The professional website of Professor Ashraf M. Salama with links to collections of publications and downloadable materials

Editorials & Reviews

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Following invitations to lead special issues on specific themes, Ashraf Salama has written a considerable number of editorials and book review articles in the refereed press and in architecture and design portals, as well as guest editorials for several international journals. Underpinning this body of critical writing is a sustained commitment to book review as a pedagogical and scholarly instrument, a commitment practiced and refined over many years of teaching at Queen's University Belfast and at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

List of Editorials

Click on selected titles to download or to visit webpages (dropdown)

Expanding Pathways to Resilient Urban Futures Salama, A. M. (2025). Urban Design and Planning, 178(2), 71–74.
Architecture, Urbanism and Health in a Post-Pandemic Virtual World Maturana, B., Salama, A. M., & McInneny, A. (2021). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 15(1), 1–9.
Urbanity on the Arabian Peninsula: From the Tradition of the Ordinary to the Tradition of the Elite Salama, A. M. (2016). Architects for Peace, April, Melbourne, Australia.
Shaping the Future of Research in Art, Architecture, and Spatial Design Fields Salama, A. M. (2021). Journal of Arts & Architecture Research Studies, 1(2), 14–31.
Polyphonic Narratives for Built Environment Research Salama, A. M., & Hurol, Y. (2020). Open House International, 45(1/2), 3–22.
On Open House International, the Open Building Approach and Nicholas Wilkinson Hurol, Y., & Salama, A. M. (2020). Open House International, 45(4), 343–371.
Knowledge Spaces in Architecture and Urbanism – A Preliminary Five-Year Chronicle Salama, A. M. (2022). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 16(1), 1–25.
Understanding Built Environment Realities: Between Conceptual Frameworks and Experimental Fieldworks Salama, A. M. (2019). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 13(2), 238–243.
Urban Performance Between the Imagined, the Measured, and the Experienced Salama, A. M., & Grierson, D. (2019). Open House International, 44(1), 4–7.
Prospects for Research in Architecture and Urbanism Salama, A. M. (2019). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 13(1), 2–7.
Methodological Research in Architecture and Allied Disciplines: Philosophical Positions, Frames of Reference, and Spheres of Inquiry Salama, A. M. (2019). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 13(1), 8–24.
Recent Discourse and the Promise for Global Networks on Architecture and Urbanism Salama, A. M. (2018). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 12(3), 2–10.
From the Global South: Pedagogical Encounters in Architecture Salama, A. M. (2018). Charrette: Journal of the Association of Architectural Educators, 5(1), 1–7.
From Architectural Theory to Urban Studies and from Spatial Analysis Explorations to Built Environment Education Salama, A. M. (2018). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 12(1), 4–10.
Plurality and Diversity in Architectural and Urban Research Salama, A. M. (2017). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 11(2), 1–5.
A Decade of Architectural and Urban Research Published in Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research Salama, A. M., Remali, A. M., & Pour Rahimian, F. (2017). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 11(1), 6–28.
Forging Advances in Sustainable Architecture and Urbanism Grierson, D., & Salama, A. M. (2016). Open House International, 41(4), 4–5.
An Expedition into Architecture and Urbanism of the Global South Salama, A. M., & Grierson, D. (2016). Open House International, 41(2), 4–5.
Shaping the Future of Architectural Education in Scotland Agapiou, A., & Salama, A. M. (2016). Charrette, 3(1), 1–5.
Advancing the Debate on Architecture, Planning, and Built Environment Research Salama, A. M. (2015). Archnet-IJAR, 9(2), iv–viii.
Evolving Urbanism of Cities on the Arabian Peninsula Salama, A. M., & Wiedmann, F. (2013). Open House International, 38(4), 4–5.
Rethinking Urban Diversity: Paradoxes and Realities Salama, A. M., & Thierstein, A. (2012). Open House International, 37(2), 1–3.
Anti-Vitruvian Architects and Contemporary Society Salama, A. M. (2011). Architects for Peace, September.
Changing Paradigms in Affordable Housing, Quality, and Lifestyle Theories Salama, A. M., & Sengupta, U. (2011). Open House International, 36(3), 4–6.
Towards a Responsive Architectural and Urban Education for Understanding of and Intervening in Islamic Societies Salama, A. M. (2011). Lonaard Magazine, 1(4), 130–137.
The Quest for Architectural Excellence in Non-Western Societies Salama, A. M. (2011). Architects for Peace, January.
Reflections on Schools and Schooling: Bringing Appreciative Inquiry into Ethical Design Practices Salama, A. M. (2010). Architects for Peace, June.
Design Education: Explorations and Prospects for a Better Built Environment Salama, A. M., & Crosbie, M. J. (2010). Archnet-IJAR, 4(2–3), 10–18.
A Bright Future for Creating Environments Conducive to Learning Salama, A. M. (2009). Open House International, 34(1), 5–8.
Transdisciplinarity, People-Environment, and Design Research Abdel Hadi, A., & Salama, A. M. (2009). Archnet-IJAR, 3(1), 8–13.
Multiple Voices in Architecture and Urbanism Salama, A. M. (2008). Archnet-IJAR, 2(2), 7–10.
The Aga Khan Award for Architecture: Unveiling the Jewels of the Built Environment in the Developing World Salama, A. M. (2008). Architects for Peace.
Excellence in Architectural and Urban Research Salama, A. M. (2008). Archnet-IJAR, 2(1), 7–15.
What's War/Peace – Construction/Destruction Got to Do with Architecture? Salama, A. M. (2008). Architects for Peace.
Whatever the Name is, the Concern is for People and Environments Salama, A. M. (2007). Open House International, 32(4), 4–8.
Moving Forward Salama, A. M. (2007). Archnet-IJAR, 1(3), 14–18.
The Debate on Architecture and Urbanism Continues Salama, A. M. (2007). Archnet-IJAR, 1(2), 11–14.
Archnet-IJAR is Setting the Stage for Online Publishing in Architecture Salama, A. M. (2007). Archnet-IJAR, 1(1), 9–12.
Committed Educators are Reshaping Studio Pedagogy Salama, A. M. (2006). Open House International, 31(3), 4–9.

Selected Editorials

Expanding Pathways to Resilient Urban Futures

Salama, A. M. (2025). Urban Design and Planning, 178(2), 71–74.

Knowledge Spaces in Architecture and Urbanism – A Preliminary Five-Year Chronicle

Salama, A. M. (2022). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 16(1), 1–25.

Architecture, Urbanism and Health in a Post-Pandemic Virtual World

Maturana, B., Salama, A. M., & McInneny, A. (2021). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 15(1), 1–9.

On Open House International, the Open Building Approach and Nicholas Wilkinson

Hurol, Y., & Salama, A. M. (2020). Open House International, 45(4), 343–371.

Understanding Built Environment Realities: Between Conceptual Frameworks and Experimental Fieldworks

Salama, A. M. (2019). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 13(2), 238–243.

From the Global South: Pedagogical Encounters in Architecture

Salama, A. M. (2018). Charrette: Journal of the Association of Architectural Educators, 5(1), 1–7.

Urban Performance Between the Imagined, the Measured, and the Experienced

Salama, A. M., & Grierson, D. (2019). Open House International, 44(1), 4–7.

Shaping the Future of Architectural Education in Scotland

Agapiou, A., & Salama, A. M. (2016). Charrette: Journal of the Association of Architectural Educators, 3(1), 1–5.

List of Reviews

Click on selected titles to download or to visit webpages (dropdown)

Post-Western Histories of Architecture [Book Review] Salama, A. M. (2024). Review of Post-Western Histories of Architecture by P. M. Guerrieri & M. Biraghi. Traditional Dwellings and Settlements Review, 36(1), 86–87.
Egypt's Housing Crisis: The Shaping of Urban Space [Book Review] Salama, A. M. (2021). Review of Egypt's Housing Crisis: The Shaping of Urban Space by Y. Shawkat. The Middle East Journal, 75(2), 326–328.
Book Review: A New Perspective on Research Assessment in Architecture, Music, and the Arts – Discussing Doctorateness Salama, A. M. (2018). Review of Perspectives on Research Assessment in Architecture, Music, and the Arts – Discussing Doctorateness by F. Nilsson, H. Dunin-Woyseth, & N. Janssens (Eds.). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 12(1), 393–396.
Emerging Perceptions of Research by Design: Towards a Responsive Practice [Book Review] Salama, A. M. (2012). Review of Design Innovation for the Built Environment: Research by Design and the Renovation of Practice by M. U. Hensel (Ed.). FORMakademisk, 5(2), 1–4.
A Sustained Quest for Democracy in Design and Planning Decision Making [Book Review] Salama, A. M. (2012). Review of Democratic Design: Participation Case Studies in Urban and Small Town Environments by H. Sanoff. Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 6(2), 132–134.
Functionalism and the Contemporary Architectural Discourse [Book Review] Salama, A. M. (2011). Review of Functionalism Revisited: Architectural Theory, Practice, and the Behavioural Sciences by J. Lang & W. Moleski. Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 5(2), 127–131.
Shaping Architectural Discourse by Architecture Students at Queen's University Belfast Salama, A. M. (2009). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 3(2), 130–173.
A Call for Translation: After Amnesia — Learning from the Islamic Mediterranean Urban Fabric [Book Review] Salama, A. M. (2008). Review of After Amnesia: Learning from the Islamic Mediterranean Urban Fabric by A. Petruccioli. Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 2(2), 234–235.
Selected Scandinavian Contributions to Contemporary Architectural Discourse [Book Review] Salama, A. M. (2008). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 2(1), 264–269.
Responsive Environments for a Responsive Pedagogy [Book Review] Salama, A. M. (2007). Review of Designing for Designers: Lessons Learned from Schools of Architecture by J. L. Nasar, W. F. E. Preiser, & T. Fisher (Eds.). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 1(3), 209–213.
Nikos A. Salingaros: A New Vitruvius for 21st-Century Architecture and Urbanism [Book Review] Salama, A. M. (2007). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 1(2), 215–220.

Selected Reviews

A New Perspective on Research Assessment in Architecture, Music, and the Arts – Discussing Doctorateness

Salama, A. M. (2018). Review of Perspectives on Research Assessment in Architecture, Music, and the Arts – Discussing Doctorateness by F. Nilsson, H. Dunin-Woyseth, & N. Janssens (Eds.). Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 12(1), 393–396.

Emerging Perceptions of Research by Design: Towards a Responsive Practice [Book Review]

Salama, A. M. (2012). Review of Design Innovation for the Built Environment: Research by Design and the Renovation of Practice by M. U. Hensel (Ed.). FORMakademisk, 5(2), 1–4.

A Sustained Quest for Democracy in Design and Planning Decision Making [Book Review]

Salama, A. M. (2012). Review of Democratic Design: Participation Case Studies in Urban and Small Town Environments by H. Sanoff. Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 6(2), 132–134.

Functionalism and the Contemporary Architectural Discourse [Book Review]

Salama, A. M. (2011). Review of Functionalism Revisited: Architectural Theory, Practice, and the Behavioural Sciences by J. Lang & W. Moleski. Archnet-IJAR: International Journal of Architectural Research, 5(2), 127–131.

Underpinning the body of critical writing is a sustained commitment to book review as a pedagogical and scholarly instrument, a commitment practiced and refined over many years of teaching at Queen's University Belfast and at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, where book reviews were assigned as structured learning tasks. The act of reviewing requires students to distil complex arguments, situate a work within the wider discourse, and articulate an evaluative position. These are skills central to developing critical thinking, research literacy, and disciplinary identity.

100+ Books That Shaped Our Understanding of People-Place Dialectics: A Discourse for Architects, Urban Designers, and Planners

Salama, A. M., & Patil, M. P. (Eds.) (2025).

ABC2 Publishing, Glasgow, United Kingdom.

ISBN 978-1-0684360-0-0.

Book reviews occupy a distinctive place in architectural knowledge production. Unlike full-length monographs or journal articles, they are concise, dynamic, and immediately accessible — functioning simultaneously as summary and critical commentary. As instruments of learning, they require reviewers to filter complex ideas into clear, cogent arguments, making them a particularly valuable tool in design education. Ashraf Salama has long employed book reviews as a structured assignment in his teaching — first at Queen's University Belfast and later at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow — as part of his postgraduate course on Cultural and Behavioural Factors in Architecture and Urbanism. This approach cultivates in students the capacity to engage critically with foundational texts, to situate emerging ideas within established discourse, and to contribute their own voices to ongoing debates about people, place, and the built environment.

100+ Books That Shaped Our Understanding of People-Place Dialectics is the direct outcome of this sustained pedagogical commitment. The volume gathers more than 100 book reviews written by final-year Master's students and postgraduate researchers enrolled in the course at Strathclyde between 2014 and 2022, selected from over 190 reviews produced during that period. The reviews are edited and introduced by Ashraf Salama and co-editor Madhavi P. Patil — herself a former student in the course (2019) who went on to become a researcher and co-author. Spanning more than 600 pages, the book traces the evolution of people-place discourse from Gaston Bachelard's The Poetics of Space (1958) to Leslie Kern's Feminist City (2021), covering six decades of theoretical and practical shifts — from phenomenological explorations of domesticity in the 1950s and Kevin Lynch's urban imageability in the 1960s, through socio-political critiques of the 1970s and 80s, to the sustainability- and technology-driven concerns of the 2000s and 2010s. The collection demonstrates that fresh, student-generated critical voices can reinvigorate established debates and that well-crafted short-form reviews can convey ideas with as much impact as longer scholarly texts.

The full text of the book, along with the Introduction and Conclusion chapters, is openly available on ResearchGate:

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