Student-built CAAD lounge wins three international design awards

The College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) Student Lounge at American University of Sharjah (AUS), an inspiring fusion of creativity and functionality, has been honored with three international design awards: Architecture Masterprize Award 2024, the BLT Built Design Award 2024 and the AIA Middle East Award 2024. Designed and built entirely by fourth-year interior design students, the lounge has earned global acclaim for its innovative design, which offers a space for relaxation, collaboration and casual work within the college.

Guided by Ammar Kalo, Associate Professor and Director of Labs at CAAD, the project team of 16 students completed the lounge over an academic semester.  The lounge features a high work bar, various seating options and a display case, offering students a welcoming space to relax, socialize and work. The project’s design revolves around three ‘folded’ planes that form functional elements, each crafted from intricately carved wood and cork modules. This creative approach reflects the students’ ability to blend aesthetics with practicality, resulting in a space that embodies CAAD’s spirit of innovation.

“The CAAD Student Lounge has become a cornerstone of our student experience,” said Tamara Khalaf, a visual communication student. “It’s more than just a lounge; it’s a space where students can connect, collaborate and explore ideas together. Whether we’re working on projects, brainstorming or just taking a moment to recharge, the lounge creates a sense of belonging that truly enhances our time at CAAD.”

“The CAAD Student Lounge reflects the incredible talent and dedication of our students. Winning these awards highlights the impact of our Design-Build Initiative in fostering creativity and innovation while bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice,” said Kalo. 

The project team included Danya Al Soufi, Esra Zamin Paima, Haneen Sharafeldeen, Khushi Shah, Khadija Dibirova, Maria Sadiq, Malaika Menon, Nada Wajid, Nadine Ghazal, Rana El Medany, Rand Rahmani, Sarah AlOthman, Suzanne Sam, Seham Jaziah, Wagd Rabie and Haneen Sharafeldeen. 

For the student team behind the project, the recognition represents a proud milestone. 

“Being part of a team that has received such esteemed recognition is truly an honor,” said Rand Rahmani, one of the designers. “These awards are a testament to the hard work, creativity and dedication we’ve poured into this project. It’s a proud moment for all of us and a reminder of what we can achieve together.”

The lounge was made possible through the Design-Build Initiative (DBI) at AUS, a program that empowers students to create fully realized projects from concept to completion, and is a testament to the success of this initiative. Established over a decade ago, the initiative is an integral part of CAAD’s commitment to revolutionizing architectural education by combining academic learning with hands-on experience. The DBI enables students to engage in real-world projects, fostering creativity, innovation and a deep understanding of the design process. The initiative has received international recognition for its transformative impact on student learning and industry preparedness.

For more information on CAAD and what sets it apart, click here.