Samarra Mohmand

BA (Hons) Interior & Spatial Design

1- MA Book Arts - Visual arts Title: The Borders of The Sun "حدود الشمس " Subtitle: يا آخر وطن أولد فيه وأدفن فيه وأنشر فيه كتاباتي O you my final homeland in which I was born and in which I shall die and publish my writings. A book art proposal to be dedicated to Nadia Anjuman, the brilliant poet from Herat - Afghanistan whose life went to her art. Based on Nizar Qabbani's Poetry Book Written by: Samarra Mohmand Nadia Anjuman: "I am caged in this corner full of melancholy and sorrow... my wings are closed and I cannot fly... I am an Afghan woman and I must wail" http://www.genderacrossborders.com/2009/04/27/nadia-anjuman-poet-herat/ http://www.universeofpoetry.org/afghanistan.shtml 2-BA Honors Interior and Spatial Design The environment should be the focus of attention. Eco friendly and sustainability have been words on the lips of many. These concerns should be encouraged in the developing countries. "As an interior and spatial designer we react to changing trends and attitudes." says Samarra Mohmand. She is influenced by the concerns regarding the environment and her work is a true example of this. During her final year she created her own design brief which is called " The Rezeshk Primary Nursery and Education Centre". After visiting the village of Rezeshk near the city of Herat in Afghanistan, she has been extremely motivated to develop this project. The proposal was a nursery for young children who have been harshly deprived in Rezeshk. A section is also provided for women who have not had access to any formal teaching to attend. She designed the fascinating curved structure building made out of the natural available sources of material in the village which is wood and mud brick. As the village people are familiar with the techniques of building mud brick houses It can be built by them without use of any machines. About the concept behind her design she says "I have started my project's research by observing children's behavior at their happy and constructive moments. By capturing and recording their behavior I translated them into a series of drawings and spatial sketch models in order to develop the final design idea.This natural and unique design procedure gives a related identity to the structure. The school building allow the poorer population to enjoy the luxuries and benefits of modern designs whilst at the same time being constructed from a substance that is easily and affordable accessible and will help in the protection of the environment". The uniquely inspiring structure provides happiness to those living in the village and a hope for the future. In addition to it being environmentally friendly, mud brick is also affordable and it is a material that is traditionally used in Afghanistan, thus preserving its architectural identity.” Samarra's designs are mostly based upon in depth research into the activities and behaviors of people in their particular spaces.