Ebla Private University

استاذ مدرس

Dr. Zahraa Kattoua

2022 / PhD in Architecture, with Excellent grade, Department of Architectural Design, Faculty of Architectural Engineering, University of Aleppo.
2022 / Bachelor’s Degree in Translation Studies (English Language Translation), with Very Good grade – Open Education System, Faculty of Arts, University of Aleppo.
2012 / Master’s Degree in Architecture (Architectural Design), with Very Good grade, Faculty of Architectural Engineering, University of Aleppo.
2006 / Diploma in Architecture (Architectural Design), with Very Good grade, Faculty of Architectural Engineering, University of Aleppo.
2005 / Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, with Good grade, Faculty of Architectural Engineering, University of Aleppo.

Contact

zahraa.kattoua@ebla.edu.sy

Experiences:

Academic Experience:

2026 – Director of Quality and Accreditation at Ebla Private University
2022–present Faculty member in the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Ebla Private University.
2022–present Faculty member and lecturer in the Departments of Architectural Design and History and Theory of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, University of Aleppo.
2012–2022 Technical staff member in the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Ebla Private University.
2011–2022 Lecturer in the Departments of Architectural Design and History and Theory of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, University of Aleppo.

Professional Experience:

2025–present Head of the Scientific Research, Innovation, and Technology Transfer Committee at the Engineers Syndicate in Aleppo
2023–present Consulting Engineer, Architectural Studies Department, Engineers Syndicate, Aleppo
2017–present Interior Designer in an interior design office
2019–2022 Interior Designer in the restoration project of the Great Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo, contributing to architectural studies for interior design works of the restoration project
2010–2012 Head of Landscaping Architecture Department, Cordoba Hills Residential Project, Aqar Development Company, Al-Zaeem Holding
2005–2010 Architect and coordination engineer between disciplines, Cordoba Hills Residential Project, Aqar Development Company, Al-Zaeem Holding

Researches:

Classifications of Diagonality in Residential Architecture in 21th Centuary

This research discusses the concept of diagonality in contemporary residential architecture during the 21st century and its role in shaping architectural spaces and creating more dynamic and innovative designs compared with traditional orthogonal architecture. The study focuses on different classifications and applications of diagonal forms in residential buildings, including: Floor plan organization Architectural facades Spatial mass composition Internal circulation and visual connectivity The paper examines how diagonal architectural elements influence: Spatial dynamism and movement Space utilization Natural lighting The aesthetic identity of contemporary residential architecture The research also presents contemporary architectural examples demonstrating how diagonal geometries have become important expressive and technological design tools in modern housing projects. In addition, it highlights the structural and construction challenges associated with implementing non-traditional diagonal forms in residential architecture - مجلة بحوث جامعة حلب

5 - June - 2022

The Formal Zigzag of the shapes of the volumetric structures as an influential on their functional performance Towards a Zigzagging Verticality in the 21 st Century

The research addresses vertical boxy buildings that emerged widely after the Industrial Revolution, focusing on height and function but often neglecting environmental and human aspects. These buildings have led to issues such as high energy consumption, poor natural ventilation and lighting, social isolation, and weak contextual integration. As a result, rethinking their forms has become necessary. The study analyzes recent morphological transformations such as zigzagging, stepping, and perforation of building masses aimed at improving environmental and functional performance. It concludes that most of these design modifications primarily target sustainability and performance enhancement, emphasizing the importance of linking form and function and avoiding repetitive designs without contextual evaluation. - Arab Journal of Sciences & Research Publishing - Journal of Engineering Sciences and Information Technology

18 - August - 2021

The Development of the Pyramidical Formations at the End of the Twentieth Century and the Beginning of the Twenty-First Century

This study examines the development of pyramidical formations in architecture from the end of the 20th century to the beginning of the 21st century, focusing on how this architectural form evolved from a traditional concept into a modern design approach. The research explores the main reasons behind the use of pyramidal structures, including: Historical and symbolic significance of pyramid forms Structural stability and architectural balance Aesthetic and expressive design value It also highlights how pyramidical formations have been applied in modern architecture through: Residential and commercial buildings Large-scale architectural projects Contemporary symbolic architectural designs Furthermore, the study discusses how advances in engineering techniques and digital design tools have contributed to reviving and enhancing pyramidal forms, making them more flexible and adaptable in modern architectural practice. - The research journal of Aleppo university- Engineering Sciences Series

1 - December - 2020

The Volumetric Transformation of the Architectural Structures in the City from Horizontality into Verticality

- The research journal of Aleppo university- Engineering Sciences Series

17 - July - 2017