AUDesign_LAB, AUD Interior Design Department and Rotana Hotels Projects launched the first edition of AUD & Rotana Student Challenge.

AUD Interior design students worked on an Asian Fusion restaurant in one of Rotana’s new properties in Dar El Salaam, Tanzania using the as built drawings and design brief issued by the operator.

AUD third and fourth year Interior Design students of the course IDES375 Food & Beverage Outlet Design, led by AUD Associate Professor & Outreach Coordinator Department of Interior Design Annamaria Lambri, developed the project during 2018 Fall semester under the guidance of Rotana Hotel Management Corporation project team: Najee Syriani, Rotana Corporate Vice President – Projects, Aisling Collins, Rotana Director of Interior Design – Projects, Nadim Jamous, Rotana Director of Projects and Prof. Lambri.

During the final presentation on December 2018, four projects were shortlisted as finalists
The Final Event and Awards Ceremony was held at AUD on 17th of February 2019 awarding the best concept design; the runner ups outstanding projects received excellent comments from the Rotana Jury, composed by:

• Najee Syriani, Rotana Corporate Vice President
• Aisling Collins, Director of Interior Design, Rotana
• Nadim Jamous, Director Of Projects, Rotana

AUD Interior Design Students Winners:

• 1st place: Merian Eid & Ayah Maklad, “JAZHENG” project.
• 2nd place: Sandra Abdelshehid & Fatma Lootah, “YONG” project.
• 3rd place: Sara El Khorieby & Lauren Stoklas, “GEIJUTSU NO ROJI” project.
• Mention: Munira Lightwala & Shea Neil, “MIKUSSU” project.

QUOTE:
“It has been an exciting and challenging journey for the students, working on a real project and being in close contact with one of the leading international hospitality operators.
The Rotana Hotels Project team was extremely supportive during all the process and the students benefited enormously from their knowledge and experience. Thank you all again for your professionalism and enthusiasm.
This is the beginning of a great collaboration with further development“.

Annamaria Lambri, AUD Associate Professor of Interior Design and Outreach Coordinator – Interior Design.

QUOTE:
“The collaboration with AUD has been greatly rewarding for Rotana and the students. The progression from the initial design concepts, critique leading to development and refinement of the outlet design to the final presentation showed a good understanding of the operational needs including back of house support and the overall guest experience. This experience is invaluable for young designers and the Rotana projects team will continue to support and mentor these young creative minds in preparation for entry to the workplace.”
Aisling Collins, Director of Interior Design – Projects, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation PJSC