The President of the University of Dammam, Dr. Abdullah M. Al Rubaish, launched the College of Architecture and Planning’s Third Architecture Forum, entitled: Health Buildings: Perception, Knowledge and Applications on Monday, November 9, 2015. The Department of Architecture in cooperation with Saudi HealthCare Architects, a part of the Saudi Umran Society, organized this forum, which was held for three days at the College of Architecture and Planning’s new facility on UoD’s main campus.
Dr. Al Rubaish stated in his opening remarks, “The Third Architecture Forum is yet another indicator of the success of the College of Architecture and Planning, which continues to have both local and regional support. These forums provide a unique opportunity for the architecture and planning community both within academia and for the professionals in the field to have a chance to present, review, reflect and communicate with each other.” He also praised the preparations for the forum that were done by the College of Architecture and Planning and pointed out that most of the organizers were students from the College, demonstrating the wisdom of the College by giving its students a chance to actively participate in such events. Dr. Al Rubaish discussed how crucial it was to have students study the specific requirements of health related structures so that the end result will benefit patients as well as contribute to their overall treatment. Dr. Al Rubaish also announced in his opening remarks that, “The College of Architecture and Planning, represented by the Department of Architecture, is on its way to receiving International Institutional Accreditation through the NABB.”
The President of the Saudi Umran Society, Dr. Abdulaziz Al Dossary noted in his address to the forum, “It is our pleasure to cooperate with the College of Architecture and Planning in organizing this event. An event that gives students, graduates, professional agencies and institutions and the building and construction sectors an opportunity to interact and communicate with local and international experts as well be able to discuss the latest developments with colleagues from both Saudi and Gulf universities. This cooperation emerged from our commitment to the importance of spreading knowledge, awareness and education for students, new graduates and those who are interested in the field of planning and designing hospitals due to the importance of this field in the Kingdom and the scarcity of experts in this particular specialty.
Dr. Abdulsalam Al Sudairi, the Dean of the College of Architecture and Planning noted in his remarks, “The Department of Architecture at the University of Dammam organizes this biennial forum because of the Department’s commitment to the University’s role in serving the community and by focusing on this role and preparing experts in this discipline.” Dr. Al Sudairi also commented on the positive and encouraging feedback the College received from the participants of the Second Architecture Forum and how this input has helped garner support for future events.
The Third Architecture Forum provides an overview on the ever-changing developments in health buildings based on worldwide standards. The forum highlights current health policies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the design and establishment of hospitals and medical compounds as well as in raising the awareness of students when it comes to designing health buildings. It is imperative that students are aware of all the possibilities that are available with regards to utilizing the latest medical technology in the most productive way, taking into account the functional and technical aspects of hospitals and health buildings. Ultimately, the success of the hospital stems from the success of the architecture team.
The College of Architecture and Planning is currently working on establishing a master degree program in Health Building Design due to the importance of this specialty and the need to prepare specialists in this field in order to meet the needs of the labor market.
Dr. Al Muslim stated, “In the Third Architecture Forum we have focused on health facilities that are up-to-date with the developments that the Kingdom is currently witnessing.” Dr. Al Muslim concluded his remarks by expressing his gratitude to all those who have worked diligently in organizing the events of the Third Architecture Forum and he thanked HE, the President of the University and the Dean of the College of Architecture and Planning for their continuous support, the Saudi Umran Society for their cooperation in organizing the forum, the Department’s faculty and the students who helped organize this event
