Building Information Modeling students of Prof. Alex I. Albani at the American University in Dubai were asked to virtually build Al Fahidi District in a BIM format with the purpose of creating virtual immersive experiences for two main reasons.

First, for the whole neighborhood to be available for any proposed design or remodel project. Second, for the project to promote tourism related to the UAE's vernacular cultural heritage. The project was also available on BIM 360 in the cloud for easy access anywhere, anytime. Students and visitors virtually walked, through the neighborhood using the HTC VR system right here at our Centre for Research, Innovation, and Design.

About AUD

The Mission of the American University in Dubai is to serve as a culturally diverse learning community committed to the pursuit of knowledge through excellence in teaching and scholarly and creative endeavor, leading to students’ academic, personal and professional success, as well as the advancement of society.

About Alex I. Albani

Alex I. Albani is an architect and an academic with over 22 years of international experience. He began his career teaching CADD at the University of California at Berkeley where he earned his M. Arch and M.A. in Design. He continued after graduation as a CADD/BIM specialist and a store designer for Gap, LVMH, and Mexx. He joined the American University in Dubai (AUD) with the purpose of introducing BIM in academia.
Alex gained valuable CADD/BIM and design/build experience working on projects that ranged from creating and driving design/construction standards to phasing technology upgrade transitions. His architecture portfolio includes apparel, residential, civic, and office projects.
Alex’s contributions to academia include the Integrated Computational Design emphasis and the introduction of BIM as a core subject. He was also responsible for AUD’s MoU with Autodesk and for setting up AUD as the first academic Autodesk Authorized Certification Centre in the Middle East. He actively promotes BIM professional certification as well as NCARB Licensing & Registration and is presently serving as the AIA ME Continuing Education Director.
Alex is an associate member of the AIA, a BIM Revit for Architectural Design Certified Professional, and an Autodesk Certified Instructor. He received the AUD President’s Award for Teaching Excellence as well as the AUD Provost’s Award for Innovative Teaching.