URC Inspires Kuwait University’s Architectural Students

Jan 23 , 2023

United Real Estate Company (URC), a leading real estate developer in Kuwait and the MENA region, organized a study tour for the third year Kuwait University architecture students to Kuwait’s first-ever comprehensive mixed-use property, Hessah District.

The Eighteen students who visited the district began their tour with an insightful presentation by Eng. Mohamed El Ashkar, Development Department Design Manager at URC. The presentation was held at the Hessah District Sales Pavilion and covered an array of topics including Hessah District project development concept; site considerations and impact on construction; masterplan; components; building materials, finishes and how they were selected; and sustainability.

During the site visit, the students also had the opportunity to view the project models, to see the material selections, and to tour the site via a golf cart. This was a new experience for the students to learn about the first ever project in Kuwait to implement a new, integrated, and a sustainable lifestyle in Kuwait.

The tour was held in partnership with Dr. Faridah AlRashaid and Arch. Noor Abdal as part of URC’s corporate social responsibility program. The aim was to promote the exchange of knowledge and pave the way for the next generation of efficient and socially responsible architects.

The students who belong to the “Studio Interior Architecture 3” class developed their concepts off the award-winning Hessah District. Of particular interest to Dr. AlRashaid was the H-Suites serviced apartments, which served as the inspiration for the students’ term project on boutique hotels.

As a logical conclusion to this activity, the students developed their term project around a boutique hospitality concept, and URC’s Communications Manager, Mr. Salem Al Khulaqi attended the final presentations of third year Kuwait University architecture students and participated in the final judging for grading.

Sharing his opinion on the presentations, El Ashkar said, “I always find it refreshing to see new ideas and concepts in architecture, and the students did not disappoint. I found their concepts very elevated and commend them and their instructors.”

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Nasser Al Qallaf, Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications at URC, said: “As a Kuwait-based real estate developer, we have a vested interest in building the capabilities of Kuwait’s next generation of architects. We are looking forward to more such partnerships with educational institutions in the future.”

Furthermore, he stated, “The students have a lot to benefit from these arrangements as they will be able to learn key lessons on design, quality, service, innovation, originality, and commitment to sustainability.”