caption website age birth_place image_size birth_date significant_buildings image article_title name alma_mater
a lebanese born architect -lsb- http://www.soma.us www.soma.us -rsb- file : michel_abboud . jpg beirut , lebanon 300 px 21 december 1977 park51 at palm , unilux , amchit bay , 50 lispenard lofts , bobo , one file : michel_abboud . jpg michel abboud
 michel abboud columbia university , gsapp , new york
michel abboud

michel abboud is a lebanese born architect .
he heads the architectural practice soma architects , which he established in 2004 in new york city .
michel abboud studied at columbia university graduate school of architecture and planning .
he is renowned worldwide for his avant-garde portfolio , and has a reputation for projects that combine design aesthetics and user-friendly functionality .
among others , michel abboud designed the highly controversial park51 islamic cultural center infamously dubbed the ground zero mosque , and unveiled its design in october 2010 .
his one-of-a-kind design for the center was shelved , however , in favor of 45 park place , a 665-foot condominium tower that will sit adjacent to jean nouvel-designed museum and public green space .
