Academic Staff

Feb. 19, 2026, 12:17 a.m.
Awar Naaman Saleem (Master)
Assistant Lecturer
Assistant Lecturer in Landscape Architecture

Architectural Engineering
College of Engineering
University of Duhok

  • M.A., Master of Arts in Landscape Architecture and Garden Design Budapest 2018-2020
  • B.Sc., architectural Engineering., College of Engineering, University of Duhok, Duhok, Iraq., 2006-2011

I am an architect and landscape architect dedicated to revealing the "invisible beauty" of nature through sustainable urban design and inclusive planning. He holds a Master of Arts in Landscape Architecture and Urban Open Space Design from Szent István University in Budapest, Hungary, where he graduated at an "Excellent" level. His academic excellence is further underscored by post-graduate diplomas from IHS Erasmus University Rotterdam, focusing on "Designing Cities for All" and "Green Cities for Eco-efficiency".

My research and professional work are deeply intertwined, focusing on the revitalization of urban ecosystems and the promotion of walkability. My master's thesis, "The New Erbil Citadel Urban Park," explored how cultural heritage and green infrastructure can be integrated to foster sustainable urban development. He has contributed to the field through various publications, including research on the restoration of the Hishkaroo River in Duhok and the development of iPARK, a participatory digital design tool that facilitates community engagement in neighborhood park planning.

Currently, I serve as a lecturer in the Architectural Engineering Department at the University of Duhok, where I mentor the next generation of architects and conduct scholarly research. In tandem with his academic role, he works as a landscape architect for RECS International Inc., where he assists in the formulation of land-use planning and green belt master plans for the city of Erbil.

Future Ambition
I aim to continue bridging the gap between academic theory and practical urban solutions. His ambition is to champion Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and equitable urban planning to create resilient, pedestrian-friendly cities that honor their historical identity while addressing modern environmental challenges. He remains committed to advancing community-driven design through technology and international collaboration.

In my role as a lecturer at the University of Duhok’s Architectural Engineering Department, your teaching responsibilities encompass conducting original research, mentoring students, and delivering core design curricula. My teaching philosophy is centered on the Renzo Piano-inspired belief that true beauty emerges when an "invisible touch" meets the visible, a principle you apply by guiding students to reveal the hidden ecological and aesthetic potential within their designs. Currently, I focus on undergraduate instruction, specifically leading Landscape Design (4th stage) and Specialized Building Design (4th stage), where you integrate your international expertise in sustainable urban open spaces with practical architectural consultancy.

1.Post-Graduate & Professional Diplomas
Post-graduate at Architecture for Landscape (2023): Completed at YACademy in Bologna, Italy. This program is recognized for its high-level didactic experience, involving interaction with Pritzker Prize-winning masters of architecture.

2.Post-Graduate Diploma in Designing Cities for All (2023): Earned from IHS Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands. The curriculum covered the ethics of inclusive city design, social housing, and equitable urban planning.

3.Post-Graduate Diploma in Green Cities for Eco-Efficiency (2022): Completed at IHS Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands.

4.Diploma in Pedagogical Training and Academic Development (2021): Obtained from the University of Duhok to support your role as an academic lecturer.

Research

For a full list of my publications please visit my Google Scholar page:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=MiPx-B4AAAAJ&hl=en


Biophilic urbanism; Blue–green infrastructure; Infratecture; Regenerative landscape design; Urban River restoration