a href="/myfiles/Images/2015/05/20/kg1_big.jpg" title=" Students visit "The Art of Creating Spaces" exhibition by interior design seniors on the Dar Al-Hekma campus. — Courtesy photo" Students visit "The Art of Creating Spaces" exhibition by interior design seniors on the Dar Al-Hekma campus. — Courtesy photo
Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — Dar Al-Hekma University showcased the work of its senior interior design students at an exhibition held in the presence of Prince Faisal Bin Muqrin. “The Art of Creating Spaces” exhibition on the university's campus on Tuesday aimed to facilitate students' smooth transition to the job market after graduation by attracting the attendance of many prominent business professionals. Prince Faisal opened the event by cutting the ribbon and then took a tour with Dr. Suhair Hassan Al-Qurashi, university president, to see the students' work. Among the guests were families of students, professionals and high profile visitors. “The work level of the students is very professional and we wish the university God's blessing,” said Prince Faisal. Al-Qurashi said: “Organizing these exhibitions expose our students to industry leaders in their prospective industries before graduation. This is designed to give the Dar Al-Hekma University students a head start in their careers; this opportunity is one of many throughout their academic career that helps turn their raw talent and creativity into professional artists.” Salah Bakhashwain, owner of Saudi Rawassi Company and father of one of the senior students, said: “The exhibition was superbly organized and the girls are heading toward the correct creativity direction. “What is most important is that Dar Al-Hekma University reaches an international level and, therefore, it helped the students produce projects that are good in terms of international standards.” Adbullah Bakashab, owner of Bakashab Event Managements, said he attended the event to humor a graduate. “I was positively surprised with the level of work exhibited. Everything was there from flooring, walls, colors; I did not expect seniors so young to be capable of such professional work.” This year's theme aimed to emphasize that interior design is an art with a function and designing the interior of spaces goes beyond the selection of colors, shapes and surfaces; it is about creating the spirit of space. Acting chair of the university's interior design department Reem Fathallah said: “The importance of the theme this year is its aim to raise awareness among the public about a side of interior design that is often forgotten, a side that transcends mere aesthetics and luxuries. “Our exhibition this year is highlighting interior design as a transformative discipline that supports a better life for the user in all indoor activities. The spirit of the spaces created by our interior designers nurture a healthier, safer and more effective activity, whatever that activity may be.” This exhibition marks the highest number of graduates the interior design department has ever had. There were 37 senior students in Dar Al-Hekma University who showcased their capstone project, the result of a semester's work. Johara Beydoun, a lecturer in the interior design program and exhibition organizer, worked closely with the students to come up with the concept that was further developed throughout the semester. One of the projects, titled “Robotronics” and designed by Bodour Dawood, grabbed people's attention. She said: “My ‘Robotronics' project is a space that gives young inventive Saudis a chance to unleash their potential creativity and energy, thus supporting my country's economy, industry and urbanization. “The spirit of the space is very futuristic and innovative.” Ghady Bogari's submission aimed to reveal misinterpretations of Islam and encourage the audience to think, ponder and explore religion through the use of different mediums in design. “My space works as a commentary that pushes people to question themselves and bring to light hidden facts they are blind to.” “Designteam by Rawassi," one of the sponsors of the exhibition and its official designer, was notable for being the brainchild of five senior Dar Al-Hekma students: Shahad Bakhashwain, Haya Hachem, Amira Alesayi, Jude Abduljawad and Nour Awad.
