Dr. Taki Sonbli is the Urban Design Technical Lead at the University of Manchester and the Manager of the Manchester Urban Design Lab (MUD-Lab). He holds a PhD and MSc in Planning and Landscape from the University of Manchester, along with a Bachelor's degree in Architectural Engineering from Homs University. Taki is an Associate Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (HEA), recognizing his commitment to effective teaching within the UK Professional Standards Framework.
With over 15 years of experience, Taki has developed a strong background in teaching urban design visualization, including both hand-drawing techniques and digital design software. His research interests focus on the Foucauldian social construction of urban spaces, exploring how context impacts urban design and planning policies. He is also interested in the graphical language of urban environments and how visual elements influence our understanding of space.
Alongside his teaching and technical work, Taki has published a number of academic papers and books, contributing to ongoing discussions in the fields of urban design and planning. His approach combines both practical experience and academic insight to foster a deeper understanding of the urban built environment.