Arada Chairman briefed on progress of American University of Sharjah partnership
News: 6 December 2018
The Chairman of Arada, HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, was recently briefed on the progress of the joint initiative with American University of Sharjah (AUS), which will allow students from the institution design a pavilion in Aljada.
Sheikh Sultan received the briefing at Arada’s headquarters in Dubai Festival City from Associate Professor Jason Carlow from AUS’ College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD), who is coordinating the partnership with the developer.
Professor Carlow explained the theme behind the partnership, which aims to develop new innovations in the design of building envelopes and roof systems to cater to extreme tropical desert climates. Students have been asked to study various examples of both contemporary 20th and 21st century as well as traditional vernacular architecture from the Middle East to learn from hundreds of years of climate-responsive architecture.
Professor Carlow also updated Sheikh Sultan on some of the original concept designs that the students had already created.
The Aljada Pavilion is a structure located in the focal point of Aljada, the Central Hub, the masterplan for which is being designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Scheduled to open in September 2019 following the year-long course at AUS, the pavilion constitutes a space for the public to gather in and around and will be architecturally innovative in its design.
The Arada partnership will provide AUS architecture students with a unique opportunity to engage in a design project from concept to completion. It will also offer students an invaluable learning experience into various areas of architectural practice, including design development, coordination with consultants, project management and contract administration during the construction process.
Unveiled in September 2017 by HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Aljada is the Emirate’s largest mixed-use megaproject.
