The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) entered into a collaborative project with the American University of Sharjah (AUS), where 14 senior architecture students were given the brief to develop a design for a multi-purpose urban venue as their 5th year studio project. The project specifications called Al Ittihad Square and the Central Market in Sharjah to be redesigned into a venue that would operate as a lifestyle hub. Weaving together five major program elements, namely retail, dining, art, outdoor recreation, and ecological enhancement, the students were charged to use the landscape as the medium that binds the strands of the contemporary city together. Shurooq will be rewarding the student with the best design in March 2013, which may also be implemented in the redevelopment of these two key areas. Speaking about this landmark project, Shurooq CEO Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal said “as we continue to develop Sharjah's infrastructure, we also realize the vital importance of investing in the emirate's most important resource – its people. Sharjah has a wealth of human potential to tap into and through projects such as this one we wish to encourage and empower bright young minds to make a real contribution to building our Emirate. These 14 students represent the great impact that their generation could have in the future of the emirate as can clearly be seen through the outstanding designs they have created.” The project aimed to encourage students to broaden their horizons through the acquisition of real life experience beyond the scope of traditional university projects and that Shurooq would continue to initiate projects such as this one as part of their sustained commitment to support students in Sharjah and the Emirates. Professor Peter Di Sabatino, Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) at the American University of Sharjah (AUS) added: “This collaborative project with Shurooq, particularly through the excellent contributions from CEO Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal and Architect Khawla Al Hashimi, is a direct instance of the mutual benefits of ‘productive cooperation.' We look forward to even stronger and deeper relations with Shurooq and other entities in Sharjah.” – SG
