Season 6 · Episode 78 · 30 Jan 2026
78 - Marwa Al-Sabouni
With Marwa Al-Sabouni
“"How can cities recover in the aftermath of not only the physical destruction like here in my country but also the invisible destruction that is sweeping through our cities all around the world today"?”
Reflections
Q1: Place
If we could do a flypast on any part of the world that is significant to you, which place, city or country would it be and why?
Medina in Saudi Arabia.
Q2: Life
Give us a glimpse into your life story so far with an emphasis on what you are doing currently?
Trained as an Architect and had a practice with her husband in Homs in Syria, which was then destroyed in the war. Decided to stay in Homs with the family, worked towards a PHD and decided to write a book about the war and the role of architecture which was published by Thames and Hudson in 2016. Opportunities to speak internationally then led to a TED talk and another book called Building for hope that questions how we reconnect with home and how we re-establish the sense of belonging?
Q3: Reset
Where on earth is your place or reset or re-charge?
Riding a horse and reading a book.
Q4: Wonder
What wonder of the natural world excites you the most?
The wonder of horses as a powerful form of therapy in the trauma of war.
Q5: Hopefulness
What is your story of hopefulness (not your own) about a person, business or non-profit who are doing amazing things for the world?
The everyday kindness of people in Homs.
Q6: Insight
As we prepare to re-enter, what insight, wisdom or question would you like to share with us?
Location
Flyover
Medina in Saudi Arabia.
Guest
🇸🇦 Homs in Syria
Mentions
Thames and Hudson Book publishers