A LEADING academic at a Scottish university has won a prestigious international award for his teaching, research and impact on the subject of architecture.

The head of the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Architecture Professor Ashraf Salama has been awarded the 2017 International Union of Architects’ (UIA) Jean Tschumi Prize for Excellence in Architectural Education and Criticism.

The award recognises his achievements in a career spanning 30 years, in which he has headed three architecture departments – two as founder – in three continents and has emerged as a worldwide authority on architectural pedagogy and the architecture of emerging cities in the Middle East.

Prof Salama was nominated for the award by the Society of Egyptian Architects. He is to be presented with the award at a ceremony during the UIA Congress in Seoul, South Korea, on September 6. The nomination stated that his work “has influenced generations of architects worldwide”, adding: “Professor Salama’s record of advancing architectural debates both in [the] developed and developing world involves sustained efforts and a distinguished profile.

“[He] has made significant and influential contributions to architectural education and design pedagogy through his key books and publications that transformed the discourse on the teaching of future architects, while enhancing their social and environmental responsibility in contemporary societies.”

Under Prof Salama’s leadership, Strathclyde’s Department of Architecture has been ranked in the top 10 of the UK Complete University Guide for three consecutive years and has sustained its position among the Domus magazine top 50 of European schools of architecture.

He said: “I am delighted to be receiving this prize and am especially pleased to have been able to develop and promote architectural discourse, unique to the profession and its education, which is people centred and is now globally recognised.

“For Strathclyde’s Department of Architecture, it’s very important that our research is well recognised by professional organisations.

“It’s a highly-regarded department worldwide – I was aware of its work when I was an undergraduate student in Cairo – and being at a research-based, international university like Strathclyde in a cosmopolitan city like Glasgow is extremely valuable.”