Beyond brick and mortar: AUS alumnus and Harvard graduate adopts interdisciplinary approach to transforming urban spaces

Architect, urban designer and American University of Sharjah (AUS) alumnus Saad Boujane believes in going beyond brick and mortar in his designs, engaging in the socio-economic, political and environmental aspects that shape the built environment.

With a passion for creating more habitual and adaptive urban spaces, the Harvard University graduate is constantly adopting a multidisciplinary approach to creating comprehensive design solutions that address contemporary urban challenges.  

“I enjoy thinking beyond buildings to encompass the broader urban context and I believe that collaboration within the design discipline is not merely a desirable option but, in my view, an imperative. Design challenges today are becoming increasingly complex and interconnected. The synergy of diverse minds fosters creativity and innovation, making collaborations in design integral to addressing the pressing global issues we face such as climate change, urbanization and social inequality,” he said.

Upon graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Architecture from AUS, Boujane's professional journey took off in architectural design working in Dubai. He noted that his AUS years helped me develop a strong work ethic, problem-solving abilities and an understanding of the importance of collaboration with other professionals in the construction and design sectors.

“My experience as an architecture student at the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) had a profound impact on my personal and professional development. The rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty pushed me to think critically, creatively and analytically about design at multiple scales, be it architectural, urban or interior. The academic environment encouraged the cross-pollination of ideas between different design backgrounds, theories and principles that continued to shape my professional approach. My time was also marked by hands-on experiences, including design studios, internships and real-world projects that not only honed my design and technical skills but also gave me a glimpse into the challenges and demands of the industry,” he said.

It was a lecture he attended at CAAD by Sarah Whiting, Dean at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, that inspired him to pursue his graduate studies there. The lecture was part of CAAD’s many initiatives to provide its students with a holistic academic experience that leads to their well-rounded development.

“Her talk left a lasting impression on me, not only because of the compelling content she shared but also due to the excellent quality of work produced at the school and the remarkable diversity of backgrounds and programs represented within its community. At a more personal level, while I have always considered myself an architect at heart, I found that my curiosity extended beyond the individual building scale, often touching on socio-economic, political and environmental issues concerning the built environment, all while relating back to what design can do to create more liveable cities. Understanding and engaging with architecture and urban design at those levels became a pivotal aspect of my professional development,” he said.

Boujane refined his craft with a Master of Architecture in Urban Design at Harvard University, where he also taught urban design and architecture studios for the 2023 Design Discovery programs at the Harvard Graduate School of Design as well as got involved in a post-disaster project in Morocco responding to the recent earthquake in Marrakech. 

“Considering my background as an international student from Morocco, AUS and CAAD prepared me for the challenges of living, studying and working abroad, ultimately equipping me with the skills and perspectives to contribute meaningfully to the built environment. Interacting with individuals from all corners of the globe not only broadened my worldview but also cultivated lifelong friendships,” he said. 

Excited about his current professional endeavors at Gensler, a global design and architecture firm, Boujane said he is working on various urban design proposals across the world with a fantastic team. He is also working on an upcoming book on postcolonial critical regionalist architecture in Morocco (1970s to mid-2000s).  

To learn more about the Bachelor of Architecture at AUS, visit www.aus.edu/caad/barch.