Taher El Danaf

Ph.D. in Art and Design from De Montfort University Leicester, specializing in open-office perceived collaboration. Alongside, I achieved a Master of Science in Sustainable Design of the Built Environment, with a focus on indoor environmental quality. Possessing over seven years of experience, I am proficient in indoor air quality. My diverse background includes active involvement in various exhibitions, Lighting lab designs-execution, and installations for Ajman University, as well as external projects fit-out. I have played a pivotal role in mentoring students for numerous local and international competitions, exhibitions, and conferences, such as the Renewable Energy Competition 2019 in AURAK, UAE, Solar Decathlon Competition in Dubai 2018. Moreover, I have been honored to secure an internal research grant in collaboration with Denmark Technical University. This collaborative project focuses on measuring Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) in schools, spanning across Europe and the UAE. This venture exemplifies my commitment to advancing research and contributing valuable insights to the field.    

Education
  • Ph.D. in Art and Design. De Montfort University, Leicester-UK, 2023
  • MSc. in Sustainable Design of the Built Environment, The British University in Dubai-UAE, 2013
  • Bachelor in Interior Design, Ajman University, Ajman-UAE, 2008
Experience
  • Head of the Interior Design Department, Ajman University 2020 till date
  • Lecturer, Department of Interior Design, Ajman University, since 2013. Teaching Assistant 2008-2013
  • Interior Designer, Interior Design Dep., Clive Christian, Dubai-UAE, 2006-2008
  • Site Engineer (Al-Yarmouk Décor-Sharjah) as a part time. Office and site work, including designing and site execution for all projects 2004-2006
  • KARASI Students Textile Art Exhibition-Dubai Mall, organized by Ajman University 2012 (Participated in the installation and event setup).
  • UAE National Day Event setup, design and execution, Ajman University 2017.
  • UAE National Day Event setup, design and execution, Ajman University 2018.
  • Communities Day, design, setup and execution, Ajman University 2018.
  • Ajman University 2018 Global Day event design, setup and execution
  • Students Club Fair design, setup and execution, Ajman University, 2018 & 2019.
  • Mentoring students, Solar Decathlon competition, Dubai 2018.
  • Students poster presentation, the “Renewable Energy Competition 2019”, organized by the Arab-German Young Academy of Science and Humanities and the American University of Ras Al Khaimah
  • Lighting Lab setup and fit-out work Ajman University, 2019.
  • Global Day event design, setup and execution, Ajman University 2019 & 2020
  • Head of NASAD Accreditation Committee, Ajman University, UAE, 2021-2022
  • Head of CIDA Accreditation Committee, Ajman University, UAE, 2023-till date
  • Head of CAA Committee, Ajman University, UAE, 2020-till date
  • Head of Annual Effectiveness Report committee, Ajman University, UAE, 2020-till date
  • Engaged Participant in the Workshop for Formulating a Research Plan on Indoor Air Quality and Human Health in the UAE, in Collaboration with Abu Dhabi Public Health Authority (ADPHA) - 2023
  • Head of the Curriculum and Development Committee, Ajman University, UAE, 2020-till date.
Teaching Area
  • Interior Design Studio I (Residential Villa)
  • Interior Design Studio II (Retail Design)
  • Interior Design Studio III (offices)
  • Sustainability for Interior Design. Developing the course and encouraging conference poster participation to students
  • Working Drawing I & II
  • Lighting & Acoustics course for ID
  • Graduation Project II
Research
  • Building Skin and materials performance in residential projects
  • Indoor Human Comfort & Natural Lighting
  • Open plan offices, level of perceived collaboration
Publications
Conference Presentation
  • Sensory Pollution from Treated Wood Panels on Perceived Air Quality and Human Comfort, SB – 13 Conference December 8 -10, 2013
  • Seminar Speaker at the Big 5 Show 2013, Dubai. Paper name: Adapting to climate change with floating houses,
  • THE ELEMENTS OF NATURAL CONCEPT IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDING SKINS by: Taher Salah, Omnia Mohamed, And Akram Azmy Conference name: EURO-MED-SEC-2: The Second European and Mediterranean Structural Engineering and Construction Conference
  • ACHIEVING THE OPTIMAL SUSTAINABLE LIGHTING CONCEPT (PROPOSAL FOR SOLAR DECATHLON MIDDLE EAST 2018-2020). Conference name: 11th annual International Conference of Education, Research and Innovation
  • THE ROLE OF THE INTERIOR DESIGN TO PLAN A HAPPY HOME WITH A LOW BUDGET – SHEIKH ZAYED HOUSING PROGRAMME (AJMAN). Conference name: 10th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Memberships, Awards and Honors
  • Member of APID
  • Awards of Hotel International Conference/Dubai 2006
  • Honors, Five Star Hotel Competition – Ajman University, 2007
  • Solar Decathlon 2016, Submitting Preliminary proposal (Team Leader, Indoor Environment)
  • VMODERN Magazine (Library Chair, 21 NOV. 2015) – Participation
  • Supervisor in Students Affair Events, Design and Specifications (National Day and Global Day, 2017-2019)
  • Supervisor in Students Affair Events, Design and Specifications (Global Day, 2017-2019)
  • Supervisor in Students Affair Events, Design and Specifications (Club Fair, 2017-2019)