Rifat Chadirji

Source: Rifat Chadirji

Rifat Chadirji is the founder of the architectural firm Iraq Consult. "[He] is an architect who has imbued his work with a deep understanding of the roots of authentic regional expression, as well as a true appreciation of modernism and its principles... Chadirji's contributions transcend a mere body of work, important as that may be, for he also is a major figure in one of the most important and influential architectural schools in the Arab world. The Baghdad School of Architecture, where Chadirji taught for many years, has keenly felt Chadirji's influence. Rejecting the use of the forms of the past, Chadirji devised a synthesis of form that could translate into a new and contemporary urban aesthetic - one that would guide the articulations of a genuinely modern Iraqi town-scape in the later part of the 20th century." (Aga Khan Award).
The architect/thinker passed away in London on April 10, 2020.
See the excellent interview in Arabic by Fadi El Tofeili   https://daraj.com/43854/
Chadirji is also the author of many books including: 
Concepts and Influence: Towards a Regionalized International Architecture, 1952-1978, London: Kegan Paul International, 1986
Al-Ukhaydir wa-al-Qasr al-Balluri: nushu’ al-nazariyah al -jadaliyah fi-al-‘imarah, London: Riyad al-Rayyis, 1991