Yousif Hani Al-Waeli on Architecture and Iraq’s Built Future

Trained in Baghdad and now practicing in the UAE, Yousif Hani Al-Waeli is an Iraqi architect whose work combines architecture, urban design, and cultural heritage. With a specific focus on Iraq’s built environment, his work ranges from community-based housing in the southern marshes to policy advocacy, aiming to integrate cultural identity into contemporary architecture. Recently he represented Iraq on international platforms, including the Falling Walls Foundation Science Summit in Berlin and Architecture and Design Research Conference in Jeddah.

In this interview, he discusses his journey into architecture, his work in the southern marshes, and his vision for the future of architecture in Iraq.

Can you tell me about your personal journey into architecture—what drew you to the field, and how did your background shape that decision?

I was interested in architecture as a child, and even more so in my teenage years. As a child, I was fascinated by Al-Rasheed Street and its beautiful buildings when I used to visit it with my father. Seeing these valuable pieces of world heritage in Iraq was really impressive and inspiring. 

In high school, one day I saw the new years celebrations in Dubai on the TV. Seeing all the fascinating buildings on the screen I thought: “Why can’t we have these in our country?”. After that I always knew one day I would work in architecture, even though my family wanted me to study medicine.

Later, I got accepted into the University of Baghdad, and was among the top students in my class. After university, I moved abroad to the UAE for work experience. Currently, I work with Bayaty Architects in Abu Dhabi, an Iraqi company founded in Baghdad and now operating from the UAE. My professional focus lies in architecture, urban design, and heritage-led development, with an emphasis on integrating cultural identity into contemporary design. 

Can you give an overview of your work in the marshes and reflect on how sharing this work internationally has shaped your perspective and experience representing Iraq?

Marshes of Southern Iraq are made of smaller, extending arms of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The changes in the water levels of the rivers cause fluctuations in the marshes, making the communities in this area vulnerable to these factors. That’s why we are trying to build a new type of house that’s suitable to the environment around the marshes, without changing the traditional and historic ways of living, encouraging the communities to stay.

When I represented Iraq in the Berlin Science Summit with my project, it was hard for me to convey the living situations of these people, and my feelings towards them. These communities are unique to Southern Iraq and can’t be found anywhere else in the world, so it’s hard to explain to those who’re foreign to the region.

In the summit, I started with a statement: “If you search ‘Iraq’ on the internet and go to images, the first fifty or so images will be those of conflict and war. However Iraq is more than this, there are stories of heritage, resilience and stories of life, including Southern Iraq. It’s these marshes, these marshlands”. When I stated this, everyone was surprised. None of the representatives or participants ever heard of these communities. 

For our country, it’s very important to bring attention to this issue and the conditions of the communities in the marshes. We need to protect them, and the culture and history. This was my goal in participating in the Berlin Conference, and I believe I succeeded. 

How do current architectural policies in Iraq impact architects and communities, and what changes are most needed?

As architects, we have a responsibility to work for society, just like a doctor or an engineer. Architecture is an important part of people’s everyday lives but we don’t realise this often.

A simple example is open spaces. Open spaces like parks should be available and accessible to the general public, but in Iraq they are usually fenced off. This is a reflection of a mindset that detaches architecture from the public. Another example is the need for new, climate resilient buildings. The existing buildings are becoming more of a burden on the economy and electric industry because they weren’t built taking into account the effects of climate change. All of these challenges could be overcome through adopting the right architectural policies.

We also need to listen to and learn from the experiences of other countries, and how they managed to overcome similar challenges. It is not possible to fix all of these issues by ourselves, and we need those who are experienced to work with us. For example Gulf countries are exemplary of how societies can adapt to extremely harsh environmental conditions through the right architectural policies. Similarly, European countries after World War 2 shows how restoration and reconstruction is possible after conflict, through prioritisation and accurate planning.

There’s a lot of work to be done, but also lots of opportunities and potential in Iraq. We need to acknowledge and understand the root causes of our problems and work together to find solutions.

You’re also active in supporting young architects and engineers. What is your vision for the future of architectural practice in Iraq, and what changes do you hope to see for the next generation?

Today, there are around 11,000 students and graduates studying in different architectural faculties around Iraq.  Many of those who graduate from these degrees have the potential to become valuable future architects of the country. However, they need good working conditions and salaries to develop professionally, progress their skills and bring Iraqi architecture to a good state.

I am the co-founder and a board member of the first youth architectural organisation in Iraq, Architecture Youth Community (AYC). The organisation is dedicated to preserving the Iraqi architectural identity, developing the architectural policies, and improving the working conditions of young people in this sector. When first established we had only 20 members, but today there are almost 100 members and we have real plans to reach 1000 in the future. 

AYC is important because it brings together architects, as well as engineers, to work on challenges Iraq is facing today. We have developed 11-resolution plan that outlines urgent challenges for the authorities to take action on, including promoting the private sector’s role in the industry.

Students and experts share our thoughts, and I will keep pushing for these, because making young architects’ voices heard is essential to shaping Iraq’s future.