Lecturer in the Department of Architecture, College of Engineering, Samarra University, Iraq
Dr. Maysoon M. Hilal Alukaily is a distinguished academic and urban planning expert, currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Architecture at the University of Samarra. With more than two decades of combined experience in architectural engineering, consultancy, and city planning, she is recognized for her significant contributions to the built environment and academic advancement in Iraq. Known for her dedication to both professional practice and pedagogy, Dr. Alukaily has played a pivotal role in shaping the discourse around sustainable urbanism and architectural identity within the Arab region.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Alukaily holds a Ph.D. in Urban Planning from the Center for Urban and Regional Planning for Postgraduate Studies at the University of Baghdad, earned in 2004. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Technology in 1992, which was later strengthened by a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from the same postgraduate center in 1999. Her robust educational foundation reflects a deep commitment to urban and architectural research, blending technical skill with socio-cultural awareness—an intersection that has defined her scholarly and professional trajectory.
Experience
With over 20 years of professional experience, Dr. Alukaily has led numerous architectural engineering and city planning projects across Iraq. Her consultancy work encompasses large-scale urban developments, heritage site interventions, and public sector projects. In parallel, she has devoted 16 years to academic teaching, mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students at various governmental and private institutions. Since 2012, she has held a faculty position at the University of Samarra, where she contributes to curriculum development, research supervision, and academic administration. Her dual roles in practice and academia enrich her holistic approach to urban design and planning.
Research Interest
Dr. Alukaily’s research centers on urban transformation, architectural heritage preservation, sustainable development, and the socio-political dimensions of city planning. She is particularly interested in how Arab nationalism and local identity are expressed and preserved in contemporary urban contexts. Her scholarly work interrogates the impact of modernization on Iraq’s traditional urban fabric, advocating for balanced development that honors cultural heritage while accommodating growth. She is also exploring the role of participatory planning and gender-responsive design in shaping inclusive cities.
Awards
Throughout her career, Dr. Alukaily has been recognized for her outstanding service and academic excellence. She has received several commendations for her contributions to architectural education and city planning initiatives. Her leadership in community-focused urban design projects has earned her accolades from local and national professional organizations, underlining her commitment to both scholarly excellence and societal impact. These awards affirm her influence in promoting context-sensitive and culturally rooted planning strategies in the Arab world.
Publications
Dr. Alukaily has authored several impactful publications in the fields of architecture and urban planning, often highlighting the interrelation between space, identity, and policy. Selected works include:
-
The Role of Urban Planning in Preserving the Cultural Identity of Iraqi Cities – Journal of Urban Planning and Development (2012), cited by 14 articles.
-
Rehabilitation Strategies for Traditional Urban Fabrics in Post-Conflict Areas – Iraqi Journal of Architecture (2015), cited by 21 articles.
-
Architectural Memory and National Identity in Contemporary Iraqi Design – International Journal of Architectural Heritage (2017), cited by 18 articles.
-
Public Space and Social Interaction in Arab Urban Contexts – Middle East Urban Studies Journal (2019), cited by 11 articles.
-
Integrating Sustainability Principles in Iraqi Urban Planning – Journal of Sustainable Cities (2020), cited by 13 articles.
-
Women and the Built Environment: A Case Study of Gendered Space in Baghdad – Journal of Gender in Architecture (2021), cited by 9 articles.
-
Resilience and Urban Governance in Historic Cities of Iraq – City and Society Review (2023), cited by 7 articles.
These publications reflect a consistent scholarly focus on integrating cultural, historical, and environmental dimensions into architectural and urban discourse.
Conclusion
Dr. Maysoon M. Hilal Alukaily stands as a leading figure in the realm of architecture and urban planning in Iraq, with her work deeply rooted in the values of cultural preservation, sustainable growth, and academic excellence. Her contributions have not only influenced the physical and theoretical development of cities but also nurtured generations of architects and planners who continue to benefit from her expertise. As Iraq undergoes rapid urban transitions, her role in guiding its spatial future through research, education, and practice becomes increasingly vital. Her multifaceted achievements make her an exemplary candidate for recognition through prestigious awards in architectural and planning excellence.