Qatar University organizes 10th Architecture Day

The Department of Architecture and Urban Planning (DAUP) at Qatar University’s (QU) College of Engineering (CENG) held its 10^th Architecture Day, which was prepared and organized by DAUP. The Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB), an architectural and engineering consulting firm in Qatar, sponsored the second edition of the Architecture Excellence Award which was given out during the event.

The opening ceremony was attended by QU President Dr Hassan Al-Derham, QU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr Omar Al Ansari, HE Ambassador of Italy to Qatar HE Dr Pasquale Salzano, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Qatar HE Mr. Kim Chang-Mo, Director UNESCO Regional Office in Doha Dr Anna Paolini, CENG Dean Prof Abdelmagid Hammuda, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies Dr Abbes Amira and distinguished guests from industry and academia, QU faculty members, staff and students.

The event provided DAUP students with the opportunity to present and showcase their architectural projects designed under the supervision of DAUP faculty and in collaboration with governmental institutions, industry partners and architectural practices. The projects covered various areas such as hospitality, touristic villages, housing, mosques, cultural centers and healthcare and sports facilities. The highlight of this year’s Architectural Day was the second edition of the Architecture Excellence Award sponsored by AEB. The first award went to Maryam Bader Al-Kuwari, the second award went to Fatima Abdulrab Al-Yafei and the third went to Nancy Nabil Makhoul.

The UNESCO Regional Office and the Italian Embassy in Qatar supported the event with a 3D Archeomed Exhibition, an interactive archeological-architectural exhibition using cutting-edge VR/AR technology. Commenting on the event, CENG Dean Prof Abdelmagid Hammuda stressed on the strong relations with industry, which was represented in the display of student projects. He said, “Students projects reflect CENG commitment to show the innovation and quality of teaching, which comes in line with national pillars, in order to graduate the engineers and architects who can achieve Qatar National Vision 2030.”

AEB CEO and Chief Architect Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Jaidah said, “At AEB, we consider Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a commitment of now for a better tomorrow. Building on our existing relationship with Qatar University, we introduced the AEB Architecture Excellence Award, which aims to recognize and reward young and talented architects. The award recognizes exceptional architectural innovation of young architects in Qatar and celebrates graduates whose thinking and design approach pushes conventional boundaries. In addition, we continue to partner with Qatar University offering internship placements and training to students. As a practicing architect myself, I am tremendously proud to say that some of our trainees have attained leading professional positions in the market.”

DAUP Head Dr Fodil Fadli said, “Today’s event represents the outcome of tremendous effort and hard work by our students, faculty members and the support of our governmental collaborators and industrial partners. The architectural exhibition, the academics-practitioners debate and related student activities provides a wide range of architectural and urban design projects. This reflects professional and community needs and aspirations in enhancing our cities and buildings.”