28 February 2025
LWK + PARTNERS at the Desert Architecture Forum 2025 – Shaping the Future of Sustainable Urbanism
Over two transformative days at the Desert Architecture Forum 2025, LWK + PARTNERS played a key role in shaping the dialogue around designing resilient cities for arid environments. With the Middle East at the forefront of climate-adaptive architecture, our team brought diverse expertise to explore sustainable urban development, technological integration, and cultural preservation in desert landscapes.
Leading the Conversation on Sustainable Design
Our participation was anchored by key voices from LWK + PARTNERS, each bringing distinct perspectives to the evolving discourse:
+ Ahmed Fahmy, Studio Director – MENA, engaged in a compelling fireside chat with Masdar City, examining the role of innovative design in sustainable urban transformation. His insights highlighted how smart material selection, energy efficiency, and advanced urban planning strategies can redefine the future of development in extreme climates.
+ Marija Krsmanovic, Senior Architect, took the stage as a moderator, facilitating high-level discussions on climate-responsive architecture and how cities can harmonize cultural identity with future-forward design. Her session emphasized the importance of integrating local materials, passive cooling techniques, and sustainable infrastructure solutions to create thriving communities in desert regions.
+ Kourosh Salehi, Global Design Principal, delivered a thought-provoking presentation, exploring the shifting paradigms of urbanism and how vertical communities, mobility networks, and regenerative architecture will shape the next generation of desert cities. His insights underscored the necessity of designing with the future in mind, ensuring that built environments support both ecological balance and human well-being.
As rapid urban expansion continues across the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, it is critical to redefine architecture’s role in adapting to extreme environments. LWK + PARTNERS is committed to:
+ Pioneering regenerative and low-carbon solutions for desert living.
+ Integrating nature and innovation to enhance the built environment.
+ Creating sustainable, human-centric urban landscapes that align with the region’s Vision 2030 and broader global sustainability goals.
The Desert Architecture Forum 2025 reaffirmed that sustainability is not just a feature—it is the foundation of future cities. We are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, driving innovation that bridges tradition with modernity, resilience with creativity, and sustainability with progress.
