Architectural exposure

The kingdom’s architecture, beauty and culture, that were highlighted in an international design exchange programme last year, has won high praise at an annual hospitality and design awards event in the US.

The Hotel Project, which is part of Iowa State University’s College of Design Architecture and Interior Design curriculum, was created to enhance students’ understanding of design, as well as educate them about different cultures and lifestyles.

The project, led by Professor Lee Cagley including advisory committee members Rob Reinders and Bahraini architect Hisham Arafat, attracted 22 students to the island, of which two of their plans were nominated as finalists in the 18th Hospitality Design magazine awards (student category) among many projects from US universities.

“This has been a good experience from an individual perspective and great exposure for Bahrain to be among the top sites offering students the opportunity to participate and develop outstanding hospitality design projects,” said Hisham, an Iowa State University alumnus.

The students were divided into teams, which include both disciplines of architecture and interior students in senior year or as graduate students, to participate in the project.

They then set out to research various aspects of Bahrain to help them design a luxury hotel or resort in the kingdom. They learned about the island’s traditional architecture, cultural standards and modern developments.

Hisham added that through their research of Bahrain and guidance of the committee, the students were inspired to develop creative design solutions that represented the latest design trends suitable for the Gulf.

The projects, named Maritime Gardens and The Sand Stone, were then created and captivated the competition’s judges, which included an array of hospitality and design experts from major firms and hotel groups.

“These projects struck a balance between modernism and traditional Middle Eastern design,” said Hisham. “They also featured elegant sustainable finishes that define both indoor and outdoor environments that overlook stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.

“To be nominated for a prestigious design award is a remarkable achievement for students, especially positioning Bahrain in the top venue among hundreds of participants.”

Now Hisham hopes this achievement will draw more students from abroad to Bahrain as he believes the kingdom has so much to offer from architecture and design.

“The aim is to attract international students to participate in short term programmes in Bahrain which will promote multi-cultural exposure and develop international experiences,” he added. “The expansion of this programme is set to position Bahrain as an attraction point for tourism and educational programmes through exchange students.

“I hope to continue it as well as obtain support from local organisations such as the Economic Development Board, the Industry and Commerce Ministry, the Tourism Ministry, the Education Ministry and American Chamber of Commerce to attract top level international institutions to focus on bilateral Bahrain and US educational programmes.”