From a young age (and before she understood what an architect did), Malak Atwi was drawn to creativity. “As a child, I built makeshift tents and forts, where I spent time drawing, coloring, and making crafts,” she said. “I begged my mom for a real pair of scissors because my safety scissors did not allow me to achieve the detailed, clean shapes I envisioned in my crafts. The joy of receiving that ‘grown-up tool’ was immense, as it enabled me to bring the figures from my imagination to life more precisely.”
Malak continues, “As I grew up, signs pointed me towards architecture, and small but significant experiences consistently reinforced my desire to spend my life exploring creativity. When I was old enough to understand what my architect aunt did, I realized that architecture was not just a path to channel my creativity but a tangible career that I wanted to pursue. Her work fascinated me and solidified my decision to follow in her footsteps and become an architect.”
Malak, a student at the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture, is the 2024 recipient of MAF’s Richard M. and Sidney K. Robinson Scholarship. MAF’s Scholarship Jury noted Malak’s strong essay demonstrating a desire and understanding of architecture based on both citizenship and artistic pursuits in her selection for the award. “Winning a MAF scholarship was an incredible milestone for me,” said Malak. “It represents far more than just financial support; it is a validation of my hard work, dedication, and passion for architecture. The scholarship also has provided me with incredible motivation and encouragement to continue striving for excellence in my architectural journey.”
Currently in the senior year of her undergraduate program, Malak is engaged in a variety of projects that range from computational explorations to studio projects. “This holistic approach is shaping me into the architect I aspire to become,” she said. “The topics I’m learning are incredibly diverse and wide-ranging, which has widened my view not just of architecture, but of the world as a whole. Or maybe, Taubman has taught me that they are, in fact, the same thing: that architecture and the world we live in are inseparable”.
As part of their MAF Scholarship application, students must include a personal statement describing their interest, experience and plans related to architecture, and their leadership and extracurricular activities. “I noted my commitment to balancing creativity with practical problem-solving to create spaces that are both beautiful and socially responsible,” said Malak. “Equity and sustainability are central to my vision, and I intend to design inclusive spaces that address environmental challenges and engage marginalized communities. I also am passionate about giving back to the community through architecture, and inspired by the resilience of people in Lebanon, I aim to create spaces that support and uplift communities, fostering social interaction and well-being.”
Students must also submit a personal portfolio with their application. Malak submitted a mix of works samples, including a residential project that revolved around a central internal space, integrating public and private spaces and acting as a dynamic hub where movement converged. The project aimed to redefine urban living through its lively and interconnected environment.
What does Malak love most about architecture? “My fascination with architecture has always been rooted in its ability to create narratives—stories woven into the very fabric of our built environment. I see architecture as a dialogue, a conversation between the spaces we inhabit and the experiences we share. It transcends the physical, inviting us to explore our relationships with each other and the world around us.”
She adds, “In my studies, I’ve embraced the messy, in-between space that architecture occupies. It’s about allowing room for unexpected outcomes, much like life itself. Architecture operates in the delicate balance between structure and fluidity, permanence, and impermanence. It digests everything around us—the good and the challenging—to create meaningful and inclusive solutions.”
Malak continues, “Working on projects has taught me that architecture isn’t just about precision but also about experimentation and adaptability. It’s a field where intentionality meets spontaneity, and beauty emerges from the unpredictable nature of creation. This exploration of the poetics of space is central to my vision as an architect, guiding my work towards creating environments that resonate deeply with human experiences.”
As a future architect, Malak wants to explore a variety of designs from residential to healthcare, sustainability to environmental concerns, and from micro to urban scales. “I’m intrigued by all of them, and each design type offers unique challenges and considerations, requiring different thought processes and approaches. The unpredictability of different projects, even within the same category, keeps me excited and eager to learn more. Ultimately, I look forward to a career of continuous learning, creating, and contributing to a field that can transform our built environment and the way we live and connect with one another.”
Michigan Architectural Foundation’s mission is to advance awareness of how architecture enriches life. How does Malak think architecture enriches life? “Architecture enriches life by being an all-encompassing discipline that bridges diverse facets of human experience,” she says. “It requires understanding different cultures, societal values, art, mechanics, logic, and science, leading to designs that are born out of comprehensive study and environmental context. Architecture is not only about creating beautiful spaces but also about addressing and integrating complex issues such as sustainability, political challenges, economic constraints, and social justice. By doing so, architecture offers solutions that improve our lives, even if just incrementally.”
Malak continues, “Architecture carries a heavy burden, as it should digest both the beauty and the issues we face. Only then can architecture come close to fulfilling its role in the world. It also involves a never-ending search for answers, observation, interaction, and constant discovery. This relentless pursuit is what makes architecture profoundly impactful, allowing it to enrich our lives by creating spaces that are meaningful, adaptable, and deeply rooted in our collective human experience.”
Images, top to bottom: Malak; Malak in studio at the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture, and bottom, a work of architecture Malak recently added to her favorites list is ‘Nest We Grow’ by Kengo Kuma in collaboration with University of California Berkeley students.
“Nest We Grow is an extraordinary project that is innovative in a profoundly traditional way,” Malak said. “When we think of innovation, we often associate it with technology-advanced, overly futuristic architecture. However, the kind of innovation in this project is, in my view, far more refined and significant.
Combining traditional practices with modern sustainability, it is a system that supports the entire food lifecycle, from growth to compost, within a multifunctional structure. It serves as a communal hub, fostering a sense of community by creating spaces for people to come together and share meals. Additionally, its integration with the environment using natural materials demonstrates that true innovation lies in simplicity and mindful design.”