UAE student impresses international judges

An architecture student at the American University of Sharjah impressed judges at a recent international design contest in Portugal. Ahmed Hosny, a fifth-year student in the university's School of Architecture and Design, secured third honourable mention at the International Designer's Workstation Competition 2008. The contest, organised by The Design Institution, asked entrants to develop the "ideal workstation for the designer of this new century".

Dr Fatih Rifki, the dean of the School of Architecture and Design, said the recognition was "a good indication" of the standard of students in the department. "In the past, many of our students have won similar acclaim at various competitions in which students from some of the world's leading academic institutions participate," he said. "Such recognition does not go unnoticed by the global architectural practice and academia and influences hiring decisions as well as admissions to graduate students."

Dr Rifki said the department had "many" alumni working in "prominent architectural practices", while others were pursuing master's degrees at well-known universities. "We are very proud of Ahmed's achievement and I am confident that he will attain similar recognition in years to come," he added. To view a list of this year's winners, visit www.designophy.com.

@Email:dbardsley@thenational.ae