STUDENTS - ALUMNI - FACULTY
FORWARD
The College of Architecture and Design (CoAD) at Effat University continues to be a hub of creativity, innovation, and excellence This newsletter offers a glimpse into the remarkable achievements of our students, faculty, and alumni across the departments of Architecture, Design, and Cinematic Arts
Inside, you’ll find stories of prestigious awards that highlight the exceptional talents within our college, alongside groundbreaking projects that push the boundaries of research, design, and artistic expression Our faculty members are featured for their contributions to advancing knowledge and fostering a vibrant learning environment, while our alumni’s successes demonstrate the global impact of an Effat University education
The CoAD community is also actively engaging in initiatives that strengthen connections between academia and society From collaborative projects to events that bring creativity to life, this newsletter reflects the dedication to making a meaningful difference in the world around us
We invite you to explore these stories and celebrate the many milestones that define the College of Architecture and Design as a leader in shaping the future of our fields
THE DEAN DR. ASMAA
A WORD FROM THE DEAN & CHAIRS
As we close another chapter in our journey at the College of Architecture and Design, I find myself reflecting at the School of Cinematic Arts at Effat University, we are dedicated to providing our students with an exceptional educational experience Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in the dynamic field of cinema We offer a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies and methodologies in filmmaking
Our faculty comprises industry professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and realworld insights into the classroom, fostering a creative and collaborative environment We strive to empower our students to explore their artistic voices and develop the critical thinking necessary to thrive in their future careers
THECHAIROFARCHDR.TAMER
The Architecture Department at Effat University is dedicated to shaping the next generation of visionary architects who will redefine the future of our built environment By blending creativity, innovation, and sustainability, we provide students with a solid foundation to excel in an ever-evolving global landscape
Our carefully designed curriculum integrates design theory with realworld applications, ensuring students gain expertise in cutting-edge technologies, urban challenges, and sustainable practices Through immersive studio work, collaborative projects, and exposure to advanced tools, students develop the ability to create thoughtful, functional, and sustainable designs
Our faculty, composed of distinguished scholars with professional experience, bring a unique mix of academic excellence and industry insight into the learning experience By fostering critical thinking, creativity, and problemsolving, we aim to inspire students to approach architecture as a discipline that not only shapes spaces but also transforms lives
At Effat University, we empower our students to challenge conventions, embrace innovation, and lead the way in creating a more sustainable and inclusive future through architecture
THE CHAIR OF DESIGN DR. SAJID
At the Design Department of Effat University, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of creative thinkers and innovators in the fields of Interior Design and Industrial Design Our comprehensive curriculum is designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the ever-evolving design industry
Our faculty includes industry experts and highly qualified academics who bring a wealth of experience and insights into the classroom They are dedicated to fostering a collaborative and dynamic learning environment where students can explore their artistic visions while honing their technical skills
We emphasize the importance of industry collaboration and service learning Through partnerships with leading organizations and real-world projects, students gain invaluable experience that bridges the gap between academia and industry This hands-on approach not only enhances their learning but also equips them with the critical thinking and problemsolving skills necessary for successful careers in design
At the School of Cinematic Arts at Effat University, we are dedicated to providing our students with an exceptional educational experience Our goal is to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in the dynamic field of cinema We offer a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical foundations with practical applications, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies and methodologies in filmmaking Our faculty comprises industry professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world insights into the classroom, fostering a creative and collaborative environment We strive to empower our students to explore their artistic voices and develop the critical thinking necessary to thrive in their future careers
THECHAIROFSCADR
ECOAD: A YEAR OF GROWTH, GRIT, AND GREATNESS!
Innovating Sustainability: Asmaa Al Ganawi Wins 1st Place
Our MSUD alumni, Asmaa Al Ganawi, among a team secured 1st place in the "Redesigning Plastics: Youth Innovators" competition! This initiative challenged creative minds to present groundbreaking solutions for redefining plastic use toward a more sustainable future
ARCH Alumni Among the Top 100 Designers AWARDS:
The Effat ARCH department proudly celebrate the remarkable achievement of Salwa Samragndi and Dana Al Amri, ARCH alumni, who have been recognized as two of the top 100 designers in the Middle East and North Africa by Architectural Digest This prestigious acknowledgment highlights their exceptional talent and contributions to the world of design Congratulations to Salwa and Dana for this outstanding milestone in their professional journeys!
Written by ARCHITECTURAL DISGEST
“Architects Yahia Kandil and Dana AlAmri established Watad Studio, a Jeddah-based design practice in 2017 Combining vernacular architecture with contemporary needs, their projects are grounded and grand, all at once “We believe that tradition can add meaning and soul to a space and to a neighbourhood,” says the duo that, after working on a range of UNESCO world heritage sites, is now focused on residential and leisure projects around the Kingdom “We keep learning from traditional buildings and local builders with
ancestral know-how to create projects that interact better with our environment ” Saudi Arabia; @watadstudio
Written by ARCHITECTURAL DISGEST
The founder of SAL Architects, Salwa Samargandi adopts a holistic approach to regenerating urban sites in her home country Her work on a historic mosque in AlUla preserved its distinctive architectural features while improving accessibility and fostering community interaction Through such sustainable design and a deep commitment to cultural safe-keeping, Samargandi is advancing awareness of Saudi Arabia’s heritage, gaining recognition both locally and globally Saudi Arabia; @sal architects”
Asmaa's innovative approach stood out, addressing environmental challenges through recycling, sustainable design, and alternative material development The competition was proudly organized by KAU, the Oil Sustainability Program (OSP), and SABIC
Congratulations to Asmaa for this inspiring achievement and for leading the charge toward sustainability!
Muneer Sendi Award for Architecture at the IADC 3
The Muneer Sendi Award for Architecture brought the spotlight to our talented ARCH students, honoring their exceptional creativity and innovation Here's a roundup of this year's remarkable winners:
First Track: Architecture and Interior Design
1st Place: Wed Merwas
2nd Place: Marwa Hagos
4th Place: Sara Bakhshwain
5th Place: Shadha Alubedy
Second Track: Urban Design
3rd Place: Team Lama Al Turk, Fai Al Alaqi, Jouri Bamhraz, Samar Mohammad, Rawan Musbahi, and
Saudi Umran Society Competition: Marah Aljassem Wins 2nd Place
East to tackle pressing issues in landscape architecture Their success is a testament to their talent, n
Our ambassador Marah Aljassem, ARCH alumni, achieved 2nd place in the prestigious Design of Mosques Competition This contest, organized by the Saudi Umran Society, focused on designing a sustainable mosque in Al-Madinah, blending environmental consciousness with cultural and spiritual values
Marah’s innovative design exemplifies how architecture can embrace sustainability while honoring tradition Congratulations to Marah on this remarkable achievement!
Global Landscape
Brilliance: Sabeen and Lina
Shine at IFLA Global Studio
Our ARCH students, Sabeen and Lina, have made us proud by achieving remarkable victories at the IFLA Global Studio 2024 SSLA International Student Charrette Sabeen, among a team, secured 2nd place, and Lina, among a team, earned 3rd place in this highly competitive event
The SSLA Student Charrette, part of the IFLA Global Studio initiative, connects creative minds from across Europe, Asia, America, and the Middle
Showcasing Talent at the ITHRA Tanween Grad Expo
Two of our exceptional alumni had their groundbreaking projects showcased at the ITHRA Tanween Grad Expo, an event that highlights innovative designs from KSA and around the globe
Hala Kajak, ARCH alumni, exhibited her remarkable project under the guidance of Dr Mohamed Kashef Areej Alghonaim, Product Design alumni, presented her innovative work under the supervision of Dr Ahmed Kassab and Dr Sajid Khalifa
Aseel Mostafa Shines at
INDEX Saudi Arabia Future Stars Competition
Leen Bazzi secured 1st place in the Paper Sessions, 3rd Track: Design and Sustainability
Refal Bagazi earned 2nd place in the same track Both were supervised by Dr Ahmed Abdelrazik
Aseel Mostafa, an Interior Design alumna, has achieved an incredible milestone by having her capstone project shortlisted among the top seven entries for the prestigious INDEX Saudi Arabia Future Stars Competition 2024
Guided by the expertise of Dr Ahmed Abdelrazik, Aseel’s innovative approach and dedication reflect the hig ur gra 0 Se d em e reg
Eman Bawazir achieved 2nd place in the Prototype Session under the supervision of Dr Ahmed Kassab
The
6th Undergraduate Research Forum
The 6th Undergraduate Research Forum 2024 provided a dynamic platform for undergraduate students to showcase groundbreaking research and innovative ideas across multiple disciplines
We are proud to celebrate the achievements of our Interior Design alumni:
Saudi Creativity on a Global Stage: Artigiano in Fiera
Our Product Design alumni, Raghad Balkhair, was chosen by the Ministry of Culture to represent Saudi Arabia at the Saudi Pavilion in Artigiano in Fiera 2024, held in Italy this November
Effat School of Cinematic Arts: Celebrating a Semester of Success
We are thrilled to highlight the incredible achievements of our talented students and alumnae at the Effat School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) this semester Their dedication, creativity, and hard work have garnered recognition on prestigious global platforms, making us all immensely proud
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to these rising stars of cinematic arts and to the faculty who have supported their journeys Their accomplishments continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers at Effat University
�� Lama Jamjoom: Won multiple awards at the Al Gouna Film Festival for her project "Remind Me to Forget," securing prizes totaling up to $90,000
��Lama Jerkas: Shortlisted for her film "Diaa Shamsi" at the Red Sea Film Festival
��Hadeel Moharram: Awarded funding totaling $70,000 at the Red Sea Film Festival Souq to produce her film "I Didn’t Sign Up For This" �� Yam Fida: Shortlisted for her film "Tied" at the Red Sea Film Festival
�� Rana Matar: Graduation film "Does it hurt too bad to look at me?" Shortlisted at both the Red Sea Film Festival and the Cairo Film Festival
�� Jawaher Alamri: Won the Special Jury Award at the Cairo International Film Festival for her film "Last Dismissal "
THE 3RD IADC! “Heritage Revival: Innovative Paths for Sustainable Living” EVENTS:
The Effat College of Architecture and Design (ECoAD) proudly hosted the 3rd International Architecture and Design Conference (IADC) on November 4-5, 2024 This annual event has become a premier global platform for exploring groundbreaking innovations, sustainable practices, and transformative ideas that are shaping the future of architecture and design
Gathering architects, designers, urban planners, researchers, industry professionals, and students from across the world, the IADC fosters vibrant discussions, collaboration, and inspiration The conference showcases a diverse range of activities, including design competitions, interactive exhibitions featuring student projects, and thought-provoking keynote speeches by renowned experts It provides a dynamic environment for exchanging knowledge and exploring emerging trends in the ever-evolving fields of architecture and design
This year ’ s event was highlighted by an inspiring keynote delivered by Prof Hanif Kara, who captivated the audience with his presentation titled, “Heri-Tec: Rooted in Contingency & Uncertainty ” Prof Kara shared profound insights into the innovative integration of heritage and technology, shedding light on how these elements can coexist to drive architectural advancement
The 3rd IADC was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and collaboration, solidifying its reputation as a cornerstone event for advancing dialogue and ideas within the global architectural and design community
Countries
Exhibition contributors
8 Workshops on topics including heritage integration, digital innovation, BIM technology, urban planning, and product design
8 Tracks: Cutting-edge Conservation Techniques 1. Empowering Communities in Heritage Revival 2 Promoting Sustainable Tourism and Economic Growth 3 Harnessing Digital Innovation for Heritage Revival 4. Policy, Governance, and Stakeholder Collaboration 5 Education for Heritage Revival 6. Urban Regeneration of Historic Cities 7. Cinema and Heritage 8
We care at CoAD to recruiting the best-qualified students, from within or outside of an institution, in a timely and effective manner our immersive learning activities attract, engage, and convert school students into new and consistent enrollments that help to determine the quality of the applicants who will study there Furthermore, it also plays a very important role in helping to achieve the prestige of our college
School Visits: Walk the
Class Engagement & students' exposure:
Excerpts of Students class engagement that refers to the degree of attention, curiosity, interest, optimism, and passion that students show when they are learning or being taught At CoAD, we equip our students with cutting-edge skills, realworld experience, and invaluable industry connections
This immersive exhibition was not just a celebration of student creativity but also a testament to Effat University's commitment to interdisciplinary learning and artistic expression Each section of the exhibition reflected a unique perspective on the chosen theme, illustrating the diverse ways in which students interpret and represent their educational journeys
Created and supervised by Dr Tarek Hanafy, “The exhibition hosts the work of freehand drawing students, along with 3D model making and photography students The theme of the exhibition is to highlight education at Effat University as a path that students undergo to develop and explore themselves
A red line of length 120 meters was drawn by the freehand freshmen students from outdoor spaces and cut through buildings amongst the premises of the University to accommodate their work during the 2024 fall semester While the photography students hung their exciting photographs from the sky, the model-making students presented their 3D work indoors Many students’ relatives, friends, faculty, and administration attended the exhibition following the journeys of the students along that red path, and hence, Walking the Line!”
The red line served as a metaphorical and physical guide, seamlessly connecting various art forms Outdoors, vibrant sketches and drawings Indoors, intricate 3D models revealed innovative design solutions, while suspended photographs turned the ceilings into captivating visual narratives
Walking the Line was not only an artistic showcase but also an engaging experience that brought the campus community together Attendees marveled at the synergy between creativity and education, gaining insight into how students harness their skills to navigate and transform their paths at Effat University
Line Exhibition
Student Club Spotlight: ASC & AIAS
The Architecture Student Council has had a remarkable semester, fostering creativity, unity, and community engagement among students
Student Club Spotlight: SCA Council
The SCA Council, under the guidance of Dr Ghazala, hosted a poignant Documentary Screening: Gaza This impactful event showcased films that highlighted the struggles and resilience of Gaza's people Through compelling storytelling, the documentaries shed light on the impact of conflict and the strength of the community, fostering awareness and sparking meaningful conversations about the region's challenges
Saudi National Day Celebration: A vibrant mural adorned the ARCH Hall, inviting students to paint and celebrate the nation’s spirit through architectural statements
Freshman Orientation: Welcoming new students with warmth and creativity, the council organized a special orientation and even printed stickers to mark the occasion
Craft for a Cause: In a show of solidarity for countries facing humanitarian crises, students came together to create meaningful crafts, spreading awareness and compassion
This dynamic council continues to enrich campus life with its impactful initiatives!
@effat arch student council
This initiative exemplifies the council’s dedication to using cinematic arts as a tool for advocacy and education
Hosted the Red Sea Film Festival Orientation on October 21, 2024, providing participants with an overview of the festival's schedule, key activities, and networking opportunities to ensure a rewarding experience In addition, they hosted a series of enriching events in October 2024, starting with "Cinematic Revolution: How AI is Redefining Filmmaking", which delved into AI’s role in transforming creativity and efficiency in the film industry On International Animation Day, participants celebrated the art of animation through a film screening and discussion, exploring its storytelling and cultural significance
The month concluded with "Writing Feature vs Short Films", offering valuable insights into the nuances of crafting narratives for different formats
Innovation in Spaghetti Bridge Project
Effat University’s Architecture students showcased creativity and engineering skills in a Spaghetti Bridge Project led by Dr Amjad as part of their Structural Integration course
Using only spaghetti, rubber bands, and glue, students designed and built bridges focusing on structural stability, load capacity, and aesthetics
The project blended architectural design with engineering principles, encouraging critical thinking about material efficiency and performance
A live testing event evaluated the bridges’ strength, providing valuable lessons in teamwork and innovation
The project blended architectural design with engineering principles, encouraging critical thinking about material efficiency and performance
A live testing event evaluated the bridges’ strength, providing valuable lessons in teamwork and innovation
ECOAD Faculty Spotlight:
Welcome to Faculty Spotlight, a dedicated column where we shine a light on the inspiring educators who shape the minds of tomorrow at Effat University This series highlights their exceptional achievements, innovative teaching methods, and valuable contributions to academia and the broader community
Dr. Nermine Abdelhalim (ARCH): Led the Eco-City Challenge for high schoolers, inspiring sustainable urban designs through creativity
Dr. Amgad Fahmy (ARCH): Hosted a comprehensive online Statistical Analysis for Researchers Workshop, equipping participants with tools like SPSS for statistical interpretation and research
Dr. Ibrahim Saleh (ARCH): Guided students through innovative experiences in architecture, including AI-powered design visualization, advanced Revit modeling, and VR applications, fostering creativity and technical growth
Honored by the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property with a dedicated feature in their Designs Guide, recognizing his impact on industrial design Additionally, he was celebrated in Global Supply Chain Magazine as the "Godfather of Industrial Design in the Middle East," with a three-page spread highlighting his contributions
Dr Mohamed Fekry (ARCH): delivered thought-provoking talks, including "
" at the Mosque Architecture Forum and "AI or IA" during Arab Architecture Week 5 He organized and moderated workshops on computational design and social aspects in architecture, reviewed the "Urban Design Lab Thesis Publication 2024," and contributed to multiple competitions like the INSPIRELI Awards and the Muneer Sendi Award His expertise also shone in his presentation on AI technologies in healthcare facility management
