Your Name | Issam (Sam) A. Shukor |
---|---|
Email Address | sam@isdarchitects.com |
Cohort Assignment | Americas Online, Winter-Spring 2024/2025 |
1. What do you see as your primary work at this stage of your life? | At this stage in my career, my primary focus is on developing a new practice model for architects that incorporates community engagement as a counter to the gentrification prevalent in current practices. I am also pursuing a Doctor of Design program at the school of architecture, University of Calgary, where my research proposal is titled "Transforming Fragilities: An Alternative Practice Model for the Revitalization of Strip Plazas in Toronto." I find that this course, along with Bill's teachings, strongly aligns with my goals, particularly regarding regeneration and place-making. Ultimately, I aim to integrate this concept into my business model as I gain a deeper understanding of its applications and implications. |
2. What role do you see as yours to play? | I envision myself as a catalyst for change within the architectural community. I aim to advocate for and implement a practice model that prioritizes community involvement, challenging the traditional approaches that often lead to gentrification and feel of alienation of residents and users. By conducting research and sharing insights from participating in TRP and implement some of the concepts to my research work, I hope to inspire other architects and stakeholders to consider the broader social impacts of their work. Additionally, I see myself as a facilitator, creating partnerships between communities and designers to foster inclusive development. Ultimately, my goal is to lead by example, demonstrating how architecture can be a tool for positive transformation and regeneration in urban environments. |
3. What goals or aims do you have in regard to the above? | My primary goal is to establish a practice model that emphasizes community engagement and sustainable development, particularly in revitalizing urban spaces. I aim to influence fellow architects to adopt similar principles and collaborate with communities (here in Canada and beyond) to ensure that their voices are heard in the design process. Ultimately, I want to promote a regenerative approach approach that could create the potential of a much more human-centric practice that it currently is. |
4. Where do you feel your next arenas for personal growth are? | I believe my next arena for personal growth lies in fully understanding and embracing the role of architects as leaders in the regenerative model. By enhancing my leadership skills, I need to know how to become an advocate to this model in Toronto and across Canada to effectively advocate for and implement transformative approaches within the architectural field. |
5. And for professional growth? | I also aim to teach courses in Canadian and Lebanese universities that focus on this regenerative design methodology as a core philosophy. By sharing my insights and research, I hope to inspire the next generation of architects to embrace community engagement and sustainable practices in their work. Ultimately, I aspire to create a platform for collaboration and innovation that bridges the gap between theory and practice in architecture following regeneration as a paradigm shift model. |
6. What have you invested in to get you where you are? | 30 years of hard work to be a proficient design architect. and also 30 years of developing awareness and struggles to find a better role for architects as I do believe architects are trained to be in this leadership position. |
7. What fields of learning and which thinkers have been important in your life? | philosophy: Suzanne Langer, Gaston Bachelard, Louis Althusser, Karl Marx, Hegel. |
8. Can you frame your philosophy or cosmology of life? What role(s) do humans play in it? | My philosophy centers on the belief that humans must fundamentally replace capitalism, which has devolved into a system of increase abuse and brutality. I advocate for change driven by collective, peaceful efforts rather than violence or coercion. My vision is to restore harmony between humanity and nature, fostering a deeper unity that allows both to thrive. Ultimately, I see our role as stewards of the planet, working collaboratively to create a sustainable and equitable future. |
Date Created | November 25, 2024 |