Alaa Albarazy
Architect . Educator . XR designer
Alaa Albarazy is a versatile creative technologist with an international background in architecture and urban design. He excels in seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies into sensory design. With a solid foundation in theoretical research and practical experience, Alaa has made significant contributions to projects at the intersection of technology, art, and science.
Alaa holds a Master's degree(a terminal degree), an MFA in design from Virginia Commonwealth University. With entrepreneurial studies in creative art from HEC Paris University. Alaa also possesses a Master of Science degree in Architecture & Urban Design from Eastern Mediterranean University, along with a Bachelor of Architecture from the same institution.
Currently, Alaa serves as a postgraduate research fellow and exhibition designer for the (In)>tangible Lab for exhibitions in China and Qatar. He is deeply involved in filmmaking and co-directs the "Mapping Migration Memory film" at Virginia Commonwealth University within the (In)>tangible Lab. Alaa's research in the lab focuses on the application of extended reality in heritage representation.
Furthermore, Alaa is the founder of the creative platform "The-A" and the co-founder of the MetaMosque company in the USA.
Architect . Educator . XR designer
Alaa Albarazy is a versatile creative technologist with an international background in architecture and urban design. He excels in seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technologies into sensory design. With a solid foundation in theoretical research and practical experience, Alaa has made significant contributions to projects at the intersection of technology, art, and science.
Alaa holds a Master's degree(a terminal degree), an MFA in design from Virginia Commonwealth University. With entrepreneurial studies in creative art from HEC Paris University. Alaa also possesses a Master of Science degree in Architecture & Urban Design from Eastern Mediterranean University, along with a Bachelor of Architecture from the same institution.
Currently, Alaa serves as a postgraduate research fellow and exhibition designer for the (In)>tangible Lab for exhibitions in China and Qatar. He is deeply involved in filmmaking and co-directs the "Mapping Migration Memory film" at Virginia Commonwealth University within the (In)>tangible Lab. Alaa's research in the lab focuses on the application of extended reality in heritage representation.
Furthermore, Alaa is the founder of the creative platform "The-A" and the co-founder of the MetaMosque company in the USA.
Education
- Master of Fine Art in Design, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts
- Master of Science in Architecture & Urban Design, Eastern Mediterranean University
- Entrepreneurial Studies in Creative Art, HEC Paris University
- Bachelor of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University
Academic & Work Experience
Founder, The-A Studio | 2018 - Present
- The-A Design Visualization Studio & The-A lab - Cyprus.
Co-Founder, MetaMosque | 2023 - Present
- COO, Creative Director, and Co-founder at Metamosque Company - USA.
Postgraduate Research Fellowship, Exhibition Designer and XR Designer, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2022 - Present
- Conducting research for the Mapping Migration Memories project in the Intangible Research Lab.
- Exhibition designer and curator for both exhibitions of the lab in Msheireb Museum, Qatar & Yuz Museum, China.
Filmmaker, (in)tangible Lab, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2022-2023
- Conceptualized, directed, and produced compelling films that explore the intersection of art, technology, and culture.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to bring visionary ideas to life through captivating visual storytelling.
Guest Lecturers and Gust Jury Member, Cyprus International University | 2019-Present
- Guest Lecturers on Master in Architecture Arch/Inar 501 & 502 Design Studios
- Series of talks in Virtual Reality in Architecture and Design Arch 470.
- Participated as a member of the jury for Master in Architecture Arch/Inar 501 & 502 Design Studios.
Research Assistant, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2020-2021
- For the Dean office. Sahara exhibition with the Dean Amir. Benton Museum of Art. US
Academic Committees , Eastern Mediterranean University | 2018-2020
- Help Desk Committee Member, Architecture Design Studios
Provided valuable feedback to enhance studio quality | Collaborated with peers to review and improve design projects.
- Media Committee Member
Led graphic design and maintained the department website | Ensured an attractive and updated online presence.
- Activities and Events Committee Member
Actively contributed to event planning and organization | Designed engaging experiences in line with department goals.
- Summer Practice Committee Member
Collaborated with Yeni Boğaziçi municipality on ARCH190 projects | Played a vital role in project planning, design, and execution
Media Team Member, TEDxEMU | 2018-2019
- Assisted in capturing and editing high-quality audiovisual content, ensuring the seamless delivery of TEDx talks and performances.
- Collaborated closely with team members to create engaging promotional materials and develop a strong online presence.
Full Time Teaching Assistant, Eastern Mediterranean University | 2018-2019
- Architecture Design Studios 1 & 2
Assisted with project development, offering guidance and feedback on design iterations.
Conducted group discussions and individual critiques to enhance students' design skills.
- Urban Design Course
Collaborated with the instructor to facilitate lectures and workshops.
Reviewed and provided constructive feedback on student assignments and projects.
- Graphic Communication Courses
Provided assistance in teaching graphic communication techniques, including sketching and rendering.
Conducted tutorials and workshops on software tools used for graphic design in architecture.
- Architectural Construction and Material Courses
Assisted in teaching the fundamentals of architectural construction and material selection.
Assisted students in understanding building systems and their integration into architectural design.
- Digital Communication in Architecture Courses
Supported students in learning digital communication tools and software relevant to architecture.
Accreditation Preparation Team Member, NAAB, Eastern Mediterranean University | 2016-2017
- Took a lead role in preparing visual videos showcasing department events and highlighting student achievements,
- Directed and produced the main film for the NAAB accreditation team.
Student Teaching Assistant, Digital Communication in Architecture Courses | 2016-2017
- Assisted the instructor in conducting tutorials, facilitating workshops, and guiding students in effectively utilizing digital communication tools and software.
Internships
Alsadd Consulting, Qatar
- Assisted in architectural design projects, collaborating with a team of professionals to develop design concepts, create drawings, and generate 3D visualizations.
- Conducted site visits and performed on-site measurements to gather information for design development and construction documentation.
- Assisted in preparing architectural drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and details.
Santiago Calatrava, Qatar
- Santiago Calatrava Office, Qatar
- Expo 2020 UAE Pavilion, Dubai
- Calatrave’s Book, Spain
- Alsharq Crossing Project, Doha
Alwaha Contracting, Qatar
- Gained hands-on experience in construction site management, including monitoring work progress
ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and resolving on-site issues.
- Participated in quality control inspections, conducting measurements and assessments to ensure adherence to project specifications and standards.
Talks and Recognition:
Utilizing Technology and Sensory Systems in Art Installations, 2023
-Combined Talk inspired by Zwara exhibition at Qatar Museum, M7.
The Power of Extended Reality in Design and Architecture, 2023
-Presented a series of talks on "The Power of Extended Reality in Design and Architecture" at Cyprus International University.
Merging Reality: Digital Depth into Reality, 2023
-Delivered a seminar on "Merging Reality: Digital Depth into Reality" at Final International University.
Extending Intangible Heritage Through Physical Re-enactment, 2023
-Presented in Film & Sound Art" at the 5th International Conference on Digital Culture & AudioVisual Challenges.
MetaMosque: Exploring the Mosque as a Virtual Public Space, 2023
-Showcasing "MetaMosque: Exploring the Mosque as a Virtual Public Space." Engaged as a speaker at the International Conference on Design and Architecture.
Mapping Migration Memories, 2023
-Participated in a talk on "Mapping Migration Memories" at the Qatar Natural History Group's.
-Participated in a conference at AMPS Prague - Heritages : Past and Present - Built and Social.
Public Space and the Metaverse, 2023
-Webinar at Arkin University, Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design.
Exhibitions
Mapping Migration Memories ( I want to know )
- Msheireb Museums | Doha - Qatar 2023
Mapping Migration Memories, a participation in Watering the Desert
- Contemporary Art from Qatar | Shanghai - Chain 2023
I Feel
- Forever Valentino-inspired exhibition at M7 | Doha - Qatar 2023
MetaMosque
- Prototypes for Humanity | Duba - UAE 2022
- MFA Show, The Gallary, VCUQ | Doha - Qatar 2022
Thobe and Abaya, a participation in “Melting pottery”
- Circolo Del Design & Munlab Ecomuseo Dell’argilla | Turin - Italy 2022
- Munlab, Ecomuseo dell’argilla | Cambiano - Italy 2022
- Rossana Orlandi, during the Milano Design Week | Milano - Italy 2022
- The Summer Gallery of Rossana Orlandi | Porto Cervo - Italy 2022
A Hi call for socializing, a participation in “Crossroads: Building the Resilient City”
- Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism | Seoul - South Korea 2021
Accept each other, a participation in "Future School"
- The Korean Pavilion at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition of La di Venezia | Venice - Italy 2020
Here is not here
- An art installation at the exhibition of the Faculty of Architecture, EMU | Famagusta - Cyprus 2019
Workshops
Workshop at Qatar Museum, M7 | 2023
Title: "Let's Play Energy: Unleash Your Electric Power!".
- Create a customizable sensory space fostering creativity and individual expression through vinyl and cardboard activities.
Workshop at Virginia Commonwealth University | 2020
Title: "Do not touch" .. rather than telling you, what if I can show you instead.
- Led an engaging workshop focused on interactive design and user experience, demonstrating innovative ways to communicate through touchless interactions.
Workshop at 9th International EMU Design Week | 2019
Title: Design experiment in a relational context
- Facilitated collaborative efforts among an international group of designers to develop design concepts addressing social, cultural, and environmental challenges.
Workshop for BIM Program, EMU | 2017
- Organized and led a comprehensive two-week workshop focused on Building Information Modeling (BIM) using Autodesk Revit.
- Delivered practical training sessions in modeling, rendering, and creating loadable families using the basic functionalities of Autodesk Revit.
Workshop for 3D Max Program, EMU | 2017
- Conducted an intensive two-week workshop focusing on the fundamentals of 3D Max Studio program.
- Taught practical skills in 3D modeling, rendering, and provided instruction on the basic functionalities of the Mental Ray render engine.
Workshop for Advanced 3D Max with V-Ray Render and Introduction to Lumion | 2017
- Led an advanced-level workshop diving into the advanced features of 3D Max, with a focus on V-Ray rendering techniques.
- Instructed participants on using V-Ray to achieve high-quality rendering results and provided an introduction to Lumion for real-time visualization.
"How to Draw" Workshop, EMU International Design Week | 2015
- Help to Delivered a comprehensive workshop focused on fundamental drawing techniques and principles with Dr. Kokan Grchev
- Provided guidance and instruction to participants in various drawing styles and mediums.
Competitions
- Prototypes for Humanity, MetaMosque, Dubai, 2022
- Winner of Scale7 Hackathon, Fashion In-motion, Qatar, 2020
- Mentioned in the Building 4Humanity design competition, Portugal, 2019
- Awarded the Best Emerging Design Idea in architecture graduation project , Cyprus, 2018
- Second award of Housing Villas Design competitions , Egypt, 2014
- Master of Fine Art in Design, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts
- Master of Science in Architecture & Urban Design, Eastern Mediterranean University
- Entrepreneurial Studies in Creative Art, HEC Paris University
- Bachelor of Architecture, Eastern Mediterranean University
Academic & Work Experience
Founder, The-A Studio | 2018 - Present
- The-A Design Visualization Studio & The-A lab - Cyprus.
Co-Founder, MetaMosque | 2023 - Present
- COO, Creative Director, and Co-founder at Metamosque Company - USA.
Postgraduate Research Fellowship, Exhibition Designer and XR Designer, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2022 - Present
- Conducting research for the Mapping Migration Memories project in the Intangible Research Lab.
- Exhibition designer and curator for both exhibitions of the lab in Msheireb Museum, Qatar & Yuz Museum, China.
Filmmaker, (in)tangible Lab, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2022-2023
- Conceptualized, directed, and produced compelling films that explore the intersection of art, technology, and culture.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to bring visionary ideas to life through captivating visual storytelling.
Guest Lecturers and Gust Jury Member, Cyprus International University | 2019-Present
- Guest Lecturers on Master in Architecture Arch/Inar 501 & 502 Design Studios
- Series of talks in Virtual Reality in Architecture and Design Arch 470.
- Participated as a member of the jury for Master in Architecture Arch/Inar 501 & 502 Design Studios.
Research Assistant, Virginia Commonwealth University | 2020-2021
- For the Dean office. Sahara exhibition with the Dean Amir. Benton Museum of Art. US
Academic Committees , Eastern Mediterranean University | 2018-2020
- Help Desk Committee Member, Architecture Design Studios
Provided valuable feedback to enhance studio quality | Collaborated with peers to review and improve design projects.
- Media Committee Member
Led graphic design and maintained the department website | Ensured an attractive and updated online presence.
- Activities and Events Committee Member
Actively contributed to event planning and organization | Designed engaging experiences in line with department goals.
- Summer Practice Committee Member
Collaborated with Yeni Boğaziçi municipality on ARCH190 projects | Played a vital role in project planning, design, and execution
Media Team Member, TEDxEMU | 2018-2019
- Assisted in capturing and editing high-quality audiovisual content, ensuring the seamless delivery of TEDx talks and performances.
- Collaborated closely with team members to create engaging promotional materials and develop a strong online presence.
Full Time Teaching Assistant, Eastern Mediterranean University | 2018-2019
- Architecture Design Studios 1 & 2
Assisted with project development, offering guidance and feedback on design iterations.
Conducted group discussions and individual critiques to enhance students' design skills.
- Urban Design Course
Collaborated with the instructor to facilitate lectures and workshops.
Reviewed and provided constructive feedback on student assignments and projects.
- Graphic Communication Courses
Provided assistance in teaching graphic communication techniques, including sketching and rendering.
Conducted tutorials and workshops on software tools used for graphic design in architecture.
- Architectural Construction and Material Courses
Assisted in teaching the fundamentals of architectural construction and material selection.
Assisted students in understanding building systems and their integration into architectural design.
- Digital Communication in Architecture Courses
Supported students in learning digital communication tools and software relevant to architecture.
Accreditation Preparation Team Member, NAAB, Eastern Mediterranean University | 2016-2017
- Took a lead role in preparing visual videos showcasing department events and highlighting student achievements,
- Directed and produced the main film for the NAAB accreditation team.
Student Teaching Assistant, Digital Communication in Architecture Courses | 2016-2017
- Assisted the instructor in conducting tutorials, facilitating workshops, and guiding students in effectively utilizing digital communication tools and software.
Internships
Alsadd Consulting, Qatar
- Assisted in architectural design projects, collaborating with a team of professionals to develop design concepts, create drawings, and generate 3D visualizations.
- Conducted site visits and performed on-site measurements to gather information for design development and construction documentation.
- Assisted in preparing architectural drawings, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and details.
Santiago Calatrava, Qatar
- Santiago Calatrava Office, Qatar
- Expo 2020 UAE Pavilion, Dubai
- Calatrave’s Book, Spain
- Alsharq Crossing Project, Doha
Alwaha Contracting, Qatar
- Gained hands-on experience in construction site management, including monitoring work progress
ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and resolving on-site issues.
- Participated in quality control inspections, conducting measurements and assessments to ensure adherence to project specifications and standards.
Talks and Recognition:
Utilizing Technology and Sensory Systems in Art Installations, 2023
-Combined Talk inspired by Zwara exhibition at Qatar Museum, M7.
The Power of Extended Reality in Design and Architecture, 2023
-Presented a series of talks on "The Power of Extended Reality in Design and Architecture" at Cyprus International University.
Merging Reality: Digital Depth into Reality, 2023
-Delivered a seminar on "Merging Reality: Digital Depth into Reality" at Final International University.
Extending Intangible Heritage Through Physical Re-enactment, 2023
-Presented in Film & Sound Art" at the 5th International Conference on Digital Culture & AudioVisual Challenges.
MetaMosque: Exploring the Mosque as a Virtual Public Space, 2023
-Showcasing "MetaMosque: Exploring the Mosque as a Virtual Public Space." Engaged as a speaker at the International Conference on Design and Architecture.
Mapping Migration Memories, 2023
-Participated in a talk on "Mapping Migration Memories" at the Qatar Natural History Group's.
-Participated in a conference at AMPS Prague - Heritages : Past and Present - Built and Social.
Public Space and the Metaverse, 2023
-Webinar at Arkin University, Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design.
Exhibitions
Mapping Migration Memories ( I want to know )
- Msheireb Museums | Doha - Qatar 2023
Mapping Migration Memories, a participation in Watering the Desert
- Contemporary Art from Qatar | Shanghai - Chain 2023
I Feel
- Forever Valentino-inspired exhibition at M7 | Doha - Qatar 2023
MetaMosque
- Prototypes for Humanity | Duba - UAE 2022
- MFA Show, The Gallary, VCUQ | Doha - Qatar 2022
Thobe and Abaya, a participation in “Melting pottery”
- Circolo Del Design & Munlab Ecomuseo Dell’argilla | Turin - Italy 2022
- Munlab, Ecomuseo dell’argilla | Cambiano - Italy 2022
- Rossana Orlandi, during the Milano Design Week | Milano - Italy 2022
- The Summer Gallery of Rossana Orlandi | Porto Cervo - Italy 2022
A Hi call for socializing, a participation in “Crossroads: Building the Resilient City”
- Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism | Seoul - South Korea 2021
Accept each other, a participation in "Future School"
- The Korean Pavilion at the 17th International Architecture Exhibition of La di Venezia | Venice - Italy 2020
Here is not here
- An art installation at the exhibition of the Faculty of Architecture, EMU | Famagusta - Cyprus 2019
Workshops
Workshop at Qatar Museum, M7 | 2023
Title: "Let's Play Energy: Unleash Your Electric Power!".
- Create a customizable sensory space fostering creativity and individual expression through vinyl and cardboard activities.
Workshop at Virginia Commonwealth University | 2020
Title: "Do not touch" .. rather than telling you, what if I can show you instead.
- Led an engaging workshop focused on interactive design and user experience, demonstrating innovative ways to communicate through touchless interactions.
Workshop at 9th International EMU Design Week | 2019
Title: Design experiment in a relational context
- Facilitated collaborative efforts among an international group of designers to develop design concepts addressing social, cultural, and environmental challenges.
Workshop for BIM Program, EMU | 2017
- Organized and led a comprehensive two-week workshop focused on Building Information Modeling (BIM) using Autodesk Revit.
- Delivered practical training sessions in modeling, rendering, and creating loadable families using the basic functionalities of Autodesk Revit.
Workshop for 3D Max Program, EMU | 2017
- Conducted an intensive two-week workshop focusing on the fundamentals of 3D Max Studio program.
- Taught practical skills in 3D modeling, rendering, and provided instruction on the basic functionalities of the Mental Ray render engine.
Workshop for Advanced 3D Max with V-Ray Render and Introduction to Lumion | 2017
- Led an advanced-level workshop diving into the advanced features of 3D Max, with a focus on V-Ray rendering techniques.
- Instructed participants on using V-Ray to achieve high-quality rendering results and provided an introduction to Lumion for real-time visualization.
"How to Draw" Workshop, EMU International Design Week | 2015
- Help to Delivered a comprehensive workshop focused on fundamental drawing techniques and principles with Dr. Kokan Grchev
- Provided guidance and instruction to participants in various drawing styles and mediums.
Competitions
- Prototypes for Humanity, MetaMosque, Dubai, 2022
- Winner of Scale7 Hackathon, Fashion In-motion, Qatar, 2020
- Mentioned in the Building 4Humanity design competition, Portugal, 2019
- Awarded the Best Emerging Design Idea in architecture graduation project , Cyprus, 2018
- Second award of Housing Villas Design competitions , Egypt, 2014