The American University in Dubai highlights 11 architecture student project

Dezeen School Shows: an experience that invites users on a scent-guided journey to relive the history of their culture is included in Dezeen’s latest school show by students at American University in Dubai.

Also included is a futuristic centre that reconnects “third culture kids” with their heritage and an urban complex that aims to connect those who have been impacted by war.

Institution: American University in Dubai
School: Bachelor of Architecture in The School of Architecture, Art and Design
Course: ARCH 502, Architectural Design Studio X
Tutors: Anna Cornaro, Abdellatif Qamhaieh

School statement:

“This is a final capstone course in which students implement their thesis research by developing a project that incorporates all the principles of design, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of architectural design and evidence of professional capability.

“The final outcomes of the course are exhibited in a senior showcase, where a jury of experts is invited to vote. The 2023 Architecture Senior Showcase took place online between the 5 May to 9 May and concluded with a face-to-face Exhibition and Award Ceremony on 12 May.

“A jury of international experts from the industry, academia and press voted on the projects, declaring a first, second and third place as well as honourable mentions and design awards.

“A special jury led by the scientific director of the International Architecture Magazine Compasses, Andrea Pane, assigned a special award for publication.

“Another series of awards involved the local and global community, including professors, alumni and faculty members. An additional jury of common audience voted directly on social media for the People Choice Award.”

Transcendence by Reem Tawfik

“Garbage City is one of the most densely packed areas with waste in Cairo, Egypt, yet it holds significant importance as almost 80 per cent of Cairo’s waste is recycled there.

“People of Garbage City, named Zabbaleen, live in harsh conditions where they are prone to disease due to their direct contact with the waste that fills every street and house of the district.

“In hopes of rising above the chaos on the ground, the community and learning centre provides the Zabbaleen community a chance to socialise in a space away from the waste that surrounds them and hygienic conditions to work.

“The chimneys aim to reduce the accumulation of waste on the streets and the bad smell in the district. The project also aims to challenge the stigma of the site by providing an opportunity for the upper class of Cairo to learn about recycling.

“The concept of the project originates from the desire to enhance the chaotic living conditions that the Zabbaleen community has been struggling with. A journey up Mokattam Mountain leads to the ultimate escape from the conditions of Garbage City.

“Building a community and learning centre on Mokattam Mountain separates the Zabbaleen community from the chaos and claustrophobia experienced on the ground. Various activities provide them with opportunities to socialise and interact whilst recycling in a hygienic manner.”

Student: Reem Tawfik
Course: ARCH 502
Award: first place, Faculty and Alumni Award and Compasses Magazine Award
Email: reem.tawfik[at]mymail.aud.edu

Haven by Naya Aslan

“Haven is an urban complex designed to uplift communities that have been impacted by war. This is achieved by fostering a strong sense of belonging.

“It integrates modules inspired by the old Syrian marketplace, promoting connectivity and social interaction.

“The main facilities and activities are located underground to minimise disruption to the limited movement on the ground floor.

“The journey begins with ramps leading to various underground facilities, emphasising the project’s focus on creating inclusive spaces. The observatory serves as a symbol of hope and marks the end of the journey.

“Haven aims to make the neighbourhood a home where residents can thrive and feel connected rather than constantly seek to escape.”

Student: Naya Aslan
Course: ARCH 502
Award: second place
Email: naya.aslan[at]mymail.aud.edu

Seeds of Hope by Narges Abdul Aziz

“The Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan on 15 August 2021 has resulted in significant consequences that have impacted the country’s cultural and national identity.

“The rise of the Afghan community in the United Arab Emirates not only helps overcome the loss of Afghan culture, identity and heritage, but also connects people of different nationalities through its intertwined culture.

“Over many centuries, Afghanistan’s culture has been shaped by its neighbouring countries and the Middle East region, with influences evident in its language, music, architecture and hospitality.

“These traits provide a unique opportunity for people from different countries to explore Afghan culture, find common ground and establish strong bonds.

“This project aims to preserve Afghan culture and its heritage while fostering connections among various individuals. The UAE’s diverse culture makes it an ideal location for this initiative.

“The Afghan community in the UAE can leverage this connection to strengthen cultural ties and create a more unified society based on shared interests and goals.”

Student: Narges Abdul Aziz
Course: ARCH 502
Award: third place
Email: narges.abdulaziz[at]mymail.aud.edu

Al Fana by Mansoor AlHarbi

“As products of our time and environment, we reflect the societal and collective circumstances that surround us.

“An example of this is the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to forced isolation and the absence of human interaction, we were compelled to look inwardly for fulfilment and to connect with our inner being.

“This resulted in a movement in which people chose to experience this isolation through a spiritual lens, embarking on a journey of healing and enlightenment through meditation and mindfulness.

“It remains a challenge to locate a publicly accessible wellness facility or one that is not categorised as a ‘luxury’.

“The purpose of this project is to provide a space for the growing spiritual community to heal and connect, nourishing the body, mind and soul.”

Student: Mansoor AlHarbi
Course: ARCH 502
Award: Innovative Design Award
Email: mansoor.alharbi[at]mymail.aud.edu

The Shrouded Stance by Hani Al Saadi

“The project located in Abu Dhabi, UAE, aims to serve as a bridge between the natural and the human-made worlds.

“It provides views and accessibility from both sides – water and land – without disrupting the balance between them.

“The building accommodates education and research centres, shrimp farm, museum, restaurant and other facilities.

“The facilities will be connected through buffer zones that serve as the main circulation spaces, linking all the facilities while offering stunning views of the mangroves.

“The building will feature sustainable elements, particularly in the buffer zones, with specific openings designed to promote airflow during summer, reducing energy usage.”

Student: Hani Al Saadi
Course: ARCH 502
Award: Sustainable Design Award
Email: hani.alsaadi[at]mymail.aud.edu

Ma’rifa by Mariam Haddad

“This architectural project is a celebration of the rich and diverse culture of the Arab world.

“Divided into sections dedicated to art, literature and science, the building’s design follows the site’s contours and incorporates calligraphy throughout. The simple exterior contrasts with the intricate interior, representing the depth of Arabic culture.

“As the calligraphy spills out onto the walls, it sparks a surge of knowledge and inspiration, leaving an indelible imprint on those who venture within its captivating embrace.

“It is a true celebration of the beauty and diversity of Arabic culture, a space in which visitors can connect with this rich heritage on a deeply personal level.

“It is a testament to the power of architecture to inspire and uplift the human spirit and a reflection of the deep passion and commitment that went into its creation.”

Student: Mariam Haddad
Course: ARCH 502
Award: Heritage Design Award
Email: mariam.haddad[at]mymail.aud.edu

Centre of Belonging by Marah Shahin

“The Middle East has one of the world’s highest percentages of third culture dids. Third culture kids are children raised in a country they are not native to.

“Many  have a diminished sense of belonging and tend to have a lifelong emotional tug-of-war between their culture and individuality.

“The ideal solution is to embrace the newer third culture and understand that globalisation is unavoidable. Entertaining an alternative solution, the project provides a space where third culture kids can harmoniously live within their culture and country while developing their individuality.

“In an interview with seven kids, five said they did not feel like they belonged in their home country, six said they did not feel like they belonged in the country their parents raised them in, four said they were taught about their culture mostly from their parents, three said they learned about their culture mostly during visits to their home country and six said they learned about their culture during events or occasions.

“The project aims to represent a futuristic centre where third culture is reflected and nurtured.”

Student: Marah Shahin
Course: ARCH 502
Award: Community Design Award
Email: marah.shahin[at]mymail.aud.edu

Memento: The Lethe of Perception by Bandar AlKayyal

“The project’s thesis explores the theme of memory loss in the chosen site, al Safa, UAE.

“Safa Park is one of the oldest parks in Dubai. The theme of memory loss on this site regards the lost identity of the park from the damage that was caused by the integration of the canal.

“To connect the park back to its old roots, the project focuses on the parts of Safa Park that weren’t destroyed, engaging mainly with the large arcade that is no longer used but acts as a monument in the park.

“Restoring the arcade into a transitional space between the old and new structures is the focal point in the project. The main space shifts between the old and new with stairways and ramps leading underground, connecting to the ‘lost identity’ of the park.

“The stairways are characterised based on different types of personal and collective memories, restoring lost memories on the journey underground. This is the main feature of the project.

“The aim of this project is to restore the old and forgotten al Safa arcade as it is a monumental structure in the park and in the UAE. It aims to regenerate the experience provided by the old park with a mixed-use space for those who suffer from memory loss.”

Student: Bandar AlKayyal
Course: ARCH 502
Award: Professor Award, Dr Anna Cornaro
Email: bandar.alkayyal[at]mymail.aud.edu

Paradox by Ayat Derhem

“Oniomania refers to a compulsive urge to shop and Dubai is considered a shopper’s paradise.

“Paradox aims to create a peaceful rehabilitation space for shopping addicts to free their minds from materialistic influences.

“The primary goal of this project is to transform consumers into producers. The centre includes a production facility that allows consumers to produce and sell their products and a rehabilitation facility to help these individuals connect with their inner selves.

“People can have opposing perceptions of addiction – some view addiction as a mental illness whereas others believe they are regular individuals going through a temporary phase.

“Architecture has treated addicts as prisoners in the past, therefore rehabilitation centres must be reshaped. Paradox integrates production and rehabilitation facilities to help overcome oniomania in an enhanced environment.”

Student: Ayat Derhem
Course: ARCH 502
Award: Professor Award, Dr Abdellatif Qamhaieh
Email: ayat.derhem[at]mymail.aud.edu

Reminiscence by Noor Janahi

“This project creates a space where visitors can experience and reminisce about old memories of their culture, passing them on from one generation to another.

“The purpose of this space is for users to experience and observe the production of oud.

“Memories hold significant value, especially when they are related to our roots and family. Memories resemble oud in its value in both a physical and spiritual context.

“The project aims to provide users with a fragrance-driven experience, influenced by the scents of their culture. Losing one’s sense of smell can lead to the loss of important sentimental memories.”

“As the users travel around the building, they experience a journey created by various types of oud that are reminiscent of different memories.

“The roof represents the path of the journey, starting from memories sparked by a piece of Agarwood, which is the representative scent of the Emirati culture, to the memories activated after burning oud.”

Student: Noor Janahi
Course: ARCH 502
Award: People’s Choice Award
Email: noor.janahi[at]mymail.aud.edu

Meteorite by Nesrin Zidan

“In every culture, from prehistory to present day, the stars have played a vital role in inspiring and shaping human efforts to understand and master the universe we share.

“Cities evolved and wars were fought, but the stars remained constant. Celestial sciences were pursued heavily in the Middle East, yet they haven’t evolved adequately in our region today.

“Our dense cities have made it difficult due to the increase in light pollution levels. The project location, Mushrif Park, Dubai, was the perfect place to tell this story.

“Being one of the oldest and largest parks in the UAE, it was seemingly uncorrupted by the city around it.

“Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre, the first public observatory in Dubai, is situated prominently on the site. Therefore, another goal for this proposal was to highlight and revive the observatory, creating a journey that terminates with entertainment and knowledge; an experience centred around modern astro tourism, but responding to this site.”

Student: Nesrin Zidan
Course: ARCH 502
Award: honorable mention
Email: nesrin.zidan[at]mymail.aud.edu

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and American University in Dubai. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.