The school of architecture, art and design at the American University in Dubai (AUD) recently launched the new Herman Miller Furniture Lab during a signing ceremony between the university and Herman Miller at the glass house on campus.

The signing of the MOU consists of furnishing and equipping the portacabin behind the school known as the HM Furniture Lab, a statement from the university said. In addition, the agreement will provide HM’s partial sponsorship in co-ordination with connection seating and H2O Concepts of furnishing AUD’s future faculty lounge.

Alan McDonald, dealer market manager, Middle East & Africa, Herman Miller, said: “The relationship between Herman Miller and AUD has become a firm friendship that is easy to maintain.”

“AUD shares all of the same values we hold dear as a company. They are looking out for their students by engaging the private sector while other learning institutions might be a little protective.”

Dr Lance de Masi, AUD president; and McDonald signed the MOU in the presence of Dr Jihad Nader, provost/chief academic officer; Dr Nabyl Chenaf, dean of the school of architecture, art and design; Albert Fakhoury, chair of interior design at AUD, faculty members and students of AUD as well as representatives from Herman Miller.

The additional areas of collaboration include network support with architects for conferences and workshops, the establishment of training programmes and transfer of knowledge mechanism for faculty and trainers through organised seminars and training sessions, the statement said.

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude especially to Albert Fakhoury and Dr Nabyl Chenaf for being the driving force behind the signing of the MOU and for raising the level of activity between the two institutions,” said McDonald. – TradeArabia News Service