Dar Al-Hekma’s third combined bi-annual two-day architecture and interior design exhibition, sponsored by Abdul Latif Jameel Company, opened under the themes “A journey through architecture” and “Chairoscuro 13.”
Chairoscuro is a technical term used by artists and art historians for using contrasts of light to achieve a sense of volume in modeling three-dimensional objects.
The event was inaugurated by Nadia Bakhurji, president of Nadia Bakhurji Architects and Interior Design Consultants. “With growing opportunities for women in interior design and architecture in the Kingdom, I am sure these students will leave a footprint on the paths they blaze,” said Suhair Al-Qurashi, dean of Dar Al-Hekma. “I am very proud of their achievements.”
Bakhurji said: “I found the projects very interesting. I especially like the sustainability theme many of them have adopted. The importance of investing in sustainability will put these graduates a step ahead of others because the future lies in sustainability.”
The interior design department featured projects of all the 28 graduating students, and a few selected freshman, sophomore and junior students. The architecture department showcased 104 projects, including works of freshman, sophomore, and junior students of the architecture program.
“The aim is to showcase the works of our graduating students and the works of the whole department basically,” said Nina Parvaresh, exhibition coordinator for interior design at Dar Al-Hekma. “We want to emphasize the idea of light and shade, which is very important in interior design. The idea of setting up the big structure in the middle of the area was to show how, by brainstorming with the students, we can completely modify the space and put into reality a project from scratch to execution,” she said.
“My project is basically a vocational institution called Artisan and the aim is to revive the original crafts such as carpentry, metal work, pottery and weaving,” said Roa’a Al-Yamani, senior interior design student.
“We have successfully completed another academic year full of experiences and achievements,” said Dr. Mona Helmy, director of the architecture program. “This year has been one which all of us will look back with pride. Our current students, our future architects will have the power to shape the spaces, to create places, and to shape the senses of people,” said Helmy.
Interior design grads shine
