Latest news with #CAAD
Mid East Info
08-06-2025
- General
- Mid East Info
AUS leads critical conversations about the future of design education - Middle East Business News and Information
Design education must prepare students to be risk-takers with the skills to work flexibly across disciplines, both independently and collaboratively, in order to ensure their future success, according to a panel of educators, students, alumni and design professionals organized by the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS). The panel met in celebration of AUS' 25th anniversary, as part of a symposium series focused on exploring the future of design education through critical conversations with students, alumni and the professional community. The series was organized by CAAD faculty members Kevin Mitchell, Professor of Architecture; Hala Al-Ani, Assistant Professor of Art and Design; and Dr. John Montague, Associate Professor of Architecture. Following the success of the first symposium in the series, CAAD at 25: Taking Stock, hosted at AUS on January 28, a new panel was assembled for part two—CAAD at 25: Preparing for the Future. Held at Art Jameel on March 18, the event included two panel sessions focused on how design education should evolve and transform to ensure that CAAD continues to positively impact the arts, design and culture in the UAE and beyond. Event moderator Professor Mitchell stressed the important role that the symposium series plays in critically examining the ways in which CAAD can respond to future challenges. 'During the past 25 years, AUS and CAAD have made a significant contribution to design through the accomplishments of students, faculty and alumni. Developing and sustaining rigorous design programs is challenging, and the CAAD at 25 symposium series provides an opportunity to have substantive conversations about how we can navigate the future and continue to ensure that CAAD graduates can communicate clearly, think critically and solve problems creatively,' said Professor Mitchell. During the first panel session, Leila Binbrek, Director of the National Pavilion UAE, joined CAAD alumni Pallavi Dean (Founder and Creative Director, Roar), Ahmed Noor (content and creative director) and Ahmed Khadier (Co-Founder and Principal in Charge, Pragma) to discuss how their education had prepared them for their careers. Addressing the role that education plays in facilitating success, they considered the role that education should play in preparing students for taking risks, working independently and collaborating with colleagues across disciplines. The panel discussed the balance between addressing the fundamental skills and knowledge and fostering an independent approach to design work within studio-based degree programs. A second panel session invited current CAAD students Marianne Breidy, Nujud Alhusain, Khaled Zaher and Omar Darwish to join the members of the first panel to engage in a dialogue about design education. After reflecting on their own experiences, the students addressed the tensions between a formal curriculum and the flexibility to pursue areas of personal and professional interest. The students also discussed the value of breadth through courses beyond their chosen major and the benefit of addressing issues that are locally and regionally relevant to the design professions. The panel debated questions related to career preparation, professional competence at the time of graduation, and the importance of the fundamentals of design.
Gulf Today
02-06-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Sheikha Bodour opens annual graduation exhibition of AUS
The College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) presented its highly anticipated annual graduation exhibition, 'Six Degrees,' on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, attended the opening and officially inaugurated the exhibit. In its 15th year, the exhibition brought together the work of graduating students across CAAD's diverse degree programmes — architecture, interior design, design management, multimedia design, visual communication and urban planning. The opening ceremony was open to the public and served as an important platform for connecting emerging talent from CAAD with representatives from the design professions in the UAE. 'For each student, Six Degrees represents the culmination of four or five years of rigorous studio practice, creative exploration and growth. It offers our community a moment of celebration, reflection and pride,' said Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of CAAD. 'The show has grown significantly over the years, and, as I mark my final year as dean, I am deeply grateful to those at CAAD who work tirelessly to bring it to life. I feel fortunate to have witnessed so many generations of CAAD graduates launch their professional journeys through this platform.' 'We are proud to host Six Degrees at SRTIP, a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the exceptional talent nurtured at the American University of Sharjah. This exhibition reflects our ongoing commitment to bridging academia and industry, and to empowering the next generation of designers and architects who will shape more sustainable, human-centred cities and products for the future,' said Hussain Al Mahmoudi, the Chief Executive Officer of the SRTIP. The event also included the CAAD annual awards ceremony. This year, 28 outstanding students and faculty were recognised for their exceptional academic performance, creative accomplishments, leadership and service to the university community. 'Six Degrees has always been more than just a showcase — it's a celebration of transformation. Year after year, it captures the evolution of creative thought, the courage to challenge convention and the spirit of design that defines CAAD. Returning to the show is a reminder of the energy and imagination that first shaped me as a student and now fuels my work as a professional,' said CAAD alumna Tala Alnounou. CAAD is widely recognised for its distinctive studio-based education model and interdisciplinary approach to design. As the top-ranked school (tied) for architecture and the built environment in the UAE and among the top 260 schools globally for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), CAAD offers creatively-gifted students a dynamic environment in which to sharpen their creative skills and make their mark in the world of design. This year's Six Degrees showcase was accompanied by Najat Makki, Artist in Residence, 2024–25, a special exhibition of selected works by pioneering Emirati visual artist Dr. Najat Makki, developed during her residency at AUS. Dr. Makki's exhibited works explore transitions in time and place through layered colour, ornamentation and abstraction — offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant reflection on memory, heritage and modernity. Dr. Makki's residency at AUS was part of a broader vision championed by Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, to position creative practice as a central pillar of academic life. The Six Degrees showcase and Najat Makki Artist in Residence 2024–25 are part of the same exhibition space at SRTIP. From June 1, the exhibition will be open to the public from 9:00am to 11:00 p.m. The exhibition will remain open until June 6. Recently, the AUS Board of Trustees, chaired by Sheikha Bodour, convened to review and approve a series of strategic actions focused on leadership development, academic excellence and financial sustainability.
Sharjah 24
01-06-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
Bodour Al Qasimi inaugurates 'Six Degrees' Exhibition
Diverse academic disciplines on display The exhibition features projects from a wide range of CAAD programs, including architecture, interior design, design management, multimedia design, visual communication, and urban planning. It provides a vital platform for connecting students with representatives from the UAE's design and creative sectors. A culmination of academic growth Dr Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of College of Architecture, Art and Design) CAAD,) emphasised that the exhibition represents the culmination of each student's academic journey, marked by creative exploration, studio work, and professional development. Bridging education and industry His Excellency Hussain Al Mahmoudi, CEO of SRTI Park, highlighted the park's role in hosting the exhibition, underlining its importance in promoting innovation and supporting young designers and architects. He noted that the event demonstrates a commitment to fostering sustainable, human-centered solutions through the collaboration of academia and industry. Honouring academic excellence As part of the event, CAAD held its annual awards ceremony, recognising 28 exceptional students and faculty members for academic excellence, creativity, leadership, and service to the AUS community. Featuring Dr Najat Makki This year's edition also includes a special showcase by pioneering Emirati artist Dr Najat Makki, who is the 2024–2025 artist-in-residence at AUS. Her selected works, developed during her residency, are featured as a central part of the exhibition, which continues until June 8.
Al Etihad
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Bodour Al Qasimi inaugurates 'Six Degrees' exhibition
1 June 2025 18:06 SHARJAH (WAM) Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of the American University of Sharjah (AUS), inaugurated the 15th annual "Six Degrees" graduation exhibition at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation exhibition is open to the public and showcases the work of graduating students from the College of Architecture, Art, and Design (CAAD) at exhibition features projects from a wide range of CAAD programmes, including architecture, interior design, design management, multimedia design, visual communication, and urban planning. It provides a vital platform for connecting students with representatives from the UAE's design and creative of College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD,) Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, emphasised that the exhibition represents the culmination of each student's academic journey, marked by creative exploration, studio work, and professional of SRTI Park, Hussain Al Mahmoudi, highlighted the park's role in hosting the exhibition, underlining its importance in promoting innovation and supporting young designers and architects. He noted that the event demonstrates a commitment to fostering sustainable, human-centered solutions through the collaboration of academia and part of the event, CAAD held its annual awards ceremony, recognising 28 exceptional students and faculty members for academic excellence, creativity, leadership, and service to the AUS year's edition also includes a special showcase by pioneering Emirati artist Dr Najat Makki, who is the 2024–2025 artist-in-residence at AUS. Her selected works, developed during her residency, are featured as a central part of the exhibition, which continues until June 8.
Zawya
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Six Degrees graduation showcase celebrates a year of student creativity and achievement
Sharjah, UAE – The College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) presented its highly anticipated annual graduation exhibition, Six Degrees, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, attended the opening and officially inaugurated the exhibit. Six Degrees Graduate Showcase In its 15th year, the exhibition brought together the work of graduating students across CAAD's diverse degree programs—architecture, interior design, design management, multimedia design, visual communication and urban planning. The opening ceremony was open to the public and served as an important platform for connecting emerging talent from CAAD with representatives from the design professions in the UAE. 'For each student, Six Degrees represents the culmination of four or five years of rigorous studio practice, creative exploration and growth. It offers our community a moment of celebration, reflection and pride,' said Dr. Varkki Pallathucheril, Dean of CAAD. 'The show has grown significantly over the years, and, as I mark my final year as dean, I am deeply grateful to those at CAAD who work tirelessly to bring it to life. I feel fortunate to have witnessed so many generations of CAAD graduates launch their professional journeys through this platform.' 'We are proud to host Six Degrees at SRTIP, a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the exceptional talent nurtured at the American University of Sharjah. This exhibition reflects our ongoing commitment to bridging academia and industry, and to empowering the next generation of designers and architects who will shape more sustainable, human-centered cities and products for the future,' said H.E. Hussain Al Mahmoudi, the Chief Executive Officer of the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park. The event also included the CAAD annual awards ceremony. This year, 28 outstanding students and faculty were recognized for their exceptional academic performance, creative accomplishments, leadership and service to the university community. ' Six Degrees has always been more than just a showcase—it's a celebration of transformation. Year after year, it captures the evolution of creative thought, the courage to challenge convention and the spirit of design that defines CAAD. Returning to the show is a reminder of the energy and imagination that first shaped me as a student and now fuels my work as a professional,' said CAAD alumna Tala Alnounou. CAAD is widely recognized for its distinctive studio-based education model and interdisciplinary approach to design. As the top-ranked school (tied) for architecture and the built environment in the UAE and among the top 260 schools globally for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025), CAAD offers creatively-gifted students a dynamic environment in which to sharpen their creative skills and make their mark in the world of design. AUS Artist-in-Residence showcase This year's Six Degrees showcase was accompanied by Najat Makki, Artist in Residence, 2024–25, a special exhibition of selected works by pioneering Emirati visual artist Dr. Najat Makki, developed during her residency at AUS. Dr. Makki's exhibited works explore transitions in time and place through layered color, ornamentation and abstraction—offering a deeply personal yet universally resonant reflection on memory, heritage and modernity. Dr. Makki's residency at AUS was part of a broader vision championed by Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, to position creative practice as a central pillar of academic life. Exhibition Details: The Six Degrees showcase and Najat Makki Artist in Residence 2024–25 are part of the same exhibition space at SRTIP. Dates and Open times: From June 1, the exhibition will be open to public from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The exhibition will remain open until June 6. Location: Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park For more information, please contact, caadcomms@ Video:
