AUS students named global and regional winners at Global Undergraduate Awards

Influenced by his personal experience and the collective anguish the world experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, American University of Sharjah (AUS) alumnus Arian Saghfafifar produced a graphic novel that made him global winner in the visual arts category of the recent Global Undergraduate Awards.

Launched in 2012, the Global Undergraduate Awards is the largest and fastest growing academic awards program in the world. It recognizes top undergraduate work and connects students across cultures and disciplines. AUS was one of the highest performing universities in the MENA region at the Global Undergraduate Awards, with 13 students recognized in various categories and award levels. 

The Shelter at the End of Time follows the stories of five main characters—a senior, two parents, a child and a nurse—exploring each character’s perspectives. The book highlights the importance of dignified deaths and ritualistic grieving processes, contrasting them with hospital deaths that often lack a sense of remembrance and respect. Saghafifar describes the story as beginning at the end.

“The project explores death as a transition to another form of existence, aiming to add value to life. It emphasizes the connection of human behavior with the surrounding world. Each story you read always starts with a beginning, but this story starts at the end. The project aims to provoke inquiry and rhetorical thinking through allegories rather than offering concrete solutions. It acknowledges that life and death are intertwined and encourages embracing and celebrating the last chances and moments of life,” said Saghafifar, who graduated with a Bachelor of  Architecture in 2022.

Saghafifar’s memories of his grandfather’s living days and his own personal health struggles influenced his work.

“During the last days of my grandfather’s life, he held my hand and looked into my eyes. He tried so hard to say something, he could not. But I heard his silence. It was loud and clear. I understood that day, and for the first time, what love truly means. My project is inspired by my grandfather’s vision of life. When he was suffering from Parkinson's and struggling to move any muscle, he used to say: ‘As long as I can control my eyes, I will still enjoy life.’,” Saghafifar said.

He added: “This project emerged from the collective pain we experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the profound losses we endured, the isolating circumstances we faced, the financial struggles, the toll on mental health, the pervasive uncertainty and the grief over missed milestones. I also grappled with severe respiratory issues and asthma. Nights were interrupted by sudden, intense bouts of numbness in my head, leaving me uncertain of making it through till morning. It gave me a glimpse into the challenges seniors might face, and I sought to convey this in the stories. I believe this added to the significance of the project.”

This was not the first time Saghafifar has been recognized by the Global Undergraduate Awards. Having been highly commended in 2020 for an architecture project, Saghafifar entered this year with his fifth year architectural thesis under the visual arts category under the guidance of Michael Hughes, Professor in Architecture at AUS.

“Through his guidance and expertise, I gained valuable insights and perspectives that challenged and expanded my way of thinking. His mentorship encouraged me to explore innovative design concepts and pushed me to consider the project's broader impact. Early in our studies at the College of Architecture, Art and Design, we grasped the importance of not confining our architectural vision solely to practical considerations. This broader perspective challenges us to think beyond the immediate requirements of a project and consider its long-term impact, cultural significance, contribution to the community and narrative behind each design. This holistic approach, instilled in us from the outset, forms the foundation for our growth and development as aspiring architects at AUS. Therefore, this achievement owes itself entirely to the exceptional professors at AUS,” Saghafifar said.

In additional to Saghafifar’s global win, AUS students also received the following awards: 

Regional Winners

Tala Akhal** | Architecture and Design

Zartaj Kamran Khan** | Architecture and Design

Hajer Ali** | Architecture and Design

Highly Commended

Tala Akhal* ** | Architecture and Design

Zartaj Kamran Khan* ** | Architecture and Design

Jude AlRiyahi | Architecture and Design

Hajer Ali** | Architecture and Design

Lara Zareeni** | Architecture and Design

Salma Hassan** | Engineering

Alvee Mir** | Engineering

Reem Aldossary** | Engineering

Reda Mashood** | Engineering

Eeman Ali | History

Mohammad Siddiqui | Law

Halla Da’as | Politics and International Relations

Arian Saghafifar | Visual Arts

*Highly Commended for more than one entry

**Group work entry