David Hughes, the President of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers – the international body of the building services profession – gave a public lecture at the British University in Dubai (BUiD) this week.
His theme was “Building Materials: Past, Present and Future,” examining how new technologies and advanced skill-sets will help building professionals shape the next generation of construction around the world.
In particular, he aimed to help BUiD students in the Engineering and Built Environment institutes consider how they could play a more proactive part in improving the design of buildings in the UAE.
Over fifty percent of students at BUiD, which offers masters degrees in project management, the built environment and engineering, are UAE nationals and Hughes sees significant potential for the next generation of developers to influence global trends.
“Dubai has attracted the attention of the world for its advanced buildings and innovative projects. With the right educational framework, it could be possible for building services professionals from the UAE could play a much greater part in the development of the industry,” said David Hughes, who is both President of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers and Director of Consulting Engineers, Jaros Baum & Bolles.
One of the major topics under discussion was be the potential of design and engineering elements to cut the costs of cooling buildings in the Middle East – a key issue as the pace of development continues to drive financial and environmental consumption in the region.
“Globally, there is a growing interest in natural ventilation systems which can provide the correct level of cooling throughout a building, both to provide the right level of comfort for occupants and reduce the energy required to keep the temperature down,” said Hughes.
“Within the Middle East, where air conditioning and cooling represent one of the biggest environmental costs, research into ventilation systems has significant potential, and I am delighted to be able to discuss the ongoing research into this area at BUiD,” he added.
Dr Abdullah M. Alshamsi, Vice-Chancellor, The British University in Dubai, commented: “Our role at BUiD is to drive original research which can make a significant contribution to the local community and regional economy. We’re pleased to welcome an international expert like David Hughes, who will stimulate greater dialogue around construction and design.”
BUiD already works with a number of leading engineering and construction groups, including Atkins and Hyder Consulting, to share lessons learned through the development of buildings in the Middle East with the wider global industry.
Richard Smith, Technical Director of Atkins ME, thanked David Hughes for “A very stimulating presentation demonstrating some elegant solutions that go right back to First Principles of Engineering.”
The Public Lecture on “Building Materials: Past, Present and Future” took place on 20th March 2007 at The British University in Dubai's Auditorium.
About The British University in Dubai
The British University in Dubai (BUiD) is the Middle East’s first research-based, postgraduate university. The University was established to facilitate access to world-class education, training and research in the Middle East. BUiD aspires to the highest, internationally recognized British standards as reflected in its partnership with the University of Edinburgh, the University of Birmingham, the University of Manchester, Cardiff University and the Cass Business School at City University, London. Each has a five or five-star rating in the UK national Research Assessment Exercise that signifies research of international standard.
The not-for-profit university offers full and part-time Masters Degree programmes and Continuing Professional Development courses in Information Technology, Project Management, the Built Environment, Finance and Banking, Education and IT Management.
All BUiD’s current Masters Programmes have received Accreditation Eligibility Status from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s Commission for Academic Accreditation.
The founders of the University are the Al Maktoum Foundation, the Dubai Development and Investment Authority, Rolls-Royce, the British Business Group and the National Bank of Dubai. The University is governed by a Council under the chairmanship of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
The Emirates Group, DUCAB, Atkins, Dubai Duty Free, Hyder Consulting, the Emirates Foundation and DUGAS are supporters of the university through financial contributions or the provision of scholarships.
For further enquiries call BUiD on +971.4.391.3633.
