(“Text as submitted by architect”)
Dr. Yousef Al-Haroun
Dr. Al-Haroun studied at the University of California, Berkeley, Tulane University, and received a PhD from the University of Sheffield. After opening ILLUMINATE Design + Build, he also teaches at the faculty of the department of architecture at Kuwait University. Many of his projects use research through design methodology as a means to bridge the gap between academia and the real world.
Practice Ideology
Illuminate was established by architect Yousef Al-Haroun in 2008. It has now grown to become known for its minimalistic contemporary expressions with subtle references to Kuwait’s traditional vernacular. Although the office specializes in residential designs it has a multi faceted portfolio that range from various commercial to educational projects.
Illuminate means to brighten, shine or glow with light. This is exactly what the team intends to do with their architecture. By illuminating designs with fundamental understandings of local traditions, client’s needs and the environment they intend to elevate the quality of architecture.
“The vision is not to recreate the past, but to carry relevant aspects of its identity forward that express a contemporary sensitivity towards culture and the natural environment. Our work aims to produce a new architectural language that gains inspiration from the principles and essence of the past, and to address the functional needs of the present, and to aspire to create built forms for a more sustainable future”.
