change in action
Circular plastic ii
EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
Circular Plastics II builds on the first symposium by empowering communities to lead solutions to plastic pollution. Focused on local engagement and circular economy practices, the event highlights how collective action supports improved waste management and advances the UAE’s goal to eliminate plastic pollution by 2040.
partners
CIRCULAR PLASTIC I
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS
In 2023, the UAE hosted COP28, drawing global attention to pressing environmental challenges, particularly the impact of plastic waste on ecosystems, climate, and human health. In response, the symposium encourages communities to adopt circular practices by keeping plastic within the economy through recycling and reuse, promoting a closed-loop system where materials are continuously repurposed rather than discarded.
partners
Waste 2 Wealth II
Special Topics for Interdisciplinary Practices
The second edition of Waste 2 Wealth at the University of Sharjah united students across disciplines to turn local waste into sustainable, market-ready solutions, showcasing how education and collaboration can drive innovation and transform waste into opportunity.
partners
Neda salmanpour
Architectural Designer
emile moughayar
entrpreneurship and youth manager
Mansi bavishi
make works uae coordinator | tashkeel
tawheed bashar
sustainability advisor | see institute
ahmed mokhtar zAin
manager creative hub | Base 39
Waste 2 Wealth
A Sustainability Shark Tank
Waste 2 Wealth Shark Tank is an interdisciplinary project where students transform local waste into market-ready products. Combining regenerative design, circular economy principles, and strategic marketing, the initiative turns environmental challenges into sustainable economic and social value.
partners
Neda salmanpour
Architectural Designer
KHALID shafar
director and designer director
emile moughayar
entrpreneurship and youth manager
mohamad fanous
entrepreneur in residence
sahil abdul latif
curatorial coordinator
students' work
sustainable environments 2025
sarah abdulsalam saif zeyad
sustainable environments 2024/ 2025
mouza jamal alshamsi
sustainable environments 2025
nouf mohammed
sustainable environments 2025
fatemeh mohammadi
sustainable interior environment
mariam jasim alali
sustainable environments 2025
sara al qassimi
sustainable interior environment
maryam sorib
sustainable environments 2025
loulwa alnaqbi
sustainable interior environment
roda abdulrahim ayoun
design by nature
Showcasing Sustainable, Nature-Inspired Designs Through Biomimicry and Digital Innovation, Created by Emerging Designers to Shape Environmentally Responsible Futures
MIMICKING HAWKSBILL TURTLES
Hasti Shahverdi
The hawksbill turtle, found in the warm coastal waters of the United Arab Emirates, has a distinctive shell made of layered bone and keratin that supports both protection and environmental sensing. Its carapace structure, which helps regulate sound and enhance communication, can inspire interior design solutions—particularly acoustic cladding that reduces noise and controls sound transmission in spaces like restaurants, offices, and public environments.
MIMICKING SIDR TREES
Amna Alshamsi
The Sidr tree (Ziziphus), widely found across the UAE, is a resilient species that thrives in harsh conditions such as salinity, drought, and overgrazing, and is distinguished by its thorny structure and uniquely veined, leathery leaves. Its natural forms—sharp textures, patterns, and organic structures—offer rich inspiration for graphic design, where elements like shape, color, and composition are drawn from nature to communicate ideas visually.
MIMICKING PLAIN TIGER BUTTERFLIES
Fatemeh Ghavasi
The Plain Tiger butterfly (Danaus chrysippus), found in regions including the UAE, is well adapted to hot, arid climates through physical and behavioral strategies that regulate body temperature and reduce heat absorption. Its reflective wing structure and efficient heat control mechanisms offer valuable inspiration for biomimicry in design, particularly in developing materials and coatings that minimize heat gain, improve energy efficiency, and reduce environmental impact in interior spaces.
MIMICKING CAMEL’S EYES
Moufida Mohideen
Jufn is a contemporary Islamic window screen inspired by the camel’s eye, particularly its unique adaptation to harsh desert conditions. Camels have a protective translucent eyelid and layered lashes that shield against sand, sunlight, and debris while maintaining vision. This natural mechanism informs Jufn’s design, combining functionality and aesthetics to create a screen that enhances protection, light control, and environmental responsiveness.
MIMICKING JELLYFISH
Haia Ali
The moon jellyfish (Aurelia aurita) is known for its ability to shift between transparency and opacity through the movement of chromatophores in its outer layer. This adaptive feature can inspire smart glass design, where partitions change from transparent to opaque in response to movement or presence, offering dynamic privacy while still allowing natural light to pass through.
MOMENTS IN MOTION
