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Bahraini architecture, culture and living have been the focus of a design exchange programme supported by a leading university in the US.
The Hotel Project is part of Iowa State University’s College of Design Architecture and Interior Design curriculum to enhance students’ understanding of design as well as learning about different cultures and living.
It has been led by Professor Lee Cagley and includes advisory committee members Rob Reinders and Hisham Arafat.
Hisham, a Bahraini architect, suggested using the kingdom, in particular Water Garden City – Bahrain, as an ideal location to base the design concept.
“I was requested to assist in recommending a location in the Gulf region to allow students to research and understand a new culture in their design process,” said Hisham, a Iowa State University alumnus who found the project and overall experience enriching to the students and himself. “I recommended Bahrain due to its heritage, culture, diversity and cosmopolitan nature and, in particular, the new development of Water Garden City – Bahrain.”
The project extended during spring semester from January till the end of April 2021.
A total of 22 students were divided into teams which include both disciplines of architecture and interior students in senior year or as grad students to participate in the project.
The groups then set out to research various aspects of Bahrain to help them design a hotel in Bahrain. They learned about the island’s traditional architecture, cultural standards and modern developments.
“During the semester, students researched Bahrain’s culture, heritage and architecture to come up with design proposals that would be suitable for the kingdom and to meet with current modern developments in the hospitality sector,” he added.
Through their research, they were exposed to design trends suitable for the Gulf and received feedback and input from a local source.
“I was part of the advisory members that hosted students via Zoom on a weekly basis to review design development stages for all proposals as well as to guide and provide comments about the designs from a local perspective,” Hisham said.
“Students became familiar with Bahrain and provided creative design solutions for modern Bahrain. This experience enhanced their understanding of working at an international level and they received feedback from a local perspective. This programme is for actual and real development and it has been developed on a location where a hotel site is assigned by Water Garden City.”
Final presentations were attended by several architects and interiors designers from across the US and the CEO of Water Garden City. The design projects are now being evaluated and one will be nominated for a national design competition in the US.
“Design proposals were done at a high standard with creative solutions that would be suitable to build,” added Hisham. “One day they hope to come and visit Bahrain. I hope in the future, it will be co-ordinated to host students on exchange programmes where they can spend a few weeks on the island to better understand the culture and widen their horizon on a global basis.
“I also hope that we can aim for future collaborations between Iowa State University and other US universities to expand this programme through the support of the Bahrain Development Board and American Chamber of Commerce.”
