American University of Sharjah: Shaping the future of design

With Sharjah’s vibrant cultural scene as a backdrop, the American University of Sharjah (AUS) College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) nurtures creative talent and innovative design practices in a stimulating learning environment. At CAAD, students from very diverse backgrounds collectively embark on transformative journeys of exploration and creative expression that prepare them to shape the future of design.

Future-focused programs

Recognizing the power of design in affecting individuals and societies, the college’s diverse and forward-thinking curricula are tailored to meet the evolving demands of the design professions while  actively contributing to shaping them. The curricula immerse students in processes of iterative making and exploring, encouraging them to push boundaries of creativity while integrating cutting-edge technologies and sustainable design practices.

CAAD’s portfolio of specialities comprises undergraduate degrees in architecture, interior design, visual communication, multimedia design and design management; minors in film, illustration and animation, photography, design management and product design; and a Master of Urban Planning program. Ranked number one in architecture and the built environment and number two in art and design in the UAE by QS World University Rankings by Narrow Subjects (2024), AUS is also among the top 200 universities globally for architecture, art and design.

Hands-on, award-winning teaching approach

CAAD students undergo a rigorous foundation year in design skills and principles before advancing into their specializations, where hands-on and experiential learning are integrated with a robust general education curriculum. For example, CAAD’s Design Build Initiative (DBI) empowers students to directly engage in the creation process, fostering agency in the civic, social and environmental development of the region. This initiative, which received the Collaborative Practice Award from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture, steers away from the conventional approach to education and professional practice in the region, which typically separates design from construction, often perceiving architecture as surface decoration.

Studio instruction, which lies at the core of design education, demands significant commitment of time and energy and fosters a deep engagement with the creative process. World-class faculty, renowned for their contributions to the fields of art and design, actively mentor students and offer personalized guidance and inspiration to prepare them for successful careers in the creative economy.

Advanced facilities and resources

CAAD also boasts state-of-the-art facilities, with specialized labs that provide advanced tools for media production, material fabrication and digital fabrication. Students are offered a wealth of resources to explore and realize their creative visions, fostering a culture of experimentation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Through design initiatives focused on sustainability, urban resilience, cultural heritage preservation and digital innovation, CAAD students and alumni contribute significantly to the advancement of knowledge in the fields of architecture, art and design.

Acclaimed students and alumni

CAAD students and alumni consistently receive regional and international acclaim for their outstanding contributions, including major awards such as the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, Global Undergraduate Awards, Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East Emergent Designer Prize, Christo and Jean Claude Award,  Commercial Interior Design Awards and James Dyson Award, among many others.

Alumni also dominate the regional design scene, with many behind iconic architectural projects such as the Dubai Twisted Bridge and the visitor center at the Wasit Natural Reserve. They are founders of some of the region’s leading architecture and design firms and major contributors to art, design and film festivals such as Dubai Design Week and Venice Biennale. Others have transcended disciplinary boundaries and driven advances in fields such as biomedical technologies and life sciences. Many have succeeded in graduate studies at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, such as the Architectural Association School of Architecture and Royal College of Art in London, Harvard Graduate School of Design, Rhode Island School of Design, and New York’s School of Visual Arts.

Scholarship opportunities

Recognizing academic merit, leadership potential and financial need, AUS offers a range of scholarships and financial assistance programs to support students in achieving their educational goals. These initiatives contribute to a culture of inclusivity and excellence, ensuring that talented individuals from diverse backgrounds have access to world-class education and opportunities for personal and professional development.

By nurturing a passion for design innovation and cultivating a deep appreciation for creative expression, CAAD at AUS plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of design both locally and globally.

To learn more about CAAD, visit www.aus.edu/caad. Follow CAAD on Instagram @caadaus. To apply, visit www.aus.edu/prospective-students.