AUST students exhibit landscapes at Dubai Festival City

Made by students under the supervision of AUST faculty members, the landscapes were made using a variety of natural materials. Dima Adnan, for example, used cotton, crystal, stones, leaves and flowers, while Ola Awny, in her design entitled "Still Alive," used wood, nails, lanterns and tables. Group projects included work by teams of two to four students, an example being a work called "Freedom," designed by Mohamed Zouhair, Karim Nameer, Sarush abu Qassem, using water pipes, ceramic objects, tissue and rock.

Commenting on this event, Professor Fahr Hayati, Dean of the College of Engineering, said

"this is the fourth exhibition of its kind, and it demonstrates clearly the vision of AUST in bridging the gap with the business community. The exhibition showcases the work of our students and shows what they are capable of. It allows AUST students to market their skills and capabilities before graduation. In addition, exhibitions like these offer great encouragement to our students, as they see their work displayed in a public venue such as Dubai Festival City, and being given coverage in newspapers, magazines and on websites. This gives the students confidence and motivates them to produce their best work and compete enthusiastically with their peers."

He added: "We chose Landscape Design as the theme of this year's exhibition to comply with the increasing demand for environment-friendly design."

Mrs. Zahraa Al Saadoun, exhibition supervisor, said that the 25 pieces had been designed by 40 students, and combined theory with laboratory exercises. Students had added personal creative touches which enhanced the esthetic appeal of the displays.

Mrs. Al Saadoun expressed her satisfaction with the students who, she said, have a bright future ahead of them. It was, she added, "heartwarming" that a number of companies and individuals have already made inquiries regarding the purchase of the displayed work, or about employing the student designers before graduation.