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Empowering the next generation of women in interior design in the United Arab Emirates through competitive education: a curriculum review

Irene Pasina (Department of Interior Design, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates) (Department of Architecture, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates)
Emanuela Corti (Department of Interior Design, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates) (Department of Industrial Design, Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, Suzhou, China)
Taher Eldanaf (Department of Interior Design, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates)
Dalal Abdullah (Department of Interior Design, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates)

Archnet-IJAR

ISSN: 2631-6862

Article publication date: 6 February 2024

Issue publication date: 22 October 2024

85

Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores the impact of interior design education and its effectiveness in the work environment for women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as they are the primary recipients of interior design programs. The analysis focuses on the role of women in interior design in the Gulf countries and the update of an interior design program curriculum as part of the continuous development program requested by the UAE Commission of Academic Accreditation (CAA) of the national Ministry of Education (MoE).

Design/methodology/approach

The research adopts different methodologies: an academic annual effectiveness report (AER), requirements of relevant international and regional accreditation bodies and a double round of surveys and interviews with female students, alumni, instructors and professionals.

Findings

The article collects and compares data from different perspectives, from the academic to the professional point of view, discussing challenges and opportunities for female students in contemporary interior design in the UAE. After collecting the necessary feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the bachelor’s program, a set of informed recommendations has been developed, approved and introduced during the academic year 2022/2023. At the end of the year, a second feedback from faculty and external reviewers was gathered and analyzed, providing preliminary insights into the effectiveness of the curricular revisions and highlighting the significant benefits for the female students.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the comprehensive and up-to-date combination of traditional elements, innovative approaches and sustainable practices, alongside the strategic planning of the United Arab Emirates, proposed to enhance female learning experiences while reinforcing their skills and competencies for their future careers.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Funding: Part of this research work was developed thanks to the Ajman University AU Funded Research Grant AY 2021-22 (Project Title: Interior Stories, Interior Voices. Women in Design in the MENA Region / DGSR Ref. Number: 2021-IRG-CAAD-1).

Citation

Pasina, I., Corti, E., Eldanaf, T. and Abdullah, D. (2024), "Empowering the next generation of women in interior design in the United Arab Emirates through competitive education: a curriculum review", Archnet-IJAR, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp. 565-591. https://doi.org/10.1108/ARCH-09-2023-0256

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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