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Curriculum Vitae

 
Farhana Ferdous, Ph.D., Assoc. AIA
Assistant Professor
Department of Architecture

College of Engineering and Architecture

Howard University

2366 Sixth Street NW

Washington, D.C.  20059

 

farhana.ferdous@howard.edu

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Education
 

  • 2012               Ph.D., Urban and Environmental Design

                                 Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning, the University of Sydney, Australia

                                 Research Title: The Evaluative Image of Urban Plazas: Urban Morphology, Aesthetic Response and Social Use

 

  • 2007              Master of Architecture, Urban Design and Morphology

                                Faculty of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh​​

                                M.Arch Research Title: A Morphological Analysis of the Indigenous Spatial Pattern in Old Dhaka with Particular Emphasis

                                on ‘Cultural Spaces’

                                               

  • 2004              Bachelor of Architecture  

                                Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka

                                1st Class 1st in graduating class, equivalent to Summa cum laude (5 years course)

                               

                 

 

Work Experience

 

  • 2017- Present:      Assistant Professor

                                           Department of Architecture

                                           College of Engineering and Architecture

                                           Howard University, USA

​

​

  • 2013- 2017:           Lecturer and Global Urbanism Faculty Fellow

                                           School of Architecture, Design & Planning

                                           The University of Kansas, USA

 

  • 2011- 2014:            Post Doc Researcher (Architecture & Health Care Design)

                                           School of Architecture, Design & Planning

                                           The University of Kansas, USA

 

  • 2009 - 2011:          Teaching Assistant, Research Assistant and Tutor

                                           Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning,

                                           The University of Sydney, Australia

 

  • 2007- 2011:           Assistant Professor

                                           Department of Architecture,

                                           Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET),               

                                           Dhaka, Bangladesh

 

  • 2004- 2007:         Lecturer,

                                          Department of Architecture,

                                          Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET),   

                                          Dhaka, Bangladesh

Teaching Experience

 

Selected Design Studio & Theory Course

 

 

  • Howard University (2017-present)

        Arch 203-204: Design V and Design VI

        Arch 891: Thesis Preparation

 

  • University of Kansas (2012-2017)

        ARCH 608: Architectural Design V,

        ARCH 600: Designing Healthy Communities,

        ARCH 600: Sustainable Urbanism Towards Resilient Environment,

        ARCH 600: Intensive Urbanism Workshop, 

        ARCH 380: Ideas and Methods in Planning and Design,

        ARCH 208: Architecture Design I,

        ARCH 930: Doctoral Seminar,

 

  • University of Sydney (2009-2011)

       Fall 2010, Spring 2011 BDES 2021: Modern Architecture

       Australia (teaching assistant) for Level 2 Term 2 (2+3 Hrs./Wk)

       05/2010 Guest Critic at 3rd year studio final review, School of Architecture, the University of Sydney, Australia

 

  • Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) (2004-2007)

       2006, 2007 ARCH 173: Society and Architecture of Bengal 

       DESIGN IX& X: STUDIO at level 4 and 5 (final year) 

       2005,2007 Arch 353: Urban Design I, 

       DESIGN V & VI:  STUDIO at level 2 and level 3 

   

    Academic Awards and Fellowships

​

  • 2018                                 Academy of Architecture for Health Foundation (AAHF) (PI, Research Grant)

 

  • 2017                                 Toyota Foundation Grant (PI, Research Grant)

 

  • 2016                                Global Urbanism Faculty Fellow (The University of Kansas)

 

  • 2013                                GIA (Grant makers in Aging) Fellowship

 

  • 2013                                The American Association of University Women (AAUW) International Fellowship

 

  • 2011, 2010, 2009         PRSS (Post Graduate Research Scheme), University of Sydney Grant for presenting papers at international peer                                                                    reviewed conferences and commencing research work

 

  • 2008                               Endeavour Post Graduate Award (EPA), Australian Government 

                                                Scholarship (for 4 years)

                                          

  • 2006                                National Logo Design Award

                                                 For United Hospitals Ltd., Dhaka, Bangladesh

 

  • 2004                                Shamsun Nahar Khanam Memorial Gold Medal

                                                 For securing highest marks in BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh

 

  • 2003                                Sharfuddin Khan Merit Scholarship

                                                 One year merit scholarship for excellent result in level 5, term 1,

                                                 BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh

 

  • 1997- 2003                     Fulbright Bangladesh Government Scholarship

                                                 For 5th place in HSC during the period of undergraduate studies BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh

 

  • 1997- 2003                     University Merit Scholarship

                                                 Eight times during undergraduate study, BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh

 

  • 1997- 2003                      Ahsanur Rahman Merit Scholarship

                                                  For excellent results in BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh

 

 

    Research Interests/ Areas of Specialization

​

  • Urban Morphology and Spatial Morphological Analysis

  • Behavior and Psychology in Urban Environments with a focus on Elderly Care

  • Sustainable and Healthy Urbanism

  • Healthy Communities and Neighborhoods

  • Environment Behavior and Evidence-based Design

  • Participatory Urbanism

    Research Projects

 

RESEARCH 1

Positive Health Outcomes by Environmental Design: The role of spatial configuration in designing physical environment for people experiencing dementia  

TEAM MEMBERS: Dr. Farhana Ferdous (PI)

FUNDING BODY: The Toyota Foundation Grant (Status: Funded)

                                  Academy of Architecture for Health Foundation (AAHF) (Status: Funded)

 

RESEARCH 2

The Impact of Spatial Configuration on Social Interaction in Long Term Care Facilities (LTCF)

TEAM MEMBERS: Dr. Keith Diaz Moore and Dr. Farhana Ferdous

FUNDING BODY: Strategic Initiative Grant (SIG), The University of Kansas (Status: Funded)

 

RESEARCH 3

Neighborhood Characteristics, Walking, and Sedentary Behavior in AD

TEAM MEMBERS: Dr.Amber Watts, Dr. Keith Diaz Moore, and Dr. Farhana Ferdous

FUNDING BODY: KU- Alzheimer’s Disease Center Pilot Award (Status: Funded)

NIA 5P30AG035982-3

 

RESEARCH 4

The Evaluative Image of Urban Plazas:Urban Morphology, Aesthetic Response and Social Use 

USYD Doctoral Dissertation by Dr. Farhana Ferdous

FUNDING BODY: Endeavour Postgraduate Award (Status: Funded)

    Research Supports

 

2017-2018     Academy of Architecture for Health Foundation (AAHF)(PI)                                                                                                                      

Title: Positive Health Outcomes by Environmental Design: The role of spatial configuration in designing physical environment for people experiencing dementia

 

 

2017-2019    Toyota Individual Research Grant (PI)                                                                                                                                            

Title: Positive Health Outcomes by Environmental Design: The role of spatial configuration in designing physical environment for people experiencing dementia

                                                                                                                                                

Spring 2016.  Service Learning Mini Grant Award (PI)                                                                                                                    

Center for Civic and Social Responsibility                                                                                                  

Major Goals:The fund is supporting teaching a course (Designing Sustainable Future) 

focusing on service learning aspect at the University of Kansas

 

2013-2014.  Alzheimer's Disease Center 

University of Kansas (Postdoc Fellow)                                                                                                          

Neighborhood Walkability and Sedentary Behavior in Alzheimer’s Disease

Major Goals: To evaluate the role of neighborhood walkability in walking and sedentary behavior among older adults with and without AD

 

2013-2014.  American Association of University Women (International Fellowship)                                                      

Major Goals: To develop an interdisciplinary team to support four external grant proposals all related to the role of physical environment plays in health resilience of older adults, particularly those with cognitive improvements. 

 

2013. GIA Fellowship                                                                                                                                                                                 

Neighborhood Walkability and Sedentary Behavior in Alzheimer’s Disease

Major Goals: To evaluate the role of neighborhood walkability in walking and sedentary behavior among older adults with and without AD

 

2012-2013. Office of Research and Graduate Studies (Strategic Initiatives Grant Program)

University of Kansas (Research Fellow)                                                                                                         

Resilient Lifestyles for Older Adults. 

Major Goals: To develop an interdisciplinary team to support four external grant proposals all related to the role of physical environment plays in health resilience of older adults, particularly those with cognitive improvements. 

 

2009-2011. Post Graduate Research Support Scheme

The University of Sydney(Principal Investigator)                                                                                                

The Evaluative Image of Urban Plazas:Urban Morphology, Aesthetic Response and Social Use.

 Major Goals: TheUniversity of Sydney research grant for commencing fieldwork, collecting pilot data, support assistants and research coordinators andconference presentation.

 

    Publications

 

Edited Book

  • Ferdous, F. and Bell, B. (Ed) (forthcoming) All In: All-Inclusive Engagement in Architecture. Routledge Publication

 

Book Chapters

  • Ferdous, F.(2017) The Cultural Landscape of Old Dhaka, Bangladesh. In Amita Sinha and Kapila Silva (ed.) Cultural Landscapes of South Asia: Studies in Heritage Conservation and Management, Routledge, page 76-91.

​​

  • Ferdous, F.& Rahman. M. (2015) Chawk Bazaar and Shankhari Bazaar: Morphology of two organically developed cultural spaces of Old Dhaka. In M. Rahman (ed.) Dhaka: An Urban Reader, The University Press Limited (UPL) Dhaka, page 29-50.

​​

  • Ferdous, F. (forthcoming) The Paradox of Sustainable Urban Heritage: A Critical Analysis through Sustainable Urbanism Lens. In Kapila Silva (Ed) Handbook on Historic Urban Landscapes of the Asia-Pacific, Routledge.

 

Peer Reviewed

 

  • Ferdous, F.(under review). Positive Social Interactions by Spatial Design: A Systematic Review of Empirical Literature in Memory Care Facilities for People Experiencing Dementia. Manuscript submitted for publication at the Gerontologist

 

  • Watts, A., Ferdous, F., Diaz Moore, K., & Burns, J. (in press). Neighborhood Spatial Configuration and Metabolic Function in Older Adults with and without Alzheimer’s Disease. Manuscript accepted for publication at Journal of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology

 

  • Watts, A., Ferdous, F., Moore, K. D., Burns, J. (2015) Neighborhood Integration and Connectivity Predict Cognitive Performance and Decline, Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, January-December 2015 vol. 1, page 1-9, doi: 10.1177/2333721415599141

 

  • Ferdous, F. & Moore, K. D. (2015) Field observations into the environmental soul: Spatial configuration and social life for people experiencing dementia, American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, March 2015 vol. 30 no. 2, page 209-218

 

  • Ferdous, F. (2014). If You Could Know, What Users Think: Urban Design and the Preference of the Physical Attributes of Urban Open Space, Journal of Advances in Humanities, (JAH), ISSN 2349-4379 Vol. 3 (1), page 143-151

 

  • Ferdous, F. (2013) Examining the Relationship Between Key Visual Characteristics of Urban Plazas and Aesthetic Response SAGE Open April-June 2013 Vol. 3 (2), doi: 10.1177/2158244013485581, page 1-10

 

  • Ferdous, F. (2012) The spatial analysis and morphological evolution of the ‘Bazaar Streets’ and urban structure of Dhaka city, URBAN DESIGN International (UDI), Vol. 17 (3), pp. 206-220

 

  • Ferdous, F., & Nilufar, F. (2008).  Cultural Space - A Conceptual Deliberation and Characterization as Urban Space. Protibesh, Journal of the Department of Architecture, BUET, ISSN: 1812-8068, January 2008, Volume 12, No. 1. (29-36).

 

  •  Ferdous, F. (2008). Organic Morphology and Cultural Spaces: The Case of Old Dhaka. Journal of the Asiatic Society (Humanities), Harun-or-Rashid (ed) Volume 53, No. 1, June 2008, (27-50).

 

  • Ferdous, F., & Nilufar, F. (2007).  Morphological Transformation and Evolution of Panthapath as a Commercial Belt of Dhaka City.  Protibesh, Journal of the Department of Architecture, BUET, ISSN: 1812-8068, July 2007, Volume 11, No. 2. (55-66).

 

Selected Conference Publications and Presentations

 

  • Ferdous, F. (2018) [Re] connecting the creative community corridor: A community design intervention to foster diversity along Georgia Avenue, Washington D.C.Paper presented at the EDRA 49 Annual Meeting, Oklahoma, June 2018.

 

  • Ferdous, F. (2018) Positive Health Outcomes by Environmental Design: The role of spatial configuration in designing physical environment for people experiencing dementia. Paper presented at the EDRA 49 Annual Meeting, Oklahoma, June 2018.

 

  • Watts, A., Ferdous, F., E. Grandfield, & Diaz-Moore, K. (2016). Perceived neighborhood characteristics differentially impact sedentary behavior in older adults with and without Alzheimer’s disease. Paper presented at the 68th Annual Meeting for the Gerontological Society of America, New Orleans, LA, November 2016.

 

  • Sanguinetti, P., Cai, H., Colistra, J., Sheward, H., Ferdous, F., (2016). Connected healthy living for smart cities. Paper presented at Building for Health and Well-Being: Structures. Cities. Systems 2016 ACSA-ASPPH Fall Conference, Honolulu, HI, September 2016.

 

  • Watts, A., Ferdous, F., & Diaz-Moore, K. (2016). Effect of Neighborhood Characteristics on Sedentary Behavior in Alzheimer’s Disease. Paper to be presented at the 24th Meeting for the International Association of People-Environment Studies, Lund, Sweden, June 2016.

 

  • Ferdous, F., Watts, A., Diaz-Moore, K. (2016). Neighborhood Characteristics Influence Active Living and Cognitive Performance among Older Adults. In Global Impact through Design Research Symposium, the University of Kansas, USA, April 2016.

 

  • Liebmann, E., Breda, A., Watts, A., Ferdous, F., Diaz-Moore, K., & Burns, J. (2015). Neighborhood Characteristics and Dementia Status Predict Physical Functioning in Older Adults. Paper presented at the 67th Annual Meeting for the Gerontological Society of America, Orlando, FL. Nov, 2015.

 

  • Watts, A., Ferdous, F., Diaz-Moore, K., & Burns, J. (2014). Neighborhood characteristics predict health and cognitive function in older adults with and without Alzheimer’s disease. Paper presented at the 66th Annual Meeting for the Gerontological Society of America, Washington, DC. November 2014.

 

  • Ferdous, F. (2013). Sedentary behavior and older adults: The role of neighborhood walkability Oral presentation, Grantmaking in Aging (GIA) Annual Conference. Kansas City, USA, October 16-18, 2013.

 

  • Moore, K. D. & Ferdous, F. (2013). The Impact of Spatial Configuration on Social Interaction in Long-Term Care Facilities: A Brief Overview of Pilot Studies symposium presentationPlacemakingking in the Third and Fourth Ages. In Jeremy Wells and Elefterios Pavlides (eds.) EDRA 44 Proceedings: Healthy + Healing Places (pp. 251-252), Providence, May 2013.

 

  • Moore, K. D. & Ferdous, F. (2013). Spatial Configuration and Social Life for People Experiencing Dementia (Referred Full Paper). In Architectural Research Centers Consortium (ARCC) Spring Proceedings: The Visibility of Research (pp. 685-691), University of North Carolina, Charlotte, March 2013.

 

  • Ferdous, F. (2012). Aesthetic Response and Urban Plazas: The appreciation of physical characteristics for designed urban open spaces  In Rula Awwad-Rafferty and Lynne C. Manzo (eds.) EDRA 43 Proceedings: Emergent Placemaking (pp. 234), Seattle, June 2012.

 

  • Ferdous, F. (2011). The Morphological Evolution of the ‘Bazaar Streets’: A Configurational Analysis of the Urban Layout of Dhaka City (Refereed Full-Paper). In Mittleman D. and Middleton D. A.  (eds.) EDRA 42 Proceedings: Make no little plans (pp. 50-61), Chicago, May 2011.

  • Ferdous, F. (2010). Developing an Empirical Research Model to Evaluate the Aesthetic Image and Social Use of Urban Plazas from Photo Simulation Techniques (Abstract). In Bissell J. and Meldrena C.  (eds.) EDRA 41 Proceedings: Policy and the environment (pp.251), Washington DC, June 2010.

 

  • Ferdous, F. (2009). The Aesthetic Image of Urban Plazas: An Empirical Approach toward the Evaluating of Built Environment. In Meldrena C., Bissell J., Alice M., Moore K., Rashid M. and Spreckelmeyer K. (eds.) EDRA 40 Proceedings: Re: The Ethical Design of Place (pp. 395), Kansas, City, MO, USA, May 2009.

 

  • Ferdous, F. (2007). Morphological Identity of Old Dhaka: The Notion of an Indigenous Settlement, (Full paper) paper delivered at CSAAR 2007 Conference Proceedings, Regional Architecture and Identity in the Age of Globalization, Tunis, Tunisia, 13-15 November 2007. (pp. 301-318). Publisher: CSAAR.

 

  • Ferdous, F. (2006).  Extermination of Zinjira Canal: The Southern Fringe of Buriganga.  In M. Rahman (ed.), (Full paper) Society, Architects and Emerging Issues: Proceedings of 18th Commonwealth Association of Architects International Conference.  London: Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA), and Dhaka: Institute of Architects of Bangladesh (IAB), (pp. 35-42).

 

  • Ferdous, F. (2006).  Morphological Transformation and Evolution of a Commercial Spine.  In S.R. Eghbali (ed), Urban Design from Theory to Implementation: Oral presentation, 1st Urban Design International Congress (UDIC1), September 4-7, 2006, Isfahan, Iran.

 

  • Ferdous, F. (2005).  Beyond Buriganga: Under Threat of Extinction.  In N.A. Huq (ed), oral presentation, International Conference on Geography and Environment Issues and Challenges; Golden Jubilee.  Dhaka: Bangladesh Geographical Society (BGS), December 11-13, 2005, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

Paper Reviewed

 

Ferdous, F (2014). Work as a reviewer the for American Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dimentias.

Ferdous, F (2014). Work as a reviewer the for Journal of African Studies and Development.

Ferdous, F (2013). Work as a reviewer for Geographical Review journal by Wiley Publication.

Ferdous, F (2012). Work as a reviewer the for International Seminar on “Architecture:  Education, Practice and Research” on 2-4 February 2011 on the celebration of ‘50 years of Architecture in BUET’.

 

    Academic Leadership

 

Organizer of Scholarship of Social Engagement (Fall 2016) Symposium at the University of Kansas, 19-21 October 2016

http://sse2016.wix.com/socialenagementku

 

Founder of Intensive Urbanism: A lecture + workshop series at the University of Kansas https://architecture.ku.edu/intensive-urbanism

 

Team member of BAAS Task Force program development, The University of Kansas, USA

 

Member of Postdoctoral Association, The University of Kansas, USA

 

Co-ordinated and participated in weekly seminar at Environment-Behaviour Studies (EBS) and Urban Design Research (UDR) programme from 2008 to 2011, at the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Planning, The University of Sydney, Australia.

 

Member secretary of printing and publication committee of international seminar “Architecture for the Economically Disadvantaged,” 23-24th March 2007, Department of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh.

 

Member secretary of Infra structure Committee, Department of Architecture, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh. Preparing drawing and construction supervision of academic and administrative block of Architecture Department.

 

Participation in an international conference on 1st Urban Design International Congress (UDIC1), 4-7th September, 2006, Isfahan, Iran.

Member secretary and member of Souvenir committee, 8th and 9th convocation of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, Bangladesh 30th January 2005 and 3rd January 2006.

Participation in an international conference exploring geography and environment issues and challenges;  to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Geography and Environment Department, Dhaka University, Dec 9-11, 2005, Dhaka.

Participation in “Teachers’ Appreciation Workshop” organised by the Directorate of Continuing Education and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, 26-27 February, 2005, BUET, Dhaka.

Participation in ARCASIA seminar, Dhaka, Bangladesh, December 2003.

 

Participation in an international seminar “Architecture Overcoming Constraints” in BUET Dhaka, Bangladesh, June 2003, member of the Media and Publication Committee.

 

Participation in an international seminar “50 Years of Chandigarh”, Chandigarh, India 1999

 

Participation in Design Exhibitions

 

Conservation and extension of Chittagong court complex (Class project of level 5 Term 1) Selected for international exhibition “Architecture overcoming constraints” BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

 

BArch thesis project (level 5 Term 2) Selected for exhibition in Department of Architecture, BUET, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Participation in exhibition “<fire exit @ 90 >, German Cultural Centre, Dhaka in 2002

  Project-     i.  Time Tracer.                  (Class project level 3 -Term 1)

                     ii. Universal Wrapper.      (Class project level 3 -Term 1)

 

 

    Creative Practice

 

Professional Affiliations

 

Member, Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA), USA (Since 2008)

Candidate Member, Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), (since October 2004)

Member No: CF -010

Member of Women Architects, Engineers, Planners Association (WAEPA); Gender Equality Policy (GEP) Group; BUET-University of Alberta Institutional Linkage Project, Bangladesh, Since 2004

Alumni Member, The Endeavour Awards Alumni Network of Global Community, Since 2008

 

 

Professional Architectural Practice

 

2004-2008                    Design Architect

                                         ARC Architectural Consultant

                                         House 60, Road 7A, Dhanmondi, R/A, Dhaka-1205, Bangladesh

 

Professional Work (major works from 2004 to 2008):

 

  • “Osban House” (2 storied single unit residential building and landscape for Duncan Group) at Sarson Road, Chittagong, Bangladesh

  • “Green Grandeure” (1+6 storied commercial building and surrounding space for Amin mohammad Foundation Ltd.) at Gulshan Dhaka 1212,  Bangladesh

  • “United House-Office Complex” (2+6 storied office building and surroundings for United Group) at Gulshan Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh

  • Residence for Smrity and Munir, Nandina, Jamalpur, Bangladesh

  • Residence for Mr. Khalil-ur-Rahman, Nandina, Jamalpur, Bangladesh

  • Renovation for Shamsul Bari Residence (multi unit residential building and exterior space), Banani, Dhaka, Bangladesh

  • Residential Interior for Dr. Anisul Huq, Floor are: 1400 sft. Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh

  • Showroom and Commercial Interior for JAMIMA Gallery, Floor area: 150 sqft, Product type: Handmade leather, products, mainly bags and shoes, Concord PLaza, Moghbazar, Dhaka

 

Major responsibilities and duties in professional design:

  • Designing and producing architectural drawing, open space network, external areas and landscape design

  • Preparing drafting sheets, developing infrastructure networks and took and technical responsibility

  • Selection of visual elements and structure, designing exterior furniture, landscape elements and selection of building service types

  • Supervising and managing construction and design development phases and assuming principal management roles to execute projects both architectural and landscape.

  • Coordinating different phases of design development, consulting, liaise and manage clients for internal and external area plan

  • Design documentation (includes sketches, digital production), coordinating the entire construction team on site, clarification of drawings to site personnel and supervision at construction site

 

Computer literacy

AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, Power Point, Adobe Photoshop-Illustrator, CorelDraw, Sketch Up, SPSS (statistical software), Depth Map (space syntax software), ARC view GIS and other architectural graphic software.

 

Extracurricular Activities

Painting in Different Media (Acrylic, Water, Oil, Glass, Ceramic)

Travel Photography and Travelling (Travelled to Australia, New Zealand, India, Iran, Tunisia, Dubai, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore)

Hiking, Bushwalking, Trekking and Camping

­

© 2019 by Farhana Ferdous.

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