One Hand, One Earth: Expressions of Unity in Mud Architecture

Muzna AlQuaiti has lectured on Islamic and World Art and World and Middle Eastern History at Dar AlHekma University since 2004. She is constantly trying to inculcate in her students a love for Islamic art, instilling in them pride in their heritage and an awareness of the rich diversity of the cultural milieu they find themselves in. She prepared the online Madrasaty course content and delivery for the 2021–22 KSA Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Education (school grades 9, 10, 11): "Reflections on Saudi and World Art." She retains an active and dedicated interest in history and art, exploring her passionate commitment through field trips to the UAE, Italy, Croatia, Pakistan, Thailand, India, Spain, France, USA, Portugal, KSA, Morocco, Syria, Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Turkey, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Sudan.

Sima Refae is an educator and practitioner in architectural and urban design whose work emphasizes the role of architecture as a collective and culturally grounded practice. With a focus on community, sustainability, and material authenticity, she integrates design with cultural context and collaborative engagement. Her teaching approach highlights the potential of design to foster collaboration, belonging, and meaningful spatial experiences within the built environment, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia’s changing urban landscape.

Suman Mansur Faruqui is an architect and artist with over 20 years of experience in architecture, construction, and education. Her work focuses on sustainability and the expressive potential of materials in design. With expertise in bioclimatic architecture and sculptural forms, she explores how traditional materials like clay can inspire innovative and meaningful spaces. 

Iman is an educator and designer whose work explores the connection between human behavior and nature. She focuses on creating environments that promote well-being, sensory engagement, and a deeper connection to the natural world. As an instructor in the “Hand & Earth: Shaping Unity Through Mud Architecture” workshop, she guides participants in working with earth materials to explore sustainability, heritage, and collective identity through hands-on design. Her approach reflects a belief in design’s potential to foster healthier, more meaningful relationships between people and their environment.