Joseph Zaarour is an architect and assistant professor at the School of Architecture and Design. Having joined USEK in 1994 as a part-time lecturer, he currently serves as the Head of Conservation, Restoration of Cultural Property Program at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

In 2018, Joseph initiated a new program for the restoration and conservation of cultural property. This endeavor was undertaken in collaboration with the University of Urbino in Italy and with the support of the Italian Cultural Institute. This program, the first of its kind in the Middle East, aims to preserve the authentic cultural identity, with a special emphasis on that of the Lebanese Maronite Order.

His research focuses on developing a computerized program for archiving cultural heritage, reflecting his academic interests and publications in restoration, conservation, and cultural heritage.

Joseph is a member of the Order of Engineers and Architects of Beirut, Lebanon, and the Order of Architects of the Province of Milan, Italy. He also represents the Order of Engineers and Architects of Beirut as a member in the Lebanese Standards Institution (LIBNOR) for fire protection measures. Additionally, he serves as a member of the jury chaired by the Counsellor of the Italian Embassy in Lebanon, responsible for selecting Lebanese students eligible for scholarships offered by the Italian Government.

His professional portfolio includes numerous architectural projects in Italy and Lebanon, encompassing, restoration, renovation, as well as new constructions of buildings, churches, resorts, and villas.

EDUCATION

• PhD in Architecture, University of Politecnico di Milano – Italy
• MS in Architecture, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) – Lebanon