CONTENTS BFA
MFA
On behalf of Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, it is my pleasure to present the class of 2013. These students have developed their ability to engage in issues through demanding processes that require research, collaboration, innovation, fabrication and visualization. I invite you to enjoy a glimpse of their projects and thoughts that are represented in this publication. At VCUQatar we understand the significant expectations that stand before our graduates when they enter their professional roles in Qatar and the region. We prepare them for that future. As educators, we recognize that the university experience is transformational and that learning continues past graduation. The transition from university to the next stage in life opens up new opportunities for our graduates. We trust in their intellectual and creative abilities to help them achieve all they envision, and to continue to learn with each new challenge. I would like to thank Qatar Foundation and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser whose commitment to the region and to the cause of quality education stands behind the incredible opportunities our students have been privileged to enjoy.
Allyson Vanstone Dean
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FASHION DESIGN
FD
There are many common misconceptions about the design process, but Fashion is perhaps misunderstood most of all. Most people assume it’s as simple as a sketch on a piece of paper. In reality the ideas are a confluence of images from everything and everywhere that in turn plant the seed of an idea. We all see celebrities and models on the runway and in magazines that cause us to dream, but “design” takes skill, and more importantly, research. Fashion designers are natural and learned researchers. We scour fashion history, past and present and fashion publications in search of a direction and some forgotten detail that sets us apart.
Little in fashion is really new. It has all been done before. It’s just a matter of reinterpreting and redefining it into something different. We change the color story or color combination. Defy the rules of proportion and experiment with unexpected silhouettes and volume, not to mention the telling detail. In a word, we put our “fingerprint” on it. Science tells us that a fingerprint is our single most distinguishing feature. Even identical twins have a different configuration of lines that seal their identity.
Sandra Bell Wilkins Chair, Fashion Design
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BASRA KHALID BASHIR
Monarchy TITLE
fashion collection MEDIUM
2013 D AT E
My designs change according to my mood or the circumstances.
FASHION DESIGN
8
I get inspired by anything, be it shreds of erasers to famous works of art. Finding ways to convey ideas to the world, where every person reacts differently to design, keeps me involved. Fashion is now a necessity; it’s not anymore just tailors and fabric. My collection Monarchy embodies a mesh of cultures and styles that become a source of attraction for fashionistas on the look out. My objective is to create an ambiance as if the runway was at an actual royal palace.
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Untitled TITLE
fashion collection MEDIUM
2013 D AT E
For as long as I can remember, my childhood was filled with beautiful dresses and garments. These garments were adorned with delicate embroidery and embellishments. The finishing touch was always tying a beautiful satin bow at the back of every dress. The flawless construction and soft silhouettes represented the touch of perfection that I recall to this day. I use fashion to express myself; I shape my aspirations onto paper and later merge them into reality. I truly believe in the power of simplicity, but with a unique contemporary twist. Rich colors; a combination of lush and embroidered fabrics, and flawless construction mark my designs.
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FASHION DESIGN
DANA MASOUD
OULLA AL-SAMARRAE
Untitled TITLE
fashion collection MEDIUM
2013 D AT E
As a fashion designer, I love experimenting with different materials, colors, shapes and patterns. I enjoy exploring different construction techniques to create original garments, and by following the current fashion trends I pick up on things that appeal to me and incorporate them into my designs.
FASHION DESIGN
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I love the fact that fashion is always changing yet it is recurring. I like to create various designs and to explore the possibilities with fashion, but always refer back to my preferred personal style, which is elegant, youthful, tailored, and soft tailored garments. For my senior Spring 2013 Collection I chose to create a collection that reflects my own personal style, which I describe as simple, elegant, sophisticated and youthful. Using basic silhouettes and simple colors to create a softly tailored collection that would mark my gateway into the fashion industry.
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RABAB ABDULLA
Timeless Blend TITLE
fashion collection MEDIUM
2013 D AT E
FASHION DESIGN
14
Creativity, comfort and elegance are three concepts that are important in fashion design. Style is a tool to enhance a woman’s appearance, yet a woman should still feel comfortable in what she’s wearing. I believe innovation that goes hand in hand with comfort results in a unique design. Above everything, my outlook on fashion is that one should know himself/herself in order to be in the best outfit that elevates his/her beauty. The aim of my current collection, Timeless Blend, is to create an attitude of an all-time active person, who always brings a positive vibe to the people around her.
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Deviant Minimalist TITLE
fashion collection MEDIUM
2013 D AT E
Immersed in the sophistication of the beautiful mesh of life often resides mere simplicity. Having sprouts of fun and finding beauty in simple things in life lends smiles and comfort to my heart, and this reflects in my way of life, as well as in my design decisions. Drips of fun, array of adventures, flashes of excitement, and nibbles of surprises balance my holistic quest for serenity and simplicity. My senior collection entitled Deviant Minimalist explores the superimposition of simplicity, elegance, freedom and comfort that a woman aspires, with accents of playfulness and energy that beams in her personality.
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FASHION DESIGN
SULTANA JESMINE
GRAPHIC DESIGN
GD
“This class of seniors has been inventive, creative and dynamic fueled by the diversity of the group. Not only does the group have a variety of interests, skills, creative foci and acuities but they also have diversity in cultural background, gender and language. They have supported and pushed each other to do their best. They are ready to take on the challenges ahead.” Muneera Spence Chair, Graphic Design
“Even though I have only known these students for less than a year, it is clear to see that they are an energetic and motivated group, keen on applying their design skills to bring about positive change within their community.” Basma Hamdy, Assistant Professor
“I see you now as design student champions who made it successfully towards the final rehearsal. Congratulations! But the journey is about to begin. We, as faculty, have offered you a hybrid road map, hurry and figure out how to get to places where design fosters changes. Remember, roads might change too, so take new ones, lead, explore, learn, take risks, be responsible, infuse genuine criticism, synthesize, influence, transform … Make new process records! Come back and share your adventures, we also would like to learn from you!” Diane Mikhael, Assistant Professor
“The Graphic Design Class of 2013 has been known to be a hard working and devoted group. I wish them continued success.” Law Alsobrook, Assistant Professor,
“Give it your best, and when you mess up, dust yourself off and do it again, but differently. Keep in touch with each other; you will be surprised how much that can pay off.” Leland Hill, Assistant Professor
“As you all move forward into the design world, don’t forget to look back to where you were, and where you came from. Remember how much you have learned, and changed. And as you move forward, continue to grow your mind, and keep your heart young.” Levi Hammett, Assistant Professor,
“I have been in Doha now for four years. This is the first graduating class that I had the opportunity to work with, and teach, from freshman to seniors. It has been amazing to watch them grow, transform and become self-driven aspiring designers who I think will have a huge impact on the creative culture in Qatar and the region.” Michael Hersrud, Assistant Professor
“Here is an innovative group of young people who have a sincere interest in the potential for designed expressions, processes and experiences to be meaningful and supportive to their cultures and societies.” Peter Martin, Assistant Professor
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AISHA AL-MANNAI
Tea Seasons TITLE
digial print MEDIUM
20 x 20 cm DIMENSIONS
GRAPHIC DESIGN
20
Culture in general, and the Qatari culture in particular, was always a big source of inspiration that I utilized throughout my design education. As a communication designer and branding professional, I am always curious and excited about using the power of design to address many social issues in Qatari society. While planning my projects, I not only focus on designing them, but also on delivering to the society unheard voices. Such a perception comes from my belief that when mouths are forced to remain shut, arts and design need to come into play to communicate what can be verbally prohibited. To achieve this goal, the design media I use extend from digital to print, and also up to utilizing 3D. Looking back on my four years of education as a Graphic Design student here at VCUQatar, I feel that what I have accomplished polished me as an individual first, and as a designer second. I am pretty sure that what I have done is only the beginning of a long journey that I look forward to with enthusiasm.
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Find n’ make TITLE
printed book MEDIUM
21 x 18 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2011 D AT E
In graphic design it is rare to find a unique idea. I believe my work stands out because I consider my design part of my identity. My personality and culture are infused into any work I create. Throughout my three years as a graphic design student, I have learned that we are problem seekers, problem solvers, and our goal is to communicate ideas visually. We design to make a change, to make everything more interesting, and to give value and meaning to what we design. I tend to enhance the ideas of simplicity and effectiveness within my designs, because I believe that even delicate lines can send a powerful message. My inspiration comes from the problem and the environment that surrounds it. As a Qatari Graphic designer, I always try to reflect my culture, identity, and traditions in my work. When people look at my designs, I want them to understand where I come from, the importance of design, and how it could positively affect their everyday life.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
AL DANA ALI AL-KHATER
CHAIUN CHUNG
722 Poster TITLE
digial print MEDIUM
A2 DIMENSIONS
Fall 2011 D AT E
GRAPHIC DESIGN
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Most people think that designers are people who make things look good; I believe that designers are people who see the problems of communication and make them clearer. Since I was young, I have always been able to see the minor flaws in designs, which can be fixed. I’ve always had a desire to fix these flaws. I followed my path, and here I am. I am ready to fix the problems and make the world a better and easier place for people. My goal is to make my design visually communicate with my audience. I believe that dynamic design attracts and engages an audience. I also believe that design should connect to them emotionally. Design is about arranging information in such a way that the importance of a message can be read by an audience in the most efficient way.
My inspiration comes from the things I see in my life. Everything was created for a reason, and this relationship creates an amazing scene: the color scheme of nature; the composition created by an arrangement of buildings; these are all interesting inspiration for me. Using what I have learned in graphic design, I can incorporate all the things that inspire me into my designs.
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DAWOOD MOHAMMAD ANWARI
Zogma War TITLE
interactive digital, IOS app MEDIUM
2048 Ă— 1536 px DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
My work is diverged into a large scale of mediums and ideas in order to convey a message to the audience; I go through a long process of experimenting and problem solving. Living in and observing a lot of different cultures are what shapes my mind and thoughts. Thinking of existing problems and how I can solve these problems to create a better life is part of the thinking process I go through. As a graphic designer, knowing is the key to success. If I design an ad without knowing why, then I am creating a problem instead of solving one.
Moviemakers and game designers inspire me in the way they send their messages through their own mediums. The idea of teaching in an unnoticeable and fun way is what I embed in my work. I designed a game for the visually impaired to help in their knowledge of animals and to interact with other people, using the sense of fun and excitement.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
I am a visual communicator; my work, so far, has been sending a message through different mediums, always from a rapidly changing root. I am a graphic designer who loves mystery and solving riddles, which is what I find so intriguing about my chosen career.
FARAH ALTAWEEL
Arab Blood to Arab Spring TITLE
letterpress MEDIUM
15 x 53 cm DIMENSIONS
Summer 2012 D AT E
GRAPHIC DESIGN
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I often feel that my brain functions differently from one day to another, which probably explains why I love to try a lot of things and find ways to combine them. I began as a photographer; then I became interested in graphic design. And then both those arts combined with other arts: screen-printing, letterpress, filmmaking, teaching, building, and communicating. Now, all these different interests influence my visual creativity. A teacher once told me that the design process generates a conversation between my work and myself. Her valuable insight helped me to realize that happy mistakes occur when I intentionally aim to achieve something that in the process of making assumes different forms. Art happens in that moment, in the space between intention and accident. I try to listen to the whispers of my work and follow them to surprising, interesting places. Unexpected solutions open my eyes to new techniques, improved ideas, and a valuable story to tell of how it happened.
Creativity is fun. Design is play, a fact that stimulates a desire to immerse myself in my work. Developing the right chemistry of details is a matter of paying attention to how design elements respond to each other and create a statement. As a graphic designer, I believe that creativity matters but bold innovation matters even more. Risk-taking allows unforeseen solutions to take form and enable a project to deliver a stronger message. Taking chances and moving in different directions enriches my design thinking and my work process.
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FATIMA SAEED AL-NAJAR
You are Brothers TITLE
digial print MEDIUM
84.1 x 59.4 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
GRAPHIC DESIGN
30
The Syrian people have undergone a number of traumatic and devastating events that have compromised their proud national and cultural identity. To reach the minds and hearts of the Syrian people and remind them that they are all human was the aim of this project. I incorporated the colors of the Syrian flag and employed calligraphy as the stars to connect the three bars. I also allude to protest boards that Syrians used during this war. No more innocent blood should be spilled over issues that can be solved using civilized discourse and rational thought. This poster supports Article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.�
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HESSA JASSIM AL-THANI
Human Rights Brochure/Poster TITLE
digial print MEDIUM
A1 DIMENSIONS
Fall 2013
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As a graphic designer, visual signification is of the upmost importance. In each of my projects, I try to carefully and deeply explore what each
GRAPHIC DESIGN
D AT E
visual element conveys in order to discover creative and relevant ways of communicating. My aesthetic is simple. Most of my designs incorporate graphic elements that I have created from scratch. I also enjoy experimenting with found visual elements in order to create innovative graphic forms. With each project, I try to utilize a diverse array of materials and search for inspiration in the unconventional. I believe design is a way to alter our reality, a way to share our personal perspectives. Through design, I have tackled many social and environmental issues, and my goal is to continue creating work that will improve our society.
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LEILA NATSHEH
Tfaddal ... Shhalak? (Welcome ... How are you?) TITLE
wood MEDIUM
42 x 15 x 3 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
For me, design is an outlet to study human interaction. My most recent work explores projects that allow a user to participate,
photography, I always explore process and attempt to gain as much knowledge as possible. My main object, no matter what media I choose, is to communicate experiences and tell stories that resonate deeply within us all.
change, and create their own experience through design. As the profession continues to evolve, I believe the role of the designer is shifting from communicating static messages to facilitating shared experiences that spark curiosity and enable an audience to collectively contribute to an idea.
In the past four years, I have come to understand both the benefits and deceit of design in our lives, an insight that reminds me to approach my work carefully. Design does not always need to try to save the world, however, it should provide us with fruitful experiences and encourage future generations to positively impact everyday life.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
I am continuously observing and learning from the world around me. Whether I’m exploring graphic design, screen-printing, jewelry, or
MARYAM AL-ESSA
Khif Alaina Ya … (Take it easy you ... ) TITLE
digial print MEDIUM
5.5 x 8.5 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
I am very proud to be an Arab. Thus, I always strive to express my identity through my work, not necessarily directly or visually, but within the subject.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
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One of my major influences is Reza Abedini. I’m inspired by the way he links his interest in calligraphy with photography and how he approaches design solutions by using Arabic typography and calligraphy. I’m also very influenced by the younger generations in Qatar and their constantly changing trends, from words, to fashion, to places. This deep desire for change and novelty inspires me to embed these ideas in my work to connect with my audience through their own language.
While I use a variety of materials and processes, social, political and cultural issues shape my approach to my design. Often referencing Middle Eastern culture, my work explores relationships between pop art and Arabic calligraphy. Although there may not always be material similarities among different projects, they are linked by formal concerns through subject matter, technique, and language. The purpose of my work is to emphasize contemporary influences in Arab culture, tradition, and religion. As a designer who seeks social change, fostering awareness and approaching design solutions from local and regional perspectives is critical to my work
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MARYAM MANSOOR AL-THANI
High Heels & High Hopes TITLE
printed book MEDIUM
20 x 20 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2011 D AT E
GRAPHIC DESIGN
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A significant part of being a Graphic Designer is the ability to demonstrate diverse design skills. Academic training at VCUQatar has provided a solid foundation for me to understand the innovative concepts and principals of graphic design. My practical training through internships and client-based projects has provided the opportunity to demonstrate various skills learned in real life situations. My main goal after graduation is to show my capabilities as a creative graphic designer to benefit the Qatari community and support the country’s development. I plan to apply my knowledge and practical training to create projects that represent Qatar as a world leader in design. My goal is to imprint projects with my creativity, expert design, and a local perspective that communicates an appreciation for Qatar’s future by advancing its ideals.
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MOHAMMED ALI AL MASRI
Brake Time TITLE
cast iron, recycled automobile & clock parts MEDIUM
12-inch diameter DIMENSIONS
Spring 2013 D AT E
Testimonies to this abound aplenty. Two personal favorites: the Pietà and the Statue of David, both carved during the Renaissance era, have attracted throngs of observers since their creation. It is said their sculptor claimed to see them trapped inside the marble, and only carved the stone to set them free.
Being a student of art, living in the modern day, I sometimes find it difficult to pull myself away from the annals of history. Seated upon polished leather upholstery in a Spyker Laviolette, I cruised from the old Byzantine capital of Istanbul to the ancient Hapsburg capital of Vienna – and it was then that I was struck by an epiphany – I, much like the revered sculptor, took the old and carved it, breathing into it new life. In my hands, old scraps of metal, divorced from the present and disposed to the past, metamorphosed into revived entities capable of holding their own. It was then I realized what I had become, and I am hopeful that my work speaks for itself.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
Since its inception, Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution has provoked both much acclaim and skepticism; however, one thing remains irrefutable – it has proved to be impossible to ignore. Contemplating our evolution from mere organic compounds into the most sophisticated of species in the world compels one to reflect upon one’s actions and capabilities.
MOZA AL-SOWAIDI
Doha Insurance Company branding TITLE
digital print, digital rendering, vinyl MEDIUM
Summer 2012 D AT E
GRAPHIC DESIGN
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One of the reasons I chose to pursue graphic design is its versatility. Design offers me a dynamic platform to address social and environmental issues through different mediums. I enjoy creating projects that raise-awareness and shed light on everyday problems. At VCUQatar, I have benefited from working in a culturally diverse environment that I would not have experienced elsewhere. The dynamic nature of my projects enables me to think out of the box and address topics that are new to me. Through these experiences I have broadened my educational horizon and developed more fully as a person.
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MUNA MOHAMED AL-ANSSARI
Shafaf TITLE
digial print MEDIUM
A1 DIMENSIONS
Spring 2011 D AT E
I want the public to understand the significance of design, the role of designers, and how we can positively impact their lives. I also want local designers to be appreciated for what they can bring to the process of creating a better future for Qatar.
“Shafaf,” which means “transparent” in Arabic, is a poster I designed in my sophomore year. The idea behind this poster is to show people that women in the region are much more than the black abayas they wear; every woman has a unique and independent personality of her own.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
Though progressive in many ways, Qatari society is conservative and traditional in that that some topics that are difficult to communicate publicly. My role as a designer is to empower this communication process by examining controversial Qatari traditions. My previous work has shed light on arranged marriages, the importance of women in Islam, and traditional Qatari eating habits.
NADA HAMMADA
Human rights poster TITLE
digial print MEDIUM
A1 DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
GRAPHIC DESIGN
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For the past four years I have been experiencing different design aspects that helped me build a lot of interests in what I want to do as a graphic designer. Being exposed to different design methods and processes has helped correlate multiple visual communication disciplines within me, while at the same time developed skills in building contextual narratives and their visual solutions. As a student of graphic design, craft has been essential to me. The idea of transferring a concept to a 3-D object is a challenge that I enjoy considering. As part of this experience, for instance, I got to build design signs, a puzzle, various board games, and books. However, part of my education has also been spent learning to design print for screen passed medium. As for designing for the screen, I am interested in animation, apps, web design, and developing interactive publications.
I love to explore non-linear methods of communication. I wonder what design is capable of in regards to social change, especially if we tackled our daily tasks, problems, or situations from a design angle. In the future, I would love to apply varied design methods to encourage the audience in having a three-dimensional thinking strategy and to always question what they receive visually.
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NOOR AL-NAEMI
Human rights brochure/poster TITLE
digial print MEDIUM
A1 DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
GRAPHIC DESIGN
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For me, graphic design is a method of constructing communication through different mediums. It fascinates me how something as simple as color, shape, stroke, and type can be made into a meaningful object in the hands of a graphic designer. I create my designs with a passion for both tradition and innovation. Inspired and driven by the evolutionary world of technology, I apply innovative tools to produce cutting-edge designs, yet my process always begins with pencil and paper. As a graphic designer, I’ve gained a powerful communication channel that can inspire people. My work tackles a diverse range of topics. The Arabic voice is always present in my work, representing my passion for local culture and heritage. I also find myself communicating with a female voice and tackling issues around societies’ expectations of women. While many view this as a feminist direction, I believe it merely emphasizes humanity and the equality of the human race. I feel energized tackling such issues. This energy motivates me to search and find the most appropriate medium for designing a meaningful outcome.
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“Eye for identity” posters TITLE
digial print MEDIUM
42 x 29 cm DIMENSIONS
Spring 2013 D AT E
I cultivate my work to emerge from my passions of drawing, calligraphy, and photography. I find inspiring the learning that occurs within exploring and making through integrating digitally processed images, hand drawings, and photographs. The immediacy of being able to construct various compositions and with different media gives me such enjoyment. As a graphic designer, I take a critical view of social and cultural issues. My focus is identity and paying attention to the details of our environment and experience that we usually take for granted. My work pursues themes of identity, culture, and people’s ways of interacting to create experiences in which the user is supported and celebrated.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
RANA ABDALLA MOHAMED
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ROULA BADRELDIN ELSHAZLY
Breathtaking Nature TITLE
photography MEDIUM
8 x 5 in DIMENSIONS
Spring 2012 D AT E
Dealing with visiting designers and exchanging information increased my graphic design knowledge. Opportunity for collaboration opened new paths for creative development. Through my studies here I have become more aware of visual language and how it communicates with the public. In the future, I would like to use my knowledge of design principles to represent my culture and traditions. I would like to create a new way for people to visually engage with their own history and its relevance today. My studies here have allowed me to create a community of like-minded young designers who share similar values and goals, which I will carry with me beyond my time as a student.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
Graphic design is a creative process, one most often involving a client and a designer, and traditionally completed in conjunction with producers of form (printers, sign makers, etc.). Being a graphic design student of Virginia Commonwealth University I have changed as a person and as a designer. Studying at VCU has honed my ability to think creatively and conceptually to solve problems. I am interested in different aspects of video making such as storyboard, script, shooting, lighting, editing/producing, and framing. I do a greater job producing when I am in teams, where I have the opportunity to learn and share my knowledge with the other team members. Professionalism is a main factor in approaching projects. Also, one of the main characteristics of teamwork is the equivalence of hard work among team members.
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City War TITLE
digial print MEDIUM
18 x 20 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
I am always hungry for experimentation and new ideas, and I strive for innovative designs that engage the audience. I believe creative design solutions result from deep research throughout all parts of a project.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN
SARA AL-SAFFAR
TARIQ UMEDALY SPENCE
World War II Ariel Invasion (WWII.A.I) TITLE
digial print MEDIUM
6.4 x 8.9 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
“I once was lost but now am found,” John Newton, Amazing Grace 1725–1807
GRAPHIC DESIGN
56
Having found my cornerstone in the vast field of Graphic Design, I feel a drive I have never experienced before. This newfound excitement comes from designing interfaces for touch screen devices. I enjoy the significant amount of detailed thinking involved in the creation of an application, and the poetic incisions that give a program its intuitive qualities. With the promise of an everexpanding pixel ratio, the support of updates, and working from an RGB color palette with available motion graphics, the possibilities are endless. It is pure creation! I also have a deep love for designing games, which is similar in many aspects to designing interfaces. The mediums for games can vary, as each platform provides its own unique challenge. These challenges, in the creative process, keep the subject fresh. This interest presents me with an attractive career, especially when considering the exciting and attractive lifestyle of a game designer.
Overlying my development as a designer, in my heart, I am a musician. I write and record music, and have a full studio that is able to produce customized pieces for clients as well as my own tracks. Look for the name Blurr 151 in the years to come. It is my hope to combine work from all these creative arenas. Let the programmers program, and let the designers design (y).
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INTERIOR DESIGN
ID
Over the span of three intensive years in this department, each class develops a unique personality as they work, experiment and laugh together while acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the profession of Interior Design (or Interior Architecture as it is known in the Middle East). This graduating class is no exception and has distinguished itself as accomplishing important “firsts” for the department. They were the first participants in our new super studio that produced gigantic calligraphy which they morphed into innovative interior spaces (despite antics of a mischievous cat). They were our first class to wholeheartedly commit to international service learning trips to Indonesia and Thailand (thanks to prior examples set by several who preceded them). And they were the first to provide equally wholehearted enthusiasm for Desi Night that has become a popular activity for all Education City students.
This is also our first class in which all have generated a portfolio that provides comprehensive documentation of their design capabilities. Please keep this in mind as you view this small sampling of their work – and ask to see more. Having completed the curriculum, they are now ready – with portfolios, business cards and CVs on hand – to enter the workforce as professionals. The interior design faculty applauds them for their fine achievements and deeply appreciates the inspiration they will provide to future classes.
Carolyn Freeman Chair, Interior Design
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AISHA KHALIL
Al-Dar Airport Concourse TITLE
digital rendering MEDIUM
Fall 2012 DIMENSIONS
INTERIOR DESIGN
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Gandhi once said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I strongly believe in this quote, and I try to follow it in my life. In order for me to reach where I want to be in this world, I have to gain the confidence that would allow me to break all the boundaries and obstacles that come my way. Studying at VCUQatar was a great experience that helped me gain the self-confidence I was looking for. As a student I tried to make the most out of it by learning and exposing myself to the world of art and design. For me, graduating from VCUQatar is not the end of my exploration, but actually it is just the beginning of a new adventure that will open my eyes to new discoveries and endless learning. It’s just the beginning for me to be the change I want to see in the world, for me to prove myself as a designer and as a human being, and play an active role in the community.
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ALANOOD ALMAHAMADI
Ballet Academy TITLE
digital rendering MEDIUM
Fall 2012 D AT E
INTERIOR DESIGN
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As a student I never saw myself as just an interior designer, but more of a challenger. I always tried to be different and thought outside of the box. Rules and restrictions didn’t scare me, they actually added more of a challenge to the process. I see simple and safe designs as ineffective, and I would rather take my chances than staying safe. Projects were my way of dancing; I moved and developed in a smooth motion from one project to another. My work reflects a process. It starts from a journal, transforms into a scrapbook, and finally transitions into an experiment that is a reflection of my interests. I find the process of creating work cultivating, endeavoring and playful, for both myself and the viewer. I seek honest and daring expressions to convey my message. My four years at VCUQatar have made me who I am right now, a proud and strong designer.
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Untitled TITLE
hand sketch & digital rendering MEDIUM
42 x 29.7 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
Interior design has been my passion since I was a little girl. I carried that love in my heart through the past years, until I was admitted toVirginia Commonwealth University in Qatar and made my dream real. Interior design was the key that opened the way for me to translate my thoughts to a whole functional space that accomplishes the way people socialize and interact in a certain area. Creativity will never end for me as a designer. We’ve always been encouraged to think “out of the box” for special communication, since design is a universal language. Thus, I found design is a potent tool to spread my voice to the outer world. After graduation, my journey in discovering the magic of design will continue on a larger scale. I will add more knowledge and different experiences. This is how I will take another step toward achieving my unlimited goals.
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INTERIOR DESIGN
ALMAHA ALSHAIBI
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FAHAD AL-KUWARI
Film Set: The Reluctant Fundamentalist TITLE
hand sketch & digital rendering MEDIUM
42 x 29.7 cm DIMENSIONS
2012 D AT E
My approach to design focuses more on us; on the human being and the interaction with the surrounding context or environment. One cannot design a “real” physical experience for the users of a space, because basically, we do not have a definite understanding of what “real” is. Reality itself is a virtual environment that our brains translate through tangible components in our surroundings, and then create virtual jigsaw puzzles to connect those components together and create the spatial, sensory experience. I design those jigsaw pieces for the brain to process into pleasant interior experiences.
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INTERIOR DESIGN
Although my professional job title says that I’m an interior designer, I believe designers are much more than that, because the term ‘interior designer’ is limiting to what we can really do. I am a designer, a writer, an artist, a philosopher, an anthropologist, a historian, a researcher, a scientist, a filmmaker, you name it! To me, a designer needs to be all of that at once, because our role as designers has changed dramatically, and design has become much more than an aesthetic quality. Now, we design the surroundings and we shape them to create environments that can say something, a narrative of some sort, or even have a soul of its own.
FAREEHA ZAKRI
Multifunctional Space – Cruise ship TITLE
digital rendering MEDIUM
Fall 2012 DIMENSIONS
INTERIOR DESIGN
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Every individual is unique in every aspect. I am Indian but was born and raised in Qatar. Joining VCUQatar was one of the most memorable experiences that I will cherish all my life. Making the decision of being an interior designer surely was a life-turning point for me, as I got to do things that made me who I am today. When I compare myself now, to the person I was when I joined VCUQatar, I can confidently say that I have improved tremendously. I always try to implement sustainable design in almost all of my projects, which are modern and nature-oriented. As an Interior Designer, I like simplifying the space and making it an experience. The three main subject matters that influence my projects are craftsmanship, multifunctionality and sustainability. Accuracy and neatness in a project and in any work I do are of main concern for me. VCUQatar has enabled me to develop my own style of design which is encapsulated by three simple words – Simple, elegant and straightforward.
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PLAY Café TITLE
digital rendering MEDIUM
Fall 2013 D AT E
After spending four years at VCUQatar, I have not only become a critical thinker, but also a creative problem solver. I have discovered that a designer’s ability can only be measured depending on how far one can step “out of the box”; and that’s how I design. I believe design is all about taking risks and trying something new without fearing the outcome. Every mistake only opens another door to a new idea and that’s how I believe I have grown as a designer with an emerging identity as an ‘accidentalist.’ By this I mean that sometimes I fail to portray exactly what I had initially thought of, but at the end I know it was no effort or time wasted because the ‘mistake’ stimulates my creativity to transform it into a final, unique idea. I hope to take these learning and designing skills into the professional world and create my own identity as an interior designer.
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INTERIOR DESIGN
FARHEEN EHASANULLA
FARZANA HOQUE
Oncology Clinic Waiting Areas TITLE
digital rendering MEDIUM
22.61 x 13.11 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
INTERIOR DESIGN
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I remember my first Lego set and how I used to play with it as a child. One set of Lego was just not enough. Making houses every day for my little Lego people and space planning for them seemed to be the important task of the day. I was passionate about those little houses back then and still carry the passion now. The only difference now is that I don’t just want to design homes, but also other spaces like relief units, offices, hotels, restaurants and commercial environments. I have always been a very tactile person. I might not remember people’s names and what they do but I always remember how I have felt around that person. As a designer, I want the users to have a visual and emotional enrichment in the space. I want to create a memory of the space that is very personal to them. My aim is to create a design that is harmonizing and peaceful. Thoughtful choice of light and materials is essential in creating an emotional and physical bond between the occupants and the space.
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FATIMA AL-MASS
Jalsa TITLE
hand sketch & digital rendering MEDIUM
150 x 80 cm DIMENSIONS
Spring 2013 D AT E
INTERIOR DESIGN
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“To not be ashamed of my failures because they lead to great success” is the very first thing I learned from a professor in my sophomore year at VCUQatar. Those few words taught me that experimentation is the first stage of design, and every project is a new experiment which evolves into a unique design approach of my own. I am very attached to the traditions; therefore, I always use elements from Qatar’s heritage for a design concept, tweaking it by adding technology that enhances its function, or turning iconic pieces into multi-functional, modern ones.
The experience of the space is an integral part of interior design, and interactive places make the users enjoy being in them. A user-friendly experience is what I aim for, because I believe that interiors are part of the lifestyle of each person; it is a way of living better. For this space, I aimed at familiarity by designing a traditional jalsa for studying Quraan. The Jalsa looks like any ordinary one, yet it is an interactive space; the Basmalla is programmed to illuminate whenever someone enters the room as a reminder of saying it. This combination of traditions with technology reflects my unique design.
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Untitled TITLE
digital rendering MEDIUM
Spring 2013 D AT E
“To say that something is designed means it has intentions that go beyond its function. Otherwise it’s just planning.” Ayse Birsel
For me, those words sum up the core of design thinking. I believe that literal design can be one of the biggest clichés of my field because it is too obvious. Instead, thoughtprovoking designs emphasize subtly their elements to create an attractive environment. The user or client can gradually realize there is a much deeper meaning than is readily apparent at first, or even second glance. My design thinking reflects my personality. Looking back at my four years at VCUQatar, I have grown much more critical about design and have come to appreciate the value of critique to my own design.
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INTERIOR DESIGN
FATIMA MAKI
IMEN IBALA
Crossing Fingers TITLE
wood & glass MEDIUM
70 x 45 x 72 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
INTERIOR DESIGN
78
I find beauty in simplicity, but I design by looking for simplicity in complexity. Thanks to the Interior Design program, I have evolved into a designer who looks for solutions that put human needs first, and who incorporates aesthetics into them to develop practical design solutions. During my studies at VCUQatar, I learned that simplicity is beauty and the simpler the design, the better it looks. What I love most about designing interiors is this paradox: although spaces are limited, they can be activated and designed in unlimited ways. Throughout my years of study at VCUQatar, I have discovered origami and realized that I am a huge fan of it because it involves a complex functionality that transforms a simple, beautiful shape. To me, origami represents potential that can be translated later on as space. Origami is a metaphor for my style of designing, translating complexity to simplicity.
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MARYAM AL-SUWAIDI
Pixar Studio TITLE
digital rendering MEDIUM
20.32 x 20.32 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
INTERIOR DESIGN
80
Imagination has always been my first attraction. From a young age I would draw, color, cut and create my own artwork to add to my space to beautify it. As I grew up, my passion grew with me until I reached adulthood when I decided to share my creativity with the real world. My passion changed from being a simple childish dream into an intention to beautify spaces for all people around me. I believe I can achieve this through dedication, motivation and sincerity. This is why I chose interior design as my major.
With interior design I intend to create places of beauty and comfort for other people. As a designer, I have learned to create visual maps to assist others in the realization of my designs. In the future, I hope that my interior design solutions will play a significant role in the overall design development taking place in Qatar.
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Concept rendering for a library TITLE
digital rendering MEDIUM
Fall 2012 D AT E
Interiors are more than just physical spaces that surround us. I think of interior design as a tool for storytelling. I love creating concepts in response to famous quotes from musicians, poets, or the Holy Quraan. Each quote has a story behind it, and I tell that story by expressing it through architectural elements. To me, they express different parts of the story; walls, ceilings, windows and lighting all have roles to play in telling the story because each element has its own distinct character. I enjoy travelling and exploring new cultures and traditions. I’m interested in how people dress and behave in their own environments. I like to keep that vigilant eye for my surrounding and be aware of how the world functions around me. My travels have influenced my approach to design because it made me realize that I can use my design skills to benefit others. Let it be breaking the boundaries between religions, raising awareness about the significance of education, and even encouraging cultural exchange amongst diverse communities. Using storytelling as a design tool, I design to break boundaries and create a culturally rich experience.
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INTERIOR DESIGN
NOOR SULEIMAN
NOORHAN BULBUL
Qatar Foundation: Elderly Care Facility TITLE
digital rendering MEDIUM
47 x 63 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
INTERIOR DESIGN
84
An interior designer is frequently misunderstood by the work he/she produces. The ongoing rivalry between Architects and Designers made people put designers in a category of children’s action in “Coloring” and “Drawing.” But the “Best” misconception of them all is assuming we fall under “home decorating.” My four years in VCUQatar taught me to appreciate being talented as a designer and accepting who I am in this world. I am a Designer who thinks and sees the world in a different angle while the rest might contemplate and fall under the category of being utterly normal. The ability to create forms and space elements that humans interact within their daily routine, allows me as a designer to enter the world of ergonomic studies and discover new ways to either come up with problem solving solutions or to design an object which fits perfectly in an interactive space. The youthful spirit in me allows me to be fascinated in my every day discovery in design thinking, material searching and worldwide hidden talents.
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Untitled TITLE
wood MEDIUM
35 x 25 x 10 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2013 D AT E
I am passionate about new, innovative design and critical design thinking and enjoy creating things from scratch and re-designing objects to ensure better function. I believe that hybrid design is the new progressive direction. My main goal is to create an experience for the consumer and this requires a lot of critical thinking and problem solving. Understanding the product is crucial when it comes to successful design; a designer must know the possibilities, limitations and have a certain feel for the product. The table in figure 1 is made of 100% dead stock; it was designed for Droog’s workshop as part of their UP Factory collaboration with VCUQatar. This multipurpose table is made from Bamboo chopping boards and a wooden spoon; it is designed for both personal and entertainment usage. The table can easily be folded compactly and can be stored away. What would have been considered waste material is now given a new aesthetic, function and added value.
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INTERIOR DESIGN
SHAIKHA AL SOWAIDI
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Huddle space for Cartoon Network Office TITLE
digital rendering MEDIUM
30 x 30 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
89 Joining Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar and studying interior design was never on my agenda; it really “just happened,” Over the past four years, my experience in an art and design university has taught me two important things: first, the ability to have an effect on people’s minds and feelings through design is one of the strongest powers in the world and, second, that design is like music, it connects people. Today, as I am writing this paragraph for my “senior showcase catalogue,” it makes me realise that the time has come for me to put to use my design powers to connect people globally. I hope in the future, that I will be able achieve a successful interior design career that will help me grow and progress as an individual.
INTERIOR DESIGN
SHWETA DEY
YOUSRA AL-DABHANI
AlDar Airport Concourse TITLE
digital rendering MEDIUM
Fall 2012 D AT E
INTERIOR DESIGN
90
Since I was a child, I have always been fascinated by tight spaces filled with life and hiding areas. As I grew a little older, I started to imagine spaces mentally. I would see couches floating and swirling to different parts of the room. Files and papers would be flapping in the air and returning in order. Walls would start dissolving and melting, and sometimes new walls would come in. It was then that I knew what I wanted to become. Interior design to me is all about finding solutions to problems no matter how small or big. They could be as small as finding a solution to shut the door without distracting noises or as big as air conditioning the Education City during the summer. However, what I enjoy most is maximizing a small space with multi-functional usage. It requires critical thinking and problem solving. It also requires deep attention to small details we usually tend to ignore.
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MFA DESIGN STUDIES
The MFA program in Design Studies defines and inhabits an area between design disciplines. The purpose of the MFA program is to produce designers who are experts at negotiating and utilizing elements of many different fields to construct new tailored experiences. Tomorrow’s designers must be able to understand their audiences, collaborators and patrons in original and authentic ways. Global cultures already experience design in a singular fashion. Our practices combine graphics, interaction, engineering, systems, architecture, fashion and product design into a merged experience. Designers who are able to work outside their individual discipline will be at an advantage. The designers of the future will need to navigate between forms of practice, combining elements and skills to create new products, visuals, environments and interactions.
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ALIA KHAIRAT
Not Another Space Suit: Fusing Technology & Indigenous Solutions To Facilitate Thermal Comfort THESIS TITLE
DESIGN STUDIES
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Coming into the MFA program I was conflicted. I didn’t really know what direction my thesis would take. With a background in fine arts and illustration and a love for designing clothes and working with exciting materials, would it involve illustration or fashion? I ended up focusing on the problem of heat stress in Qatar’s migrant worker population. I designed a “concept suit” that facilitates thermal comfort by combining low-tech, indigenous heat-management systems with new technologies and knowledge of human physiology. The “concept suit” borrows from the superhero gestalt to shed light on the anonymous workers’ underlying strength. It flirts with the ideas of social status, perception and pride.
Now I look at my thesis project with amazement. By trusting the design process my thesis became a manifestation of all that I love. It explores fascinating new materials but also traditional materials and their properties. It digs deep into multi faceted research; it uses fashion to trigger new ideas; it uses illustration to articulate the main concepts; and comically enough (no pun intended,) it incorporates one of my guilty pleasures – sci-fi and superheroes. I believe that this unorthodox concoction of tradition, technology, fact and fiction is what makes this project uniquely mine.
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Education & Social Challenges: Multidisciplinary workshop for undergraduate students THESIS TITLE
service blue-print / lego building blocks MEDIUM
100 x 100 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
I had the opportunity to design and publish strategic documents for the Qatari government such as Qatar National Vision 2030, Human Development Report 2009 and National Development Strategy 2011 – 2016. Later on, I had the chance to reflect on this work experience and question how higher education can engage strategically and answer the 2030 vision. Consequently, I framed “obesity” as a social challenge and an opportunity for higher education to engage in. I embarked on an educational exploration at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) and questioned how students from various disciplines can address this challenge in an ethical and innovation framework. I delivered workshops for design, engineering and business students to question how we can innovate around “redesigning the eating experience,” a sub-challenge of obesity that jeopardizes the health and wellness of the population. The educational inquiry measured the students’ and faculty’s response to engage on similar topics, in addition to unfolding further requirements within the context of HBKU.
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DESIGN STUDIES
AMIN MATNI
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CORBY JAYNE ELFORD
Opportunities for the Sustainable Use of the Camel in Qatar THESIS TITLE
hobble rug
(camel down with inserted sheep staples)
MEDIUM
102 x 102 x 5 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
Thomas in Pretty, 2009
My research is about promoting the use of otherwise wasted resources, which are readily available in Qatar. Opportunities for the Sustainable Use of the Camel in Qatar became the topic for my thesis research, which lead to the creation of a framework for the production of a range of camel products. Simple questions about the products we use such as, where do they come from, how are they made, what are their impacts? (Lupton and Miller, 2009), underpin and serve as constraints for all of my projects. The work of Dutch designers Christien Meindertsma and Hella Jongerius are my greatest influences for philosophy of design and aesthetics, respectively.
I began my career as a Graphic Designer for Powergen in the UK before moving into the field of art and design education at Rochdale College of Further Education. I spent two years teaching three dimensional studies and life drawing whilst gaining a PGCE in art and design education. I have over 20 years of experience working in the UK, Kuwait and Qatar.
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DESIGN STUDIES
‘…the most valuable assets for any traditional community are its land and its culture’
SAMEH MOHAMED IBRAHIM
A Transient Community for a Transient Lifestyle THESIS TITLE
digital rendering / lasercut model MEDIUM
500 x 300 m / Model Scale 1:200 DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012
100
Nature is the greatest teacher for all designers. My design is inspired by the pattern formations of water lilies. Taking a critical
DESIGN STUDIES
D AT E
view of the social interaction and urban development issues in the city of Doha, the project is a result of three years life experience as an expat in Qatar. The project considers the ambitious Qatar Vision for 2030 and the hosting of the World Cup in 2022. Using water as an alternative means of living for rapid urban sprawl, I designed a transient, floating housing community, clustered on an adaptive hybrid layout pattern. The mobile housing units provide a new concept of urban development and a new living experience of freedom and social interaction between neighbors. The community is directly connected to the Doha waterfront, promoting the visual image of the city and locating the inhabitants in the heart of the city.
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AISHA NASSER AL-SOWAIDI
Finding History in The Future THESIS TITLE
cement & plastic MEDIUM
28 x 12 cm DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
My designs are poetic; they are my method to communicate who I am. As I incorporated my experiences and observations of the world around me into my designs, this process created a pattern in my work that developed into my thesis. Change and development over an extremely short period of time in Qatar have shifted the atmospheric sense of the country. The world around me has changed, creating a problem, while also creating many opportunities for design solutions.
In my research, I incorporate old experiences and behaviors with contemporary design in objects used within the house to maintain the feeling of being home. I also bring the modern city closer to the home through the use of materials inspired by the city. As a result of my experimentations with human behaviors, materials and senses, I created a series of projects that deal with memory, nostalgia, and traces of time.
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DESIGN STUDIES
Design – not just a word, but a collection of experiences I encountered throughout my life. Design – the definition of play, like I did as a child long before I understood design. It is a universe I entered unknowingly and grew up in intellectually which defines the designer I am now.
ESRA KAZEM
Beyond the Stated Function: Showcasing, through everyday objects, social obstacles imposed on Qatari female youth THESIS TITLE
digital rendering / lasercut model MEDIUM
500 x 300 m / Model Scale 1:200 DIMENSIONS
Fall 2012 D AT E
DESIGN STUDIES
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My design project showcases obstacles that Qatari culture and its society impose on their female youth by hindering them from becoming independent individuals. It critiques society and social pressures to raise awareness. In addition, it encourages people to think by challenging narrow assumptions and perceptions, which may provoke action. My study highlights the effects of social judgment, family authority, and gender favoritism on Qatari female youth. I used personal everyday objects as a means to communicate social and cultural pressures, which obstruct Qatari female youth population from becoming individuals who dream, achieve, and thrive.
These critically designed personal everyday objects are hybridized accessories and fashion items embedded with a meta-meaning that are thought provoking, inspirational and arouse curiosity. They are appealing, high quality and functionally viable everyday objects. The project highlights the individuality of young Qatari females. This individuality contributes to their becoming the foundation Qatar will need to achieve its National Vision 2030. My research and designs value culture and tradition, while calling cultural and societal practices into consciousness that obstruct the development and critical thinking abilities of young Qatari female individuals.
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AL HUSSEIN WANAS
Narrowing the Gap Between Imaginary & Real Artifacts: A Process for Making & Filming Diegetic Prototypes THESIS TITLE
film MEDIUM
1998 x 1080 px DIMENSIONS
Spring 2013 D AT E
I’m using Lacan’s triad structure: Imaginary, Symbolic, and Real to speculate about alternative futures that address emerging technologies, language, and individual needs, respectively.
I explore the Symbolic component (language) through visual structures. The resulting aesthetic may influence the function, and the nature of the work, but there is no objective interpretation on it’s meaning. I intentionally use the above process to explore new meanings that are not directly influenced by existing social mores. The resulting objects that manifest “Real” needs are fictional and are designed to function in a fictional narrative. My work is collectively presented through film, as a medium for contextualizing the objects into a story. The outcome is an Arabic Science Fiction film that uses speculative designs as means to critique/question cultural niches in a pseudo-contemporary Middle Eastern society.
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DESIGN STUDIES
I am interested in encouraging discourse on the mysterious and absurd areas of experience. My work is informed by theoretical structures from psychoanalysis and visual structures from geometry. This structural approach guides me in different areas that I haven’t explored before and helps me in reducing comfortable biases towards the aesthetic and semantic decisions in my work and speculations.
FACULTY
FASHION DESIGN Sandra Wilkins CHAIR BFA Virginia Commonwealth University Ali Khan ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MFA Academy of Art University BFA Academy of Art University Della Reams ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MFA Rhode Island School of Design BS Northern Michigan University
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Donald Earley ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AS Fashion Institute of Technology Linda Smyth Turczyn ADJUNCT FACULTY Metal Arts Diploma Sheridan College Narita Panji Mattock ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MS Panjab University BS Panjab University Roda Al Marzouqi PROGRAM & TEACHING ASSISTANT BFA Fashion Design, VCUQatar Stella Colaleo ADJUNCT FACULTY Master of Architecture, Politecnico Torino
GRAPHIC DESIGN Muneera Spence CHAIR MFA Yale University BFA West Virginia State University Basma Hamdy ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MFA Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) Dana El Ahdab ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MA Goldsmiths, University of London BFA VCUQatar Diane Mikhael ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MA Middlesex University London BA Notre Dame University Law Alsobrook ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MFA Rhode Island School of Design BA University of Alabama Leland Hill ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MFA Virginia Commonwealth University BA Columbia College Levi Hammett ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MFA Rhode Island School of Design BFA Oregon State University Michael Hersrud ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MFA Rhode Island School of Design BFA Minnesota State University Peter Martin ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MFA Virginia Commonwealth University BS Cornell University
INTERIOR DESIGN
MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN DESIGN STUDIES
Carolyn Freeman CHAIR MArch University of Illinois BS University of Nebraska
Pornprapha Phatanateacha ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR MFA Virginia Commonwealth University BFA University of Utah
Johan Granberg ASSISTANT PROFESSOR PhD in Architecture and Design, RMIT MArch Chalmers University
Benjamin Jurgensen ASSISTANT PROFESSOR DIGITAL FABRICATION LAB & WOODSHOP TECHNICIAN MFA Sculpture & Extended Media, Virginia Commonwealth University BFA Sculpture, Corcoran College of Art & Design
Kevin Woolley ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MS Utah State University BFA Brigham Young University Li Han ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MS University of Wisconsin BS Tonji University Liam Colquhoun ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MA in Communication Design, RMIT BA Napier University Scotland Maja Kinnemark ASSISTANT PROFESSOR BFA University of Design & Craft, HDK Matthew Holmes-Dallimore ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MA Middlesex University London BA Middlesex University London Maysaa Al-Mumin ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AA Dipl., Architectural Association, School of Architecture Modesty St. John ADJUNCT FACULTY B.I.D, Honors, Ryerson University, Toronto
Diane Derr ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MEDIA TECHNOLOGY COORDINATOR MFA Columbia College Chicago BFA Virginia Commonwealth University Michael Wirtz ASSISTANT PROFESSOR HEAD, RESEARCH & LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY MA University of Arizona MFA University of Arizona BFA University of Wyoming BA University of Wyoming Paolo Cardini ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MSc Industrial Design, Politecnico di Milano Richard Lombard ASSISTANT PROFESSOR MATERIALS CURATOR MBA Columbia University BA Dartmouth College Thomas Modeen ASSISTANT PROFESSOR PhD Loughborough University MPhil Royal College of Art AA Dipl. (MA) Architectural Association, School of Architecture BFA Parson’s School of Design
About Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar
Qatar Foundation – Unlocking Human Potential
VCUQatar is the Qatar campus of the prestigious Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Richmond, Virginia. Established in 1998, VCUQatar offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in fashion design, graphic design, interior design and painting & printmaking, a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history and a Master of Fine Arts degree in design studies.
Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development is a private, non-profit organization that is supporting Qatar on its journey from carbon economy to knowledge economy by unlocking human potential for the benefit of not only Qatar, but the world.
The first campus established in Education City, VCUQatar is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art & Design, The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Council for Interior Design Accreditation. VCUQatar strives to provide an engaged, learner-centered environment that fosters inquiry, discovery and innovation in a global setting. The University hosts the biennial international design conference Tasmeem Doha and the biennial Hamad bin Khalifa Islamic Art Symposium attracting globally recognized designers, academics and thinkers while fostering sustainable, university-community partnerships that enhance the educational, economic and cultural vitality of Qatar.
Founded in 1995 by His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, QF is chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. QF carries out its mission through three strategic pillars: education, science and research, and community development. QF’s education pillar brings world-class universities to Qatar to help create an education sector in which young people can develop the attitudes and skills required for a knowledge economy. Meanwhile, its science and research pillar builds Qatar’s innovation and technology capacity by developing and commercialising solutions through key sciences. Finally, its community development pillar helps foster a progressive society while also enhancing cultural life, protecting Qatar’s heritage and addressing immediate social needs in the community.
Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar Virginia University in Qatar P.O. Box Commonwealth 8095 P.O. Box 8095 Doha, State of Qatar Doha, State of Qatar www.qatar.vcu.edu www.qatar.vcu.edu Š 2013 Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar Š 2012 Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar Design Design Gushwa Jordan Sara Shaaban Shaaban Sara