Murray Fraser is the Coordinator for Postgraduate Studies and Research in the Department of Architecture at Westminster University in London. His latest book, Architecture and the ‘Special Relationship’ (Routledge, 2007), which explores cross-cultural influences between America and Britain, has recently won the RIBA President’s Research Award as well as the CICA Bruno Zevi Book Prize from the International Committee of Architectural Critics. Professor Fraser is a qualified architect with many years of experience in practice before becoming an academic. He was a member of the RAE2008 sub-panel which evaluated UK research in Architecture and the Built Environment, and currently sits on the RIBA Awards Group to decide National Design Awards and select the Stirling Prize shortlist.
Academic Advisor
Statement
Now that globalisation is proving to be increasingly influential on architecture in all countries, it becomes ever more vital to understand what is happening across the world. Located between the old geo-political power centres in the USA/Europe and the rising Asian economies of China and India, the outward-looking cultural and architectural development of Persian Gulf countries has sprung to the top of the current agenda. Numerous leading architects are designing major projects in Persian Gulf nations, especially now that western economies have entered recession. But what exactly will be the result of this activity? Is it a process which will benefit the cultural development of people in the Gulf region, or will it just create problematic, unsustainable cities for the future? This international conference at the University of Westminster, organised by the groundbreaking Masters course in Architecture, Cultural Identity and Globalisation, offers a chance to find out about and debate these urgent issues.
On the Occasion of World Habitat Day
Professor Murray Fraser
Coordinator for Postgraduate Studies and Research
Department of Architecture
University of Westminster
