Inspiration and Innovation Design Trends Manama, Bahrain
Reported by: Ayesha Agha Shah
On January 27-28, 2025, Ahlia University, in collaboration with Woxsen University, hosted the 2nd International Conference on Inspiration and Innovation in Design Trends (IIDT 2025) at the Wyndham Grand Manama, Bahrain. This two-day event brought together leading experts and professionals in architecture and interior design, with participants from various prominent institutions, including Prince Sultan University, University of Bahrain, United Arab Emirates University, University of Sharjah, University of Strathclyde, Northumbria University, and others.
The conference gathered researchers and professionals in architecture and interior design from Bahrain and around the world to discuss a range of topics across three main tracks:
1. Adaptive Reuse in Interior Design: explored sustainable transformations in building use, focusing on memory, identity, and new material integration.
2. Design, Culture, Environment, and Behavior: explored topics like healthcare and retail design, the intersection of interior design with other fields, and the influence of spatial design on human behavior, including aging populations and diverse communities.
3. Environmental Systems and Technology: focused on sustainable design strategies for healthier interiors and the integration of advanced technologies, such as AI, into interior design practices.
The opening ceremony featured remarks from Dr. Diana Al Jahromi, Secretary General of the Higher Education Council; Prof. Abdullah Alhawaj, Founding President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Prof. Mansoor Alaali, President of Ahlia University; and Dr. May Alsaffar, Conference Chair, highlighting the event’s significance. This was followed by a heartfelt acknowledgment of the conference partners that contributed to the conference’s success.
The sessions started with keynote speeches that offered a rich exploration of themes of innovation, architecture, and cultural identity. The first keynote speech, delivered by Prof. Ali A. Alraouf from Architecture and Urbanism, focused on the creative design of mosques, libraries, and museum, and why creativity is resisted. Following this, Prof. Kheira Anissa Tabet Aoul presented on the fusion of identity and innovation in resilient spaces that shape the future of Gulf architecture. Finally, Prof. Najla Allani explored innovative dialogues in sacred architecture found within Islamic designs. After the keynote speeches, a panel discussion with experts from celebrated universities and architects addressed the topic “Designing Futures: AI, Innovation, and Cultural Identity in Design Education.”
The conference featured an array of keynote speakers and session leaders who are distinguished experts in the fields of architecture and interior design. They shared their insightful research findings and professional experiences on a wide range of topics, including sustainability, cultural and behavioral influences, design education, and advanced environmental systems and technology, through engaging parallel sessions and panel discussions. Their research findings and expertise highlighted the evolving nature of the field and the necessity for continuous adaptation to dynamic societal needs and trends.
The second day transitioned to a hybrid format, offering virtual presentations and a range of physical workshops tailored for students and young professionals. These workshops concentrated on effective communication in design, material selection, and strategic use of color.
The conference featured a series of engaging workshops on the second day, including “Interior Design Identity and Globalization,” facilitated by Eng. Masooma Groof in partnership with MSquare Interior Design, emphasizing the importance of a strong design identity in differentiating projects within both local and international contexts. Another workshop, “Photographic Scene Perusal and Accompanying Techniques,” was conducted by Dr. Fareed Al Bayat in collaboration with Nikon. Delivered in Arabic, it provided valuable insights into the role of visual culture in photography. Lastly, a two-hour mosaic workshop titled “Creative Mosaics: Building Art Through Pieces” was led by Dr. Hasan Saeed with the support of Ahlia University. Participants explored the art of mosaic creation, its various techniques, materials, and design principles.
The IIDT 2025 conference was a groundbreaking event that showcased profound academic discussions and innovative practices among designers. It promoted interdisciplinary collaboration, addressed key contemporary design challenges, and encouraged active engagement. The conference’s success reflects the organizing committee’s admirable efforts and initiative to inspire the next generation of designers to push their boundaries on creativity, innovation, and sustainability.
