The Department of Architecture Engineering at the College of Engineering and Information Technology celebrated World Architecture Day with an event entitled “Every Place Has a Story,” held in Al-Siddiqa Hall under the patronage of the Dean of the College, Prof. Dr. Ghaida Abdul Hussein Al-Mulla, and attended by the Assistant Deans, the Head of the Department, faculty members, administrative staff, and students of the department.

The event commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an by Nouran Fares Habib, a third-year student. This was followed by a speech from the Dean, Prof. Dr. Ghaida Al-Mulla, who emphasized the significance of architecture as both a science and an art closely connected to people, place, and society. She highlighted the vital role of architecture students in developing an informed architectural vision that combines academic knowledge, creativity, and responsibility toward the environment and the community.

The celebration also featured an exhibition showcasing the projects of Architecture Engineering students, where participants presented a variety of architectural models and design projects. The exhibition reflected the diversity of ideas and applications explored within the department, as well as the students’ ability to transform theoretical knowledge into practical architectural solutions that respond to the needs of both place and society.

The program included a multimedia presentation designed by students Fatima Ahmed and Fatima Essam, under the supervision of Rabab Taqi, Head of the College’s Government Media and Communication Division. The event also featured a panel discussion moderated by third-year student Rasul Abdul Rasool, addressing the concept of architecture, its relationship with society and identity, and the importance of understanding the context of a site before developing architectural designs that harmonize with the urban fabric while preserving the unique character of the surrounding environment.

During his remarks, Dr. Haider Alawi, Head of the Department of Architecture Engineering, stressed the importance of students going beyond academic learning by continuously developing their personal and professional skills. He noted that architectural work does not begin from scratch; rather, it is built upon reading, research, exploration of reality, and a thorough understanding of both theoretical and practical aspects, which together contribute to shaping a competent architect and producing more mature architectural projects.

Dr. Haider Naji also pointed out that every engineering discipline plays a vital role within the engineering profession, emphasizing that interdisciplinary collaboration and integration contribute significantly to broadening the architect’s perspective and strengthening professional competence.

The celebration further included an architectural competition presented by student Fatima Ahmed Fouad, encouraging interaction and creativity among the students. The event also featured presentations expressing appreciation for the outstanding performance and achievements of the department’s students, while encouraging them to continue their journey of excellence.

At the conclusion of the event, outstanding students were honored in recognition of their academic excellence. The award recipients from the second year were Rasha Thamer, Fatima Haitham, Maryam Abbas, Rabab Mohammed, and Zahraa Farhan. From the first year, the honored students were Farah Ammar, Sama Laith, Noor Ali, Zahraa Nazhim, and Rawan Haider.

The celebration concluded with the ceremonial cake-cutting and the distribution of gifts to the students in an atmosphere that reflected a spirit of participation, pride, and academic achievement. The event reaffirmed architecture as the language of place, the memory of society, and a discipline that extends beyond constructing buildings to enriching human life, identity, and community needs.

Government Media and Communication Division