Mr Fahad Alharbi

(he/him)

Publication

• Date
• Type

Research

Thesis

An investigation of the influence of neighbourhood walkability and outdoor thermal comfort on walking behaviour

My thesis explores the underexplored link between outdoor thermal comfort, neighbourhood walkability, and walking behaviour in the hot-arid climate of Saudi Arabia. With a focus on addressing global concerns of physical inactivity and climate change, the study aims to identify design strategies that simultaneously improve walkability and outdoor thermal comfort. The goal is to provide practical recommendations for urban planners to create environments that promote walking and contribute to sustainable urban development.

Teaching

Affiliated with Qassim University since 2015, I transitioned from a Teaching Assistant to a Lecturer in 2021. Ongoing training ensures my continuous growth and relevance in the dynamic fields of architecture and urban design.
Subjects Taught:

• Urban Design Studio: Engaging students in real-world urban challenges, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
• Housing Studio: Exploring residential architecture, guiding students in designing functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces.
• Land-Mix Uses: Equipping students with skills to harmoniously integrate various land uses sustainably.
• Green Architecture & Environmental Design: Addressing the intersection of architecture and sustainability, promoting environmentally friendly design practices.

Roles Undertaken:

• Mentorship and Guidance: Actively mentoring students, providing both academic and professional guidance.
• Research and Publications: Contributing to the scholarly community through research and publications.
• Continuous Professional Development: Staying connected with industry advancements, ensuring up-to-date insights in both architecture and urban design.

In conclusion, my journey at Qassim University reflects a commitment to excellence in teaching and research. Through diverse courses and multifaceted roles, I aim to inspire and equip the next generation of architects and urbanists for impactful contributions to the field.

Biography

I began my academic career in 2015 as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Architecture at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, and was promoted to Lecturer in 2021. During this time, I taught architectural studios and courses in urban design and sustainable development.

In 2022, I started my PhD at the Welsh School of Architecture, focusing on the influence of the built environment and outdoor thermal comfort on walking behavior. I have since developed my research and project management skills, earning recognition such as the Welsh School of Architecture Research Excellence Award 2024 and Associate Fellowship (AFHEA).

Honours and awards

• Associate Fellowship (AFHEA), 2024
  Recognised for achieving the Professional Standards Framework for teaching and learning support in higher education.
• Welsh School of Architecture Research Excellence Award, 2024
  Recognized for outstanding research achievements during my PhD studies.
• Best Poster Award (Committee), PGR Poster Event, 2024
  Awarded for presenting the best research poster as evaluated by the committee.
• Best Poster Award (Voter), PGR Poster Event, 2024
  Selected as the best research poster by audience vote.
• Certificate of Commendation, The University of Manchester, 2018
  Awarded for highly commended performance in Planning and Environmental Management (Master’s Dissertation).
• Qassim University Research Award, 2014
  Won the university prize for best research in social science for my study on mosques’ minarets proportions in the Qassim region.
• Additional Awards
  Received several awards for projects during my bachelor’s and master’s programs.

Professional memberships

• Saudi Heritage Preservation Society
• Saudi Planners Association
• Saudi Council of Engineers

Academic positions

• Lecturer, Qassim University (2021 – Present)
• Teaching Assistant, Qassim University (2015 – 2021)

Speaking engagements

• Urban Planning & Architectural Design for Sustainable Development (UPADSD) – 9th Edition (October 2024)
  Author and speaker.
• PhD Students and Postdoctoral Researchers' Presentations with Gerald Mill (March 2024)
  Presenter.
• Sponsor’s College Presentation, Saudi Arabia (November 2023)
  Highlighted the initial outcomes of recent fieldwork.
• AHRA Student Symposium (April 2023)
  Presenter.

Supervisors

Shibu Raman

Senior Lecturer in Architecture and Urbanism, Director of International

Simon Lannon

Senior Research Fellow