I’m an architect interested in the environment, astronomy, history, and spatial philosophy. I’m deeply inspired by deserts, and their navigational and timing systems, with a special fascination for how language and folklore document our environmental logic.

I earned my Bachelor of Architecture from Kuwait University and my Master’s of Science in Computational Design in Architecture from Columbia University in New York, where my thesis, Resistant Atlas: Names of the Sun, received the Most Outstanding Capstone award.

Resistant Atlas is my ongoing research practice, find the body of work here and the writings here.

My professional path bridges academia, research, and creative practice. I’ve worked in AlUla as an amateur astronomy researcher and guide, leading stargazing sessions and lectures, exploring Arabic folklore, while designing star maps, public experiences, and astronomy workshops.

Right now, I’m an artist-in-residence at Diriyah Art Futures in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and a participant at the upcoming Sharjah Architecture Triennial 2026.

I also run my small practice RUMMA studio.

For more information, or for a detailed portfolio/CV, email me at badriyahalsalem@gmail.com

بدريه السالم بدرية السالم