Outdoor seating proposal: a concise orientation before we get practical.
Outdoor seating proposal: Quick notes
Dezeen School Shows: a proposal for an outdoor seating collection made from teak and bamboo is among the furniture design projects from Ajman University.
Also featured are a modular public seating proposal and a project that aims to encourage social interactions.
Institution: Ajman University
Course: Introduction to Design – CAAD
Tutors: Hadil Al Bustami, Suaad Shaqrah, Aya Babbili and Lamees Salman
School statement:
“Introduction to Design at Ajman University is a foundational studio course that empowers first-year interior design students with the essential principles and practices of visual communication, spatial thinking and creative problem-solving.
“Through a series of conceptual investigations and hands-on projects, students explore the elements of form, colour, composition, scale and materiality as language for design.
“The course bridges theory and practice, encouraging learners to critically observe their environment, ideate with innovation and express design intentions through sketches, models and digital representations.
“Culminating studio projects highlight students’ abilities to transform abstract ideas into thoughtful solutions that respond to human needs, cultural context and sustainable sensibilities – setting the stage for their future growth as interior designers.”
Nature’s Nexus Seating by Batool Hadi, Batoel Loay and Judy Molham
“Nature’s Nexus Seating is inspired by the relationship between geometry, nature and social interaction.
“The design originates from an abstract pattern based on modular repetition, where intersecting forms create balance and rhythm.
“This pattern was translated into a three-dimensional seating system that integrates planters within the structure, allowing greenery to become part of the seating experience.
“Crafted with warm wooden surfaces and natural materials, the seating promotes comfort and visual harmony.
“Designed for outdoor use at the Ajman University Student Hub, Nature’s Nexus Seating encourages relaxation, connection and informal gatherings, offering students a calm space to sit, interact and reconnect with nature within the campus environment.”
Students: Batool Hadi, Batoel Loay and Judy Molham
Tutors: Hadil Al Bustami and Aya Babbili
Emails: 202511436[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae, 202512139[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae and 202511736[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae
Terra Seat by Elhasnaa Alyafeai and Maryam Saeed
“Terra Seat was inspired by a geometric language created from triangular patterns, developed through multiple seating prototypes to achieve its final form and meaning.
“The triangles define the seat’s top view and identity. Site observation of the student hub revealed strong frontal sun exposure with heat, so the orientation was designed to counter sun movement and reduce heat and humidity typical of the UAE climate.
“Material selection focused on environmental performance, including heat-resistant stainless steel, Bilbao wood treated for heat and decay resistance and integrated solar panels for clean energy use.
“Natural, eye-comfortable colours were chosen to harmonise with the site and reinforce the seat’s environmental message.”
Students: Elhasnaa Alyafeai and Maryam Saeed
Tutors: Hadil Al Bustami and Suaad Shaqrah
Emails: 202511116[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae and 202511016[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae
The Haven by Jumanah Monther
“This modular public seating area is derived from a previously developed geometric pattern based on triangles, translated into a functional and cohesive design.
“The grey, brown and green colour palette creates a calm atmosphere while blending with the surrounding context.
“Wood and concrete were chosen for durability in the UAE climate and a modern aesthetic. The central tree offers shade and harmony, while cabin-like structures provide semi-private spaces for students seeking alone time while still feeling connected.
“The design includes solar panels for sustainable use and charging ports to support students’ needs.
“Located in front of the student hub at Ajman University, the seating is positioned with consideration of sun movement, offering students and staff a comfortable retreat from the busy campus life.
“It encourages togetherness and flexibility, supporting activities such as studying, resting or waiting between classes.”
Student: Jumanah Monther
Tutors: Hadil Al Bustami and Aya Babbili
Email: 202510980[at]ajmanuni.ae
The Oasis Bench by Mariam Alabadla and Ghina Mahrouseh
“Oasis Bench is designed as a contemporary outdoor retreat that brings together seating, greenery and shade in a single integrated unit.
“The concept is inspired by the idea of an oasis – a calm, shaded pause within a dynamic campus environment.
“The bench is formed through a modular composition of linear seating elements and planter boxes, creating a balanced and functional layout.
“A steel shading structure supports solar panels, providing protection from the sun while promoting sustainability.
“Designed for the Ajman University Student Hub, Oasis Bench offers students a comfortable place to sit, study, recharge devices and socialise, blending landscape and furniture into a welcoming micro-space within the campus.”
Student: Mariam Alabadla and Ghina Mahrouseh
Tutors: Hadil Al Bustami and Aya Babbili
Emails: 202512619[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae and 202511557[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae
The Crossed Bench by Maryam Abouelyazid
“Inspired by floating furniture, The Crossed Bench explores intersecting geometric forms that create a visually light yet functional seating design.
“The concept evolved from a two-dimensional pattern through sketches and model studies, focusing on balance and contrast.
“The final design functions as an outdoor single seat for students, incorporating a defined seating area and a central opening that can accommodate plants.
“This opening also allows the bench to function as a small table, encouraging interaction and flexibility in use. The design merges sculptural form with practical outdoor functionality.”
Student: Maryam Abouelyazid
Tutors: Hadil Al Bustami and Suaad Shaqrah
Email: 202411818[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae
The Campus Recharge by Reema Almatari and Khadeeja Hashim
“The Campus Recharge is an outdoor seating design created to support rest, focus and informal interaction within the university environment.
“The design is based on a modular geometric composition, where solid concrete blocks are combined with warm wooden seating surfaces to balance durability and comfort.
“Integrated planters introduce greenery, softening the structure and enhancing the connection to nature. The stepped arrangement allows multiple seating positions, supporting both individual use and small group gatherings.
“Designed for campus outdoor spaces, The Campus Recharge provides students with a calm, shaded place to pause, study and recharge between activities, promoting wellbeing and everyday social engagement.”
Student: Reema Almatari and Khadeeja Hashim
Tutors: Hadil Al Bustami and Suaad Shaqrah
Emails: 202320017[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae and 202320017[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae
Zika Chair by Sana Hawari
“Zika Chair began as a basic pattern derived from simple geometric shapes, exploring repetition and rhythm.
“Through a curated moodboard, suitable colours and materials were selected to respond to the context and climate, transforming the concept into a refined three-dimensional design.
“Technical drawings were developed using AutoCAD, followed by a folded-paper prototype to test form, scale and modularity.
“Designed for the space in front of the Student Hub at Ajman University, the seat integrates solar-powered shading devices and charging facilities, using sustainable materials.
“Zika Chair offers students a versatile place to rest, study, work and socialise as part of daily campus life.”
Student: Sana Hawari
Tutors: Hadil Al Bustami and Aya Babbili
Email: sanahawari2007[at]gmail.com
The Vertix Seating by Shahed Ahmed Ismail and Aya Omar Aldaher
“Vertix is a public seating design developed by transforming a previously explored drawing and pattern into a functional outdoor element.
“A selected fragment of the original composition was reconfigured to generate a dynamic, angular form that balances visual identity with ergonomic comfort and user safety.
“Designed as a waiting and resting station outside the Student Hub at Ajman University, the seating integrates charging ports to support students’ daily needs.
“A fixed canopy is connected to the chair to provide protection from sun and rain, while integrated solar panels supply sustainable energy for charging.
“All materials were carefully selected to withstand the UAE climate, ensuring durability, environmental responsiveness and long-term public use.”
Students: Shahed Ahmed Ismail and Aya Omar Aldaher
Tutors: Hadil Al Bustami and Aya Babbili
Email: 202511886[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae and 202511305[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae
Concrete Calm by Sham Alkhatib
“This outdoor seating design was inspired by a simple geometric pattern developed earlier in the design process and translated into a three-dimensional form.
“The seat is located in front of the Student Hub at Ajman University, where students gather to study, socialise and relax.
“Teak wood was chosen for its warm beige tone and comfort, concrete for its strength, stability and modern character and sago palms for greenery, shade and psychological comfort.
“The neutral grey, beige and green colour palette creates a calm and balanced atmosphere. The design combines seating, tables and landscape to encourage flexible use, social interaction and longer outdoor stay.”
Student: Sham Alkhatib
Tutors: Hadil Al Bustami and Aya Babbili
Email: 202510387[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae
The Intersect Seat by Zainab Khot and Maha Alwan
“The Intersect Seat is an outdoor seating concept that combines comfort, sustainability and climate resilience.
“The idea began with a simple question: what if materials and functions could intersect naturally, just like people do in shared spaces?
“Inspired by shaded courtyards and social hubs, the seat combines teak and bamboo wood for warmth and durability, marble for cool resting surfaces and integrated solar panels for energy-efficient shade.
“The intersecting geometry creates intimate seating zones while encouraging interaction. Built to withstand the UAE’s weather, the Intersect Seat becomes more than just furniture – it’s a sustainable retreat for rest, connection and reflection outdoors.”
Student: Zainab Khot and Maha Alwan
Tutors: Hadil Al Bustami and Suaad Shaqrah
Email: 202512679[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae and 202510759[at]ajmanuni.ac.ae
Partnership content
This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and Ajman University. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.
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