Dr Karam Al-Obaidi BSAE, MSc, PhD, SFHEA, MCIAT
Senior Lecturer in Sustainable Architecture
Summary
I joined Ï㽶ÊÓƵ (SHU) in September 2018 as a Senior Lecturer in Environmental Architecture and I teach on the Architecture and Architectural Technology courses. I am an architectural engineer and an international researcher in environmental technology and climate emergency practices in the built environment. I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and a Chartered Architectural Technologist (MCIAT). I have supervised and examined PhD students and I am interested in PhD supervision and research consultancy.
My research and teaching lie within three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): (1) Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG3), (2) Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG11) and (3) Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12). My research interests include Environmental Architecture, Decarbonisation, Architectural Systems, Building Performance, Indoor Environmental Quality, Simulation and Modelling, Energy Efficiency, Designing with Data; Sustainable Retrofitting, Net-zero Building, Urban Microclimate, Sustainable Building Technologies and Smart Buildings and Cities.
About
I hold a PhD in Sustainable Architecture from University Sains Malaysia (USM) and I worked and taught at top Asian universities in Malaysia before joining SHU. I was a Senior Lecturer and Head of a Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Unit (Design and Sustainable Architecture) at the University of Malaya (UM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I have led and participated in funded research projects with over £100,000. I have published widely on environment and technology in architecture, and many of my research articles were published in the world's top-ranked journals. My interdisciplinary research has helped to develop my work within different fields of architecture, engineering, technology, and science.
In the last 10 years, I taught in different undergraduate and postgraduate courses in architecture and architectural technology at several universities in Malaysia, Mexico, China and the UK. I have delivered keynote/invited speeches at different local and international conferences. I am an associate editor, editorial board member, scientific/technical committee member and reviewer for many international journals and conferences. I have reviewed over 400 international papers for the world's top-ranked journals, and I am an active reviewer for more than 50 international peer-reviewed journals.
Publications
Journal articles
Omrany, H., Mehdipour, A., Oteng, D., & Al-Obaidi, K. (2025). . Computational Urban Science, 5 (20).
Omrany, H., Al-Obaidi, K., Ghaffarianhoseini, A., Chang, R.-.D., Park, C., & Rahimian, F. (2025). . Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management.
Omrany, H., & Al-Obaidi, K. (2024). . Smart and Sustainable Built Environment.
Omrany, H., Al-Obaidi, K., Hossain, M., Alduais, N.A.M., Al-Duais, H.S., & Ghaffarianhoseini, A. (2024). . Discover Cities, 1.
Omrany, H., Al-Obaidi, K., Husain, A., & Ghaffarianhoseini, A. (2023). . Sustainability, 15 (14).
Haddid, H.A., & Al-Obaidi, K.M. (2022). . Energy Nexus, 8.
Al-Sabahi, M.H., Ismail, M.A., Alashwal, A., & Al-Obaidi, K. (2022). . Buildings, 12 (11).
Al-Obaidi, K.M., Al-Duais, H.S., Alduais, N.A.M., Alashwal, A., & Ismail, M.A. (2022). . Journal of Building Engineering, 62.
Al-Obaidi, K.M., Hossain, M., Alduais, N.A.M., Al-Duais, H.S., Omrany, H., & Ghaffarianhoseini, A. (2022). . Energies, 15 (16).
Al-Duais, H.S., Ismail, M.A., Awad, Z.A.M., & Al-Obaidi, K.M. (2022). . Energies, 15 (9).
Esparza-López, C.J., Escobar-del Pozo, C., Al-Obaidi, K., & González-Trevizo, M.E. (2022). . Energies, 15 (6).
Al-Duais, H.S., Ismail, M.A., Awad, Z.A.M., & Al-Obaidi, K. (2022). . Malaysian Construction Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Journal, 12 (1), 150-168.
GarcÃa-Solórzano, L.A., Esparza-Lopez, C.J., & Al-Obaidi, K. (2020). . Journal of Cleaner Production.
Al-Masrani, S.M., & Al-Obaidi, K. (2019). . Automation in construction, 102, 195-216.
Ghaffarianhoseini, A., Berardi, U., Ghaffarianhoseini, A., & Al-Obaidi, K. (2019). . Science of the total environment.
Al-Masrani, S.M., Al-Obaidi, K., Zalin, N.A., & Aida Isma, M.I. (2018). . Solar Energy, 170, 849-872.
Wong, Y.C., Al-Obaidi, K.M., & Mahyuddin, N. (2018). . Journal of Cleaner Production, 190, 285-302.
Kam, K.J., Lim, A.S.H., Al-Obaidi, K., & Lim, T.S. (2018). . Planning Practice and Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, 33 (2), 172-185.
C. Munaaim, M.A., Al-Obaidi, K., & Azizul Abd Rahim, M. (2017). . Journal of Design and Built Environment, 17, 53-61.
Al-Obaidi, K., Azzam Ismail, M., Hussein, H., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (2017). . Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 79, 1472-1491.
Al-Obaidi, K., Wei, S.L., Ismail, M.A., & Kam, K.J. (2017). . Buildings, 7 (4), 87.
Al-Obaidi, K.M., Ismail, M.A., Munaaim, M.A.C., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (2017). . Solar Energy, 149, 85-101.
Alashwal, A.M., Fareed, N.F., & Al-Obaidi, K. (2017). . Construction Economics and Building, 17 (2), 62-80.
Elsawahli, H., Shah Ali, A., Ahmad, F., & Al-Obaidi, K. (2017). . Journal of Housing for the Elderly, 31 (1), 74-92.
Al-Obaidi, K., Ismail, M.A., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (2016). . Building Services Engineering Ï㽶ÊÓƵ and Technology, 37 (6), 755-768.
Munaaim, M.A.C., Al-Obaidi, K.M., Ismail, M.R., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (2016). Potential of fibre optic daylighting systems in tropical Malaysia. Indoor and Built Environment, 25 (3), 466-480.
Al-Obaidi, K.M., Ismail, M., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (2016). A comparative study between unvented and vented attics powered by the hybrid turbine ventilator in Malaysian houses. International Journal of Sustainable Energy, 35 (2), 148-160.
Keumala, N., Younus, M.A., Kuan, Y., Razak, A.S.B.A., Ismail, M.A., & Al-Obaidi, K.M. (2016). Pedagogy of architectural education on Sustainability in Malaysia - Student perspective. Open House International, 41 (4), 104-108.
Al-Obaidi, K.M., Ismail, M.A., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (2015). Assessing the allowable daylight illuminance from skylights in single-storey buildings in Malaysia: a review. International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development, 6 (4), 236-248.
Munaaim, M.A.C., Al-Obaidi, K.M., Ismail, M.R., & Rahman, A.M.A. (2015). The behavior of internal humidity from fibre optic daylighting system application. Jurnal Teknologi, 75 (9), 1-7.
Abbood, A.W., Al-Obaidi, K.M., Awang, H., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (2015). Achieving energy efficiency through industrialized building system for residential buildings in Iraq. International Journal of Sustainable Built Environment, 4 (1), 78-90.
Kassim, M.P.M., Al-Obaidi, K.M., Munaaim, M.A.C., & Salleh, A.M. (2015). Feasibility Study on Solar Power Plant Utility Grid under Malaysia Feed-in Tariff. American Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 8 (2), 210-222.
Al-Obaidi, K., Ismail, M., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (2014). . Energy Conversion and Management, 85, 488-504.
Al-Obaidi, K.M., Ismail, M., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (2014). Passive cooling techniques through reflective and radiative roofs in tropical houses in Southeast Asia: A literature review. Frontiers of Architectural Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, 3 (3), 283-297.
Munaaim, M.A.C., Al-Obaidi, K.M., Ismail, M.R., & Rahman, A.M.A. (2014). A review study on the application of the fibre optic daylighting system in Malaysian buildings. International Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development, 5 (3), 146-158.
Al-Obaidi, K.M., Ismail, M., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (2014). A study of the impact of environmental loads that penetrate a passive skylight roofing system in Malaysian buildings. Frontiers of Architectural Ï㽶ÊÓƵ, 3 (2), 178-191.
Al-Obaidi, K.M., Ismail, M., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (2014). A review of the potential of attic ventilation by passive and active turbine ventilators in tropical Malaysia. Sustainable Cities and Society, 10, 232-240.
Munaaim, M., Al-Obaidi, K., Ismail, M., & Rahman, A. (n.d.). Empirical Evaluation of the Effect of Heat Gain from Fiber Optic Daylighting System on Tropical Building Interiors. Sustainability, 6 (12), 9231-9243.
M. Al-Obaidi, K., Ismail, M., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (n.d.). Investigation of Passive Design Techniques for Pitched Roof Systems in the Tropical Region. Modern Applied Science, 8 (3).
Al-Obaidi, K.M., Ismail, M., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (n.d.). A Review of Skylight Glazing Materials in Architectural Designs for a Better Indoor Environment. Modern Applied Science, 8 (1).
Ismail, M.A., M. Al-Obaidi, K., & Sulaiman, R. (n.d.). ENERGY EFFICIENCY POLICY FOR EXISTING TYPICAL CAMPUS BUILDINGS IN THE UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA. PLANNING MALAYSIA JOURNAL, 14 (5).
Conference papers
Al-Obaidi, K., Wang, J., & Hossain, M. (2024). . In He, B.-.J., Prasad, D., Yan, L., Cheshmehzangi, A., & Pignatta, G. (Eds.) International Conference on Urban Climate, Sustainability and Urban Design, (pp. 709-720). Singapore: Springer:
Ismail, M.A., & Mustafa Al-Obaidi, K. (2019). . 2019 2nd Asia Conference on Energy and Environment Engineering (ACEEE).
Ghaffarianhoseini, A., Berardi, U., Raahemifar, K., Ghaffarianhoseini, A., & Al-Obaidi, K. (2017). . Simulation Series, 11 (11), 273-280.
Aziz, A., & Al-Obaidi, K. (2017). Methods of Delivering Knowledge in Architectural Design Project. In Learning Innovation and Teaching Enhancement Ï㽶ÊÓƵ Conference (UM-LiTeR), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 15 March 2017 - 16 March 2017. University of Malaya:
Rifa, R.T., Al-Obaidi, K.M., & Abdul Rahman, A.M. (2014). Improving Stack Effect in Hot Humid Building Interiors with Hybrid Turbine Ventilator(s). MATEC Web of Conferences, 17, 01012.
Ismail, M., Al-Obaidi, K., Abdul Rahman, A.M., & Ahmad, M.I. (2015). CONTAINER ARCHITECTURE IN THE HOT-HUMID TROPICS: POTENTIAL AND CONSTRAINTS. In International Conference on Environmental Ï㽶ÊÓƵ and Technology, Penang, Malaysia, 27 May 2015 - 29 May 2015. School of Industrial Technology - Universiti Sains Malaysia:
Book chapters
Al-Obaidi, K. (2024). . In Hussein, H., & Ishak, S.A. (Eds.) What do you know about plants. A guide for plant selection, ideas & tips. (pp. 341-364). Kuala Lumpur: Universiti Malaya Press:
Al-Obaidi, K., Alashwal, A.M., Ismail, M.A., Syed Yahya, S.N.N., & Al-Sabahi, M.H. (2017). Zero Carbon Building Assessment for UM Chancellery Building and Other UM Office Buildings. In Yusoff, S. (Ed.) UM Living Lab. Volume 1: Transforming Ï㽶ÊÓƵ into Action. University of Malaya Press
Al-Obaidi, K.M., & Rahman, A.M.A. (2016). Toplighting Systems for Improving Indoor Environment: A Review. In Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies for Building and Environmental Applications. (pp. 117-136). Springer International Publishing:
AI-Obaidi, K.M., Ismail, M., & Rahman, A.M.A. (2015). Energy efficient skylight design in tropical houses. (pp. 45-56).
Books
Rahman, A.M.A., & Al-Obaidi, K. (2019). . Pulau Pinang: Penerbit USM.
Theses / Dissertations
Sasi, O.A.Y. (2022). . (Doctoral thesis). Supervised by Spence, K., Al-Obaidi, K., & Freeman, E.
Presentations
Al-Obaidi, K. (2025). Technology and Innovation Pathways for Zero Carbon in the Construction Industry. Presented at: XV international congress of the network of sustainable housing and habitat of Mexico, University of Colima, Mexico
Al-Obaidi, K. (2023). Sustainability and Data for Public Conversation. Presented at: Public event for SADACCA members and Sheffield City Council, Sheffield And District African Caribbean Community Association
Al-Obaidi, K. (2021). Environmental design and building performance in architectural education. Presented at: International e-conference on the Technology of Architecture – Futures, Online
Al-Obaidi, K. (2015). Sustainable design techniques to reduce attic air temperatures in tropical roofs. Presented at: UM-COHAS International Conference, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Al-Obaidi, K. (2015). Fibre optic solar lighting: delving into latest mechanism for improved sustainability and energy performance. Presented at: The 5th Annual Conference Building Maintenance, Istana Hotel, KL, Malaysia
Al-Obaidi, K. (2015). Innovative roofing system for reducing solar heat gain from natural light under Malaysian sky conditions. Presented at: Malaysia University-Industry Green Building Collaboration (MU-IGBC) Symposium, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Other publications
Al-Obaidi, K. (2025). Designing for a Net Zero Future: Architectural Technology at the Forefront. UK Construction Week & The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists:
Udall, J., Stirling, E., & Al-Obaidi, K. (2025). SADACCA: Positive Energy District. Future Observatory:
Al-Obaidi, K., & Hossain, M. (2024). Perceiving the Effect of Climate Change and Urban Heat Island on Built Environments. SHU Space & Place Group Event:
Al-Obaidi, K. (2022). Architectural technology research at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists:
Al-Obaidi, K. (2021). Designing the Buildings of the Future with IESVE at Ï㽶ÊÓƵ. IES:
Al-Obaidi, K. (2021). Ï㽶ÊÓƵ - Teaching with IESVE. IES: