Dezeen School Shows: a mosque with a tent-like form influenced by the traditional Khaimah and Arabic calligraphy is among the projects from United Arab Emirates University.

Also featured is an exhibition hall inspired by the form of a butterfly's cocoon, and modular cabins situated in the desert designed for tourist accommodation.

United Arab Emirates University

Institution: United Arab Emirates University
Courses: ARCH430 Integrated Build Design Studio, ARCH 590 Capstone Engineering Design Project and ARCH 590 Capstone Architectural Engineering Design Project
Tutors: Mohamed Mahgoub, Maatouk Khoukhi, Abdul Rauf, Young Ki Kim, Khaled Galal Ahmed, Madhar Haddad, Ariel Gomez, Kheira Anissa Tabet Aoul, Mahmoud Hagag, Ahmed Noor, Sahera Bleibleh, Omar AL Khatib and Lindita Bande

School statement:

"The Architectural Engineering (AE) programme, at the United Arab Emirates University, is an ABET-accredited curriculum that positions design as an integrative, research-driven and socially responsible practice.

"Grounded in interdisciplinary teaching, the programme bridges architecture, engineering, environmental systems and digital technologies to address real-world challenges shaping the built environment today.

"Through advanced capstone and integrated building design studios, students engage with complex, open-ended problems that demand critical thinking, technical rigour and ethical decision-making.

"Projects are developed as holistic propositions, synthesising structural innovation, environmental performance, material intelligence and human-centred design.

"Emphasis is placed on climate responsiveness, resource efficiency and cultural context, ensuring that sustainability is embedded not as an add-on, but as a core design driver.

"Students are encouraged to test ideas through simulation, prototyping and performance evaluation, reflecting professional practice and industry standards.

"The resulting work demonstrates how architectural engineering can operate as a catalyst for positive environmental and social impact – advancing wellbeing, resilience and spatial quality.

"Collectively, these projects reflect the programme's commitment to preparing graduates to lead within an increasingly complex and interdisciplinary profession, equipped to contribute meaningfully to a more sustainable, equitable and human-focused future."

Al Sukun Mosque by Maha Alblooshi, Fatima Alameri, Mahra Alrashdi and Salama Aldarei

"Inspired by the Qur'anic verse 'prostrate and draw near' (Surah Al-'Alaq, 19), the Al Sukun Mosque embodies humility, serenity and spiritual closeness through its architectural form.

"The design unifies three geometric masses, softened with mashrabiya screens that filter light while ensuring privacy.

"Sustainable strategies, including solar panels, optimised orientation, greywater recycling and smart lighting, create an environmentally responsive worship space.

"Thoughtfully organised prayer halls, a landscaped sahan and a sculptural minaret establish a harmonious balance between tradition and modernity.

"The result is a contemplative sanctuary that elevates spiritual experience through meaningful, climate-conscious design."

Students: Maha Alblooshi, Fatima Alameri, Mahra Alrashdi and Salama Aldarei
Course: ARCH430 Integrated Build Design Studio
Tutors: Mohamed Mahgoub and Maatouk Khoukhi
Emails: 201916271[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 201913801[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 202017286[at]uaeu.ac.ae and 202116271[at]uaeu.ac.ae

Al Awtad Mosque by Noura Alkaabi, Alia Aljaberi, Sheikha Alazizi and Aisha Almemari

"The Al Awtad Mosque is a smart, high-performance worship space in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, merging Islamic tradition with contemporary design.

"Inspired by classical calligraphy, its fluid geometries shape both structure and ornamentation. The mosque integrates passive cooling, intelligent systems and advanced energy and water technologies.

"Its adaptable layout responds to varied site conditions, harmonising with the urban context.

"Clean lines, modular forms and rhythmic skylights choreograph natural light to enrich spiritual ambiance.

"Landscaped gardens and water features enhance its role as a serene civic landmark, reflecting the UAE's cultural identity and future-forward architectural vision."

Students: Noura Alkaabi, Alia Aljaberi, Sheikha Alazizi and Aisha Almemari
Course: ARCH430 Integrated Build Design Studio
Tutors: Abdul Rauf and Young Ki Kim
Emails: 202102054[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 202107472[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 202101358[at]uaeu.ac.ae and 202100692[at]uaeu.ac.ae

Biomimicry Exhibition Hall – Al Ain City by Maitha Jaber Naji Jaber Al Ahbabi, Shaikha Mubarak Mohammed Obaid Almheiri, Shooq Mohammed Sultan Abdulla Al Ali and Reim Eisa Ahmed Ali Alhmoudi

"A butterfly cocoon's metamorphosis inspires the Biomimicry Exhibition Hall in Al Ain City and represents inventiveness, transformation and sustainability.

"Designed as a landmark for rising start-ups, the project combines natural form with innovative technology to create a flexible and energy-efficient working environment.

"Its lightweight 3D truss shell and modular SIP system provide structural flexibility, while thin-film solar panels, passive cooling and water-saving systems promote environmental sustainability.

"The design aims for Estidama Pearl 2 accreditation. It celebrates the synergy between nature and architecture, demonstrating how biomimicry can form future-ready spaces that represent the UAE's adherence to sustainable and imaginative design."

Students: Maitha Jaber Naji Jaber Al Ahbabi, Shaikha Mubarak Mohammed Obaid Almheiri, Shooq Mohammed Sultan Abdulla Al Ali and Reim Eisa Ahmed Ali Alhmoudi
Course: ARCH 590 Capstone Engineering Design Project
Tutors: Khaled Galal Ahmed, Madhar Haddad and Ariel Gomez
Emails: 202003676[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 202010508[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 202109765[at]uaeu.ac.ae and 201700435[at]uaeu.ac.ae ​

Food Production As An Operative Building Envelope by Shaikha Saeed Rashed Saeed Alneyadi, Hamda Abdulla Mohammed Abdulla Almadhaani, Maha Ahmed Hasan Hadi Alsaifi and Fatmah Khaled Yousuf Yahya Alsaadi

"This student community centre makes food production its public face, using architecture to raise awareness and reconnect students with contemporary food systems.

"The building is structured around a double facade that operates as a cultivated architectural layer, integrating hydroponic growing modules into its envelope.

"Lightweight aluminium framing and modular planting trays form a thickened skin that filters light, mitigates heat gain and brings cultivation into daily view.

"Designed as a modular system, the facade can adapt to different locations, scales and patterns of use.

"An IoT-based monitoring system regulates irrigation, temperature and solar exposure, allowing the envelope to respond to Al Ain's climate while remaining legible and accessible.

"Linked to cafes, workshops and circulation spaces, the productive facade transforms food production into a shared spatial and educational experience."

Students: Shaikha Saeed Rashed Saeed Alneyadi, Hamda Abdulla Mohammed Abdulla Almadhaani, Maha Ahmed Hasan Hadi Alsaifi and Fatmah Khaled Yousuf Yahya Alsaadi
Course: ARCH 590 Capstone Architectural Engineering Design Project
Tutors: Young Ki Kim and Kheira Anissa Tabet Aoul
Emails: 202010893[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 202004888[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 202012052[at]uaeu.ac.ae and 202004541[at]uaeu.ac.ae

Kuthban Fatima Mubarak Alghabshi Mohammed Alketbi, Esraa Ammar Samih Khader, Noura Ayedh Saeed Muhmel Alahbabi and Maitha Ali Fadel Mohammed Alshamsi

"The Kuthban Mobile Cabin is a new off-grid prototype designed to meet a critical gap in the UAE's tourism landscape: a desert-ready accommodation unit that operates independently while leaving virtually no impact on the land.

"Providing seven days of autonomy through solar generation, battery storage, passive cooling and reduced water demand, the prefabricated cabin sits lightly above the terrain to protect fragile desert ecology.

"As a scalable modular system, it can be rearranged or expanded for future uses, offering a flexible, low-impact model for sustainable remote development and setting a new benchmark for eco-tourism and climate-responsive design in the region."

Students: Fatima Mubarak Alghabshi, Mohammed Alketbi, Esraa Ammar Samih Khader, Noura Ayedh Saeed Muhmel Alahbabi and Maitha Ali Fadel Mohammed Alshamsi
Course: ARCH 590 Capstone Engineering Design Project
Tutors: Sahera Bleibleh and Ahmad Hassan Noor
Emails: 202010866[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 202014991[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 202013637[at]uaeu.ac.ae and 202009437[at]uaeu.ac.ae

Research and Development Centre for UAE Fauna in Sharjah Mangrove by Maitha Hareb Salem Alshamsi, Salama Saeed Aqlan Ghaleb and Aysha Khamis Saeed Alblooshi

"The Research and Development Centre for UAE Fauna, located within the Sharjah Mangrove Reserve, exemplifies an ecologically responsive approach to contemporary architecture.

"Drawing inspiration from the gazelle's eye, the design harmonises cultural symbolism with environmental awareness.

"Elevated on pile foundations to protect tidal ecosystems, the structure incorporates passive cooling, solar energy and water-recycling systems that enhance ecological efficiency.

"Dedicated to advancing research on both marine and terrestrial fauna, the centre combines laboratories, educational facilities and exhibition spaces to promote biodiversity conservation.

"By uniting technological innovation with sustainable design principles, it establishes a benchmark for resilient architecture in the UAE's fragile coastal environments."

Students: Maitha Hareb Salem Alshamsi, Salama Saeed Aqlan Ghaleb and Aysha Khamis Saeed Alblooshi
Course: ARCH 590 Capstone Engineering Design Project
Tutors: Omar AL Khatib and Lindita Bande
Emails: 202013765[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 202002594[at]uaeu.ac.ae and 202004468[at]uaeu.ac.ae

Wid Rejuvenation Institute by Tala Amjad Abu Touq, Majd Raed Mohammad Nafez Abu Khadir and Mahra Abdulmajeed Mohammad Ali Alharmoodi

"The Rejuvenation Institution project embodies sustainable and inclusive design tailored for the elderly and people of determination.

"It incorporates modular prefabrication, Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and advanced glass systems to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability.

"A major innovation is the parametric kinetic rooftop, which intelligently adjusts to regulate sunlight, ventilation, and temperature for optimal comfort.

"Complementing this, atmospheric water harvesters capture humidity from the air, condensing it into usable water for irrigation while reducing humidity levels.

"Together, these technologies demonstrate how innovative, human-centred design can achieve environmental responsibility, energy efficiency and long-term resilience in modern architectural development."

Students: Tala Amjad Abu Touq, Majd Raed Mohammad Nafez Abu Khadir and Mahra Abdulmajeed Mohammad Ali Alharmoodi
Course: ARCH 590 Capstone Engineering Design Project
Tutors: Lindita Bande, Omar Al Khatib and Ariel Gomez
Emails: 202050898[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 202051061[at]uaeu.ac.ae and 202011099[at]uaeu.ac.ae

Jami' Al Waratha, Abu Dhabi's Mosque by Ahmad Alchikh, Ziyad Mohiyuddin, Osama Alnasmeh and Ahmed Almadhaani

"Jami' Al Waratha, Abu Dhabi's "Mosque of Tomorrow," is a 500-worshipper prototype for future mosques in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, blending cultural heritage with sustainability.

"Its tent-like form is inspired by the traditional Khaimah and Arabic calligraphy, creating a simple yet expressive identity.

"Built with rammed earth, the mosque offers a warm, nature-connected atmosphere enhanced by planted side courtyards and daylight.

"A Burjeel-inspired minaret functions as a wind tower for passive cooling, while perforated walls, cross ventilation and roof openings reduce energy use.

"The rammed earth and modular steel structure ensure durability, adaptability and resilience."

Students: Ahmad Alchikh, Ziyad Mohiyuddin, Osama Alnasmeh and Ahmed Almadhaani
Course: ARCH430 Integrated Build Design Studio
Tutors: Mahmoud Hagag and Ahmed Noor
Emails: 700040884[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 700035699[at]uaeu.ac.ae, 700040338[at]uaeu.ac.ae and 202006729[at]uaeu.ac.ae

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and United Arab Emirates University. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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