Loai Omran is an architect who received his Masters degree in Islamic Art and Architecture from the American University in Cairo, a department noted worldwide for its Art History Program.

Since his early years of post graduate studies Loai became highly interested in the spiritual aspects of places of worship in medieval Muslim Architecture. He noticed particularly how the form, space and decorative schemes were somehow integrated within a preconceived lighting scheme. In 2001 he presented his Master's Thesis on the implementations of Light in fifteenth century Cairene Architecture, titled "The Celestial Element; Light as the Integral Component in Circassian Mamluk Religious Architecture" - a world first in terms of focused research in this area.

Loai has been a practicing Architect for the last fifteen years. He designed and executed private residences, hotels, offices and shops. In addition he practiced art direction and set design (currently he is the stylist for Moevenpick Hotels, Middle East). Loai is also a well known actor and TV presenter and celebrity in Egypt.

In his seminar, he will explain why he believes the Muslim Architecture of that period was designed to be conducive to the beholder. He will show us the hidden visual messages and connotations by which the visitor of the mosque was led subconsciously to experience "The Divine Presence". Loai will also discuss how the philosophical and mystical circles of Islam and their interpretations of the meaning of the word al-nur (light), one of God’s names in Islam, has found its resonance in the arts and the architecture and that era.