As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the RIBA Gulf Chapter, we are taking the opportunity to reflect on our journey and celebrate our community with an exciting programme of events and activities taking place over the next few weeks designed to engage our members and the wider community.
This significant milestone represents a legacy of fantastic achievements, impactful collaborations, and the continuing contributions of the RIBA Gulf Chapter to in advancing and advocating architecture the region. Members will have the opportunity celebrate at a special reception with guests on 8 November. In addition, the RIBA Gulf office and the RIBA Gulf Chapter will host exclusive events during Dubai Design Week in November. These gatherings will offer valuable opportunities for students, architects, designers, and industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and explore the future of design in the Gulf.
We invite you to join us as we continue to inspire and innovate, making strides toward the next chapter of architectural excellence in the region.
DXBDW x RIBA: Future Architects
Date: 5 to 8 November 2024, 9am to 5pm
Venue: Dubai Design District, Atrium 5, Dubai
The DXBDW x RIBA Future Architects Student Exhibition in partnership with Dubai Design Week, aims to celebrate and showcase the remarkable talent and creativity of architects of the future at universities in the Gulf. This exhibition serves as the first RIBA Student exhibition in the Gulf and a platform to champion the pursuit of excellence in architectural design and showcase the achievement of architecture education in the Gulf.
Incorporating the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, aligned with RIBA's commitment to sustainability, this year's exhibition encourages students to integrate principles from the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge into their design proposals. We encourage participants to explore innovative approaches to sustainable architecture.
By embracing the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge, we aim to inspire and empower future architects to create sustainable solutions that address the challenges of our time.
Participating Schools of Architecture:
- Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus
- Abu Dhabi University
- American University of Sharjah
- American University in Dubai
RIBA Gulf Student Awards - 6 November, 6pm
We are also thrilled to announce the launch of the inaugural RIBA Gulf Student Awards. Entries will be judged in-person and individually by a panel consisting of esteemed representatives from RIBA Gulf Chapter committee, locally based RIBA Chartered members and Architects and the Vice President for Student and Associates at RIBA. The judging panel will assess exhibition entries based on well-resolved architectural ideas, creativity of approach, and quality of graphic presentation and drawing.
RIBA Future Architects Networking Reception – 6 November, 7pm
Students and guests are invited to attend the RIBA Future Architects Networking Reception, taking place on the evening of the awards from 7pm to 9pm at Atrium 5. This event provides a valuable opportunity for aspiring architects to connect, engage, and build relationships with a diverse group of attendees, including fellow students, tutors, design professionals, and established architects.
Downtown Design Panel Talks
Date: 7 to 8 November 2024, 7pm
Venue: Downtown Design, Dubai
This year’s Downtown Design ‘The Forum’ panel discussions will explore the vital role of women in leadership positions within the architecture industry and how young designers can make their mark in a rapidly changing industry. Leading industry voices will discuss how to overcome the challenges they faced, with strategies for empowerment, mentorship’s role, and the breaking down of barriers that have led to their success stories within our sector, as they offer advice for aspiring leaders, men and women alike.
This event aims to inspire and empower the next generation of female and emerging leaders while encouraging discussions on creating more equitable opportunities within the profession. With AI, new technologies, and the climate crisis, how can the next generation seize the narrative and tackle these challenges? Join this panel of young and experienced designers as they discuss what it takes to lead this transformation and design a better world.
RIBA Women in Leadership - 7 November, 7pm
Moderator
Sandra Woodall FRIBA, Design Principal at TangramMENA and RIBA Gulf Chapter UAE Representative
Panel:
- Belinda Irlam-Mowbray, Executive Director, RIBA
- Ila Colombo, CEO and Co-Founder, DEOND
- Alaa Shibly RIBA, Senior Executive, Dubai Holding
- Mariska Stoffel RIBA, Principal Architect, Killa Design
RIBA Next Generation Leaders: Stepping into the Industry - 8 November, 7 pm
Moderator
Maryam Al-Iryahim, Vice president for Students and Associates on council at RIBA and Graduate Architect, AECOM
Panel:
- Savannah Williams RIBA, Project Architect, RSP
- Maya Cochrane RIBA, Managing Director at Maya Materials and RIBA Gulf Chapter Hon. Treasurer
- Zeyana Khamis, Junior Architect, AMA
- Paolo Testolini RIBA, Principal and Global Sector Leader, Woods Bagot
Buhais Geology Park Tour in Sharjah
Date: 9 November 2024, 10:30am to midday
Venue: Buhais Geology Park, Sharjah
Buhais Geology Park Tour by Peter Jackson FRIBA and Hopkins Architects, arranged by RIBA Gulf. The Buhais Geology Park Interpretive Centre – designed by Hopkins Architects— was officially opened by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah in 2020. This in-person walking tour led by Peter Jackson FRIBA, HH Architect Advisor, and Amin Bin Hassan, Project Director at Hopkins Architects, includes exhibition spaces that vividly present the region’s significant geological phenomena – including deep earth structures, plate tectonics, geomorphology, and sedimentation. The geometry of the pods was inspired by the fossilised urchins present on site and developed into a typology which could be sized to suit the Centre’s different functions.
Free to attend, however registration is required.
RIBA Gulf Chapter comes to London with Sustainable Design in the Gulf: Past, present and future
Date: 11 October to 29 November 2024
Venue: Practice Space, 66 Portland Place, London W1B 1AD
First shown during COP 28, this exhibition charts the last 50 years of RIBA architects’ work, showcasing the timelessness of sustainable design through historical buildings and masterplans as well as contemporary developments.
The exhibition features works and models by RIBA Royal Gold Medal winners such as Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster and Partners, Grimshaw Architects, Hopkins Architects, and other renowned RIBA Chartered Practices and Members, home-grown Gulf based firms, and students from RIBA accredited universities in the region.
