Dezeen School Shows: students at the American University in Dubai have harnessed generative AI to create monuments for each of the United Arab Emirates’ seven regions.
Abu Dhabi’s monument recalls the shapes of wind-propelled sailing boats, while Sharjah’s references the region’s history of pearl-diving.
American University in Dubai
Institution: American University in Dubai
School: School of Architecture, Art and Design
Course: Interior Design Department (IDES 470) Applied Generative AI in Design
Tutor: Imad Hanna
School statement:
“This course reflects AUD’s strategic vision to remain a leader in innovation, creativity and technology-enhanced learning.
“The course was developed by professor Imad Hanna, a pioneer in generative design thinking whose research centres on the intersection of design, technology and computational intelligence.
“The course reinforces the university’s commitment to advancing the future of design education.
“Offered under the Interior Design Department and powered by the Center for Research, Innovation and Design (CRID), the Applied Generative AI in Design course provides the theoretical framework and practical competencies required to integrate Generative AI into architectural and interior design workflows.
“The course is grounded in generative design thinking, an advanced approach where human creativity is combined with computational intelligence to explore a wide spectrum of design possibilities.
“Students investigate how AI systems enhance procreative design through high-fidelity visualisation, accelerated iteration and computational exploration.”
Abu Dhabi – Bayn – Between Heritage and Horizon by Sarah Kalsekar
“Abu Dhabi’s spirit has long been shaped by the sea, a horizon of trade, reflection, and renewal.
“Between the shimmer of water and the quiet of the desert, the city’s identity emerges as a dialogue between heritage and innovation, between the crafted solidity of the dhow and the intelligent fluidity of modern design.
“Carved by light, wind and shadow, Abu Dhabi transforms tradition into geometry, creating an evolving language of structure and meaning.
“It stands as both mirror and compass, a vessel of memory and progress, where the past drifts into the future across the calm waters of its shore.”
Student: Sarah Kalsekar
Email: sarah.kalsekar[at]mymail.aud.edu
Dubai – Dubai’s Journey from Sand to Skyline by Sama Alsulaimi
“Dubai’s identity rises from the meeting of desert and sea – a land shaped by Bedouin resilience and coastal trade, where pearl divers and merchants formed its earliest stories.
“The city lives in a constant dialogue between heritage and innovation, between memory and ambition.
“Its skyline, sculpted by light and vision, echoes the rhythm of dunes and waves – forms shaped by nature and human imagination alike.
“From Al Fahidi’s wind towers to the Museum of the Future, each landmark becomes a bridge between eras, a threshold where Dubai’s past evolves into the architecture of tomorrow.”
Student: Sama Alsulaimi
Email: sama.alsulaimi[at]mymail.aud.edu
Sharjah – Where Sharjah’s Legacy Meets Tomorrow by Malak Shabaro
“Rising from Sharjah’s maritime edge and Islamic heritage, this monument features two ribbon-like forms twisting in harmony toward a unified peak.
“One ribbon symbolises the emirate’s cultural legacy – its pearl-diving past, sacred art and architectural traditions – while the other reflects its forward-looking spirit shaped by innovation, learning and creativity.
“Positioned along Sharjah’s Corniche, the structure becomes a landmark of identity and continuity.
“Its converging forms express how the emirate’s past and future move together, shaping a single, soaring statement of resilience, cultural depth and aspiration.”
Student: Malak Shabaro
Email: malak.shabaro[at]mymail.aud.edu
Ras Al Khaimah – Dhayah Echo – Dhayah Fort through Monumental Form by Zena Nassour
“Ras Al Khaimah’s identity is shaped by its mountains, coastal heritage and historic forts. From Dhayah Fort to its fertile wadis and fishing roots, the emirate reflects resilience and a long tradition of trade.
“Today, it balances cultural preservation with modern growth, with echoes of the fort still watching over the land. Dhayah Echo reimagines the ancient fort in abstract form, positioned where land meets history.
“Its layered, upward-reaching geometry reflects ascent and defence, while textures and shadows evoke rugged mountains.
“More than a structure, it is a quiet storyteller – honouring RAK’s proud past and framing its confident future.”
Student: Zena Nassour
Email: zena.nassour[at]mymail.aud.edu
Fujairah – Thuraya by Habiba Hassan
“Fujairah, the UAE’s only emirate on the Gulf of Oman, is defined by rugged mountains, volcanic rock and a deep connection to the sea. Once a centre for fishing, trade and dhow building, its heritage lives on in landmarks like Fujairah Fort.
“Snoopy Island, known for coral reefs and marine life, highlights its natural richness. Thuraya, a coastal monument, draws from this landscape and maritime identity.
“Inspired by the nautilus shell and formed from fused volcanic rock, it reflects the forces of sea and wind. Named after the Pleiades, it honours Fujairah’s seafaring past and invites quiet, reflective connection.”
Student: Habiba Hassan
Email: habiba.hassan17[at]mymail.aud.edu
Umm Al Quwain – Dhikr al-Milh – where memory crystallises, dissolves and returns by Dana Alhashmi
“Umm Al Quwain’s identity is shaped by tidal flats, mangroves and the quiet endurance of coastal life. From salt harvesting to the ancient site of Ed-Dur, its history is written in sediment and sea.
“Salt Lines draws from this fragile landscape, reimagining it as a sculptural memory shaped by salt, bronze and light.
“Dhikr al-Milh reflects the rhythms of erosion and renewal, formed from translucent salt, bronze and resin that echo tidal sediment and mangrove roots.
“Its hollow core captures shifting light, expressing identity not as something fixed, but as layers that dissolve, reform and return with the tide.”
Student: Dana Alhashmi
Email: dana.alhashmi[at]mymail.aud.edu
AJMAN – The Algorithm of the Creek (Khawarizmi Al-Khor) by AI Design Agent (created and directed by Imad Hanna)
“Ajman’s soul is rooted in its Creek, once a lifeline for fishing families, boatbuilders and merchants whose quiet craftsmanship shaped the emirate’s identity.
“The Algorithm of the Creek (Khawarizmi Al-Khor) transforms this heritage into a dialogue between tradition and technology, reflecting the calm continuity that defines Ajman’s way of life.
“Rising from the shoreline, the sculptural form echoes dhow curves, tidal motion and the gentle rhythm of the water.
“Its geometry feels carved by nature’s invisible algorithms.
“Both gateway and memory, it becomes a threshold where Ajman’s living heritage, human warmth and coastal spirit flow seamlessly into its evolving future.”
Tutor: Imad Hanna
Email: ihanna[at]aud.edu
Partnership content
This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and the American University in Dubai. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.
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