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Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University, along with Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, Prof. Amr Shaat, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Ayman Ahmed Farid, Assistant Minister of Higher Education for Strategic Planning and Labor Market Training and Qualification, and Dr. Ahmed Khaled, General Coordinator of the International Design Studio, attended the closing ceremony of the 2025 World Design Studio (WDS) project. The event was held in the presence of several distinguished guests, faculty members, and students.

In his speech, Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen expressed his pride in advancing academic experiences that go beyond traditional learning. He emphasized that the World Design Studio embodies this spirit, serving as a dynamic platform that enables students to creatively and purposefully respond to complex urban realities with a global mindset.

He added that this year’s journey took the participants to the city of Bristol, which straddles the states of Tennessee and Virginia in the United States. Students were offered a unique opportunity to explore how thoughtful design can foster social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and community-centered development. The engineering students approached their work with care and insight.

The University President further stated that such experiences not only produce better designers but also help shape more responsible thinkers, engaged citizens, and effective problem solvers. He affirmed that this kind of impact aligns with Ain Shams University’s mission of preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to a rapidly changing world.

He also expressed his happiness with the ongoing collaboration with Clemson University in the United States and Huazhong Agricultural University in China, describing it as a model for international academic partnerships, partnerships rooted in mutual respect, shared learning, and a joint commitment to excellence.

Prof. Dr. Mohamed Diaa extended his gratitude to the faculty members for their dedication in guiding the students through this interdisciplinary journey, and to the students who rose to the challenge with vision, passion, and professionalism—reflecting the highest standards of design education and the core values upheld by Ain Shams University.

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Amr Shaat, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, expressed his pride in the outcomes of this international program. He added that the World Design Studio exemplifies how global academic partnerships can broaden students’ horizons and transcend the limitations of traditional education.

He noted that this year’s focus on Bristol, located on the border between Tennessee and Virginia, introduced students to a complex and inspiring urban context, encouraging them to reflect on challenges such as mobility, inclusion, sustainability, and public space. The students’ responses were thoughtful, creative, and grounded in a real-world understanding.

He explained that one of the key strengths of the World Design Studio (WDS) is its commitment to experiential learning through direct engagement with the built environment and cross-cultural collaboration. This approach equips students not only with design vision but also with the ability to communicate, collaborate, and respond to the diverse needs of communities.

The World Design Studio (WDS) is a pioneering initiative and represents the first trilateral university agreement in Egypt. It brings together Ain Shams University in Egypt, Clemson University in the United States, and Huazhong Agricultural University in China. The initiative aims to connect students globally, promote interdisciplinary learning, and prepare them to excel in the global job market. This collaboration is supported by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Institute of International Education.

The vision and mission of the World Design Studio are to provide a global platform for cultural exchange and to develop future leaders in design and the preservation of the built environment. Its mission includes advancing design education, fostering innovative research, and advocating for the improvement of built, natural, and social environments.

This year, the WDS project focused on the city of Bristol, located along the Tennessee–Virginia border in the United States. The project addressed complex urban issues such as sustainable mobility, inclusive public spaces, and shared urban identity.

During this semester, students in the program traveled to Bristol to participate in a successful workshop in collaboration with Clemson University. Huazhong Agricultural University also joined the event, with Chinese students participating alongside their Egyptian and American peers. This offered all participants a valuable opportunity for field research, community engagement, and the development of innovative, reality-based design concepts.

The closing event aimed to showcase the results and creative ideas developed by the students and to celebrate the spirit of international collaboration and applied research. It reinforced the Faculty of Engineering at Ain Shams University as a leading educational institution committed to sustainable development and innovation.