Maryam AlKhateeb | Architecture | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Maryam AlKhateeb | Architecture | Research Excellence Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Maryam AlKhateeb of Al Yamamah University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has authored 3 Scopus-indexed documents with 18 citations by 18 documents and an h-index of 2. Her 2026 open-access article in Buildings explores evolving functional and spatial preferences in Saudi housing before, during, and after COVID-19, highlighting adaptive residential design trends.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

20

15

10

5

0

Citations 18

Documents 3

h-index
2


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Featured Publication

Zhu Youli | Architectural Art | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zhu Youli | Architectural Art | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zhu Youli | China Three Gorges University | China

Mr. Zhu Youli is a distinguished architectural heritage conservation expert and a lecturer at China Three Gorges University, holding a PhD in Architectural Heritage Conservation from Tongji University, where his dissertation was recognized as an Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation. He is a Class 1 National Registered Architect in China and a member of the Chinese National Architecture association. Over the past decade, Mr. Zhu Youli has focused on modern architectural history, vernacular architecture studies, and the conservation of architectural heritage, emphasizing cultural exchange between Chinese and Western civilizations. He has led multiple conservation projects, contributed to three national-level funded research initiatives, and headed two bureau-level projects, reflecting both theoretical depth and practical expertise. Mr. Zhu Youli has published a monograph and over fifteen academic papers, including core journal and conference publications, with several works on the localization and integration of modern church architecture in China. His research demonstrates innovation, scholarly rigor, and a commitment to preserving architectural heritage for future generations.

Publication Profile

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Education

Mr. Zhu Youli earned his Ph.D. in Architectural Heritage Conservation from Tongji University, where his doctoral research was distinguished with recognition as an Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation. His advanced studies focused on the preservation and adaptive use of architectural heritage, with particular attention to the localization and integration of modern church architecture in China. Throughout his academic journey, Mr. Zhu Youli developed a deep understanding of both theoretical frameworks and practical conservation methodologies, bridging historical scholarship with applied architectural practice. His education equipped him with the skills to critically analyze vernacular and modern architectural forms, explore cross-cultural architectural exchanges, and lead heritage conservation projects with academic rigor. The recognition of his dissertation reflects the originality, depth, and impact of his research within the field of architectural heritage. This strong educational foundation has been instrumental in shaping his professional career, enabling him to contribute significantly to architectural scholarship and heritage conservation initiatives in China and beyond.

Professional Profile

Mr. Zhu Youli has devoted his career to fostering mutual learning between Chinese and Western architectural traditions and promoting cultural exchange through his research. He possesses extensive experience in both theoretical studies and applied practices within architectural history and heritage conservation, successfully leading multiple conservation projects that demonstrate his ability to integrate scholarship with practical implementation. Mr. Zhu Youli has made significant academic contributions, including the publication of a monograph and authorship of over fifteen research papers, many of which appear in core journals and esteemed conferences. His work reflects a consistent commitment to advancing knowledge in modern and vernacular architecture, emphasizing the localization and adaptation of architectural practices within China. In addition to his publications, he has participated in several national-level funded research initiatives and led bureau-level projects, highlighting his leadership and expertise. His professional accomplishments establish him as a leading figure in architectural heritage conservation.

Research Focus

Mr. Zhu Youli research primarily focuses on the intersection of architectural history, vernacular architecture, and heritage conservation, with a particular emphasis on the study of early modern Catholic churches and their relationship to local dwelling traditions in East Fujian, China. His work examines the isomorphic construction techniques shared between religious structures and vernacular dwellings, highlighting how cultural, technological, and social factors influenced architectural forms during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. By analyzing the adaptation and localization of Western ecclesiastical architecture within a Chinese context, Mr. Zhu Youli explores the broader themes of cross-cultural exchange, architectural hybridity, and the integration of foreign design principles with local building practices. His studies contribute to a deeper understanding of how cultural interactions shape architectural identity and heritage, offering insights into both historical construction methods and contemporary conservation practices. This research underscores his commitment to preserving architectural heritage while advancing knowledge in modern architectural history and vernacular studies.

Publication Top Notes

Catholic Churches and Dwelling Temples: An Isomorphic Study of Construction Techniques on Early Catholic Churches and Vernacular Dwellings in East Fujian

Conclusion

Mr. Zhu Youli’s distinguished research, strong leadership in heritage conservation projects, and recognized academic contributions make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work bridges historical scholarship with applied conservation, reflecting both innovation and scholarly excellence.

 

Mehrnaz Ramzanpour | Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mehrnaz Ramzanpour | Architecture | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor from University of Mazandaran | Iran

Dr. Mehrnaz Ramzanpour is an Assistant Professor of Architecture at the University of Mazandaran, Iran, with a Ph.D. from Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University. Her academic journey includes a Master’s from Golestan University and a Bachelor’s from Mazandaran University, all supported by full scholarships. Dr. Ramzanpour specializes in low-income housing, affordable housing design, housing stigma, and urban planning. Her research has been widely published in prestigious journals such as Environmental Development, Journal of Architectural Engineering, and City, Territory and Architecture. She has extensive teaching experience in architectural design, technical drawing, and studio courses since 2016. In addition to her academic work, she is a licensed supervisor engineer with the Iran Construction Engineering Organization and serves as a reviewer for several international journals. She has received multiple honors, including being named a top student researcher and participating in the Happy City Index research initiative in London.

Publication Profile

Scopus | Google Scholar

Educational Background

Dr. Mehrnaz Ramzanpour holds a distinguished academic background in architecture, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree from Mazandaran University, Iran (2008–2012), where she completed her thesis titled “Design of Girls’ High School in Babolsar City with the Approach of Promoting Social Interaction”, under the supervision of Dr. Vahid Heydar Nattaj. She then pursued a Master’s degree in Architecture at Golestan University (2013–2016), focusing her research on “Design of Affordable Housing in Babolsar City with the Approach of Income Mix”, guided by Dr. Abdolmajid Nourtaghani. Dr. Ramzanpour completed her Ph.D. in Architecture at Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University in December 2022. Her doctoral research, titled “Explanation of the Socio-Physical Factors Affecting Public Attitudes (Stigma) Towards Low-income Housing (Case Study: Small and Medium-Sized Northern Cities of Iran)”, was supervised by Dr. Ali Sharghi. Her educational journey reflects a consistent focus on social dimensions of architectural design and urban housing.

Professional Experience

Dr. Mehrnaz Ramzanpour has built a well-rounded professional portfolio that blends academic, engineering, and international research roles. Since 2019, she has served as a supervisor engineer at the Iran Construction Engineering Organization, overseeing architectural compliance and standards in construction projects. In 2024, she was appointed as an Assistant Professor at the University of Mazandaran, where she continues to contribute to architectural education and research. Her scholarly engagement extends globally through her work as a journal reviewer for several esteemed publications, including the Journal of Architectural Engineering and Design Management (Taylor & Francis), Journal of Current Psychology (Springer), and the Journal of Sustainable Architecture and Urban Design (JSAUD). Additionally, she collaborates as a remote researcher for the Happy City Index in London, where she contributes insights on urban well-being and livability. Dr. Ramzanpour’s diverse professional roles reflect her dedication to architecture, urban development, and interdisciplinary research.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Mehrnaz Ramzanpour has been recognized multiple times for her academic excellence and research contributions throughout her educational journey. In December 2022, she was honored with the Top Student Researcher Award at Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, reflecting her outstanding performance in doctoral research. She has consistently demonstrated academic merit, earning full scholarships at all three educational levels. She received a Ph.D. scholarship (2017–2022) from Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, where her dissertation explored socio-physical factors affecting public attitudes toward low-income housing. Earlier, she was granted a Master’s scholarship (2013–2016) from Golestan University for her work on income-mixed affordable housing. Her academic excellence was also recognized during her undergraduate studies at Mazandaran University (2008–2012), where she received a Bachelor’s tuition waiver scholarship. These awards underscore her sustained commitment to impactful research and her position as a leading scholar in architecture and housing studies.

Research Interests

Dr. Mehrnaz Ramzanpour’s research interests lie at the intersection of architecture, social science, and urban development, focusing on critical issues affecting communities and the built environment. Her primary focus is on affordable, social, public, and mixed-income housing, aiming to improve living conditions and equity in urban settings. She extensively explores neighbourhood dynamics and housing stigma, particularly examining how physical and social factors influence public attitudes toward low-income housing. Dr. Ramzanpour also integrates visual evaluation techniques, utilizing imagery and video analysis to assess perceptions of architectural design and urban aesthetics. Her interdisciplinary approach includes environmental psychology, studying how environments impact behavior, well-being, and community identity. Additionally, she engages in housing planning and urban planning projects that contribute to sustainable development and inclusive cities. Through her research, Dr. Ramzanpour seeks to bridge theory and practice, offering design and policy insights that promote dignity, social inclusion, and spatial justice in contemporary urban environments.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Low-income housing location based on affordable criteria Using AHP Model and GIS Technique 
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 16

  2. Low-income housing stigma, results and outcomes: A systematic review
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 11

  3. Impact of four physical design factors on mixed-income housing
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 8

  4. The Effect of House Facade Signs On the Stigma of Residents Socio-Economic Status 
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 4

  5. Identifying and prioritizing the social and physical criteria of heterogeneous neighborhood based on the perception of neighbors 
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 4

  6. Stigmatizing housing facade based on the socio-economic status of residents
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 3

  7. Affordability Principles in Low-Income Housing Based on Residents Perspective 
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 3

  8. The reduction of low-income housing stigma with facade features; low-and medium-sized cities
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 2

  9. Prioritization of the Physical Resilience Criteria for Affordable Housing Locating Based on An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP)
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 2

  10. Assessing the public attitude toward low-income housing
    Year: 2022
    Citations: 2

Conclusion

Dr. Mehrnaz Ramzanpour is a highly suitable and competitive candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her innovative research on housing, public attitudes, and urban resilience, paired with her academic dedication, awards, and teaching contributions, strongly support her nomination. With further engagement in global research initiatives, she is well-positioned to become a leading figure in socially conscious architectural research.