Alaa el-Habashi is an Egyptian architect, professor and heritage consultant. In his research and practice, el-Habashi seeks to develop a framework for preservation that respects the specificities of history and traditions, while working side by side with local communities.
 
In his PhD dissertation at the University of Pennsylvania (2001), el-Habashi studied and assessed the policies and practices of the Egyptian Comité de Conservation (1882-1953), the first preservation institution in the Arab World.  He values and promotes the importance of the principles of the waqf (charitable endowment) system, which aims to preserve buildings in perpetuity, achieving an ethical message by involving and benefiting the local community.
 
Over the last 20 years, el-Habashi has worked in various Arab countries - Yemen, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Bahrain and Egypt - where he has developed architectural and urban conservation strategies tailored to different historic buildings, urban values and local traditions.   As associate professor at Monofia University, he has supervised numerous master's theses and PhD dissertations on such topics as heritage conservation, the anthropological interpretation of heritage sites, and the relationship of modern architecture and historic fabric.

The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at the University of Maryland is home to four academic disciplines: architecture, urban planning, historic preservation and real estate development. Committed to educating its students and community about the importance of sustainability and smart growth, the School practices an interdisciplinary approach to education, research, creative work, and community and professional service. For more information, please e-mail us or call 301.405.8000.

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