Lina Ahmad

Bio

Ahmad holds a Master of Architecture (MArch) from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London and a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) from the American University of Sharjah. With over a decade of professional experience, she has worked across various sectors in the UAE, specializing in sustainable design solutions, conducting environmental feasibility studies, and managing architectural projects with a focus on ecological balance.
Before transitioning to academia, Ahmad led design teams at BDP MENA in Abu Dhabi, collaborating with the UK team on major projects such as sports facilities and sustainable school proposals. She also served as a senior architect at SYNA Consultancy, applying sustainable design principles in the private sector.
Ahmad is an Associate Professor at Zayed University's College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, where she continues her dual role as an educator and researcher. In 2015, she co-founded LIMASS, a design studio and research lab focused on innovative and sustainable design, as well as global technological trends such as self-sufficiency and digital fabrication. LIMASS integrates eco-conscious design practices with cutting-edge technologies aimed at reducing environmental impact, while also working to preserve the UAE's modern architectural heritage through adaptive reuse and the reimagining of interior spaces within existing structures.
Her work has been featured both locally and internationally, including at the Venice Architecture Biennale, Abu Dhabi Art, Dubai Design Week, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. In 2015, Ahmad published Cellular 'Network' City, which explored algorithmic design with a focus on sustainability and digital processes.
Ahmad has published extensively on topics such as sustainability, digital fabrication, and architectural innovation. She is a strong advocate for digital fabrication technologies, particularly the use of robotic arm technology in construction. Her dedication to sustainable architecture has earned her numerous awards, including the Architecture + Cityscape Award under the theme "Designing for a New World: Aspiring Architect." In 2018, she collaborated with Professor Wassim Jabi on a research project at Cardiff University's Welsh School of Architecture, focusing on the use of 3D printing to create sustainable cob structures. This project aligned with her broader goal of reducing environmental impact through innovative construction techniques.
Ahmad’s research has been presented at numerous regional and international conferences. In 2022, she received Zayed University’s Provost Research Award, which supported her sabbatical at Cardiff’s Robotic Lab. There, she further explored the use of robotic arms and digital fabrication for sustainable construction, specifically focusing on non-planar cob formations.
Her most recent publication, Nonplanar Robotic Printing of Earth-Based Material: A Case Study Using Cob-like Mixture (2024), exemplifies her commitment to sustainability and innovation in digital fabrication. This work investigates the application of robotic technology to print with sustainable earth-based materials, contributing to the ongoing discourse on environmentally responsible construction.
Ahmad is also deeply engaged in pedagogical innovation. Two of her teaching and learning research approaches have been shortlisted and highly commended by QS MAPLE Reimagine Education, an international event organized by QS rankings and often referred to as the "Oscars of Education." Additionally, she holds a Senior Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy (HEA), a prestigious UK professional recognition scheme for university educators, signifying her dedication to teaching excellence and higher education development.
Ahmad’s scholarly vision is to integrate digital fabrication, robotic innovation, and heritage preservation to create sustainable and contextually relevant designs. Her work emphasizes the role of education in shaping future designers who prioritize sustainability, adaptive reuse, and eco-conscious approaches. Through her research and teaching, she continues to push the boundaries of architecture, ensuring that both past and future architectural heritage are preserved while embracing technological advancements.

Office

Abu Dhabi - Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi

Phone:

+971 2 599 3156

Email:

Research and Professional Activities