Research & Teaching

Afikra | Woven Landscapes Advanced Landscape Seminar + Studio

In my Afikra talk, "Did a Cigarette Really Save Battir from Occupation in 1948?", I explored my ancestral village’s rich agricultural heritage and its unique journey of resilience during the Nakba. Battir’s ancient terracing and irrigation systems reflect the deep connection between land, community, and survival, a theme central to Baladi Creative. Through my great-uncle’s story, I shared how the preservation of land became a form of resistance. This narrative echoes the ongoing struggle for belonging and identity that communities around the world face today, connecting past and present through land-based resilience.

At the Spitzer Graduate School of Architecture, I co-teach a Woven Landscapes Advanced Landscape Seminar + Studio, where we guide students in exploring the interplay between artificial and ancestral intelligence in design. This studio embraces a holistic approach rooted in the land, honoring the historical significance of the Flatbush African Burial Ground. We integrate traditional practices, such as weaving, with contemporary tools like digital mapping and AI to tackle site challenges, including extreme heat and food deserts.

Permaculture & Agriculture

Terra Alta, Portugal | Semestene, Sardinia

Terra Alta is located near Europe’s westernmost cliffs, nestled within a foggy and hilly microclimate. Guided by permaculture principles, this initiative focused on enriching the soil, cultivating organic food, and building sustainably, contributing to a global network of eco-cultural transformation. My experience there allowed me to embrace new perspectives on sustainability, blending innovative methods with traditional lo-tek agricultural and building practices while collaborating with 35 individuals from diverse backgrounds. Together, we learned, discussed, and implemented strategies aimed at living sustainably with the land.

In Semestene, a rural Sardinian village with around 200 residents and an older median age, I visited friends dedicated to preserving local agricultural practices. I worked alongside them for several weeks, helping to cultivate heirloom gardens and absorbing their way of life. This hands-on experience deepened my understanding of their farming techniques, rooted in generations of knowledge. Through shared meals and stories, I appreciated how their agricultural practices are intertwined with community identity and history, enriching my perspective on sustainable living.

Image: Dave Zammit

Indigenous Perspectives & River Restoration

Owamniyomni, MN | The Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, DC

 

At GGN, I contributed to the Owámniyomni project, which aims to transform the Upper Lock site in Minneapolis into a healing space for Dakota communities, emphasizing the importance of Indigenous leadership in landscape restoration. This experience continues to inform my inquiries at Baladi Creative, particularly regarding the interplay between land, identity, and resilience.

Simultaneously, at AECOM, I worked on the conceptual design for the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge, which enhances connections between Anacostia and downtown DC while commemorating the river's overlooked histories and ecologies. Our design addressed pollution challenges and promoted habitat enrichment, earning the project the President’s Award from the Potomac Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 2019.

 

Image: GGN

Wildlife Crossings

Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, LA

At Rock Design Associates, I contribute to the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing project, which aims to create one of the world’s largest wildlife crossings over the 101 freeway in California. My work involves wildlife research and reinterpreting Caltrans infrastructure to enhance ecological habitats. Collaborating with various stakeholders has deepened my understanding of ecological connectivity, which informs my ongoing research with Baladi Creative on how landscapes can foster resilience for both communities and wildlife.

Image: Living Habitats

Museums

The National Air & Space Museum Grounds, DC | The National Museum of Natural History Entrance, DC

While at AECOM, I worked on projects like the National Air and Space Museum grounds and The National Museum of Natural History entrance, where accessibility and cultural preservation were central themes. These experiences have led me to reflect on how public spaces can act as sites of cultural storytelling, a key theme in my current research through Baladi Creative. Collaborating with various agencies, we sought to enhance the educational experiences of these significant cultural sites while promoting inclusivity for all who visit. The National Museum of Natural History Museum  Entrance received a Merit Award from the Potomac Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 2024. 

Image: Quinn Evans

Embassies 

Lagos, Nigeria | Chiang-Mai, Thailand 

During my time at GGN, I was involved in designing new consular compounds in Lagos and Chiang Mai, where we focused on resilience against climate change and urban growth. Our work emphasized culturally sensitive site planning that respects local contexts while addressing environmental challenges. This experience has deepened my understanding of how landscapes can enhance community identity and sustainability, resonating with the goals of Baladi Creative to explore the connections between culture and place.

Image: Ennead