Murad Abu-Salim

I am a PhD Candidate in the College of Architecture and pursuing doctoral degree in the Land Planning and Management Design (LPMD) with a minor in Sociology. The tentative date for graduation is set for August 2007.

I came to Texas Tech University through the Fulbright scholarship program, in the spring of 2003, to receive a post professional (Master of Science) degree in architecture. Since my arrival in Lubbock, I have been blessed for meeting wonderful people from within and out of campus and from different parts of the world. In addition, my colleagues in the College of Architecture have been very friendly and supportive.

Professionally, all the course and projects I have studied through the master degree program and afterward through the LPMD Program have enhanced my understanding of architectural issues and crystallized my awareness with regard to the challenges and opportunities we as architects are facing on local and global levels.

My scholarly work encompasses two research agendas. The first agenda deals with the Islamic architecture development in the United States. The main objective of the research is to analyze the relationship between architecture designs of Islamic Centers in the USA and the main goals and values of Muslim community in the States. My proposed design for a new Islamic Center in Newark, New Jersey, reflect the role of architects in establishing a harmonic environment which encourage dialogue rather than a "clash of civilizations" within the context of American Islamic Centers Architecture. The second agenda, which is the focus of my dissertation, deals with housing issues and community developments in unstable regions. The main objective of the research is to assess the housing policy in the Gaza Strip. The study is a precedent for other parts of the world where there is similar conditions and/or urban problems related to political conflicts. My dissertation committee includes Dr. Safei Hamed, in Landscape Architecture (as chair), Dr. Yung Mei Tasi, in Sociology, and Dr. Dennis Patterson, in Political Science.

In addition, I have been teaching design studios since the fall of 2004 As Graduate Part Time Instructor (GPTI). Working with students from different levels has been very fulfilling and interesting experience. In my studios, I strive to create friendly environment based on mutual respect, and collaboration. I was honored as one of the outstanding GPTIs of the year in the spring of 2006, and spring of 2007.

Having lived in various parts of the world including Gaza Strip, my home land; Cyprus and Turkey, where I earned my undergraduate degree in architecture; and Lubbock, Texas, where I have been living for the last four years; have expanded my knowledge and enhanced my appreciation of different cultures. Such experiences have given me the privilege to explore, compare, and contrast different points of views and approaches regarding issues such as globalization, religion, tolerance, vernacular architecture, sustainable development, construction techniques, urbanization, etc.

Upon completing the doctoral program, I am planning to continue teaching in one of the architecture colleges in the USA. On the long term, I am planning to go back to Palestine and teach in one of my home architecture colleges. My goal is to share my experience, knowledge, and enriching theories and concepts, and contribute to a constructive dialogue aiming at peaceful and sustainable development and enhancing human rights and human dignity world wide.