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Lina Ghotmeh Named to Time100 Next List of Rising Architects

This post examines the recent recognition of Lebanese architect Lina Ghotmeh on the Time100 Next list. It highlights why her inclusion matters for the global architecture community.

The article summarizes the projects that earned her this honor and explains the praise from peers. It also considers what this recognition signals for design practice and international commissions.

Ghotmeh’s Time100 Next recognition: a landmark moment

Lina Ghotmeh has been named to the Time100 Next list. This list spotlights the world’s most influential rising stars across different fields.

She is the only architect featured on this year’s list. This distinction brings more attention to architecture in a conversation often dominated by actors, athletes, and business leaders.

The nomination came from Bjarke Ingels, founder of BIG. He commended her clarity, confidence, and lasting impact.

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Ingels praised her success in winning international competitions. He highlighted how her work combines simplicity, boldness, and respect for tradition with a modern approach.

Signature projects that define her practice

Ghotmeh’s recent and upcoming projects show her ability to work across different countries and scales. She moves between temporary pavilions, museum renovations, and permanent national representations.

Her portfolio demonstrates technical skill, creative use of materials, and strong storytelling.

Standout projects include:

  • Bahrain Pavilion for Expo 2025 Osaka — described as boat-like in form, reflecting a maritime and cultural identity.
  • The renovation of the British Museum’s Western Range galleries in London — a project blending heritage care with modern display strategies.
  • The 2023 Serpentine Pavilion — built in glulam, showing her interest in engineered timber and innovative temporary architecture.
  • A brick workshop in France for Hermès — a project that connects luxury craftsmanship with architectural design.
  • Selection to create the permanent Qatar Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale — a role with lasting cultural impact.
  • Earlier co-design work on the Estonian National Museum with Dan Dorell and Tsuyoshi Tane — an important early project that brought her international attention.
  • Why peers and clients take notice

    Ingels’ focus on Ghotmeh’s record of winning competitions highlights a rare professional skill. She can consistently persuade juries in different contexts.

    That consistency is both a creative strength and a business advantage in the global market.

    Her material choices and clear design make her work easy to understand for clients, conservators, and the public. This is especially valuable when working on heritage institutions like the British Museum or brand-driven projects for Hermès.

    Implications for the field and next steps

    Ghotmeh’s presence on Time100 Next highlights a broader trend. Architecture is being recognized not just for iconic forms but for sustained practice and cultural sensitivity.

    This recognition also shows the importance of guiding projects from initial concept to completed buildings. Her trajectory aligns with recent Time honors given to architects like Annabelle Selldorf, Ma Yansong, Lesley Lokko, and Marina Tabassum.

    This signals an expanded appreciation for diverse voices in architecture.

     
    Here is the source article for this story: Lina Ghotmeh named one of Time magazine’s 100 rising stars

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