The DXBDW x RIBA Future Architects Student Exhibition in partnership with Dubai Design Week, celebrated and showcased the exceptional talent and creativity of aspiring architects from universities in the Gulf. Incorporating RIBA's 2030 Climate Challenge, aligned with RIBA's commitment to sustainability, this year's exhibition aimed to inspire and empower future architects to create sustainable solutions that address the challenges of our time. This exhibition was the first RIBA student exhibition in the Gulf and served as a platform to champion the pursuit of excellence in architectural design and the achievement of architecture education.
The exhibition was opened by Belinda Irlam-Mowbray, RIBA Executive Director of Membership Experience, with support from Emma England, Head of International Membership Experience, and Aldrine Sanchez, Senior Development Executive – RIBA Gulf Region. Special thanks are extended to Maya Cochrane, RIBA Gulf Chapter Treasurer and Managing Director of Maya Materials, for her exceptional design and curation of the exhibition.
Belinda highlighted: “RIBA's education system is one of the best in the world and we now validate over 230 architecture courses in 26 countries, including the Abu Dhabi University and Heriot Watt university here in the UAE. A testament which celebrates the accomplishments of architecture students in the Gulf and it’s clear that the future of the profession is in good hands if these projects represent the next generation of architects.”
RIBA's team, along with the participating students, had the privilege of welcoming Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, to the exhibition. During their visit, Her Highness engaged directly with the students, exploring their projects, and discussing their innovative ideas. They also took a comprehensive walkthrough of the exhibition, gaining insights into the objectives of RIBA Future Architects initiative and its commitment to fostering the next generation of architects.
Additionally, Her Highness was introduced to the principles of RIBA's 2030 Climate Challenge, which aims to inspire sustainable practices and address critical environmental challenges within the architecture profession.
The design criteria for the exhibition were as follows:
- Sustainability, social impact, creativity
- Relationship between building, climate, and landscape approach to designing low and ‘net-zero’ carbon buildings
- Preservation/integration of natural habitats and encouraging biodiversity green infrastructure.
- Fabric First/thermal energy/energy efficiency
- Passive design
- Daylighting
- Renewable technologies
- Whole Life Carbon/Embodied Carbon design material choices.
- Water use reduction/saving
Students were selected by the tutors from two RIBA-validated universities in UAE (Abu Dhabi University and Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus) and partner universities (American University of Sharjah and American Universities in Dubai). Students each submitted four project proposals and models. RIBA's strong belief in the role of Future Architects in advancing net-zero design and sustainability positioned them at the forefront of these crucial discussions and topic.
After careful deliberation by the grand jury, the winning projects are listed below:
Overall Best Project Award
Name of Student: Noura Alhameli
Proposal Title: Concept
School: Abu Dhabi University
Best Sustainability Project Award
Name of Student: Siham Chekfeh
Proposal Title: Blooming City
School: Abu Dhabi University
Most Creative Project Award
Name of Student: Ronit Sehgal
Proposal Title: The Cave
School: Heriot-Watt University Dubai Campus
Overall Best Model Award
Name of Student: Salma Hani Mubarak Al
Proposal Title: An Anchor in Time
School: American University of Sharjah
Best Social Impact Award
Name of Student: Sara Suliman
Proposal Title: The Tree House
School: American University in Sharjah
Best Drawing Award
Name of Student: Alia Taher
Proposal Title: Dune Essence
School: American University in Dubai
The awards ceremony was followed by an exclusive networking reception and provided an opportunity to connect, engage, and build relationships with a diverse group of attendees, including fellow students, tutors, design professionals, and established architects.
We extend our gratitude to our esteemed judging panel:
- Andy Shaw, RIBA Gulf Chapter Chair, Managing Partner at AMA
- Sandra Woodall FRIBA, RIBA Gulf Chapter UAE Representative, Design Principal at Tangram MENA
- Farah Naz, Director of ESG and Innovation at AECOM Middle East and Africa
- Tala Alnounou, Head of Marketing and Research MENA at LWK + Partners
- Maryam Al-Iryahim, Vice president for Students and Associates on RIBA Council and Graduate Architect at AECOM Middle East and Africa
Judging process chair
- Maya Cochrane, RIBA Gulf Chapter Treasurer, Managing Director of Maya Materials
Explore RIBA Future Architects students' projects in more detail. (19MB pdf)
For any upcoming events and activities in the region, please visit the RIBA Gulf page.
