1. Vision and Mission
The School of Architecture and Interior Design (SAID) envisions becoming the leading center for design research and education in the UAE, addressing the most pressing global challenges of sustainability, digital transformation, and social innovation within the built environment. SAID’s mission is to foster cutting-edge research, bridging practical applications with academic inquiry, and to lead the transition toward a Post-Carbon economy while nurturing future architects and designers with a strong commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
1.1 Research Context
SAID's research efforts are directed towards enhancing the built environment by addressing societal, economic, and environmental challenges. The school prioritizes Cradle-to-Cradle approaches in design to support the transition to a Circular Economy. Critical areas of focus include architectural and urban retrofitting, urban resilience, and the mitigation of climate change effects such as heat islands. These research initiatives are key drivers in transforming curricula and pedagogical strategies, ensuring that future architects and interior designers are well-equipped to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
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2. Foundations for Research Development
SAID’s research strategy for 2024-2026 rests on three foundational pillars:
2.1 Design for Social Innovation
Design for Social Innovation aims at exploring the transformative power of design in addressing complex societal challenges through the lens of social innovation. Design for social innovation emerges as a strategic approach to cultivate solutions that not only respond to immediate needs but also contribute to lasting positive change. This research stream welcomes inquisitive approaches on the theoretical foundations and practical applications of design methodologies aimed at fostering social innovation across diverse contexts.
Drawing upon literature review, case studies and examples from various sectors, including dwelling, education, healthcare, and community development, the research herewith conducted aims at highlighting the potential of design-driven interventions to create inclusive, sustainable, and human-centered outcomes. Special attention should be given to the collaborative processes involving diverse stakeholders, including communities, policymakers, and designers, as integral components of successful social innovation initiatives.
Furthermore, this research stream delves into the ethical considerations inherent in design for social innovation, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity, participatory approaches, and the empowerment of marginalized voices. By synthesizing insights from design thinking, systems theory, and social science, this research stream should contribute to a comprehensive understanding of how design can serve as a catalyst for positive social change.
Ultimately, the findings and research outcomes aim to inspire and guide practitioners, policymakers, and academics in harnessing the potential of design for social innovation, fostering a collective commitment to building more equitable and resilient societies.
2.2 Digitalization of the Built Environment
Digitalization of the Built Environment encompasses the integration of advanced technologies into the design, construction, operation, and use of physical spaces from a lifecycle perspective. It welcomes explorations on the transformative trends that digitalization has introduced, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), Internet of Things (IoT), Digital Twins, and smart infrastructure systems, and the way these innovations are reshaping traditional practices, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and user experience within the built environment.
Through an interdisciplinary lens, research conducted within this area examines the implications of digitalization on interior design, architecture, urban planning, and facility management. It delves into the potential benefits, including circularity of processes, streamlined project collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and the creation of intelligent, adaptive environments. Additionally, the research stream addresses challenges related to data security, interoperability, and the need for up-skilling within the industry to fully harness the benefits of digital technologies.
Furthermore, the research explores the future prospects of the digitalized built environment, considering emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and generative design. It discusses how these innovations may shape the evolution of cities, buildings, and infrastructure, fostering resilience and sustainability in the face of evolving societal needs and environmental challenges.
By synthesizing insights from interior, architecture, engineering, and technology, it embraces the complexity of the ongoing digital transformation in the built environment. The research outcomes aim to inform industry professionals, policymakers, and researchers, fostering a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with the digitalization of the built environment.
2.3 Design for Climate Change
Design for Climate Change explores how architecture and interior design can contribute to mitigate the effects of climate change by means of nature-based solutions for the regeneration of the built environment. This stream explores several issues such as access, use and lifecycle of resources, materials, and products, the shift to servitization, the impact of emerging technologies on design, construction, and operation of buildings, and promotes resilient design strategies to create spaces that are both adaptable to changing climates and that contribute to environmental thrive.
To advance the understanding of sustainable urban development and infrastructure, the investigations carried out in this area will focus on studying climate-responsive architecture, exploring green building certifications, and examining case studies of successful projects globally using analytical thinking on the effects of urbanization, population growth, and carbon emissions on the environment and how design innovations can address these challenges.
Additionally, this stream emphasizes the importance of education in climate-sensitive design, fostering future architects and interior designers who prioritize environmental stewardship in their work through investigating interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating knowledge from fields like environmental science, engineering, and social studies to create comprehensive and sustainable design solutions.
The findings from this research stream aim to guide policy, guide practitioners, and prepare the next generation of architects and designers to tackle the persistent climate change challenges ensuring the design industry plays a pivotal role in fostering a sustainable future to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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3. Strategic Objectives
To achieve its research mission, SAID has set the following strategic objectives:
3.1 Collaborative Research Environment
Fostering a collaborative research culture among faculty and students is a key priority. The school will develop interdisciplinary projects, encourage knowledge sharing, and create research platforms that allow for meaningful collaboration across various academic and professional fields.
3.2 Establishment of External Collaborations in Strategic Areas of Strength
SAID seeks to strengthen its partnerships with industry, governmental bodies, and international academic institutions. These collaborations will enhance the school's research impact, particularly in areas such as sustainable urban development, smart infrastructure, and social innovation.
3.3 Strengthening the Student Community's Research Culture and Supporting Research-Oriented Initiatives, Projects, and Publications
The school aims to cultivate a strong research culture among students by supporting research initiatives, facilitating opportunities for publications, and promoting active participation in conferences and symposia.
3.4 Promotion of Active Professional Engagement
SAID will encourage its faculty and students to engage with professional bodies, industry networks, and policy forums to ensure that research findings inform real-world practice, drive policy change, and enhance the visibility of the school’s research outputs.
4. Enabling Mechanisms
The success of the research strategy will be supported by a comprehensive set of mechanisms designed to promote research productivity and foster an enabling research environment.
4.1 School Practices
SAID will adopt best practices to streamline research processes, encourage interdisciplinary projects, and ensure the alignment of research activities with the school’s vision.
4.2 Department Practices
The Architecture and Interior Design departments will create department-specific research agendas that align with the broader school strategy, ensuring that research efforts are relevant and impactful.
4.3 Research Support
SAID will provide dedicated support for research activities, including funding opportunities, access to resources, and mentorship programs to guide both faculty and students through the research process.
4.4 Research Environment and Culture
The school will focus on creating a vibrant research culture, offering regular workshops, seminars, and symposia that bring together researchers from different disciplines to share their work and foster collaboration.
4.5 Research Operational Structure
A clear operational structure will be established to support the management of research activities, ensuring that administrative processes, reporting, and resource allocation are aligned with the strategic research goals.
By adopting this 2024-2026 Research Strategy, SAID will position itself as a leader in design education and research, contributing significantly to the advancement of the architectural and interior design fields both in the UAE and globally.