An architect, multi-talented artist, writer, academic and researcher with over 7 years of experience in architectural, urban and landscape design. Driven by her desire for uniqueness and perfection; Farah’s method in designing allowed her to play with geometrical analysis and formal design.

 

Born in the beautiful city of Baghdad and being a daughter of a prominent geologist and petroleum expert Dr. Wissam Al-Hashimi paved her first steps into exploring the magnificence of Mesopotamia, where the world witnessed the emergence of many of the developments that transformed the world into the urban society of today.

 

Farah’s mix of Arab and Kurdish ethnicity provided her with the opportunity to observe, learn and absorb two different cultures adding to her colourful multi-talented life and career. This merely opened the door for a fruitful life that developed with time, countless hours of study, practice, developing a wide range of interests and hobbies which include: : history, archaeology, philosophy, spirituality, photography, oil painting on canvas, working in clay pottery and ceramics in addition to water colour drawing, book covers & logo designing and poetry writing. Farah’s talents have easily enabled her to create sensational art works that combine dynamic shapes with fine detailing.

 

 

Her enthusiasm and passion is reflected in her own words; “I love architecture and I can’t imagine myself working in any other field. The secret of my passion in architecture may be due to the connection that architecture offers with other fields that I like, including history, archaeology, nature, geology, philosophy, and art; creativity connects them all.

 

I can say proudly that I am fortunate to be the daughter of this great man Dr. Wissam Al-Hashimi. In my childhood my beloved father used to take us during the holidays on trips around Iraq to visit and explore its archaeological sites. To describe my impression on the cities I had visited would only be truly expressed by the finest poet. I was fascinated with Babylon as I walked among its palaces and paths touching its walls and climbing its lion statue. My beautiful memory in Aqar Quf (ancient: Dur Kurigalzu), I used to climb the steps of its Ziggurat and reaching its top. My father used to explain the history and the function of these monuments to us. I used to collect small pieces of ancient pottery that I found on the ground and in the sand then when at home I washed them and kept them in my favourite things' box. I also had seen other cities of Sumer, Akad and Assyrian civilisations and will never forget the monument of, Taq-Kisra. All these historic places asserted my passion towards my country and its history and architecture.

 

I was also lucky enough to live and work in three different countries (Iraq - Baghdad and Duhok in Iraqi Kurdistan, Bahrain, and UK ) learning different trends and coping with different cultures which had an impact on my interests for creating beautiful additions to the places while turning the city into an open museum and revitalising the culture and traditions through creating significant additions, buildings and monuments which shall work as attraction points guiding visitors to read the story of the city. I love to see the beauty in every single aspect of life. In my designs and drawings, I like to play with geometry, interface geology, architecture and landscape. I did that in my graduation project and tried to do it in my master degree but the lack of resources and encouragement besides the war in Iraq at that time had prevented me to continue it. I also like to design comfortable creative spaces and lead the audience to explore the space and enjoy the beauty of the details. I will continue with the path that I have chosen and try to enjoy the journey that I love. Definitely different doors will be opened and many challenges will present themselves, ups and downs along with sadness and happiness will occur. But these are all part of this beautiful life and the journey shall continue and I will Never Give Up!”

 

Farah is currently focusing on developing urban strategies that can help to preserve and revitalise old cities and their identity and authenticity. In addition, to working on creation of architecture, lecturing, and teaching architectural and urban design.