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Press Release

DesignNewswire · COMO, Italy ·

Mariam's Library by Mai Al Busairi Receives the A' Design Award in Social Design

The international grand jury of the 2023 - 2024 A' Design Award & Competition recognizes Mai Al Busairi for social design

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COMO, Italy, April 19, 2024 /DesignNewswire/ A' Design Award & Competition has confirmed the A' Design Award in the Social Design category for Mariam's Library by Mai Al Busairi, designed for Parallel Studio. The result belongs to the 2023 - 2024 A' Design Award & Competition and was decided through blind peer review by an international grand jury panel of established academics, design professionals and press members, who scored anonymized entries against predetermined criteria.

What the A' Design Award Means

The Iron A' Design Award is awarded to good designs that meet the rigorous professional and industrial standards set by the A' Design Awards. This recognition is reserved for works that demonstrate a solid understanding of design principles and show creativity within their execution. Recipients of the Iron A' Design Award are acknowledged for their practical innovations and contributions to their respective fields, providing solutions that improve quality of life and foster positive change. These designs are a testament to the skill and dedication of their creators, showcasing their ability to address real-world challenges through thoughtful design.

More About Mariam's Library

Mariam’s Library enriches education for Beit Ras School and the Mwanyanya community in Tanzania. It mirrors Parallel's global welfare commitment. The initiative not only acknowledges the importance of education but also recognizes its potential in shaping lives and communities. The library seamlessly integrates into the educational framework, bridging gaps and paving the way for a brighter future. Its impact extends beyond the confines of a physical space, radiating positivity and igniting a passion for learning that transcends boundaries.

About Mai Al Busairi

Simple Human-being. My significance lies in my belief in the power of architecture, Art & Design for positive change and kindness in today's world. I offer expertise on a global scale. My major achievements include altruistically serving communities and fostering positive change. What makes me intriguing is my dedication and persistence to extending support and contributing to societal betterment.

Award Record

Mai Al Busairi is a winner of 1 A' Design Award, including this recognition.

About the A' Social Design Award

The A' Social Design Award is an international design competition recognizing excellence in social design by social impact designers and think-tanks worldwide. It is organized within the A' Design Award & Competition and is open to social designers, social brands, social manufacturers and social design professionals from all countries. Typical entries include community projects, social campaigns, public installations, educational programs, sustainable initiatives and healthcare solutions. The awarded social designs are published at https://dezigners.org/design-category/social

About A' Design Award & Competition

Organized annually since 2008, A' Design Award & Competition is an international, juried design accolade. The competition is open to entries from all countries. The philanthropic mission of the A' Design Award is to advance society through good design, by recognizing and promoting superior products, projects and services that benefit society, and by creating a global awareness and appreciation for good design practices and principles. Nominations are peer reviewed and evaluated anonymously by an international grand jury panel of established academics, design professionals and press members against predetermined criteria such as functionality, ergonomics, engineering, presentation, innovation, usability, sustainability and technology, with score normalization applied to remove biases. Awards are conferred at Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron levels. Eligible laureates receive the A' Design Prize, which includes the award trophy, the certificate of design excellence, the hardcover yearbook, a lifetime license to use the A' Design Award winner logo, exhibition of awarded works, an invitation to the gala night and award ceremony in Italy, inclusion in the World Design Rankings and Designer Rankings, and public relations and publicity services. Registration, uploading a work and receiving a preliminary score are free of charge, and Professional and Digital Edition laureates are not contractually obliged to pay further fees to claim the A' Design Prize. More information is available at https://competition.adesignaward.com

Press Resources

Media Contact

Giulia Ferrari, Press Office
Designers.Org
Via Leone Leoni 32, 22100 Como, Italy
press@designers.org
+39 031 4491953

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Fact Sheet

The Work

Project
Mariam's Library
Function
Library
Category
Social Design
Discipline
Communication Design
Industry
Social Impact
Colors
Dark Slate Gray, Black, Dark Olive Green, Dim Gray and Gainsboro
Images
5
Client
Parallel Studio

The Recognition

Laureate
Mai Al Busairi
Country
Kuwait
Recognition
A' Design Award
Edition
2023 - 2024
Design ID
#159941

Credits

Team
-Mai Al Busairi and -Alyaa Al Roomi
Image Credits
Photography/Videography: Nasser Othman

Design Details

Unique Properties
The key concept for the development of the Mariam’s library stemmed from Parallel Studio's commitment to giving back to both local and global communities through their Parallel Gives Program. Mariam’s Library was conceived with the aim of providing enhanced educational opportunities to the people in need. The project sought to align with the curriculum while serving both Beit Ras School students and the Mwanyanya community, Tanzania – Zanzibar.
Inspiration
We believe in the power of architecture, art, and design to foster positive change and cultivate a responsive approach to global challenges. In today's world, kindness is more crucial than ever. Through Parallel Gives Program we devote resources and effort to serving the global community altruistically, reflecting our dedication to extending support and expertise beyond our immediate surroundings.
Research
The research primarily involves close collaboration among architects, community members, and the school principal to thoroughly understand their needs and preferences. Through this collaboration, the absence of books and adequate facilities emerged as primary concerns. Additionally, observation sessions with nature guided design decisions accordingly. The result is a space that fulfills both efficiency and aesthetic criteria.
Challenge
We faced a significant challenge as non-locals: every moment was critical. Our daily responsibilities encompassed design refinement, material investigation, cost evaluation, budgeting, onsite oversight, avoiding deceits and prioritizing team safety, all done in 34 days. A pivotal instance arose when a team member contracted a contagious eye disease. Prompt measures were implemented to protect the team's health and well-being.
Realization and Technology
Construction techniques employed in the project involved integrating traditional building methods with modern approaches to ensure structural integrity and sustainability. The principal materials such as clay bricks used, were selected to honor both the environment and local craftsmanship, prioritizing sustainability and authenticity. Nature such as rain, sun and wind played a vital role, helping to maintain sustainability efforts on track. In addition to rhino/grasshopper for the design phase.
Operation and Interaction
It is operated by the school nearby under the school principle supervision, upon entering, visitors encounter two distinct zones. The first is a dedicated reading and study area, resembling a stage to maximize seating capacity. The second is an open space for communal activities, fostering collaboration and social interaction. These spatial decisions aim to create an inviting and inclusive environment conducive to learning, creativity, and community involvement.
Project Duration and Location
The project started 29th, Dec - 2023 in Tanzania- Zanzibar and the opening cermoney was on 31st, Jan - 2024. Total project duration is 34 days.
Specifications
The total area measures 81 square meters, featuring a slanted roof designed to facilitate rain runoff. The roof's highest point reaches 4 meters, tapering down to 3.3 meters at its lowest. Internally, the space measures 7 meters by 7 meters, while the exterior steps encompass a 9-meter by 9-meter area. Customized perforations were incorporated into the bricks to optimize interior ventilation and air circulation while also introducing a delightful interplay of shadows during daylight hours.
Keywords
Kidness, Social responsibility, Giving, Determination & Persistence, Support global communities

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