Leading architects and industry professionals discuss the extent to which architects today are learning from the wisdom [..]


Downtown Design Auditorium, Downtown Design tent, Dubai Design District (d3)

Leading Architects and industry professionals discuss the extent to which architects today are learning from the wisdom of the previous generations' traditional and vernacular architecture. This panel will explore today's architectural and urban landscape and developments, analyzing the multiple formats, scales and symbols of design and architecture – in relation to the sociocultural context and its creation and perception.

Speakers are Adina Hempel; Sumaya Dabbagh and Brian Johnson. Led and moderated by Jonathan Ashmore.


Jonathan Ashmore, RIBA Chartered Architect and Founder of multiple Award Winning Architecture, Interior Architecture and Design practice Anarchitect. Jonathan is an elected member of the RIBA Gulf Chapter and British Council Cultural Excellence Fellowship Mentor.
Based in Dubai with collaborative offices in London, his practice manifests architecture at diverse scales with superlative craft and materiality. applying an Architectural discourse in equal measure to each of the design disciplines to realize highly resolved buildings and spaces beautifully balanced in form, function and detail.

Adina Hempel is an architect, urban researcher and currently an Assistant Professor at the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at the Zayed University in Dubai, UAE. In the capacity as Assistant Professor she is investigating the relationship of interior spaces and city planning and currently holds a multiyear research grant about impact assessment for social design in the MENA region. She was appointed Head of Research as part of the curatorial team of the National Pavilion of the UAE at the 14th International Architecture Exhibition in La Biennale di Venezia. Adina Hempel co-founded the interdisciplinary not for profit design organization tasmena, fostering sustainable urban development in the UAE and studying the socio-cultural and historical impact of trade, industry and infrastructure on neighborhood development. Adina Hempel received a Master in Architecture from the Technical University of Dresden/Germany, studied at Columbia University New York/USA, New York Film Academy and at the American University of Sharjah/UAE. Her work was presented at various exhibitions such as the International Architecture Biennale Rotterdam 2009. She has lectured at institutions such as the Architectural Association London, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kassel University and Virginia Commonwealth University Qatar.

Sumaya Dabbagh, Bsc, BArch, RIBA Principal, Dabbagh Architects Dabbagh Architects is a privately held architectural design firm, recognized regionally for its contemporary design and quality-driven service. Established in 2008, Dabbagh has more than 25 years of UAE experience. In 2015 it reached no. 26 of the top 40 Architects in the Middle East Architects’ Power List. Dabbagh Architects was Founded by Sumaya Dabbagh, a Saudi architect educated in the UK. She began her career in London and Paris working for internationally renowned companies such as Arup Associates and Polshek et Solomon Architects. Her return to the Gulf region was part of a quest to gain a deeper understanding of her own identity, a unique mix of influences and sensitivity towards both western and Middle Eastern cultures. Her practice is able to offer the region the international standards of design services with an innate understanding of the local culture and its subtleties. Dabbagh is a Chartered member of the RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects). She was an instrumental part of the team who set up the Royal Institute of British Architects’ Gulf chapter in 2009 and is currently the Honorary Secretary of the Steering Committee for the RIBA Gulf Chapter. Through her work in architecture and design Dabbagh strives to fulfill her goal of creating a positive impact on the world, and her quest to bridge the cultural and gender-gaps in the industry.

Brian Johnson is the Principal and Managing Partner of GAJ Architects (Godwin Austen Johnson).
The British architect began his career in London in 1973 and in 1975 took a decision to move to Dubai where, shortly thereafter, he was appointed as Managing Partner of a small architectural firm until 1989 He then left the company to join a long established UK practice and established GAJ.
With 40 years of regional experience to his name, Brian’s influence on modern Middle Eastern architecture is undeniable. His body of work comprises some of Dubai’s most recognisable and prized buildings. Among them is the Dubai Creek Golf Club, widely recognised as one of Dubai’s first architectural icons – so much so it features on the 20 dirham note.
Recognised as one of the more distinguished architects in the region, Brian is credited with having set in motion a countrywide trend in the UAE to incorporate traditional Arabic and Islamic themes into modern architecture. His award winning practice, which in 2014 celebrated its 25th year, employs over 200 talented staff from 25 nationalities. GAJ has a portfolio of projects across the UAE as well as in Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt to the west and to Oman, India and the Maldives to the east.
His distinctive style and uncompromising resolve for design excellence has made Brian and his company GAJ a preferred partner for many dignitaries in the region and resulted in several of his projects receiving major architectural awards, as well as he himself being awarded with the title of ‘Principal of the Year’ in 2011 and, more recently Johnson was given a ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ at the 2013 Commercial Interior Design Awards.