Third-year students from the School of Design & Architecture explored architectural model-making technologies and luxury villa construction, gaining practical insights into design, fabrication and project management.
The School of Design & Architecture (SoDA) at Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai recently organised two industry site visits for third-year Architecture and Interior Design students, offering valuable opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world industry practices.
The visits to Artistic Engineering Models LLC in Sharjah and a luxury villa project at Emerald Hills, Dubai Hills Estate, provided students with firsthand exposure to architectural model fabrication, construction processes, project coordination and the integration of design and technology.
On 12 October 2026, third-year Architecture students visited Artistic Engineering Models LLC, a specialist architectural scale model-making company in Sharjah.
During the visit, students observed how complex digital architectural designs are transformed into detailed physical models through a combination of advanced fabrication technologies and skilled craftsmanship.
The experience introduced students to the use of CNC laser cutting, 3D printing and precision detailing in producing realistic architectural models for commercial projects. Students also gained a deeper understanding of the technical and creative processes involved in large-scale model fabrication.
Mohammed Aashiq, an alumnus of MAHE Dubai's School of Design & Architecture, shared insights into the model-making industry, highlighting the importance of precision, technological innovation and effective project management in delivering high-quality architectural models.
The visit demonstrated how digital design, fabrication technology and traditional craftsmanship work together, reinforcing the importance of technical accuracy and attention to detail in architectural practice.
In another industry-focused learning experience, third-year Interior Design students visited a luxury villa project under construction at Emerald Hills, Dubai Hills Estate.
The project was in its finishing stage, with the main structure, glass façade and ceilings completed, while flooring, landscaping, swimming pool construction and final fittings remained in progress.
The visit offered students an opportunity to observe the complexities of managing a luxury residential construction project and understand how design concepts are translated into built spaces.
By examining ongoing construction activities and interacting with industry professionals, students gained practical insights into project planning, site coordination, design-build challenges and the collaborative responsibilities of consultants, contractors and construction teams.
The experience also helped students connect concepts covered in their Design, Project Management and related courses with actual construction site conditions.
The visit was facilitated with the support of MAHE Dubai alumni Mr. Sumeet and Mr. Irshad, along with their team, whose coordination provided students with an opportunity to engage directly with industry practices.
Both site visits reflected MAHE Dubai's emphasis on experiential learning and industry engagement as essential components of design education.
Through exposure to professional environments, students were able to observe the practical application of design principles, understand industry workflows and appreciate the importance of collaboration, technological expertise and project management.
The involvement of MAHE Dubai alumni in facilitating these experiences further highlighted the university's industry connections and the role of its alumni community in supporting the professional development of current students.
Such initiatives continue to strengthen the learning experience at MAHE Dubai's School of Design & Architecture, helping students develop a broader understanding of professional practice and preparing them for future careers in architecture and interior design.