FaceOf: Maysan Mamoun, founder of COdesign Arabia

Updated 20 October 2018
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FaceOf: Maysan Mamoun, founder of COdesign Arabia

Maysan Mamoun is the founder of COdesign Arabia, a professional design studio that focuses on a design approach that engages, connects and involves communities in the creative process through participation. Mamoun is also a member of the Royal Architectural Institute Of Canada. 

Mamoun attained a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Effat University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2009, a master’s degree in architecture from Carlton University in Ottawa, Canada in 2013, an executive degree from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US in 2015, a post-professional master’s in architecture from McGill University in Montreal, Canada in 2016. 

Her previous work includes working as an intern architect at Saudi Diyar Consulting from June 2008-July 2008, intern architect at MOK Architects from November 2009-February 2010 and creative director at Moreyat.

She participated at the Tasmeem Fair, organized by the Saudi Art Council, and presented her work “The Abode,’’ derived from our limited perception of time and place, and is basically a space that represents both tangible and abstract materials, providing a harmonious understanding of our existential experience.

“The idea that I want to deliver here is the meaning of life unlimited — ‘Donia’ —  and the infinite ‘hereafter,’ through two materials, wax and ice. I wanted to form the shape of wax based on the ice to resemble the meaning of good deeds in life and how they last.’’


Saudi program opens doors to historical research for local, international scholars

Updated 10 sec ago
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Saudi program opens doors to historical research for local, international scholars

  • Starting in May, Darah’s International Visitor Program offers access to rare manuscripts, archival photos, and oral histories

Riyadh: The first session of the International Visitor Program for local and international researchers, organized by the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, known as Darah, will begin in May.

According to Turki Al-Shuwaier, CEO of Darah, the program is a strategic initiative aimed at supporting researchers from within and outside the Kingdom, enabling them to conduct qualitative studies that leverage Darah’s research resources and specialized expertise.

He told Arab News: “The program contributes to strengthening cooperation with academic institutions, research centers, and archival libraries locally and internationally, as well as promoting specialized knowledge production and providing a stimulating environment for the development of research and knowledge paths.”

The program seeks to foster constructive scientific cooperation and open new horizons for documenting national history, giving researchers access to rare documents, historical manuscripts, archival photographs, and oral recordings.

Al-Shuwaier said the program aims to support methodological diversity in handling historical sources and encourage the use of modern academic approaches that contribute to developing knowledge about the history of the Kingdom, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Arab and Islamic worlds.

He added: “Darah seeks to enable researchers to make the most of their research residency at the foundation, and we are keen to provide the necessary academic support and scientific supervision by our specialists, ensuring a successful research experience for all.”

The program targets a diverse range of qualified researchers, including faculty members, graduate students, and specialists in relevant fields. It lasts between one and three months and is extendable “according to a scientific evaluation mechanism.”

Al-Shuwaier noted that Darah is leveraging its capabilities to support serious scientific research, concluding: “Through this program, we seek to contribute to enriching historical knowledge and promoting awareness of the importance of heritage and history in shaping the future.”