The University of Balamand (UOB) is pleased to announce the success of four of its interior architecture students from the Académie Libanaise des Beaux Arts (ALBA) Koura Campus, for securing winning placements in the Le Royal Hotel Design competition. Ferial Alameddine, Rim Semaan, Serly Katerjian, and Doaa El Samad demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity during the competition, which took place on February 2, 2024, with participation from various Lebanese universities.

The competition aimed to students in real-world design scenarios, contributing to the hotel's renovation while gaining hands-on experience in the professional design process. This significant achievement saw the students excel in all three categories they entered, with Ferial Alameddine and Serly Katerjian winning in the Superior Room and Ambassador Suite categories, and Rim Semaan and Doaa El Samad securing wins in the Junior Suite/Sea View category.

A panel of esteemed professionals evaluated the projects, assessing their innovation, functionality, and practicality. The competition was marked by excitement, with each presentation showcasing a unique blend of visionary concepts and practical applications.

The collective experience shared by Ferial, Rim, Serly, and Doaa reflects a profound journey of growth and achievement. Ferial expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to apply her skills in interior architecture, laying a solid foundation for her future career. Rim highlighted the academic prowess of ALBA students and their readiness to compete and excel in such competitions. Serly emphasized the importance of tireless dedication, which has enriched her professional growth and confidence in interior architecture. Lastly, Doaa celebrated the honor of winning three categories, affirming the strength of ALBA students' academic skills and their pride in being Balamandians.

Mr. Antoine Khairallah, Supervisor of the winning students and Assistant Professor at ALBA, praised the students’ dedication and talent, emphasizing the significance of their achievement in highlighting their capabilities. He commended their commitment acknowledging the sacrifices they made in balancing their studies with the demands of the competition.


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