Arkar Hein is a unique interdisciplinary professional with a passion for bridging the fields of architecture, neuroscience, and education. With a strong academic foundation, Arkar holds a Master of Architecture degree specializing in Healthy Urbanism from NewSchool of Architecture and Design, a Bachelor of Architecture, and a Master's degree in Neuroscience and Education from Teachers College of Columbia University.
As a project manager at a leading San Diego design firm and a dedicated researcher at Biobehavioral Sciences Department at Columbia University, Arkar's work is grounded in humanitarian concerns and informed by the latest advances in neuroscience and behavioral sciences. His research interests include depression, learning and memory, dyslexia, and the impact of trauma-informed architectural design on students with war-related PTSD. Arkar has been involved in leading projects investigating the potential of virtual reality environments and innovative neuroscientific methods, such as Event-Related Potentials and Electroencephalograms, to improve learning and attention.
Arkar's commitment to understanding Alzheimer's disease has led him to explore sensory perception and the role of touch in place cells and grid cells activation. His work aims to deepen our knowledge of Alzheimer's pathology, cognitive map formation, and spatial memory in affected patients, ultimately aiming to contribute to developing innovative architectural designs and interventions for better patient care.
In response to political unrest and educational suppression in Myanmar, Arkar co-founded the Virtual School of Architecture Myanmar, a groundbreaking initiative that provides an accessible education to aspiring architects. As the head of the academic board and a lecturer, he collaborates with architects and educators globally to nurture the next generation of architects. He has also participated in international conferences, sharing his insights and expertise in the interdisciplinary domain.
Arkar's linguistic proficiency in Burmese and English and knowledge of Hindi and Arabic demonstrate his diverse skill set and global perspective, enabling him to connect with professionals and communities worldwide.
Virtual School of Architecture, Yangon, MM, Faculty and Head of Academic Board
• Co-established a non-profit free online continuing education platform and served over 800 Myanmar architecture students amidst political upheaval and crises.
• Wrote grant applications, developed curriculum, and directed award-winning design workshops.
• Supervised students in international design competitions.
Moving Boundaries of Human Sciences and Architecture, Spain; Portugal; Mexico; Venice, Supporting Faculty
• Deliver lectures on the intersection of architecture and neuroscience. Assist in program administration and developing course websites and studio projects.
ECOhouse Architecture, San Diego , Project Manager
• Managed residential development projects, including multi-family, single-family,
mixed-use, affordable housing, and luxury coastal projects. Oversaw zoning analyses,
feasibility studies, and design sets.
• Directed drafters, trained interns, attended project meetings and ensured compliance
with local regulations and client requirements.
• Key achievements include: Successfully coordinated over 15 projects, with 95%
completion on time and within budget. Streamlined permit processing by developing
efficient schedules and material lists. Ensured high-quality project execution by
implementing detailed checklists and redlining drawing deficiencies.
NeuroLab, NewSchool of Architecture and Design, San Diego, CA, US, Research Assistant
• Led an innovative research study on the potential impact of San Diego's future built-environment on human cognitive navigational behaviors, employing a controlled virtual reality setting developed with Unity software.
• Successfully coordinated with 35 volunteers, facilitating their engagement in the study to validate the presented hypotheses.
• Conceived and executed a follow-up study focusing on the influence of environmental elements on students' emotional states.
• Strategically modified aspects like light quality, sound dynamics, room color, and presence of biophilic elements across four distinct virtual classroom prototypes.
• Enlisted 60 student volunteers for the study, achieving comprehensive data on the impact of these modifications on emotional states.
• Synthesized key findings and presented actionable recommendations to school authorities, contributing to future improvements in the built environment and educational settings.
SAGA University, Women For The World, Saga, Japan; Yangon Myanmar, Community Architectural Designer
• Led architectural initiatives in Japan and Myanmar, revitalizing unused structures and developing affordable housing for marginalized communities. Performed site analyses, liaised with stakeholders, and crafted 3D-rendered proposals. Honored with the 2017 SAGA Community Design Award.
Key Achievements:
• Directed a nine-member team at Saga University, transforming a vacant bank into a cultural hub, coordinating with officials, locals, and investors.
• Joined the Community Architects Network (CAN), co-created eco-friendly housing
masterplans for the unhoused populations in Yangon, Myanmar.
• Integrated community feedback into the design strategy and presented project visions persuasively to secure stakeholder approvals.
Compostela Architecture Institute, Santiago de Compostela, ES, Compostela Architecture Summer Program
Thanlyin Technological University, Yangon, MM, BArch, Architecture
SAGA University, Saga, JP, Asian Rim International Seminar
NewSchool of Architecture President’s Honorable Roll, Honorable Mention
NewSchool of Architecture President’s Honorable Roll, Honorable Mention
NewSchool of Architecture President’s Honorable Roll, Honorable Mention
Japanese JASSO Scholarship, Scholarship
Project of the year, TTU, 1st Place
