RCA Appoints Dr Adrian Lahoud Dean of Architecture

Currently Head of the Architecture programme, Dr Lahoud joined the College in September 2015. Previously he led the MArch in Urban Design at The Bartlett, University College London. Concurrently he acted as thesis advisor at the Projective Cities MPhil in Architecture and Urban Design at the Architectural Association. Other senior roles include Director of the MA programme at the Centre for Research Architecture at Goldsmiths.

Dr Lahoud’s research explores the idea of scale within architecture and urban design especially with regards to climatic and environmental transformations. His work has been widely published, including in Forensis: The Architecture of Public Truth, Grain, Vapor, Ray: Textures of the Anthropocene, The Journal of Architecture, New Geographies 5: The Mediterranean and e-flux. Dr Lahoud exhibits and lectures internationally, more recently at the Princeton School of Architecture, Columbia University, Harvard Graduate School of Design, Tate Britain and Haus der Kulturen der Welt.

Before starting his office in Australia, Dr Lahoud worked for a number of notable practices in Sydney across a wide range of scales and disciplines including art, landscape architecture, architecture and urban design. Key projects include a competition entry for a cultural centre in Istanbul and research that explores forms of co-existence between high-density development and historically significant inner city areas. Alongside his architectural practice, Dr Lahoud worked with partners in a collective titled ‘N’ that set out to increase the density of cultural opportunities for young artists and architects in Sydney.

Professor Naren Barfield, Pro-Rector said: 'After a world-wide search for a Dean of Architecture to build on the growth and distinctive vision of the past four years under Professor Alex de Rijke, I am delighted that we have selected a candidate who is recognised as a ‘rising star’ with the energy, vision and commitment to lead the School of Architecture over the coming years. Adrian impressed the search committee with his clear vision for Architecture as a School committed to global excellence and reach in learning and teaching linked to world-class research, strong partnerships with industry, and a commitment to internationalisation and collaboration. In his short time at the College, Adrian has impressed us all and I’m delighted that he has agreed to serve as Dean during an exciting period of growth and academic innovation, including designing and launching new programmes over the coming years.'

Dr Adrian Lahoud said 'It’s a fascinating moment to be at the RCA, there are some very serious ambitions taking shape in the College, I am looking forward to help guide them. The coming years promise to be enormously exciting.'

The appointment represents the conclusion of an international search. Dr Lahoud will take up his new position in January 2016.