Multicultural Month

Sustainability – The New Main Concern of Engineering

Today, the development of engineering and the introduction of new technologies are like an explosion; the pace of their growth reaches a point that has never been seen before. As the quality of human beings’ lives is improved, people start paying more attention to the future. Therefore, sustainability becomes one of the main concerns. As engineering plays such an important role on improving human beings’ lives, it is inevitable that sustainability becomes one of the main concerns of engineering, and it is an engineer’s responsibility to include the idea of sustainability into the all processes of engineering.

One of the most basic theories for engineers is the “Utilitarianism.” It requires engineers to promote the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people. Some critics may come out and argue that the “Utilitarianism” only ask engineers to promote the good, and economic development is the good for the whole society. Thus, engineers should not spend much time or effort on sustainability because it has nothing to do with promoting the good to the society; however, this argument seems superficial. The greatest number of people does not only mean the current generation living on the earth, and it should include future generations. Hence, based on the “Utilitarianism,” it is engineers’ responsibility to do good for the future generations, and that is exactly what sustainability is.

Sustainability is a moral commitment. Engineers need to realize that they have more responsibility to just serve the need of the current generation. Because engineers have the knowledge and the expertise to make greater influences, they also need to take more responsibilities. Thus, the responsibility of sustaining the conditions in which human well-being can be achieved is also put on engineers’ shoulders. When engineers are doing their work, they need to not only take the near future into consideration, but also take care of the more distant future.

Since sustainability is such an important responsibility, engineers need to make sure that the idea of sustainability run through all processes of engineering, especially at the design process. Right now, a lot of engineers realize how important sustainability is, so the companies and countries will spend so much money and effort to make sure their work is sustainable; however, majority of them focus on the maintenance part of the engineering. They try to be sustainable when some unsustainable accidents happen, but that is not the most efficient way to commit sustainability. A more effective and efficient way will be including sustainability in the design process. For example, developing a more environmental-friendly car engine will be more efficient than trying to fix air pollution problems. It is true that sustainability should be a moral commitment on all processes of engineering development, but having the idea sustainability in the design process will be the most efficient way to be sustainable.

In conclusion, sustainability is one of the hottest topics of 21^st century. It is also a new main concern for all engineers, and engineers have responsibility to make the sustainable design happen. Sustainability should be in all processes of engineering, but sustainable design will be the most efficient way.  

                                                            Written by Jerry Chen

Unsustainability

Earlier this semester, Dr. Mari Luomi, one of the 2011-2012 CIRS Post Doctoral Fellows, gave the inaugural CIRS Monthly Dialogue Lecture of the semester, titled “Natural Resources and Environmental Unsustainability in Qatar and the GCC.”

Luomi started off by noting that her research was directed towards proposing a new framework in which to place the relationship between sustainability, political economy and development in the GCC. Her definition of the term sustainability is “the use of natural resources in a way that allows for welfare for humans and the environment, presently and in the future.”

Her main argument was that the “Gulf monarchies’ dependence on fossil fuels, on fossil fuel revenues, and on social contracts based on these revenues produces unsustainability.” Undoubtedly, there is significant pressure on the region to diversify its economy while also creating an economic, social and environmental sustainable culture. However, the very culture of the GCC itself and the fact that the political set up is in fact a rentier one, is an integral factor that leads to long-term unsustainability.

Dr. Luomi notes that “if we step back and look at the broader challenges that the GCC states are currently facing to the ‘business-as-usual’ ways of conducting their development” it would be counter-productive to continue with the current model. “We must not forget,” Luomi said, “that we are living in a harsh but, at the same time, very fragile environment.” She also sheds light on the fact that “the GCC produces 2.5% of global carbon emissions,” a great indicator of unsustainability.  In Qatar, “we are looking at a society and economy that has the highest per capita emissions in the world,” Luomi said. However, she praises the Qatari government’s efforts in solving this problem by regarding “environmental development” as one of the main pillars of their 2030 plan.

To sum up her lecture, Luomi highlights the simultaneous privileges and responsibilities we as the citizens and residents of Qatar have. There is “illusion of plenty” that is not in accordance with a sustainable future. “Here,” she said, “economically, we have the possibility to continue consuming business-as-usual, but the moral question is, if we can, should we?”

Dr Mari Luomi is a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the CIRS for the academic year 2011-2012. She holds a PhD in Middle Eastern Studies from Durham University, UK. She has previously worked in various positions for the Middle East Project and the Programme in the International Politics of Natural Resources and the Environment of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs.

Written by Donia

Be Kind, Reuse!

Be Kind, Reuse

My name is Farah and I am a Graphic Design Junior at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar and currently taking a part in the Sustainability Learning Community within Education City.
Being a part of the GD department, I observed that we, designers, depend a lot on paper material to get our work done, for the reason a lot of experimentations, research and critique has to be presented and documented on papers and to signify the quality of our designs. A lot of designers have been taught to save the world by a poster but this poster uses an excess amount of papers to be executed. Have we been taught to save the world by saving papers? Well, it is kind of impossible for graphic designers to do so, that is why a solution should be proposed for reusing consumed paper and benefit from it.

One of the ways of reusing paper materials is collecting printed-on papers, folding them in half, binding them together and creating a sketchbook! A sketchbook of your printed work randomly scattered through out the pages in a unique, recycled and handmade form!

Also another way of reusing papers is inspired by origami! You can, by the help of one paper, make a desktop pencil holder. Your own pencil holder made out of printed-on papers that you used to process out your projects!

Another “everyday” solution to be proposed for paper re-usage is making accessories out of papers. My friend used papers from an old magazine to make me a very elegant bracelet! It looked great… best bracelet I owned so far! Papers can be also used as gift rappers and coffee coasters.

The five-mentioned paper made objects are actually picked up from stuff my mates and I have created out of different materials of paper that have been used for our projects at VCU.

Reason number one I encourage reusing materials is to conserve the main sources we get these materials form like trees for papers and petrol for energy, etc… We are responsible for the waste we make out of misusing the earth’s natural resources. Living green and learning to recycle what we use will help us build a moral community that is accountable for the thing we all share in common… which is the globe!

One of the ways of reusing paper materials is collecting printed-on papers, folding them in half, binding them together and creating a sketchbook! A sketchbook of your printed work randomly scattered through out the pages in a unique, recycled and handmade form!

Also another way of reusing papers is inspired by origami! You can, by the help of one paper, make a desktop pencil holder. Your own pencil holder made out of printed-on papers that you used to process out your projects!

Another “everyday” solution to be proposed for paper re-usage is making accessories out of papers. My friend used papers from an old magazine to make me a very elegant bracelet! It looked great… best bracelet I owned so far! Papers can be also used as gift rappers and coffee coasters.

The five-mentioned paper made objects are actually picked up from stuff my mates and I have created out of different materials of paper that have been used for our projects at VCU.

Reason number one I encourage reusing materials is to conserve the main sources we get these materials form like trees for papers and petrol for energy, etc… We are responsible for the waste we make out of misusing the earth’s natural resources. Living green and learning to recycle what we use will help us build a moral community that is accountable for the thing we all share in common… which is the globe!

Multicultural Month!

November is Multicultural Month!

As many of you know, we have over 40 nationalities represented in our residence halls of 430 students. We want to recognize this diversity by offering different opportunities throughout the month of November to reflect on, learn about, and celebrate our numerous backgrounds! Read on for different competitions going on throughout the month of November. You can win an iPad, iPod Nano, or a gift voucher worth QR 400 to Virgin!

مكتوب Maktub Essay Competition

In English, مكتوب (Maktub) literally translates as, “it is written…”

QF Housing and Residence Life is announcing its 2^nd annual Maktub Essay Competition.

Submission guidelines:

Any student currently living in the Education City residence halls is eligible enter the Maktub Essay Competition.

Each entrant should submit a 500-1000 word essay responding to the theme of multiculturalism.

This year, the Maktub Essay Competition is approaching the topic of culture on a personal level. We want to know about your home. Essays should expand the following prompt:

Where is home for you, and why? Home can be, but does not have to be, the place you were born, where you grew up, your passport identity, where you are now, where your family is, etc. How has your home been influenced by the culture of the society around it? In what ways is your home unique and different from the culture around it?

All entries should be in English. Writers may submit only one entry.  Submissions must be received on or before November 20^th at 5:00pm.  Please include a brief bio along with your entry. Submit entries to HRLmulticulturalmonth@gmail.com 

Questions about the essay competition can be directed to RHD Jessica Young jyoung@qf.org.qa

“This is my Home”

Photo Contest

We want to see your creative side! The “This is my Home” Photo contest is an opportunity for residents to submit photographs revolving around the theme of multiculturalism. 

Submission guidelines:

Any student currently living in the Education City residence halls is eligible enter the “This is my home” Photo Contest.

Each entrant can submit up to three photos responding to the following prompt:

“This is my home”

Photos should be in .jpeg format and must be received by November 20^th at 5:00pm. Submit entries to HRLmulticulturalmonth@gmail.com 

                                                                                                                                                             

Entries may be edited for quality and creativity, but will be judged based on how well they represent the prompt.

With each photo submitted, please include a title and brief description.

Questions about the photo contest can be directed at RHD Arooj Rana ashamimrana@qf.org.qa

Multicultural Quilt

November 14^th, 7pm, Playground

Come join us and express your artistic side! Monday, November 14 at 7pm on the playground. Eat some BBQ food and leave your mark on the Multicultural Quilt. Everyone will receive a quilt square and supplies to paint something on each square that represents your home. This quilt will be sewn together and showcased at the “This is our home” culminating event on November 30^th along with the winning essays from the Maktub essay competition, and the winning photographs from the “This is my home” photo contest. The quilt will also later be displayed in the OFSS suite of the Student Center and it move to the new residence halls upon their completion. 

 

Sustainability in Qatar

For being such a consumer culture, Doha can be surprisingly sustainable sometimes. In October the Sustainable Learning Community took a trip to the “second-hand souq, or Najma souq where one can buy and sell reused electronics, furniture, and other household items.

Some of the items there were of really high quality and really got you thinking about how much we can reuse the items around us, or how others could reuse them.

Here are some photos from the trip!

Student Program

Girls want Glamour, Comfort and Fun

Nails Night was an event hosted earlier in October to unite all the girls staying in the Residence Halls of Education city. Around 12 girls plus and two CDAs showed up to get their nails painted, eat some snacks, socialize with the others and of course take a break from their daunting studying schedule.

There was a plethora of nail polishes and one immensely talented artist that mastered applying various designs to the girls’ nails. Marianne, a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar, was the star behind the girls’ dazzling nails. She mastered drawing strawberries, zebra prints, British flags and much more demanding designs.

During the event, the girls were discussing how comfortable it is to go out with an abaya as they don’t have to worry thinking about what outfit to wear everyday when they are rushed to their universities.

In addition, many of the girls concluded that Qatar made them fat since food is constantly available around all corners of the campus at cheap prices and large portions. So an “abaya” would be a short-term solution in hiding those trouble zones.

The event was unfolding at a very peaceful pleasurable sequence until the glass bottle of nail polish remover smashed into the ground, breaking into pieces. CDA Madhurima was thoughtful enough to clean up the mess that happened. Nevertheless, the girls seemed to have really enjoyed their time as the small social room was filled with laughter and squeals.

 Written by Mai Akkadova

CDA Spotlight

CDA Spotlight

Noor Daqaq is a new CDA this year in SB2-11. She is a sophomore studying business administration at CMU. You may recognize Noor on the CMU basket ball team where she plays point guard! Noor loves, traveling and learning about different cultures, especially Spain, her favorite country. She says, “La vida es Buena en Espana,” (read: life is good in Spain.) She loves the ambiance and the Spanish language and is planning to put on a CDA program about the country.

Noor likes being part of a community and getting involved in everything, and being in contact with the residents in the building. These are her favorite things about being a CDA. Upon graduating, Noor would like to work in the corporate field or possibly work in media. Remember her as she may be a future CEO someday!

Student Center Hours during Eid Break

The Student Center will have shortened building hours but will remain open during the EID Break. 

Building Hours, EID al Adha Break

4^th November-8^th November                      1pm-10pm

9^th November-12^th November                    7am-10pm

13^th November                                            Resume Regular Hours

Thanks all and enjoy your holiday!

Sustainable Living

Sustainable Living Community 2011

The SLC gathered for the first time this semester on 10^th September in the Villas. The Community now has 10 females & 8 males all from various campuses in EC – WCMCQ, TAMUQ, CMUQ, VCUQ NUQ and GUQ. We had ice-breakers in the beginning and started off with a presentation given by Chris Silva from Office of Student Life, Sustainable Education.

A few fun facts and pointers from the presentation:

·         About 12-20% of food eaten in Qatar comes from Qatar.

·         About 10 -13,000 plastic water bottles are used in EC daily.

·         We have a Sustainable Library in the orange study room in the Student Center.

·         Christopher Silva is the Sustainable Education Coordinator in EC.

·         Something sustainable lasts for 7 generations.

We have a small garden behind the villas. We were planning to use compost for our garden to promote organic gardening. This is what we learned about composting:

·         You can use fruit peels, apple cores, rotten fruits and vegetables. Mix them all together & keep them as such in a tightly covered container for a week. You can then use it as manure for your garden.

·         You CANNOT use any sort of plastic or eggshells for your compost.

We then proceeded to plant seeds in the garden. It was my first time to garden & I found it to be a really fun learning experience. We planted pumpkin, carrot and cucumber seeds in the garden.

I look forward to other upcoming events in the SLC!

Written by Nabeeha Haque

Staff Spotlight

Meet

Khalid Al-Menhali

Q: What is your role in Housing & Residence Life?
A: I work as a Residence Hall Director for FB3, MB1 and SB1. I see my role as enhancing Residence Life programs and services within our residential community.

Q: Tell us about the picture here!
A: I was pointing at myself in the photo that gathers students from all Education City universities & Schools with her highness Sheikha Moza Bint Nasser Al Missned. I graduated from TAMU-Q in 2009.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?
A: Making new friends!

Q: What do you like doing when you are not on campus?
A: Practice any type of sport.

Q: How will you be spending Eid Al Adha?
A: I will spend most of my time visiting my relatives, and I will attend several annual gatherings/majlis around doha.


If you would like to be featured in a 'resident' spotlight, please email your name, photo, and interesting facts/ information about you and your experience here in Education City to wbiddle@qf.org.qa

WCMC-Q Parking Lot to Close

The WCMC-Q Open Parking Facility will close tomorrow, 6^th October 2011 to give way to the start of construction activity of Qatar Foundation Central Library.

Relocated WCMC-Q users can be able to park at the Northern portion of the Think Tank (Green Spine) parking area by showing their Education City Vehicle Access tag and their WCMC-Q ID to gain access.

Overspill parking is designated at the new and expanded Ceremonial Court Facility that offers 319 parking slots.  Shuttle bus services will be continuously available to and circulating around Education City to assist parkers and other motorist.  

Please contact Mr. Khamis Al-Qahtani by email klazam@qf.org.qa or Tel: 44541312 for any related concerns.

We are also pleased to announce that new parking facilities in the area of the new The Learning Center building and Recreation center are now ready for use.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and value your patience as we begin to see the progress and rapid development of Qatar Foundation and experience the results very soon.