UR Delegation Appreciates INES-Rugengeri's Exhibition Invitation

The University of Rwanda (UR) delegation, led by Dr. Arch. Ahmed Elkhalifa Akram, the Head of the architecture design department in the School of Architecture and Built Environment, recently attended the Architecture Exhibition at INES-Rugengeri.

This event marked a significant opportunity for collaboration and knowledge exchange within the architectural community of Rwanda.

The exhibition, held on April 17, 2024, featured the works of Year 1 and Year 2 students from INES-Rugengeri's Department of Architecture. The event welcomed distinguished guests, including Fr. Dr. Jean Bosco Baribeshya, the Vice-Chancellor of INES-Ruhengeri, and a panel of experts from various domains related to architecture.

Expressing his gratitude for the invitation, Dr. Akram conveyed the university's appreciation for being part of such an enriching event. He remarked, "On behalf of the University of Rwanda, I would like to give my sincere thanks for sending an invitation to us to attend this kind of event which has indeed opened doors for collaboration and more work in the future."

Dr. Akram praised the exhibition as an invaluable platform for students to showcase their talents and interact with professionals in the field. He highlighted the importance of such activities in providing students with exposure to diverse ideas and technical aspects not typically covered in traditional classroom settings. "This kind of activity is an added value to everyone who attends the event," he noted, emphasizing the significance of engaging students beyond the confines of regular academic curricula.

As part of the delegation's role, Dr. Akram provided feedback and insights on the students' projects. He commended the students for their understanding of architectural principles and their maturity in approaching complex design challenges. However, he also offered constructive criticism aimed at encouraging students to adopt a more comprehensive approach to their projects, focusing on all aspects of the requirements rather than isolated elements.

In his advice to students, Dr. Akram emphasized the importance of developing essential skills such as presentation, communication, and time management. He stressed that while knowledge is vital, these skills play a crucial role in shaping students' readiness for professional environments.

The interviews with Dr. Edwin Olouch and Jehovanis Rutayisire from the University of Rwanda's Department of Architecture who were among the delegation appreciated the event. Dr. Olouch appreciates Rwanda's welcoming environment and envisions organizing a similar exhibition in the future, while Jehovanis Rutayisire emphasizes the value of collaboration and interdisciplinary learning inspired by the innovative environment at INES-Ruhengeri.

 The Architecture Exhibition at INES-Rugengeri not only served as a platform for academic institutions like the University of Rwanda to engage with and contribute to the growth of Rwanda's architectural landscape but also showcased the projects of 60 students from Year 1 and Year 2, under the project name "Architecture Academy."

The objective was to present an in-depth exploration of architectural concepts and design principles, marking a significant step toward nurturing the next generation of architects in Rwanda. Dr. Akram concluded by thanking the organizers for the opportunity and expressing his enthusiasm for future collaborations in the field.