The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is honoured to enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the American University in Dubai (AUD) to further develop design excellence in the UAE.
The RIBA and AUD held a virtual signing ceremony on 7 December 2020, attended by RIBA Chief Executive, Alan Vallance, who live-streamed from London and AUD President, Dr. David Andrew Schmidt who tuned in from Dubai. The meeting was chaired by Georges Kachaamy, Director of the Center for Research, Innovation, and Design (CRID).
To further develop design excellence in the region, the collaboration with AUD is of great importance to the RIBA in order to align with and expand the growing international network. This will allow the RIBA to continue to support students and to engage and elevate the architecture community in the Gulf.
RIBA Chief Executive, Alan Vallance said:
The RIBA recognises the significant role of architects, particularly in shaping communities and societies as a whole. We do note that this collaboration is of special significance as we will be collaborating on supporting the students at the university and are especially looking forward to championing elevated design thinking in the minds of future architects with the students at AUD.
AUD President, Dr. David Andrew Schmidt said:
The School of Architecture, Art & Design here at the American University in Dubai has worked to achieve and embody excellence. Most recently with the establishment of the Center for Research, Innovation and Design (CRID) under the direction of Georges Kachaamy, the school takes another step forward. This Memorandum of Understanding between AUD and the RIBA is another step, albeit a very large and proud one forward.
