EXHIBITION 3 23 MAY 201

5 VCUQATAR

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4deans

statement

6fashion

design

40 graphic

design

84interior

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118painting &

printmaking

132design

On behalf of Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, it is my

pleasure to present the class of 2014.

At VCUQatar we understand the significant expectations that

stand before our graduates when they enter professional roles in

Qatar, the region and throughout the world. We prepare them for

that future.

Our graduates have learned to engage in ideas through demanding

creative processes that require research, collaboration, innovation,

fabrication, visualization and courage.

As educators, we recognize that the university experience is

transformational and that learning continues past graduation.

The transition from university to the next stage in life opens up

new opportunities for our graduates. We trust in their intellectual

and creative abilities to help them achieve all they envision, while

continuing to learn with each new challenge.

I would like to thank Qatar Foundation and Her Highness Sheikha

Moza bint Nasser whose commitment to education supports the

incredible opportunities our students have been privileged to enjoy.

Allyson Vanstone

Dean

FASHION DESIGN

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Fashion Thesis Collection

Textile

2015

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AISHAAL SUWAIDI

Expressing myself in the form of fashion,

to me, is the utmost idea of Art. Being

a shy, introvert my whole life, I found

myself constantly struggling with ways of

expressing my ideas and passions. Fashion, I

found, rapidly became an outlet where I can

express myself and show my true passion.

Inspired by springs bloom, this collection

was created with pastel colors that reflect

lightness and innocence. The fabrics and

colors chosen are the essence of spring

with the floral beading and light colored

polka dots. The unique pieces presented in

this collection reflect my passion for 1960s

fashion with a modern twist. The classic

with modern twist characteristic reflects

my personality as a designer.

In a more general outlook, fashion has

eternally been one of the most effective

forms of expression. Throughout the years,

we have been able to interpret history

through different cultures fashion. From

the gothic influence in the Romantic era,

to the Victorian era, and more recently the

Hollywood Glamour era up to the present,

fashion has been able to tell its own story

throughout history. The immense influence

fashion has as a form of expression has

always been my inspiration and drive as a

designer and fueled my continued interest

in fashion.

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DYLONADONIS

Once a wall or border is put in place, we

separate ourselves from our surroundings.

We continue to focus on our differences and

only mix with the individuals inside the walls.

However, nature knows no bounds. A wall

does not stop a bird from flying over and

a border does not prevent an insect from

crawling into a different country; yet a wall

and border sometimes stop us. Conflicts

arise amongst people due to the different

borders and walls set in place; we divide and

stick to our differences as we kill our fellow

species over a border determined hundreds

of years ago. We ought to follow natures

wisdom and stop raising walls to separate

not only us from nature, but also, us from

one another.

As I look back at my present and previous

design pieces, there remains one constant

elementnature. From my first sketch as a

child, to my latest collection, I have always

drawn upon nature for inspiration. Moreover,

there is an underlining desire for humans

and nature to coexist.

My senior collection embodies the triggered

metamorphosis found in nature when

the young blithe animals evolve into a

more guarded, reserved being. In essence,

our lives follow the same standard as

we age and society no longer deems

certain characteristics appropriate. We

start off being creative, innovative and

contemporary but morph into products of

what society deems apt. My collection is

not a social statement to stand against

societys expectations but, instead, serves

as a reminder of the sequence of events.

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KINDAMORSHED

Film and theater productions are not just

an act of entertainment to me. I view them

as other realms, created by the most fertile

imaginative minds, into which we escape

from the dullness of our own world. I have

always favored period and fantasy movies.

Period movies in my world are time capsules

that take us back to simpler times free from

the imprisoning bars of technology that

surround us nowadays. Back to times when

people really appreciated beauty and gave

true value to the meaning of life. Fantasy

movies snip us from our reality to places

where all is possible and you get to walk

along flying fairies in enchanted gardens

amongst magical creatures, greeted by the

roses to your side.

Evil Queens are princesses that were never

saved. When I read this quote it completely

twisted the sanctity of fairytales for me,

carrying me to the other side of the river

where I became an admirer of Evil Queens,

and with that, my muse has always been the

strong, powerful woman, one who doesnt

need but is rather needed.

Women, in my opinion are Gods most

beautiful creation, and so my silhouette

is the delicate female body, with a little

bit of magic dust, executed with vintage

techniques from classic days. Those were

the ingredients that harmoniously worked in

creating my collection: Elizabeth.Haunted.

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MALIABENNETTHENRY

Growing up, I found that the best way

I could express myself was through art.

Four years at VCUQatar brought me

to the knowledge that I am a designer

of activismthat my forte is to bring

my designs into contact with personal

messages of struggle. It is,

I have come to know, who I am. For my final

collection, I feel it is necessary to follow

through with this theme.

This collection discusses a topic that society

continues to keep hiddendepression. It is a

very common disorder riddled with societal

miscomprehension and personal guilt and

self-judgment. It depicts the different stages

of depressionhow it slowly consumes a

persons very beingfrom the inner physical

pain to the point when nothingness prevails.

The expressive Jackson Pollack-like print was

created using the monoprinting pressa

collaboration with two students from the

painting and printmaking department.

Each print is unique and slowly progresses to

angrier and more manic lines. Using knit

meant that it would be constricting but still

comfortable. It is based on the idea that

while depression is unbearable, the sufferer

becomes so used to dealing with it that it

becomes a crutch, a sort of safety blanket.

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MARWAAL SAID

Motivation is the fuel for our greatness; and

I was motivated by the glory of NYC for my

F/W 2015 collection. I breathed the freshest

air while observing the colorful nature and

absorbing the unique sense of fashion in

every social class.

Attire does not represent class or status.

I realized this in the magnificent city

while looking at street-style; it was an eye

opening experience. I noticed elements from

fashion through the decades incorporated

in a modern way. In addition, the city added

its own print that still influences fashion

to date.

I find inspiration in the smallest and most

unique details of my surroundings. I fell

in love with the prevalent and minuscule

features of the Big Apple; from the lights of

Time Square to the camouflage colors of an

old trees trunk in Central Park.

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MARYAMAL DARWISH

The best designers are usually the ones

who pay attention to the smallest details.

As a fashion design student I have

always been precise in designing and

producing garments.

For my senior collection, I am working on my

own individual style which is playful yet

emphasizes attention to detail and precision

that I enjoy. It is a very experimental

collection, with several different contrasting

details. This is achieved by mixing

oversized abstract floral prints with solids,

experimenting with volume and unusual

edgy cuts.

Aside from university I have a business of

making and selling handmade accessories. I

established MBMs Collection four years ago

and have found a large interest from the

Qatari market. The skills and experience I

gained from university and my own business

has enriched my knowledge and abilities in

the field of fashion.

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SORAYATESCHNER

I had wanted to be an architect, and so

I grew up doing sculpture, making furniture

and woodworking. My father was a

philosophy professor so I grew up asking a

lot of questions. Fashion seemed

to be the place where I could solve them

creatively. I wanted to ask: What is sacred?

What is feminine? What is powerful?

What is timeless?

I probably have read the following quote by

the writer Carlos Castaneda a million times:

The spirit of a warrior is not geared to

indulging and complaining, nor is it geared

to winning or losing. The spirit of a warrior

is geared only to struggle, and every

struggle is a warriors last battle on earth.

Thus the outcome matters very little to

him. In his last battle on earth a warrior

lets his spirit flow free and clear. And as he

wages his battle, knowing that his intent is

impeccable, a warrior laughs and laughs.

I wanted to create an image of a modern

warrior, a new image of strength that was

soft, feminine and even romantic. The

virtues that are embodied in the warrior are

courage, honesty, humor and a sense of

tranquility. I aimed to express these virtues

in the quality of the fabric, in the shape

and size of sculptural forms in belts, hoods,

collars, pleats, skirts, seams and hemlines.

The virtue of the romantic is expressed in

the play of design elements that reveal

and conceal the body beneath the cloth,

its strength, gracefulness and movement.

Knitwear allows the fabric to move with

the body, and elements of leather unite

strength and softness. The silhouettes

of this collection suggest the armor of a

warrior while retaining the curves and lines

of the female.

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TAMADERAL SULTAN

Up until now, my life has been structured.

Ever since teachers in elementary school

started asking us about our career path,

I knew I wanted to become an artist

who creates beautiful art. As I grew up, I

developed an affinity towards fashion. I was

able to see the art, passion and limitlessness

of fashion. Consequently, I finalized my

decision to be a part of the VCUQatar

community to study fashion design; I

planned my future and I knew exactly where

I was going.

Here I am, a senior in fashion design at

VCUQatar, an almost graduate. This is

the furthest I could plan for myself and

this is where my plan stops. Finally, as I am

now free of the plan, I have a myriad of

options lying on the table for me I could

do anything; I can be anything.

My senior collection is a metaphorical

representation of my journey. In my four

years at VCUQatar I had been planting

this seed, and growing it, until it finally

blossomed, and now it is spring, my spring.

This is the spring where I give myself the

chance to bloom and to explore.

g r a p h i c d e s i g n

As you graduate, we cherish the bonds that we

have forged through experiences in teaching

and learning. We look to this class to change

the world! You are well prepared with knowledge,

that of the theoretical underpinnings that

will guide your communication realizations.

We are cheering you on in this next stage of

your careers.

Muneera Spence

Chair, Graphic Design Department

Read more, eat less sugar, Facebook less, dream

big, take risks, and never stop trying. Dreams

only come true if you pursue them. No matter

how dark a tunnel is, theres always light at the

end of it!

Basma Hamdy

Assistant Professor

Congratulations Class of 2014! Your future

endeavors are guided by the belief that design

can make a positive impact and that you can

be the change. Treasure whatever comes your

way and cherish each stage of the journey.

Wishing you a future filled with happiness

and success!

Denielle Emans

Assistant Professor

Sustain your culture and support your

community through design. Your growth as

critical and creative collaborators will enable you

to navigate new opportunities with confidence

and innovation. You are valuable assets to

the local and global creative domain. You are

remarkable young designers!

Diane Mikhael

Assistant Professor

I believe your talents are full of promise and

surprise that will take you to great places in life

go out there and design your future. It will be a

struggle, at times, but nothing really worth it is

easy. It has been a pleasure. Congratulations!

Law Alsobrook

Assistant Professor

We have given you the tools to start on the path

you choose. Remember, you can accomplish so

much by keeping in touch with everyone who

has been with you at VCUQatar. This will feed

your potential, as a designer, in the development

of Qatar. Treat every day as a learning

experience. Wishing you the best.

Leland Hill

Assistant Professor

I am proud to see these students grow into

designers who recognize the significance of

their creative force that can act to make critical

changes in people, and a positive impact in

the world.

Levi Hammett

Assistant Professor

Congratulations! Graphic Design seniors. Ive

enjoyed getting to know all of you over the past

three years. You all have creative personalities

that come through in your work. As you move

forward, dont give in to the expected way of

doing things; keep being a little weird, fun and

great things will happen.

Michael Hersrud

Assistant Professor

These graduates bring us closer to a society

in which inspired young people apply design

processes to innovate sustainable value-

based information, narratives, identities,

and interactions that support the health,

wealth, and wisdom of its individuals, families,

communities, and environment.

Peter Martin

Assistant Professor

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AISHAAL THANI

Being a graphic designer has made me

discover aspects about myself that have

been enriched and brought to surface.

Graphic design has instilled in me the value

and passion to explore creativity, which

can lead to limitless experimentation that

is barely controllable. However, throughout

my journey in this field, my approaches and

appreciation for individuality and innovation

have increased. I have learned to take on

challenges and find solutions to problems

through visual communication while staying

true to myself.

This is important because our environment

is constantly changing, and with the

pervasive attempts of globalization it is

difficult to hold on to our individual history

and goals for our society.

It is imperative that we advance our

technologies, but keep our objectives clear

and our values grounded because our identity

is something we do not want to lose.

Autobiography

Print

14.8 x 21 cm

Spring 2013

Finding a solution to a problem might cause

another, but the graphic design process

involves discovering, analyzing and solving

problems that overcome obstacles through

visual learning.

This is why I want to keep on the energy and

ambition to design, because Im inspired

by my surroundings. Im enthusiastic to

encourage others to design and develop

innovative concepts that progress Qatars

creative industry.

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AISHARASHEED

I learned the importance of communication

while living in Paris. I realized that graphic

designers are often anonymous designers

as they create everyday things to enhance

someone elses day, thoughts and actions.

Unfortunately, graphic designers are not

rewarded for their work because good

design happens without anyone noticing.

When I entered Charles De Gaulle airport,

I reached my destination without trouble.

I never stopped to observe how and why

that happened. In fact, I reached my

destination because thoughtful time has

been put in choosing the colors and Frutiger

as a typeface for the way finding system. It

was then that I realized my desire to pursue

Graphic design as a career. I was interested

in identifying problems and creatively

designing solutions for them. Perhaps the

solutions I create would not be detectable

to non-experienced designers, however,

meticulous planning and effort goes into

creating work that serves its purpose.

Nuqtah

Mixed Media

20 x 20 cm

Spring 2013

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AL ANOUDAL SUWAIDI

Design is a process of both an action and

reaction. Successful design, for me, is

found in the observation of what works and

what doesnt and how the application of

design thinking can modify something for

the better. It is important for designers to

understand the environment they are

a part of. We assess the needs of the

users of an environment and through

the application of the concepts of design

try to create something that is useful

and influential.

As a student of design, I have developed

an understanding of my role as designer

and the direct influence and relationship

between my work and the audience.

Good design, I have discovered, should be

creative, clear and engaging to an audience

so that the communication the designer

aims to deliver is understood. As a young

designer in Qatar, my role will be to devise

contemporary reflections of my culture

that present what good design can and

should be. It is my intention to contribute

to the on-going and developing identity

of my country and its culture, all the while

sustaining her core values through the

processes of design and design thinking.

Occasions (teacup collection)

Digital Print

22 x 25 cm

Spring 2013

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AL MAHAAL KUWARI

As a designer I take a pragmatic approach

to every problem I encounter. I see design as

an opportunity to not only solve meaningful

problems, but also to explore poetic and

expressive solutions.

As a process, I incorporate my passion

for art and craft into each of my design

projects as a way to achieve unique work

with a strong impact. In its best form,

design guides the viewer towards a different

state of mind that can change behaviors in

a positive way. In this sense, it plays a crucial

role in our lives, a role in which I want to

take part.

CMYK Calendar

Poster

84 x 84 cm

Fall 2011

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DANIAJALEES

As a graphic designer, I find great power in

working towards a joint vision with others.

Working collaboratively enables me to

gain valuable insight and new perspectives

through exchanges with my peers. Within

my design process, I keep an open mind and

allow room for intuitive processes to emerge.

This approach enables me to investigate new

ideas that can be expressed through my own

unique and unusual visual language. Although

the work I create may seem a bit peculiar

or playful on the surface, the meaning

embedded into the work challenges the user

to look at a situation differently.

I approach projects without limits and

mediums, and instead let the process lead

to unexpected results. This has allowed

me to explore a variety of possibilities, and

helped me channel my thinking into short

animations, printed media, games, and

interactive experiences. In my opinion, graphic

design should help shape the world we live in

to be a better place. To achieve these results,

however, one might have to take the path

least traveled.

Antidote (Card Game)

Print

11.4 x 9.6 cm

Fall 2013

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FILZAKHAN

Dialogue: having conversations with qatar

Digital Publication

1024 by 768 px

Fall 2013

Globalization and technology are creating

a world in which languages and cultures

are being shared through an increasing

flow of information. Paradoxically, this

discourages meaningful communication

and understandings within our communities.

In our attempts to manage this

overwhelming amount of information we

find ourselves often adopting stereotypical

ideas of one another that do not support a

well-founded empathy for each other.

Because I am an individual who has lived

within two different societies, I am curious of

how people communicate and understand

each other within the social context. Back

home in the Philippines, I was taught that

education is the key to move forward

with your life. I have seen less privileged

individuals walk for hours just to go to

school and study at night in the darkness.

These people have strived to attain a formal

education as a means to elevate their social

standing. When my family migrated to

Qatar, I became a part of a society with a

more rigid structure.

I realized that this social structure was

facilitated by persistent stereotypes that

force people to interact with one another in

a less compassionate way.

During the course of my education, I have

become increasingly aware of how the

entrenched social hierarchy has created a

society where diversity is more of a hindrance

than an asset that can be utilized to make

this country achieve its own aspirations more

effectively. I feel that individual members of

this society can address this issue by finding

ways to communicate more authentically

across existing social boundaries. By utilizing

my communication design knowledge, I have

begun to explore ways that we can change

the flow of communities to transcend the

stereotypes and empower each one of us to

develop understandings that acknowledge

the value and potential that each of us has.

My design education has inspired within

me a mission to utilize this knowledge to

help people connect and work with each

other without prejudices, assumptions

or miscommunications.

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GHADAAL SUWAIDI

Treasure

Water color, Digital

20.5 x 20.5 cm

Fall 2014

If you asked me what graphic design was

four years ago, I would answer:

making posters and logos using a digital

medium. But if you ask me today, I will tell

you that graphic design is so much more.

It covers everything from social problem

solving to constructing sophisticated

messages. I learned that design itself is the

act of looking at a problem from different

perspectives, and creating a meaningful and

lasting solution.

Throughout my years studying graphic

design, I developed a passion for book

design, print, branding, typography and

video making. I have experimented with

different mediums through a variety of

projects. Not only did graphic design allow

me to discover new interests, but it also

allowed me to combine one of my hobbies,

which is illustrating, with graphic design and

discover new possibilities as a result. I am

able to do this through my picture book,

Treasure, a story about a boy in search of a

treasure who develops new friendships along

the way, which, in the end, turn out to be

the real treasure.

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HALAHAMAD

Decoding A Culture

Digital Publication

42 x 59.4 cm

Fall 2013

Becoming a graphic designer changed a lot

about how I view and practice life. Exploring

systems in design gave me the ability to

deconstruct any idea, product, or even

culture only to recreate it in a new original

way. System design helps people view ideas

from a whole new perspective. It shines a

light on things people would never think

about. The beauty of design is that it could

easily help highlight a concept that could be

considered marginal only to make it more

attractive and interesting.

As an Adult Third Culture Kid myself, I tend

to always address design in a universal

way. I do think about the significance of

my own culture and heritage but I always

end up integrating stories of all types and

backgrounds. With a big imagination I tend

to address cultures that contribute the most

diverse tales to the world. Living in Doha

challenges the mainstream vision of western

graphic design as Qatar contains the

traditional aspect of art in addition to the

modernity that was brought by its openness

to the rest of the world.

Moreover, the large expat community that

one would meet everyday showcases this

diversity through their upbringing and their

global experiences. This contributes to the

designers personality making graphic design

a global career that I take pride in practicing.

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LOLWAAL MOHANNADI

Entqlna Children Book

Digital Print

28.28 x 20 x 2 cm

Fall 2014

I am Interested in illustrations and designing

playful games and products for young kids.

Sometimes, I like to involve culture into

my designs, since I believe it is part of who

I am. However, even when designing for

culture, I still believe it should be playful,

and fun so people from different ages can

enjoy and learn about their own culture

or other cultures. Storytelling can be a

way of showing different elements of a

culture, since our culture consist of who

we are and who we were and the different

experiences we go through; it is a story by

itself. Illustrating stories to tell about our

culture, what we eat, what we do, and

even how we speak, can help in keeping our

culture the same as it is to be taught to

this generation and the generations ahead.

Dialog to me is also a main part of our

culture, since in the arab region, we have

different ways of speaking between one

country to another. Therefore, in designing

cultural stories for kids or adults, I decide to

use the Qatari dialog instead of the formal

Arabic language.

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MACKCORTEL

One Day As A Lion

Digital Print

59.4 x 84.1 cm

Spring 2014

As a child growing up, I found myself

interested in design and art in general.

It motivates my mind to think and explore.

I always looked at design as my outlet

for freedom of expression and creativity,

through the art of communicating my

concepts and visual identity.

I entered this university with an open mind.

Seeking for opportunities to be fluent

with this language of design. Wanting to

learn more and look at design for what it

is. I have realized that design is actually

not about making, but rather translating

words into ideas, merging thoughts into

concepts, incorporating functionality into

aesthetics and bridging, creative and

perceptive thinking.

This experience has taught me a lot of

things. Through my ups and (mostly) downs,

from one project to the other, from my mind

to the computer, from screen to printer

and from printer to paper, design never

failed to amuse me as its process naturally

unfolds before me. My love for design grew

despite the challenges that could have

discouraged me along the way. I believe this

love will continue to grow as I accumulate

experiences, good or bad, as long as it is

related to design, I will love every bit of it no

matter what.

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Design, and especially Graphic Design,

exists all around us, without our recognizing

it! It exists on our tiny mobile screens,

all over the living room, and even in the

nearest supermarket. A designer not only

works in the design field, but also is a good

collaborator who can work in all fields, in

order to solve problems, in creative, yet

simple ways.

Im interested in contributing to the

environment that I belong to. I recognized

that most of my influential projects turned

out to be about Qatar! I always try to

present Qatar, report on our rich culture,

and enhance our identity throughout

my projects.

I designed this identity for Souq Waqif,

inspired by the elegant architecture of the

place and after finding the need for a visual

system that can unify it visually. I designed

the identity to showcase our cultural

character and uniqueness, educate visitors

in a subtle way, as well as strengthen the

connection between us Qataris and the souq

itself. Now, and throughout my last semester

at VCUQ, Ive been working to analyze and

redefine what makes Qatar what it is today

in 2015.

Souq Waqif's Visual Identity

Mixed Media

N/A

Fall 2014

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MARAMAL ABDULLA

Digital Print

29.7 x 21 cm

Fall 2014

A designer who admires culture and tradition,

I used to do and say everything that my

grandmother did. My mother always said that

her grandmother deserved the best. My book,

(What Amoon will do?), captures the tradition and the pattern of my

life. Similarly, my style in my designs is a hybrid

between the past and the present.

My mother is a treasure from whom I have

learned to speak. That is why I always focus

on the Arabic language and typography in my

work. To help the audience understand and

appreciate the project, sometimes I make a

design decision to use bilingual language to fit

the viewers needs.

I am the person who divides my life into two

parts: my home and my education. In my four

years of studies I designed different things,

but I feel that I excelled at designing childrens

books that include illustration and typography,

and I also prevailed at creating systems that

are innovative and simplistic.

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MARIAMAL JUFAIRI

Graphic designers have a voice that not

many people have. It is a part of our job to

use that voice in order to create a major

impact in the world. Throughout my years

as a student, I have been fortunate enough

to have been given limitless opportunities

to use my various skills in order to design

with impact.

Being a graphic designer in an Islamic

and conservative part of the world, I have

learned a great deal about the importance

of always taking the audience into

consideration when designing. One design

can trigger a series of diverse emotions

in different people, which leads me to my

thesis topic, emotions. Are the emotions

that we feel an accurate representation of

who we are as human beings? Or can they

be a reminder of who we can or want to be?

These are all thought-provoking questions

that take a great deal of design thinking

and problem solving to answer, and I would

not have been able to answer them, had it

not been for my education at VCUQatar.

Reveal

Mixed Media

400 x 100 x 200 cm

Spring 2014

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MOHAMMADJAWAD

Farm to Landfill

Digital Print

59.4 x 84.1cm (A1)

Fall 2014

In a world where everyone strives to be

perfect, I find beauty in imperfection by

deconstructing the subtle details and

making meaning of the mundane. As a

designer, I indulge in spontaneity and

experimentation with unconventional

materials and media, fabricating

and merging the traditional with the

contemporary to create new dialogues that

produce sustainable interventions.

I believe design is the balance between

opposite extremes, of unity and contrast,

composition and raw expression, simplicity

and complexity. My curiosity has allowed

me to discover a deeper capacity to design

that lies beyond visuals and material

forms. My design process focuses on the

metamorphosis of a simple idea and the

use of a multi-disciplinary approach to

develop innovative solutions through human

interaction. As a visual communicator,

my design capabilities revolve around the

subjects of sustainability, functionality

and adaptation. The outcomes I create

are a representation of critical thinking

that allows the users to interact, navigate,

experience and transform with the designs

I create.

My interest lies in re-contextualizing of

design language to develop responsive,

functional design that creates new meanings

and relationships between the user and

the environment, the mechanical with the

artistic, the rational with the abstract, and

the seen with the unseen.

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Gadaatna (Our Sitting)

Digital Print

N/A

Fall 2014

I believe that design is a way to share our

own perspective and interpretation of the

things around us. Turning insignificant things

into meaningful and valuable designs, I

believe in the power of simplicity within

design, and I attempt to reflect my culture,

traditions and identity. These sources in

particular stimulate me, and are utilized

through my design.

In Gaadatna (Our Sitting), I intend to look

into details of our everyday Qatari belonging,

to value and appreciate its remarkable

beauty, and thus to hold on to our heritage,

since it forms the basis of our identity. This is

especially important during this time of rapid

change in Qatar because modernization

tempts us to forget our beautiful designs and

to lose our pride in them.

My intention is to continue learning and

cultivating my skills as a designer, while

utilizing my knowledge and education to

serve our country.

MONAESSAAL SULAITI

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Graphic design is a subject matter of

concepts where they look nicer; I believe

creative work begins with the depth of

understanding and sensitivity of the

subject matter.

Through my studies at VCUQatar, I have

expanded my knowledge and perspective

as a designer. I also learned that in

graphic design it is rare to find a unique

and outstanding idea, which made me

enjoy reflecting my personality and myself

through my designs.

As a graphic designer I believe that design

is a composition of raw expression and

creativity. Ive always caught my hunger

for experimentation of new ideas, clarity of

concepts, and my passion for pushing ideas

to the end of the spectrum when paying

attention to the visuals and details.

MOZAAL NASR

Digital Print

59.4 x 84.1cm (A1)

Spring 2014

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As a Graphic Designer I am passionate about

creating clean, sophisticated, fashion forward

pieces. Graphic design enables me to express

my creative side and help me contribute

in shaping society's visual landscape. I am

able to express myself most through graphic

design. It is a field that merges both my

personality, as well as my desire for self-

expression, and grants me a forum on which

I can further develop both aspects of myself.

Graphic design has reassured me of my

own voice, of the potentiality of art, and

the impact that I, and many young artists

like me, have on society. While I am a bit

disillusioned that my four-year journey as a

student of design is at its end, I can't help but

hope that with the new journey I shall soon

start, applying all that I have learned, it will

instill a new sense of appreciation for past

experiences, and eagerness for new ones.

I cant wait to create exciting innovative

work to deliver memorable visual messages

through all media in the future.

MUNEERAAL KHULAIFI

Who am I as a Graphic Designer

Poster

29.7 x 59.4 cm

Spring 2014

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My idea of design was very limited before

getting into VCUQatar. The Graphic Design

Program expanded my knowledge in various

design research directions and applications.

This expansion helped me look into the

field in much more detail, which led me to

finding my interests, which are: typography,

illustration and packaging. Looking at those

outcomes, I also find myself interested in

designing for children as audience.

This packaging project was what led me

to my area of interest and was the start

of many following projects in my years

at VCUQatar that kept expanding my

aspiration to be able to design for a younger

audience. I look forward to collaborative

experiences that allow me to interact,

explore and experiment in order to gain fresh

knowledge and insight to deliver a clear

visual message.

NOOFAL MOHANNADI

Package Design

Packaging

N/A

Spring 2013

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Art vs. Design

Poster

59.4 x 84.1cm (A1)

Spring 2014

If merging art with design is a crime, then

Im guilty.

A lot of people say that emotional

approaches should be for artists, who said

that a graphic designer couldnt be an artist?

Every semantic element is decided based

on emotional purposes from the format to

the typeface to the color. For those who

claim to be graphic designers and think that

emotional approaches are for artists only; try

to design a piece thats only made of card

board and see who will care enough to stop

and take a look.

In my sophomore and junior years, my choice

of profession has been questioned and

whether I belonged to this department or

not, despite how much I love graphic design.

The red cloth expresses how I was hiding

from this situation. But the main message

here is that Im not hiding anymore and its

not a shame to be imaginative for whatever

reason in graphic design, I wanted to show

the sense of daring and courage to go out

there through the composition. The choice of

color for the cloth was meant to make a bold

statement in that respect.

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NOORALTHANI

And then there was Light

MDF Etched Wood

34 x 138 cm

Spring 2015

I am an experiential designer who engages

projects that transcend traditional graphic

design outcomes and captivates the

audience through interactions using time,

motion, space and physical materials.

Even conventional identity systems or

posters require participatory involvement

or systematic processes that materi-

alize through iteration, intuition and

transformation.

My projects often explore an underlying

theme of impermanence; historically,

graphic design work was expected to

last for years or decades, however, con-

temporary design today is about the here

and the now; a moment that captures

our attention and then is gone. In that

the work has impact and power but is

ephemeral. My work emerges through an

exchange of simplicity and complexity

as I explore unconventional methods

combining physical and digital processes,

paying close attention to craft and details,

ensuring each element has a reason, story

or purpose.

Through each project I challenge myself to

learn something new. I believe that research

on a topic, brainstorming materials and

concepts, organizing my thoughts, planning

a direction, and learning by creating

enables me to use design thinking to cause

an intervention interjecting an idea or

opinion into the every-day, to provoke

behavior change.

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An idea can turn to dust or magic,

depending on the talent that rubs

against it.

Bill Bernbach

Not having a single style, I always try to push

my limits and try different things. I mostly

find myself more pleased when designing

for children as an audience because there I

can go back to my childhood and reflect on

what I always wanted to dojust drawing

with small stories in mind, which shows my

love for illustration and animation. Creative

Imagination Prints enabled me to explore

different media and different techniques that

took me out of my comfort zone.

Never satisfied with gray areas, I strive for

brilliance of color, always adding rich hues to

enliven the design. I aim to achieve elegance,

attention to details, sophistication, craft,

and playful usage of image in my designs so

people can see and immediately associate

them with my personality. As a graphic

designer I am capable of solving problems,

creating solutions and communicating my

thoughts visually to a variety of audiences.

My four years in VCU Qatar was a short

journey of self-discovering as a designer,

and I have grown into a completely different

person conceptually and skill-wise.

NOORAAL MELHIM

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Creative Imagination Prints

Mixed Media

N/A

Spring 2014

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SALMAHAMOUDA

Me, Myself and I

Digital Print

59.4 x 84.1 cm

Spring 2014

VCUQatar has taught me how powerful

graphic design is. I have established the

ability to solve problems through design

and critical thinking. I have also learnt

that design can be a platform for taking

action and causing a reaction. The thought

of my work being able to change peoples

behavior and thinking allows me to be

innovative and ambitious. I dont think

people give design in general as much

credit as it deserves.

My personality shows through my work.

I like to take a minimalistic approach

when designing because I believe the

simpler something is, the more effective

it is. Im very systematic, structured and

organized. Even though my work might

look simple from far, there are a lot of

layers of complexity to it. When I look at

my design process and how my work has

evolved from start to finish, I can see a

reflection of myself as a designer and how

Ive evolved and progressed. I can see how

over the years Ive learnt to experiment

and take more risks. Ive developed my own

visual language and style, and only hope

to continue growing and improving as

a designer.

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I am a person who searches for truth, value

and meaning in life. Honesty, hard work

and hope are the guiding principles of my

life. I tend to believe in not what is usually

seen, rather what lies beyond the seen.

To me, design is more than what books

and technology has to offer. It is rather a

never-ending exploration about The Self.

It is a deep-rooted process that comes from

understanding life, people and experiences

that nurtures a designers thinking, which

in turn impacts his design philosophies and

solutions.

The idea of making meaning or finding

meaning in the surroundings to evoke

an emotional response is something that

inspires me. Hence, the power of narrative

design to express myself and my experiences

steps in and guides all my work. Storytelling,

poetry and photography are some of the

tools that I use to communicate and express

myself in innovative ways. Something that

really fascinates me about graphic design is

the fact that it is not limited in its nature. It

has given me an opportunity to find value in

things that I might have been oblivious of. I

have learnt that the key for my journey as a

designer is to appreciate my values and the

environment we breathe in every day.

WANOUNYAQOOB

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The Companion

Digital Print

14.8 x 21 cm (A5)

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i n t e r i o r d e s i g n

We are entering a new global era which holds

much promise for the design discipline and

suggests holistic paradigms. Our curriculum

extrapolates from the present perspective

bridging the gap between environment,

behavior and creativity paradigms.

Our interior design department provides

students with the appropriate pedagogic

tools to achieve this unique learning

experience, including interdisciplinary and

multidisciplinary collaboration, real-life

projects, internships, study abroad, and

professional tours.

Our students are benefitting from a

culturally-diverse body of faculty,

a fundamental constituent of excellence in

art and design schools.

This is resulting in distinguished pedagogic,

research and service projects, including, but

not limited to, the building of a teachers

house in Muen Phem of the Karen Hill Tribe

in Chiang Mai, Thailand; partnering with

Al Baker Architects to examine and explore

the design of future spas in search of new

identities and innovation; using immersive

projection in conjunction with Qatar

Museums Authority for the design of the

Doha Fire Station; and designing a mobile

exhibition (MobEx) in a unique collaborative

pedagogic experience that brought together

students from VCU Richmond and VCUQatar.

While continuing to be the sole CIDA (Council

for Interior Design Accreditation) accredited

program outside the United States, I

am delighted about our ambitious and

expanding prospects and I look forward to a

future full of success and excellence.

Mohamed Cherif Amor

Chair, Interior Design

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AISHAAL NAAMA

Interior design is not just about selecting

furniture or choosing colors. I believe that

Interior design can be a much deeper

reflection of people lifestyle. In my design I

sough to incorporate glimpses of the past

as an inspiration. Past is an extension of

the present and future, as a designer, I

believe that there are many essential lessons

to learn from the past that need to be

implemented through design. I consider that

the best way to understand our future is to

remember our past, and whenever we dig

into our past we will progress in our future.

In my project I tried to come up with a

strong concept that originate from the past

yet benefit from the modern technology.

The concept of the house project seek for

new possibilities of architectural and urban

forms through new meaning imposed on

older ideas. I applied courtyard system

that drive from the old houses in Qatar

in order to create harmony with the life

style, environment, nature and the cultural

value of the Qatari people maintain its

unique identity.

Living room

Digital Rendering

2400 x 1800 px

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As an Interior Designer I aspire to combine

interiors with human interaction. My

motivation is the impact interior spaces

can have on the human psyche or behavior

and vice versa. Throughout my work aims

to understand the psychological and

sociological aspect of the client I design for.

From then on I can push the boundaries and

influences of my design.

Through exploration of our behavior I wish to

create an emotion and reaction, challenge

the way we inhabit or use our spaces.

Furthermore, in my capstone Grieving

Center project, I seek to control how a space

can help us psychologically and improve our

lives. I hope to maintain this approach in

future projects, too.

Experimentation, an open mind and

accepting failure have proven to be the best

way for me to improve my designs. Upon

these foundations growth ensues.

Grieving Center Capstone

Sketch

N/A

Spring 2015

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ARWASAFRI

Design to me is like a lavish dinner set on

a table. From far, it attracts the person,

the aroma of the food fills the nostrils and

draws one closer. From close, one gets to

touch the rough texture of the bread and

the smoothness of the silverware. At last

one gets to taste the food. In a similar

way, I believe designed spaces can provide

a full sensory experience. To me, each

corner of the space is carefully thought

upon. I believe in designing for a reason

and with a reason; design not just for the

eye but for all the senses and the mind.

As part of the process, I believe in

analyzing the problem in depth - the

what ifs open a whole set of possibilities.

In addition, I believe with design there

is always a room for improvement and

therefore I happily accept criticism. I

believe in taking risk and set myself on a

journey full of surprises.

My work as a designer thrives on a theme,

heavily focusing on serving a purpose and

fulfilling a function. Spaces that are well-

utilized and engaging that draw one to

inhabit and activate with their presence.

Sports caf a journey inside the caf

Digital Rendering

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Sports caf a journey inside the caf

Digital Rendering

N/A

Spring 2015

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Design is not about creating beauty, but

bringing out beauty from unnoticed matter.

As an individual I am curious to learn and

understand the skills of making things.

To me every aspect of Interior Design is exciting,

especially as I carry a strong desire to create

practical yet beautiful environments, in which

people live and work. It is a challenging field

that teaches ways to expand design thinking

over a broad spectrum of subjects. VCU Qatar

provided a design platform where designers

are able to work in multidisciplinary fields

enhancing their knowledge beyond their majors.

Being tested with different projects I developed

understanding, of the importance of process

work. For me, final result is not the only thing

a designer needs to aim for, but rather the

most important aspect of designing is the

development of the process. I see myself as a

designer who wants to explore different fields

and possibilities of generating design process

and the procedure of process making.

Delta

Mixed Media

150cm X 150cm X 50cm

Fall 2014

ASMAHOSNA

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BASHAYERAL MOHANNADI

As a designer I love to incorporate elements

of my traditional Qatari culture into almost

everything I do. I believe that by combining

elements of my culture into designs, I am

reflecting the aspirations and future of my

country. Qatar has so much beauty through

its Islamic and Arabic influences and these

can create unique designs that incorporate

blends of color, style, fabrics, mosaics water,

light etc. I like to create spaces that are

functional and beautiful. Where are person

feels comfortable and well cared for. Where

attention to detail is extremely important.

My designs try to focus on individualism and

character using diversity of colors and styles,

culturally- sourced content combined with

the use of lighting tries to bring a richness

to my work. Careful analysis and application

of my design ideas through, I try to produce

spaces that show careful thought and

planning, and have a very Qatari sense

of place.

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Design creates culture. Culture shapes

values. Values determine the future.

Robert L. Peters

Applying the design process is not a

mathematical equation; it is allowing

yourself to change your perspective and

alter your perception on what a space can

be. The word design itself has a personality,

it is a combination of my interests and

individuality where I reflect a part of

myself in my work. My curiosity controls me

wherever I go, I analyze my surroundings, my

feelings in different places and always try

to know what differentiates each emotional

reaction. This reflects on my impression

in people, if a person expresses their

opinion on a certain space, I get curious to

know why and how they feel in the same

environment. This helps me analyze what

each aspect of the setting does to people

and how I want to design an experience,

not just a three dimensional area. My work

reflects transforming an abstract into

an environment, experience and hence,

a reality.

Resonance

Digital

NA

Spring 2015

DANAAL LADKHI

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DHIKAKHAIRA

One behaves in a certain way when

one enters a specific space. The ceiling

height, the flooring, the room lighting

ambiance, or even the minutiaes, such as

tactile materials effect your experiences.

The smallest of details, the careful

considerations accumulated together by

interior designers are what defines the

overall atmosphere which directs individuals

to behave accordingly.

Interior design determines our behavior

in every space we enter, yet we take it for

granted. I believe in design as a way of

living, as a way of communicating, and as

a way of narrating stories. Through design,

I hope to tell stories and deliver messages

through a series of experiences. I believe

that clarity and intelligibility are the most

important things in design. Clarity in design

means that your design communicates in

a clear, certain, and direct manner. Design

should always have the ability to speak for

itself without the need for explanation.

Pockets of Theater

Foam and illustration board white model

90 x 50 x 10 cm

Fall 2015

As an aspiring designer, I thrive for more

knowledge and opportunities that will help

myself grow richer as a better individual

when designing in future projects.

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Pockets of Theater

Foam and illustration board white model

90 x 50 x 10 cm

Fall 2015

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My thesis project reflects my approach to

work and also my personality and style. In

this piece I have taken a 1970s style palace

and transformed it into a boutique hotel. In

doing this, I have combined classic elements

of Qatari tradition encompassing the theme

of the Pearl, while still preserving the key

elements of the 70s style and architecture

of the space. The irregular lines and

iridescent colors one would see in a pearl,

are symbolic of my love and appreciation for

the heritage of Qatar.

As a designer I know I have grown from

where I began and that the journey is still

continuing. I embrace new opportunities

and understand that a world without design

would be a very dull place. Thus it is now

my vocation to ensure that the beauty

and individualism of design is passed on

through generations.

DUHAAL SUBAEY

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FARAHZAMRI

Al-Majlis

Pine and plywood

15 sqm

Fall 2014

"Eventually everything connects -

people, ideas, objects. The quality of the

connections is the key to quality per se."

-Charles Eames

Design is a universal language. As an Interior

designer, we communicate through space.

Every space has a narrative, a history left

behind, with memories to store.

Completing the undergraduate program.

Interior Design, enhanced my knowledge to

discover a new perspective in design. Space

is not just about good design, appealing

aesthetics and materials; Interior Design

is about the audience, understanding

their behavior, representing them and

functionality through their requirements.

Interior Design has a cinematic personality

that engages one to visually imagine the

scenarios within a narrated space, similar to

a movie set with an endless time frame.

Design brings about a purposeful impact

experienced by the audience and myself,

since it heightens an imagined space into

a functional and everlasting memory.

My work welcomes the individual familiar

and unfamiliar to recognize and adapt to

the designed environment. I will continue

to push my research in various other

storyboards into action that create similar

experiences through Interior Design.

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I think it was the places, sights, smells and

tastes from my travels that lured me into the

field of design. However, what I found most

striking is the way our domestic environments

are designed to reflect our culture and

facilitate how different cultures eat and

interact. It is this thirst for understanding

cultures and their influence on design and

aesthetics which inspired me to train as an

interior designer. Studying in VCU Qatar, a

diverse environment, I discovered more on

culture and how it shapes an individuals

character and influences their thinking.

The stories of the past and the dreams of

the future are indeed affected by culture-

This is design. Families have legacies, values

and recipes which are carried forward from

generation to generation which are reflected

in our shared behaviors. This effects the way

we shape the environment around us. I try to

design keeping in mind the environment and

the cultural context.

Segments

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Design is honesty. A space makes you feel

all kind of emotions. You feel welcomed,

immersed, quiet or uneasy the second

you enter the space; thats the power of

Design. It is also the reason why I love the

field I chose. Being able to implement all

sorts of emotions or convey a story in any

three dimensional space always intrigued

me. Seeing how an idea can come to life

from your own hands is the best gift that

a designer can get. Ideas are endless, the

secret is to just stay curious.

To me, design is, at the same time, a

scientific and artistic process. The scientific

part is the moment where you need to

experiment in order to achieve the final

creative outcome. The artistic part is

the direction where your inspiration and

creativity takes you; the end result will

always be unexpected and uncontrollable.

Design is full of surprises and magic because

its an uncontrollable experiment. It always

makes me feel inspired, creative and wonder

about the next step to take

MERIEMAIOUNA

QMA project restaurant bar white model

Bristol paper

55.6 x 24.5 x 7.5 cm

Fall 2014

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As an interior designer, I try to be Open

minded. I attempt to expose my style of

design. I am more creative when build in full

scale .also , i get inspire from my traditions,

people, books and other designers .

Inner patient and self believes are what

makes me continue working .lighting and

colors in a space make me happy and I

love how does the colors effect our mood .

It change our feeling and how we see the

world. Also colors should be in a right place

.at that end I think we design to create

feeling from the space throw the colors.

Remember, color is not just color, but mood,

temperature and structure.

- Van Day Truex

Creating Moods

Sculpture

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El Baraha

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NAJDAL MESNED

Looking at the influence and practice

of design in the region, an element that

repeatedly stands out to me is how the

local culture is romanticized in spaces.

Such references are seen in structures and

interiors where a user is welcomed into an

experience. The symbolic and concrete

references are the intriguing element

to me as an interior designer. Beyond

decorative elements, how can interior

design authentically depict culture. This

assertion has guided many of my design

investigations. Design to me, are informed

decisions on what the space aesthetically

and functionally is referencing. In response,

my thesis project looks into how culture

and the ideals of the region are reflected in

the hospitality industry. With the common

sight of the boundary wall to Qatars

residents, my thesis questions the social

influence of such structures. The El Baraha

project integrates a communal approach

to tourism.

The desert resorts design trials ideals on the

boundary wall, common ground and privacy

that is set among Qatari neighborhoods.

Migrating away from the city into the

desert, El Baraha utilizes the context of

the open landscape and omission of the

boundary walls to introduce a communal

feel to tourism.

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Despite what people may think, there

is more to Interior Design than just

a harmonious combination of colors

and materials. If I had to define what

our profession means to me, I would

say the following: interior design is

a communication instrument with

which the designer tells his story to the

worlds subconscious.

Interior designers are invisible

storytellers. We have the ability to

implement design solutions that

discreetly appeal to the users, as they

can feel, yet not see them. It is this

enchanted capability that fascinates

me the most about what we do.

Every project is an opportunity to tell

a story, connecting visual and spatial

languages to create meaningful

three-dimensional experiences. As an

interior designer, I have made it a goal

to create memorable, or at the very

least, hard to forget impressions on the

visitors of my spaces. The challenge I

accepted is to apply a deeper meaning

to my concepts, by reaching to the

core of the stories and appealing to

the senses.

Social Design

Mixed media

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Fall 2014

NOHAFAHMY

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If we value our lives, let us abandon it all

I am forever fettered to myself, thats what I

am, and thats what I must try to live with.

Frank Kafka

Design to me is to tell a story..

I believe that places, over time, affect

an individuals perception. Places act as

an indicator of authenticity. Design is a

reflection of what people have experienced

in the past through incidents and

interactions. Design is also a reflection of

belief and value that expresses something

to the viewer. Design is a plan for arranging

elements in such a way to accomplish a

purpose. Design is not a method of general

expression, it is a method of action. Design

is not only crafty and artistic, it addresses

industrial solutions. The primary conditions

for the practice of design is the recognition

of the need. A true place welcomes

change that adapts with circumstances to

accommodate with what the time brings.

NORHANMOHAMED

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For me design is not a transformation, its

creation. Designing for me is the experience

that extends far beyond the bricks and

mortar of the design environment it is to

understand the motives behind any design

choice; this is true wither it is personal or

universal, contemporary or classic, bespoke or

generic. To be a great designer I believe that;

I need communicate and connect design

to the people; to enhance the environment

and make it relevant to the cultural and

historical background of the surroundings.

Designing for me is like a solving a puzzle, I

always struggle to find all the pieces but I

always complete the picture. As a designer

I enjoy expressing myself through many

different but interconnected ways through

the design process.

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Design is an eclectic process that is built

on combining knowledge of functions,

materials, and behavioral science to

address and solve an existing problem,

while maintaining aesthetic values and

functionality. It starts with identifying a

need, and then analyzing it from different

angles and points of view. I would then

put my thoughts together, and work on

creating a solution for the issue at hand,

and eventually come up with a design that

addresses the initial problem from all sides.

I prefer to sketch and render manually, as

I feel that it brings me closer to the designs

I create. The process of mixing and

matching colors, considering different hues

and saturations, and creating a balance

between lights and shadows helps me to

bring out the best of my work, and highlight

the most important elements in my designs.

Piano Platform View

Ink & marker on paper

40 x 27 cm

Fall 2014

OMAREZZELDEEN

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The most intriguing and impactful designs

are ones that both inspire and fulfill a

specific function. Whether it is to provide

migrant workers with a place of respite, or

to preserve tradition in an old palace, these

designs can fulfill a vital function and be

aesthetically and psychologically pleasing.

In terms of aesthetic design, I think it is

important for me to express my energetic

and competitive side. This energy is

demonstrated in many of my designs that

involve vivid colors and sharp, lively themes

and elements. I often model and design

spaces that are dynamic, interactive and

flow, inducing energy into the user.

Although my greatest passion in design is

for furniture, designing for residential and

commercial spaces intrigues me. I believe

that every home, restaurant, shop, etc.

has its own identity. A space is designed

for specific a specific audience and this

audience must be comfortable in their

own space, you must understand the

psychological aspect to understand each

functionality required by a client to be able

to design for them.

REEMAL ADHAM

Bethiye

Wood Construction

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My interest is how culture influences design.

As an Interior Design student at Virginia

Commonwealth University Qatar, a main

aspect that I decide to focus on while

starting and working on a project is how

culture can relate to either the interior of

a space or even a furniture piece. I am

personally interested in furniture design as

I feel that a specific furniture piece can say

a lot. Learning about different cultures and

religions is also very important.

Namaste was a project that mainly focused

on the Asian migrant workers who live in

Doha. Creating a seating area for them was

a challenge as there was a lot that I needed

to learn about. For example, activities that

they like to do, how they like to eat and what

they like to do in their free time. All of these

aspects relate back to my furniture piece.

For the future I would like to continue

designing interior spaces and furniture pieces

for different cultures. Learning about different

cultures has made me grow as a person and

as a designer.

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Namaste

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Design is a language which is interdisciplinary

and is primarily about problem-solving. It

is able to combine visual sensitivity in order

to break the barriers between humans. The

concept behind my work evolved from my

outlook on the environment and the idea

that we can do to help improve the quality

of living. Just like life, design is an endeavor

that everyone helps to create and maintain

together. In order to have a good end result,

there should be an interaction between the

composition of expression and commitment.

I feel comfortable with operating in the digital

world as well as the physical world. For me,

this is similar to being raised in two cultures-

Pakistan and Philippines. I strive for brilliance

of colors. I strive for pushing my ideas towards

the end of the spectrum and I strive for paying

close attention to the public.

Beyond the barriers

Mixed media (wood and foam board)

80 x 80 cm

Fall 2014

YASMEENKHAN

p a i n t i n g + p r i n t m a k i n g

As Qatar makes its mark on the world

stage it does so with a huge investment

in the visual arts and an expansive

museum program. It is our belief that our

students will not only become part of this

development, but will be its instigators.

The Painting and Printmaking Program is

the first visual arts studio practice program

in Qatars history and is part of a wider

development in the visual arts that is seeing

Doha become a cultural hub, not only in the

region, but also on the international stage.

We are proud to present the degree show

for our very first set of graduates who will go

on to play a major role in Qatars emerging

cultural economy. Where most graduates

find opportunities, ours will create them,

where most graduates seek answers, ours

will dare to ask questions, and where most

graduates seek to understand the world,

ours seek to change it.

From starting up their own studio practice,

developing links with museums, curating

exhibitions, and setting up their own

galleries, the three intensive years in the

Painting and Printmaking program has

prepared our students to thrive in a fast and

unpredictably changing cultural climate.

Students learn to understand, critique and

even transform the cultural landscape

before them, and in doing so play a

significant role in the evolution and

development of society.

So if the many museums that Qatar is

building are indeed to shape its future and

that of the region they must do so with

the most inventive, thought provoking,

and challenging of artists. We believe our

program prepares our artists to be just that,

and we invite you to partake in their success

at this years exhibition, the BFA degree

show of 2014.

Rhys Himsworth

Director, Painting and Printmaking

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EMELINASOARES

Series Process

Digital prints, fabric and milk

Dimensions variable

Spring 2015

History is endless but memories help remind

us of what we once had.

My practice revolves around fabricating

an orientalist perspective that forms my

identity. As a third culture individual of Indian

ethnicity with Portuguese ancestry, raised in

the Middle East, I have developed a curiosity

to examine intercultural influences by using

semiotics to bridge that perplexity.

My desire to impersonate iconic historical

paintings in a digital montage contextualizes

the work to contemporary mediums,

while juxtaposing the history and cultural

anachronisms. By investigating my religion

in an Islamic society, I have been clarifying

the placement of myself. Abstracting the

images to obscure my multicultural ethnicity

progressed to a level of the unknown. I hope

to attain a better understanding of my

identity in a foreign, yet known culture as I

proceed both as an artist and individual.

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119My professor asked me to write an artist

statement, so here it is.

I do not think I should write an artist

statement, but I am writing it now to fulfill

class requirements. This statement is also

for people who require artist statements

for their applications, like artist residencies,

graduate studies or curators, where

artists are obligated to submit their artist

statement. It could also be on my website

under About Artist.

I believe that visual art is more powerful

than words, and there are not enough words

on this planet that can describe it. My art is

visual; you should not need to read or listen

to me talking about my work; to defend

it or to engage the viewer. I think visual

art has the power to exercise the brain by

making viewers question what the art piece

is about. I want people to think about my

artwork even after they go home without

words killing their imagination.

Endless work, unless the power is out

Multimedia

Dimensions variable

Fall 2015

HANAAL SAADI