'Seef Properties' organizes designing contest for Architectural students in cooperation with the University of Bahrain

Manama: Reaffirming its constant support to innovation and creativity of the youth, Seef Properties—one of the leading integrated real estate development companies in the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Managing and Leasing Company of Al Liwan Project—recently organized a design competition for architecture students at the University of Bahrain (UOB).

More than 70 participants competed in designing four retail kiosks that will be installed at Al Liwan Project; a unique integrated project that is located in Hamala, and developed by Lama Real Estate Development W.L.L and managed by Seef Properties.

Cash prizes have been awarded to the winners of the first three places in the competition during a special ceremony that was held recently at Seef Properties' headquarters in Seef District, in the presence of senior officials from the Company, and faculty members of the Department of Architecture & Interior Design at the College of Engineering.

In the ceremony, 1,000 BD was awarded to Abdullah Mohammed Hassan, who won first place, while the second-place winner Sabrina Basheer received a 750BD cash prize. A Composite award of 500 BD was awarded to the third-place winners; composed of a group of students namely Abdullah Bahlwan, Salman Al Hajeri, Abdulalh Al Dosseri and Ahmed Hilal. Meanwhile, special awards were given to participants for their contributions, and this includes the Best Spatial Configuration Award, which went to Hala Khalid Al Mansoori, while K.C. Sabreena Basheer was presented the Best Rendering Award and the group of Manal Mohammed Al Amri, Selma Al Saeed Mohammed, Binscal Paul and Darvin Varghese received Best Concept Award. Additionally, Seef Properties awarded certificates of appreciation to all the other participants, jury panel members, the Chairwomen of the Department of Architecture & Interior Design, and the Dean of the College of Engineering at UOB.

Jury members included Dr. May Khalfan, Assistant Professor, Mrs. Layla Karajica, Lecturer and Mrs. Nada Mahmoud, Research & Teaching Assistant from the Department of Architecture & Interior Design, University of Bahrain. From Seef Properties, its Chief Executive Officer and the representative of Lama Real Estate Development W.L.L, Mr. Ahmed Yusuf, as well as other members of Seef Properties Management participated. The panel evaluated the designs submitted by the participating students in accordance with design, innovation, functionality, and presentation standards.

10 submissions were shortlisted and the authors of the submissions were interviewed by the jury through audiovisual means of communication, during which the three winners were Selected. The top three designs were showcased at the West Wing at Seef Mall – Seef District.

On the occasion, Mr. Ahmed Yusuf praised the creative efforts demonstrated by the students in designing the kiosks, while at the same time, appreciating their active participation in the contest, which aims to provide them with the necessary experience and practical skills in the field of architectural and real estate development. Mr. Ahmed Yusuf also thanked UOB officials for their cooperation in organizing this activity.

"At Seef Properties, we believe in investing in knowledge and experience. This stems from our confidence that together they create future leaders in the real estate development sector, subsequently supporting the national economy and increasing the sector's contribution to the growth and urbanization of the Kingdom. The participants have proven competence and competitive skills of the students at the University of Bahrain, which will enable them to transition into the labor market, achieving leadership and creating the best innovative architectural solutions," Mr. Ahmed Yusuf commented.

Dean of the College of Engineering at UOB, Dr. Fuad Al Ansari valued Seef Properties' initiative to organize this unique activity, which seeks to create a promising generation of architects who are able to lead the real estate development

towards broader horizons of growth and prosperity, and to enhance their future employment opportunities in the local labor market.

He further added: "Practical experience is significant to form qualified individuals with competence in engineering and other professional specializations. The rapidly changing competitive requirements in the work environment necessitate an increased focus on the practical side and the implementation of the theoretical sides of learning through real-life experiences. This contest, held in cooperation with Seef Properties, is a supportive initiative for students. It helps them move from the theoretical stage of learning to practice, and grants them better opportunities to meet the requirements of the labor market after graduation."

It is worth mentioning that Al Liwan Project consists of a wide variety of restaurants, cafes and retail stores topped with three-storey residential units that overlook stunning views. It also includes a state-of-the-art cinema, a family entertainment center, open areas and boulevards, all granting its residents, the most memorable experience.

Seef Properties was established in the year 1999 and is listed on Bahrain Bourse. The Company's operations are headquartered in the Kingdom of Bahrain and it is a leader in the retail, hospitality, entertainment, and real estate development sectors. Seef Properties manages a large portfolio of assets, promoting its position as a distinguished commercial brand in the Kingdom.

© Press Release 2020