NEWS
University of Bahrain Students Design Al Bait Al Oud Garden on the 100th Anniversary of its Construction
Sakhir – University of Bahrain (Ali Al Sabbaq)
March 28, 2023
Environmental architecture students, College of Engineering, University of Bahrain implemented designs for the “Al Bait Al Oud” garden in Manama and its eastern courtyard, on the 100th anniversary of the house’s construction, which was built according to the Bahraini architectural style by Sheikh Ishaq bin Abdulrahman bin Ishaq.
The students reviewed their designs in a ceremony at “Al Bait Al Oud”, where they were honored by the dignitary Shaikh Mohammed Ishaq, in the presence of the University of Bahrain Vice President for Community Service and Alumni Affairs Dr. Mohammed Salih Al-Ansari, the University Vice President for Academic Programs and Postgraduate Studies Dr. Mohammed Reda Qader, and the Dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Shaikha Haifa bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, as well as many university professors and guests.
In her speech, Dr. Shaikha Haifa bint Ibrahim stated, “We are pleased to be here today, and to have you in the inauguration ceremony of cooperation with those in charge of “Al Bait Al Oud”, which is characterized by its strategic location in the center of Manama, surrounded by the historical Bahraini neighborhoods.
Dr. Shaikha Haifa bint Ibrahim stressed that the College of Engineering spares no effort to support the cultural heritage, as it is keen to integrate heritage values into curricula. In this context, she referred to “the development of the Environment Architecture Program in the College of Engineering, which integrates theories and practices of urban planning and design, and manages them from an aesthetic, environmental, cultural, and social perspective.
Regarding the student design project, Dr. Shaikha Haifa explained, “Participation of third-year students of the Environment Architecture Program in planning and designing the open space in the “Al Bait Al Oud” reflects the value of community service, for the purpose of establishing and developing design perceptions, to revive the history of the back garden of Al Bait Al Oud. She noted, “This project is part of the College’s plans to prepare students for practicing their career, through real projects.”
Dr. Haifa bint Ibrahim thanked the committee of “Al Bait Al Oud” for its cooperation and hosting the university affiliates. She also extended her thanks to the work team for their distinguished efforts in supervision, coordination, and organization, as well as the participating students for their proposals.
For her part, Director of the Engineering Programs Department at the College of Applied Studies, Assistant Professor at the College of Engineering, University of Bahrain, Dr. Wafaa Hasan Al-Madani, explained that the event embodies the collaboration between the University and “Al Bait Al Oud” committee, and honors students participating in reviving the back garden of “Al Bait Al Oud”, through studying, planning, and developing design concepts for this site. She added, “Al Bait Al Oud was built in the 1920s in the heart of Manama. The urban context of the house is characterized by heritage architecture and the spirit of the historical Bahraini neighborhoods.” She lauded the University and College’s interest in initiatives that promote cultural heritage.
Students enrolled in (LNDA321) course conducted analytical research studies on the site before designing the backyard, as they were keen to integrate contemporary and traditional design elements, to revive historical buildings, and preserve their character of urban heritage.
The member of “Al Bait Al Oud” committee, Mohammed Mounir Yaqoubi, praised the students’ work, which may be their first experience in implementing a design for a Bahraini historic landmark. He expressed his admiration for the diversity of students’ ideas and the attempt to integrate characteristics of the old architecture and modern touches into the design, according to the principles of sustainability and green building.
Concerning whether the designs are applicable, Yaqoubi said, “They are certainly applicable, but they need minor amendments.” He noted that, “Al Bait Al Oud Committee will soon, after renovating the house, embark on the second phase related to the development of the courtyard and the back garden.”
Yaqoubi added, “The house has a swimming pool, which is one of the first swimming pools in homes in Manama. One of the student projects focused on developing the pool in a beautiful way, the design of which will be made use of when starting to develop the garden.”
The student, Shaikha Tariq Mehd, expressed her happiness to meet the dignitary Shaikh Mohammad Ishaq, who spoke to the students about the house and its construction. He explained the difference between space and place, and recounted the story of the house, which embodies the historical construction of the old Bahraini houses.
Shaikha Tariq Mehd noted, “This experience has introduced us to some traditional design strategies, which are very important in the old local houses, including the mashrabiya, Liwan, and dahreez, which we have heard a lot about, but we did not see or experience in real life before visiting and examining them on the ground.”
