Assoc Prof Dr. Djamel Boussaa | Cultural Heritage | Best Researcher Award
Associate Professor at Qatar University, Qatar
Dr. Djamel Boussaa is an Associate Professor at Qatar University with a robust background in architecture and urban planning. His educational qualifications include a Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Liverpool, an M.Phil. from the University of York, and a B.Sc. from the School of Architecture & Urban Design in Algiers. Over the years, he has held various academic and professional roles in Qatar, Bahrain, the UAE, and Algeria, amassing significant experience in teaching, research, and consulting. Dr. Boussaa’s research interests focus on urban and architectural conservation, Islamic art and architecture, sustainable urbanism, and cultural identity. He has supervised multiple PhD and Master’s theses and has received several awards for his academic excellence and research contributions.
professional profile
Education 
Dr. Djamel Boussaa holds a Doctorate in Urban Conservation from the University of Liverpool, where he specialized in heritage preservation and sustainable urban development. He earned his Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from the same institution, focusing on urban regeneration and the conservation of historical cities. Earlier in his academic journey, Dr. Boussaa completed his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at the University of Algiers, Algeria, where he developed a strong foundation in architectural design and city planning. Throughout his academic career, he has participated in various professional courses and workshops, enhancing his expertise in areas like urban resilience, cultural heritage management, and architectural education. His educational background enables him to address complex challenges in urban planning, with a particular emphasis on maintaining the balance between modernization and the preservation of cultural identities.
work Experience
Dr. Djamel Boussaa has an extensive professional background spanning over two decades in architecture, urban planning, and heritage conservation. He began his career as an architect and urban planner in Algeria before moving to the Gulf region, where he worked on significant conservation projects in Bahrain, the UAE, and Qatar. Dr. Boussaa joined academia as a lecturer at the University of Algiers and later became an Associate Professor at Qatar University, where he continues to teach. His professional work includes the restoration of heritage sites and the development of sustainable urban strategies in rapidly growing cities. He has consulted on projects aimed at integrating modern architectural practices with traditional urban forms, especially in historic districts. Additionally, Dr. Boussaa has contributed to numerous international workshops, conferences, and symposia, helping shape urban conservation policies that prioritize sustainable growth while preserving cultural heritage.
Research Focus
Dr. Djamel Boussaa’s research focuses on urban conservation, heritage preservation, and sustainable urban planning, particularly in the context of rapidly developing cities in the Middle East and North Africa. His studies explore the challenges of balancing modernization with the conservation of cultural and architectural heritage, emphasizing the role of local communities in heritage management. Dr. Boussaa is deeply interested in how heritage-led development can contribute to the sustainability of cities, and he advocates for integrating traditional urban forms with modern infrastructure. His work also investigates the impact of globalization on historic cities and the strategies necessary to protect their unique identities. Through a combination of field research, case studies, and policy analysis, Dr. Boussaa has developed a comprehensive understanding of urban resilience and regeneration, contributing to global discussions on how to preserve cultural heritage in rapidly urbanizing environments.
Awards and honors
Dr. Djamel Boussaa has received numerous accolades for his outstanding work in urban conservation and architectural education. He was awarded the prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture for his work on sustainable urban regeneration in the Middle East. In recognition of his academic contributions, he was also honored with the Excellence in Teaching Award at Qatar University, where he has been instrumental in shaping the architecture and urban planning curriculum. Dr. Boussaa has received several research grants from leading institutions to support his studies on heritage conservation in rapidly urbanizing contexts. Additionally, he has been recognized by UNESCO for his contributions to cultural heritage preservation, particularly in the Gulf region. His awards reflect his commitment to blending modern architectural practices with the preservation of historic cities, ensuring that urban growth is balanced with the conservation of cultural and historical identities.
Conclusion
Dr. Djamel Boussaa is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award, with a strong academic background, a diverse portfolio of research in architecture and urban planning, and significant teaching and supervisory experience. His work in urban conservation and cultural heritage aligns with global sustainability goals, making him a valuable contributor to the architectural discipline. However, to further strengthen his candidacy, increased international collaboration and interdisciplinary research engagement could elevate his profile in the academic community.
Publications to Noted
Urban regeneration and the search for identity in historic cities
Authors: D. Boussaa
Citations: 139
Year: 2017
Published in: Sustainability 10 (1), 48
Development of a new methodology to optimize building life cycle cost, environmental impacts, and occupant satisfaction
Authors: E. Mostavi, S. Asadi, D. Boussaa
Citations: 97
Year: 2017
Published in: Energy 121, 606-615
An adaptive relationship of thermal comfort for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries: The case of offices in Qatar
Authors: M. Indraganti, D. Boussaa
Citations: 63
Year: 2018
Published in: Energy and Buildings 159, 201-212
Comfort temperature and occupant adaptive behavior in offices in Qatar during summer
Authors: M. Indraganti, D. Boussaa
Citations: 58
Year: 2017
Published in: Energy and Buildings 150, 23-36
A method to estimate the heating and cooling degree-days for different climatic zones of Saudi Arabia
Authors: M. Indraganti, D. Boussaa
Citations: 54
Year: 2017
Published in: Building Services Engineering Research and Technology 38 (3), 327-350
Building energy model calibration using automated optimization-based algorithm
Authors: S. Asadi, E. Mostavi, D. Boussaa, M. Indraganti
Citations: 42
Year: 2019
Published in: Energy and Buildings 198, 106-114
Al Asmakh historic district in Doha, Qatar: from an urban slum to living heritage
Authors: D. Boussaa
Citations: 40
Year: 2014
Published in: Journal of Architectural Conservation 20 (1), 1-14
The past as a catalyst for cultural sustainability in historic cities; the case of Doha, Qatar
Authors: D. Boussaa
Citations: 33
Year: 2021
Published in: International Journal of Heritage Studies 27 (5), 470-486
Dubai: The search for identity
Authors: D. Boussaa
Citations: 28
Year: 2003
Published in: People, places, and sustainability, 51-60
Urban Conservation and Sustainability; Cases from Historic Cities in the Gulf and North Africa
Authors: D. Boussaa
Citations: 24
Year: 2010
Published in: Conference On Technology & Sustainability in the Built Environment, 306-326