FACULTY BIO

Dr Omaima Alabbasi is a seasoned architect and academic with extensive expertise in architecture, sustainability, and social well-being. She holds a B.Sc in Architecture from the University of Bahrain, an MA in Architecture and Critical Theory from the University of Nottingham, UK, and a PhD in Architecture from the University of Reading, UK. Her research delves into the interplay between architecture and the social, psychological, and cultural dynamics of space, focusing on how these factors shape and are shaped by the built environment. Dr Omaima’s research centers on harmonizing bottom-up and top-down approaches to neighborhood sustainability assessment, with a specific emphasis on community-led post-occupancy evaluations. She has actively participated in international initiatives, including the UNESCO World Heritage nomination for Bahrain’s Pearling path, the Mapping Echo Social Value Assets (MESA) project in the UK, and the development of the sustainability vision for Reading 2050 in Reading Borough, UK. A Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in the UK, Dr Omaima brings 15 years of teaching experience, specializing in courses such as Basic Design, Theory of Architecture, Architectural Design, and Landscape Design. Her ongoing dedication to neighborhood social sustainability and community engagement continues to shape her academic and professional pursuits.