the United States
In early 2025, the United States, under President Donald Trump, imposed a 25% tariff on imports from Canada, Mexico, and an increase to 20%…
space per person
Understanding the allocation of personal space within residential designs is crucial for architects and researchers, as it directly influences living quality and well-being. This…
Professional Charter: Between Principles and Professional Ethics
Introduction: A Story from the Heart of RealityIn 2012, I was part of a meeting for a construction project that we were responsible for,…
Aesthetic Standards of Artistic Taste: A Deep Exploration
Introduction: A Moment of Reflection at MoMAIn 2024, during a visit to the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, I found myself…
Bio-Concrete: Bacterial-Based Self-Healing Concrete in Sustainable Construction
Scientific BackgroundResearch prepared by – INJ ArchitectsMechanisms of Bacterial Self-Healing ConcreteBio-concrete refers to concrete incorporating specific bacteria that enable the material to autonomously heal…
Chinese Architectural Websites: A Gateway to Hidden Innovation in Design and Urban Planning
Meta Description:Discover 11 essential Chinese architectural websites offering unique insights into cutting-edge design, sustainable urban projects, and traditional-modern fusion – your bridge to China’s…
Islamic Arts Biennial Edition 2 : Exploring the Theme “Between Them (ما بينهما)” and the Architectural Experience
Introduction: The Meaning Behind “Between Them (ما بينهما)”The Islamic Arts Biennial Edition 2 (بينالي الفنون الإسلامية النسخة ٢), hosted in Jeddah, introduces an immersive…
Adaptive Architecture: The Future of Responsive and Intelligent Design
Introduction: The Rise of Adaptive ArchitectureArchitecture is no longer static. The built environment is evolving towards dynamic and adaptive systems that respond intelligently to…
On the back of a motorcycle: How do delivery bikes affect urban planning?
Introduction: Between the solution and the urban burdenIn the age of speed, delivery bikes have become an integral part of the logistics system of…
Trump’s 25% Steel Tariff: Financial and Operational Implications for the Global Construction Sector
Background and Objectives of the DecisionOn February 10, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced the imposition of a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum…
Uncredited Construction: Is History Stealing Architects’ Achievements?
Introduction: The Shadow That Covers CreativityIn the history of architecture, the great names who designed amazing buildings and changed the face of cities are…
The Architect’s Personality: Between Creativity and Isolation, How Has It Been Formed Over the Ages?
Introduction: The Architect, the Maker of the Living ExperienceThroughout the ages, the architect has remained a unique figure among the makers of the physical…
The Alhambra in Spain: A Masterpiece of Andalusian Architecture and Its Enduring Legacy
Introduction: When Stones Tell the Story of a CivilizationThe Alhambra in Granada, Spain, stands as one of the greatest Islamic architectural monuments in the…
Dealing with terminal health conditions in the professional profession: then designing the source and origin
Introduction: Public architecture in the face of serious diseasesIn recent decades, the world has witnessed an increasing spread of well-treated diseases, such as influenza,…
Client Budget, Demands, and Expectations in Architectural Projects: Challenges and In-Depth Analysis
Introduction: The Budget and Expectations Dialectic in Architectural ProjectsWhen a client begins an architectural project, they have an ideal vision of what the final…
International Social Cases and Their Impact on Architecture Around the World
Introduction: How does architecture reflect social identity?Architecture has always been a direct reflection of the societies it embraces, influenced by culture, traditions, geographic location,…
Credit in Architecture: Ruler or Architect? The Dialectic of Influence Through the Ages
Introduction: Who Has the Upper Hand in Shaping Architecture?Throughout history, architecture has always been a reflection of power, identity, and culture. But the question…
Client Opinion and Architect Opinion: The Balance of Power in Project Design Between History and Modernity
Introduction: The Clash of Visions between Client and ArchitectWhen an architectural project is designed, it is not just a combination of lines and angles,…
Sharafiya Housing in Jeddah: The First Mega Residential Complex to Redefine the City
Introduction: Urgent Housing in Jeddah and the Emergence of Modernist BrutalismIn the heart of Jeddah’s central district, precisely at the intersection of King Fahd…
The Venice Charter (1964): A Cornerstone for Cultural Heritage Conservation
Introduction: What is the Venice Charter?The Venice Charter of 1964 is one of the most influential international documents concerning the conservation and restoration of…
The First Palace Built in the Islamic Caliphate: Qasr al-Kharana, an Early Model of Islamic Architecture
Historical Introduction: Architecture in the Shadow of IslamWith the spread of Islam and the expansion of the Islamic state, the need arose for buildings…
Comparative Analysis of ChatGPT and DeepSeek in the Architectural Sector: Features, User Experiences, and Global Reactions
IntroductionThe rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has introduced sophisticated language models that significantly impact various industries, including architecture. Among these models, ChatGPT and…
Eiffel Tower Competition: History and the architectural competition that changed the face of Paris
The Eiffel Tower, one of the most prominent architectural landmarks in the world, is not just a towering metal structure that adorns the Paris…
The Poetic Depiction of Architecture: A Journey Through Time and Space
Throughout history, architecture has been more than just a backdrop to human life; it has been a source of inspiration, a testament to ingenuity,…
The Tower of Babel: A Mythical Journey Through Architecture, Ambition, and Language
In the annals of human history and myth, few stories captivate the imagination like that of the Tower of Babel. Rooted in biblical tradition,…
Ghamdan Palace: The Architectural Marvel of Ancient Yemen
Nestled in the heart of ancient Sana’a, Ghamdan Palace stands as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of Yemeni civilization. Revered as one…
The Palace of Khawarnaq: A Legendary Masterpiece in Arab History
Architecture has always been a reflection of power and cultural identity, and the Palace of Khawarnaq is one of the most striking examples of…
The United States’ Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement: Architectural and Global Implications
The decision by former President Donald Trump to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement in 2017 sparked a global debate. While…
A Journey Through Architectural Generations: From Craft to Code
Architecture has always been a mirror of its time, reflecting society’s values, aspirations, and technological progress. From the ornate cathedrals of the 19th century…
2025: A Year of Struggles and Revelry
The phrase “A Year of War and Music” seems to encapsulate the paradox of 2025. It is a year where human ambition clashes with…
Trump’s Potential Return to the White House: Impact on Real Estate, Architecture, and Construction
IntroductionThe world is watching closely as Donald Trump eyes a potential return to the White House. Regardless of political opinions, his policies have historically…
Editorial Philosophy
Independent architectural analysis based on research, critical thinking, and documented sources.