As an architect and historian, Nasser Rabbat has produced work that explores the history of Islamic architecture, art, and cultures. His talk at the Academy with the designer Nader Tehrani will highlight the concept of “fluidity” as it relates to Syrian architectural heritage.

Having written extensively on political and cultural issues in the Islamic world in English, Arabic, and French, Nasser brings an international perspective on architecture to the AAR community. “I teach Islamic architecture, and I am committed to two pedagogical philosophies: the humanistic basis of modern education and the power of art and culture in bringing people together” (from MIT’s The Tech). His lecture courses explore various facets of Islamic architecture and his seminars cover the history of Islamic urbanism, contemporary cities, orientalism, historiography, and the issue of meaning in architecture. In his research and teaching, he presents architecture’s relationship to culture and society as well as the role of human agency in shaping that interplay.

Nasser contributes to a number of Arabic publications and serves on the boards of various cultural and educational organizations.