SHAHER MOH'D AHMAD RABABEH

Research Interests

Dr. Shaher Rababeh, the author of How Petra was Built, is an assistant professor of architecture, the head of the Department of Architecture, and the director of the Department of Engineering Projects at the Hashemite University, Jordan, as well as a member of its Department of Conservation Sciences. He received his BSc in Architectural Engineering from Yarmouk University in 1987. From the University of Oxford he was awarded his MSt in Classical Architecture and DPhil. in Architectural Construction Techniques and Methods of Design, in 2005. His interests include architectural history, construction methods and technology, architectural design and building conservation. His work has covered many major monuments in Jordan, ranging from Petra and Gerasa, the Desert Palaces, to modern buildings.
As a result of his combination of academic qualifications, knowledge, experience, and skills he is making a unique contribution to researching and teaching architecture in Jordan. His experience as a practicing architect has given him firsthand knowledge of using the construction materials naturally available in Jordan. He has then applied this to his study of Nabataean construction techniques, discovering and demonstrating how the Nabataeans worked with these to develop their own construction techniques. He has applied this same knowledge to study modern Jordanian architecture, and how identity is expressed in both its ancient and modern forms.
Rababeh's focus on buildings involves architectural aspects, such as analyzing how space is used and how this changed with time. His interests are focused on the symbolism of the building and its connection with both the architectural design and the construction techniques used to create spectacular architectural achievements. These include analysis of the structural system employed and the way the building site was organized for large structures. He looks at particular building methods relating to materials and techniques that were developed to allow the builders to construct larger and more complex structures. He then relates these techniques to the social and economic contexts in which they occur and explores how these change over time; from the earliest buildings to the present. His examination of building techniques also demonstrates how the building industry worked, taking into account the availability of the building materials. He has also collaborated with scholars from other disciplines, such as geology, which provides information about the availability of building materials, how this affects earthquake damage.
           
•Cultural Resources Management                                  
•Architectural History and Archaeology
•Construction Methods and Techniques                           
•Rock-Cut Architecture
•Architectural Design and Conservation                            
•Urban Planning and Landscape
•Museum Architecture                                             
•Classical and Islamic Architecture
•Evaluating the Stability of Historic Buildings and their Restoration
•Tourism Industry 
•Environmental Control and Cultural Heritage Protection    
•Quality Assurance
•Construction Management and Safety
SHAHER MOH'D AHMAD RABABEH

SHAHER MOH'D AHMAD RABABEH

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