Younes Alkhallaqi
An award-winning architect and healthy urban planner, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Architecture and Design Research at Virginia Tech. My academic background includes a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in architecture, and I am further enhancing my skills with a Master's in Building Construction Science and Management. I've gained valuable experience over the years in architecture and site engineering. A highlight in my career was working on the King Abdullah Financial Center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia—a Giga one-of-a kind project where I contributed to building designs by famous architects like Zaha Hadid and Norman Foster. Beyond my academic pursuits and professional work, I have a passion for lapidary, a hobby that allows me to intricately shape gemstones, transforming raw materials into exquisite pieces. My second favorite hobby is sketching architecture with watercolors
My research is centered on architecture's transformative power in city branding and economic development. During my master's program, I studied the impact of iconic buildings on the city's image. My thesis, titled 'The Role of Landmarks in City's Branding,' explored the physical architectural characteristics of iconic buildings and their significant influence on the city's economy. As a PhD candidate, I am continuing to explore the intersection of architecture, hospitality, and a city's branding, focusing on increasing tourist footprints and enhancing city images through innovative architectural designs.
James Jones