Ulduz Maschaykh is an art/urban historian with an interest in architecture, design and the impact of cities on people’s lives. Through her international studies in Bonn (Germany), Vancouver (Canada) and Auckland (New Zealand) she has gained a diverse and intercultural understanding of cultures and cities. In September 2013Dr Maschaykh completed her PhD in Art and Architecture History at the University of Bonn in collaboration with the University of British Columbia, Vancouver. She is currently a postdoctoral research fellow at the research network 'Collaboratory for Research on Urban Neighbourhoods, Community Health and Housing' (CRUNCH) at McMaster University. Her research focuses on the architectural semiotics of cities in regard to affordability, scarcity and urban branding strategies reflected in the architectural language.