Imad Hanna, a faculty member in AUD’s Interior Design program, recently appeared on Dubai TV to discuss his work in artificial intelligence (AI) and innovative design. These interviews highlight AUD’s leadership in integrating advanced technologies into education and research.

AUD’s Role in AI Education

In one interview, Hanna discussed AUD’s pioneering approach to AI in education. The university’s AI-driven tools and courses enable students to achieve exceptional outcomes, equipping them with skills for a fast-evolving job market. One standout example of this innovative approach is the Unity in Diversity project, part of the Applied Generative AI in Design course.

Unity in Diversity: A Celebration of Cultural Heritage and Technological Innovation

The "Unity in Diversity" project showcases the profound connection between cultural heritage and generative AI. Inspired by the UAE’s unique cultural identity, the project challenges students to integrate traditional elements of the seven emirates into futuristic designs, demonstrating how technology can honor and reinterpret cultural narratives.

Each student explored the identity of an emirate, crafting unique designs that merge traditional symbols with cutting-edge AI-generated aesthetics. From the Louvre Abu Dhabi-inspired shimmering dress to Ras Al Khaimah's pearl cascade earrings, the outcomes celebrated local heritage while pushing creative boundaries. Central to the project was the concept of storytelling through design—students used AI as a collaborative tool to translate heritage into modern creations, blending the past with the future.

"Unity in Diversity" reflects the UAE's cultural richness and positions AUD as a pioneer in integrating AI with design education, preparing students to lead innovation in a world where tradition and technology coexist. This initiative not only fosters creativity but also highlights the role of AI as a means of preserving and transforming cultural narratives into impactful design solutions.
“We are proud to be pioneers in using AI in education,” Hanna stated, sharing examples of student projects that showcase creativity and practical application.

Watch the full interview in Arabic.

Dynamic Neural Architecture: Innovation in Design

In a second interview, Hanna introduced his research on Dynamic Neural Architecture—an intersection of neuroscience, biomimicry, and AI. This concept reimagines design by creating spaces that adapt dynamically to user behavior and environmental changes. Imad Hanna's Dynamic Neural Architecture (DNA) integrates neuroscience, biomimicry, and AI to create adaptive spaces that respond to user behavior and environmental changes. This approach can transform interior design by enabling environments that adjust lighting, temperature, and layout in real-time to enhance comfort and well-being. In architecture, buildings can modify structures to optimize energy efficiency based on usage patterns. Urban planning can benefit from adaptable infrastructures that respond to population movements and environmental conditions, creating more resilient cities. Hanna's research positions AUD at the forefront of integrating advanced technologies into practical applications, preparing students to lead in a rapidly evolving industry.

Recent studies have shown that brain waves can synchronize between individuals during collaborative activities, a phenomenon known as interbrain synchrony. This synchronization facilitates shared understanding and coordinated actions, which are crucial in collaborative design processes. Developments in brain-reading technologies, such as non-invasive AI systems that translate brain activity into text, open new avenues for understanding user experiences and preferences. By analyzing brain wave patterns, designers can gain insights into cognitive responses to different environments, allowing for the creation of spaces that are more attuned to human thoughts and emotions. Integrating these insights into DNA can further enhance the adaptability and responsiveness of designed spaces, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of their users.

Hanna's work exemplifies AUD's commitment to pioneering research at the intersection of technology and human experience. By leveraging cognitive synchronization and brain wave analysis, his research paves the way for creating environments that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also deeply connected to the human psyche.

Learn more about his research on LinkedIn or watch his interview here.

Hanna’s contributions highlight AUD’s dedication to fostering innovation and academic excellence. Stay updated on how AUD is shaping the future of education and design.