Introduction to 2A Magazine: Architecture, Art, and the Dimensions of Human Progress
2A Magazine stands as an international platform dedicated to exploring the profound relationship between architecture, art, humanity, and sustainability.
Since its inception, 2A has sought to go beyond the boundaries of a conventional publication, becoming a cultural bridge that connects visionary architects, artists, thinkers, and innovators across the globe.
At the core of 2A’s mission lies a belief that space—whether urban, architectural, or interior—is not merely a physical construct but a living medium that shapes human emotion, behavior, and collective progress. The spaces we inhabit influence how we experience love, kindness, creativity, and belonging. Through this understanding, 2A Magazine encourages a holistic and sustainable vision of design that nurtures the emotional, cultural, social, and environmental dimensions of human life.
Sustainability as a Universal Language
In an era defined by environmental awareness and global interconnection, 2A Magazine promotes sustainability not only as an ecological necessity but as a moral and creative framework for the built environment. The magazine explores how architecture and art can respond to the urgent challenges of our time—climate change, resource efficiency, cultural preservation, and social inclusivity—while inspiring new ways of living in harmony with nature.
Sustainable architecture, as 2A envisions it, extends far beyond green technology. It is a philosophy of balance between innovation and tradition, progress and preservation, material and spirit. It is a call for architectural empathy, where every structure becomes a dialogue between humans and their environment, and every design contributes to the long-term well-being of communities and ecosystems.
Innovation and Creativity: Shaping the Future
2A Magazine celebrates the power of imagination that drives both architects and artists to question, redefine, and transform the way we perceive our world. Through its issues, awards, and international activities, 2A creates a global network that honors creativity as the foundation of human evolution.
By featuring cutting-edge projects, visionary concepts, and interdisciplinary dialogues, 2A cultivates a collective awareness that innovation is not an end in itself, but a path toward designing spaces that reflect human dignity, inclusivity, and beauty. Architecture and art, when fused with creative purpose, become instruments of social transformation, reshaping the urban fabric and reawakening our sense of connection to one another and to the planet.
The Human Dimension of Space
Every urban or architectural space carries within it the potential to influence emotions, behaviors, and values. A well-conceived space can foster harmony, happiness, creativity, and empathy, while poor design can alienate or divide.
Recognizing this, 2A Magazine continually explores how spatial design contributes to human growth and multidimensional progress, enhancing our mental well-being, cultural identity, and sense of community.
The magazine views space as both a canvas of artistic expression and a framework for ethical living. It is through thoughtful design that societies can cultivate environments that encourage love, kindness, and cooperation—fundamental values that sustain humanity’s collective future.
Building the Strategy for the Next Generations
Urban and architectural spaces play a critical role in shaping the trajectory of civilization. They form the infrastructure of our shared destiny, influencing education, culture, mobility, and social interaction.
2A Magazine, through its publications and global initiatives, aims to articulate a vision for the future—one that unites technological advancement with cultural sensitivity and human-centered values.
This forward-looking approach is guided by a deep conviction that architecture is not merely the art of building structures, but the art of building life itself.
By supporting interdisciplinary research, creative experimentation, and sustainable design practices, 2A Magazine helps to craft a strategic framework for the next generations, encouraging them to design spaces that inspire harmony between people, nature, and innovation.
Collective Mission: Expanding the Professional Vision
All of 2A Magazine’s activities, from its global publications to its architectural awards, forums, and art exhibitions, are collectively designed to expand professional vision and promote a deeper understanding of architecture’s role in human progress.
The magazine seeks to inspire architects and artists to envision a more suitable, sustainable, and emotionally enriching built environment—one that uplifts the spirit, preserves the planet, and enhances the quality of life in urban spaces.
Through this collective endeavor, 2A continues to be a voice for integration, innovation, and inspiration, bridging the worlds of architecture and art to illuminate the path toward a future defined by creativity, compassion, and sustainable human growth.
A Global Platform for Architectural Thought, Art, and Cultural Dialogue
2A Magazine was founded under the visionary leadership of Ahmad Zohadi, an architectural scholar, theoretician, researcher, publisher, and international event organizer. Guided by his passion for advancing architectural discourse, 2A Magazine has evolved into one of the world’s most respected and multidimensional platforms for exploring architecture, art, and cultural development.
Since its inception, 2A has continuously reflected Zohadi’s mission: to bridge ideas across borders and disciplines, inspire innovation through knowledge exchange, and highlight the transformative power of architecture in shaping human experience and the environment.
Editorial Vision
Each issue of 2A Magazine is curated around a central architectural or interdisciplinary theme. Ahmad Zohadi collaborates with guest editors—prominent professionals and scholars—to guide the research, selection, and presentation of the issue’s contributions.
Over the past two decades, 2A Magazine has published in-depth studies and themed editions that have become valuable references for architects, designers, and researchers worldwide.
The 2A Magazine’s landmark themes include:
– Green Architecture (Spring 2006)
– The Climatic Effects (Summer 2006)
– High in the Middle East (Autumn 2006)
Guest Editor: Shahrooz Mahdavi, Architect – God bless his soul
– Architecture & Tourism (Winter 2007)
Guest Editor: George Katodrytis – Professor, American University of Sharjah
– Nomadism (June 2007)
Michael Showrtz, Architect – God bless his soul
– Sustainability, Innovation & Nanotechnology (Autumn 2007)
Claude Berube, Architect – God bless his soul
– Re-Conceiving the Built Environments of the Persian Gulf Region (Winter 2008)
Guest Editors: Nader Ardalan – President of Ardalan Associates & Simos Yannas – Director of Graduate Program and Professor, AA School of Architecture
– Architecture: Linking Interior and Urban Environments (Spring 2008)
Guest Editor: John Alexander Smit – Architect and Professor, American University in Dubai
– Design Sustainability and Green Communities (Summer 2009)
– Architecture, Culture & Spirituality – Part 1 (Autumn 2009)
Guest Editors: Nader Ardalan & Thomas Barrie – Professor of Architecture, North Carolina State University
– Women’s Voices in Architecture & Design (Winter 2011)
– Architecture, Culture & Spirituality – Part 2 (Spring 2011)
Guest Editors: Nader Ardalan & Phillip James Tabb, Ph.D., Professor of Architecture
– Contemporary Indian Architecture (Summer 2012)
– Resurgent Urbanism: The Challenge to Middle Eastern Cities (Winter 2014)
Guest Editors: Nader Ardalan & Professor, John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design
– Presentation of 2A Asia Architecture Awards Jury Members’ Projects (Summer 2015)
– Architecture is the Social Application of Art (Summer 2016)
– 2A Asia Architecture Awards 2015 (Winter 2016)
– 2A Asia Architecture Awards (Spring 2017)
– Uniting Through Architecture (Summer 2017)
– 2A Continental Architectural Awards for Asia & Europe 2017 (Winter 2018)
– Candidate Projects of 2A Continental Architectural Awards 2019: Innovative Contextual Architecture in the Continents (Autumn 2019)
– Architecture & Displacement (Summer 2020)
Guest Editors: Nader Ardalan & Karal Cavarra – Professor of Art History, Dine College
– Today’s Contemporary Architecture and Urban Environment Worldwide (Summer 2021)
– AUSTRALIA – THE WORLD IN REVERSE (Autumn 2022)
– Special Edition: Expo 2020 Dubai (Winter 2022)
About the edition: One of 2A Magazine’s most influential publications is its special edition on Expo 2020 Dubai, which reflected the architectural and cultural dynamism of this global event. In his editorial, Ahmad Zohadi described the Expo as a “Unique Global Opportunity for Professional Interaction”—a living exhibition of human ingenuity and architectural diversity under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.”
2A’s special issue explored the architectural reflections and cultural narratives of 26 national pavilions, presenting innovative and transformative ideas in design, sustainability, and social engagement.
Key editorial viewpoints included:
– Linking Together Professionally, Transforming Our Future
– Let’s Shape the Future Together through Ideas, Innovation, and Invention
– Festival of Human Ingenuity
– An Image of Global Improvement through Sustainable Development
This issue exemplified 2A’s mission to connect cultures, encourage professional collaboration, and celebrate the harmony between architectural creativity and social progress.
– Designing For Gaia! and Architecture For Zero Construction (Spring 2023)
– Women’s Voices in Architecture and Design (Autumn 2023)
Editors: Sandra Woodal – Architect, RIBA & Ahmad Zohadi – Editor & Founder of 2A Magazine
– Visionary Architects & Artists (Autumn 2024)
Commitment to Global and Local Architectural Dialogue
For nearly two decades, 2A Magazine has remained committed to addressing vital social, cultural, and environmental issues through the lens of architecture. It serves as a sensitive and effective media channel, reflecting the realities of regional and global architecture while promoting awareness of:
- Architectural and design achievements
- Cultural and social evolution
- Educational and ethical values
- Environmental responsibility
- Observation-based learning and research
Through these efforts, 2A provides architects and designers with an international platform to expand their perspectives, foster dialogue, and contribute to a more balanced and sustainable built environment.
2A Initiatives and International Programs
Under Ahmad Zohadi’s leadership, 2A has expanded far beyond publishing, becoming a multifaceted global network that connects academia, practice, and creative innovation.
He is the Founder, Director, and Head of the Organizing Committee for several major initiatives, including:
2A Continental Architectural Awards (2ACAA)
Established in 2015, the 2A Awards recognize architectural excellence across continents—celebrating design innovation, contextual sensitivity, and sustainable development. Each year’s edition is hosted by a distinguished academic partner and accompanied by a dedicated publication.
Highlights include:
2A Asia Architecture Award 2015 – Istanbul Technical University (ITU)
2A Asia Architecture Award 2016 – Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna
2A Continental Architectural Awards, 2ACAA 2017 – Beuth Hochschule für Technik, Berlin
2A Continental Architectural Awards, 2ACAA 2018 – Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), Barcelona
2A Continental Architectural Awards, 2ACAA 2019 – Polytechnic University of Madrid
2A Continental Architectural Awards, 2ACAA 2020 – Online Global Edition
2A Continental Architectural Awards, 2ACAA 2021 – Online Global Edition
2A Continental Architectural Awards, 2ACAA 2022 – Canadian University Dubai
2A Continental Architectural Awards, 2ACAA 2023 – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dubai Campus
2A Continental Architectural Awards, 2ACAA 2024 – Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dubai Campus
[UPCOMING EVENT: 2A Continental Architectural Awards, 2ACAA 2025–2026 – American University in Dubai, February 2026]
Additional Global Initiatives
2A City-Architecture Movie Awards (2ACAMA)
2A Paragon City – Urban Interaction Forum
2A Gallery for Contemporary Art
2A International Institute of Architecture & Culture
2A Center for Architectural Research & Development
Philosophy and Vision
We believe that 2A Magazine is more than a publication; it is a cultural bridge that amplifies the voices of architects and