Dr. Gulzar Haider is the Founding Dean of Razia School of Architecture at Beaconhouse National University (BNU) in Lahore, Pakistan. He holds dual undergraduate degrees in Civil Engineering and Architecture, along with a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. With a distinguished career spanning academia and research, he has significantly contributed to the field of architecture and design. Before joining BNU, Dr. Haider served as the Director of the School of Architecture at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, where he was recognized as a Professor Emeritus and a Davidson Dunton Distinguished Lecturer, an honor awarded for his lifetime achievements in research, design, and education.

Dr. Haider’s academic journey is rooted in his studies at the University of Illinois, where he pursued architecture and structural engineering as separate professional disciplines. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture in 1968 and his Ph.D. in 1969. His research and teaching have encompassed diverse areas, from structural morphology to architectural history and theory. At Carleton University, he established the Form Studies Unit and pioneered the concept of polyhedral chains structured around spatial networks, demonstrating his innovative approach to architectural studies.

Beyond academia, Dr. Haider has played a pivotal role in the preservation of cultural heritage. He was a member of the International Commission for the Preservation of Islamic Cultural Heritage in Istanbul from 1983 to 1994, actively contributing to conservation efforts. In 1999, he was honored with the Davidson Dunton Research Lectureship for his outstanding contributions to the field. As the dean of Razia School of Architecture at BNU, he continues to shape the future of architectural education in Pakistan, reinforcing the university’s reputation as the country’s first liberal arts institution dedicated to fostering creativity and critical thinking.