Research and Outreach

 

Research and Community Outreach

Commitment and Goals: The Department of Architecture and City Design at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) is dedicated to creating a healthy, efficient, beautiful, and life-enhancing built environment. This commitment is reflected in our focus on:

  • Good design

  • Sound buildings

  • Efficient management

  • Social responsibility

These qualities underpin all our research initiatives and activities.

Research and Scholarly Activities: All faculty members are expected to be actively involved in research and scholarly activities. This involvement is considered during the initial appointment, performance evaluation, and promotion. Faculty research is evaluated based on the quality of journal publications, with only ISI journal publications considered for promotion.

Current Faculty and Research Projects: The department currently has ten full-time faculty members with Ph.D. degrees, covering a broad spectrum of research fields in Architecture and City Design. Faculty members involve both undergraduate and graduate students in their research. Some of the funded research projects currently being carried out include:

  • Project Title: “Developing Place-Based Health Indicators: Toward Healthy Neighborhoods in Saudi Arabia”, Funding Agency: KFUPM (Grant # IN161045), Duration: 24 Months (April 2017 – October 2019), Project Status: Completed, Dr. Jamal Al-Qawasmi (PI), & Dr. Mohammad Babsail (Col).

  • Project Title: “The Technical and Economic Potential of BIPV Systems Considering the Climatic Conditions of KSA”, Reference Number: SR151007, Duration: May - Oct. 2018, Project Status: Completed, Budget: SAR 32,000, Dr. Omar Asfour (PI).

  • Project Title: “Evaluating Design Quality in Mosques in Saudi Arabia: Setting up the Criteria Evaluating Design Quality in Mosques in Saudi Arabia: Setting up the Criteria”, Funding Agency: KFUPM (Grant # IN171035), Duration: 24 Months (April 2018-March 2020), Dr. Jamal Al-Qawasmi (PI), & Dr. Mohammad Babsail (Col)

  • Project Title: “Developing Cost-effective and Energy Efficient Blocks in the Field Using Indigenous Industrial Waste and By-Product Materials”, Duration: 29 Months (April 2020 – December 2023), Budget: SAR 281,700; Dr. Mohammad Sharif Zami (CoI-2).

  • Project Title: “Three-Dimensional Printing of Concrete”, Duration: 18 Months (starting 2020), Budget: SAR 270,000, Dr. Abd El-Fattah, A. (PI).

  • Project Title: “Develop a Tool to Assess and Monitor Urban Quality of Life (QOL) in Saudi Arabia Cities”, Funding Agency: Ministry of Education – Social Science Track, Duration: 12 Months (starting Nov. 2020), Budget: SAR 360,000, Dr. Jamal Al-Qawasmi (PI), Dr. Omar Asfour (Co-I).

  • Project Title: “Assessment of The Structural and Environmental Merits of Najd Soils for Formulating Stabilized Rammed Earth Construction Standard”, Dr. Mohammad Sharif Zami (PI).

  • Project Title: “Assessment of Stabilized Earth Structural and Environmental Merits for Sustainable Construction in Saudi Arabia”, Funding Agencies: The Interdisciplinary Research Center (IRC) Grant, Construction and Building Materials (CBM), and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, Project Code: INCB2207, Duration: 12 Months, Awarded SAR 59,000, Dr. Mohammad Sharif Zami (PI).

  • Project Title: “Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization of Marl Soils Exposed to High Salinity Environment”, Funding Agencies: The Interdisciplinary Research Center (IRC) Grant, Construction and Building Materials (CBM), and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia, Project Code: INCB2214, Duration: 12 Months, Awarded SAR 76,475, Dr. Mohammad Sharif Zami (CoI-4).

  • Project Title: "Smart Campus Initiative" Project Funded by KFUPM Fund Office, Dr. Omar Almahdy

  • Project Title: "Green Campus Initiative" Project Funded by KFUPM Fund Office, Dr. Omar Almahdy

  • Project Title: "Sustainable campus mobility: evaluating and enhancing walkability through virtual reality" 
    PI: Dr. Muhammad Aamir Basheer Co-I: Dr. Omar Al-Almahdy; Dr. Ziad Ashour; Dr. Muhammad Abdullah; Funding amount: 29,900


Research Funding and Support at KFUPM

King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM) provides comprehensive research funding and support to all disciplines through various internal and external grants and awards. Here are some key aspects of the funding and support available:

1. Access to Funding:

  • Internal and External Grants/Awards: Faculty members can apply for funding through internal university grants as well as external grants from governmental agencies and industry partners.

  • Governmental Agencies: Funding sources include the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), National Science and Technology, and Innovation Plan (NSTIP).

2. Junior Faculty Research Grant:

  • Purpose: This grant helps maintain the research momentum developed during the Ph.D. work of junior faculty members. It also aids in learning KFUPM’s research rules, regulations, and procedures.

  • Long-term Projects: The grant sets junior faculty members on the path to major long-term research projects funded by the Research Committee, KACST, SABIC, Fast Track, Applied Research Institute (ARI), and Industry.

  • Consultant Support: The grant includes funds for a consultant, typically a senior teaching staff member who acts as a mentor to the junior staff. The consultant guides the junior faculty in proposal preparation, research planning, data analysis, report preparation, and publication.

3. Encouragement and Support:

  • Presentation Opportunities: The university encourages and financially supports teaching staff to present their research work at national, regional, and international conferences.

4. Comprehensive Research Environment:

  • Resource Availability: KFUPM ensures that faculty members have access to necessary resources for their research endeavors.

  • Collaborative Projects: The university fosters collaboration between faculty members and various external entities to enhance research outcomes.

These support mechanisms ensure that faculty members at KFUPM can pursue innovative research and contribute significantly to their respective fields. The university’s commitment to providing robust funding and resources fosters a thriving research environment.

Collaborations

Interdisciplinary Research Centers (IRCs) Affiliations

Faculty Affiliated with IRC for Construction and Building Materials

Faculty Affiliated with IRC for Smart Mobility and Logistics

Faculty Affiliated with IRC for Aviation & Space Exploration (IRC-ASE)

Faculty Affiliated with IRC for Sustainable Energy Systems