PHD at University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
Dr. Amal Mohammed Hassan Balila is an experienced architect and academic with a Ph.D. in Construction Management and Engineering from the University of Reading. Her research focuses on enhancing the strength and durability of adobe bricks using bio-inspired stabilizers. She also holds an MSc in Sustainable Building Technology from the University of Nottingham. Dr. Balila has over ten years of expertise in architectural design, sustainable building technologies, and Building Information Modelling (BIM). She is committed to advancing sustainable construction practices and has a broad network of collaborations with various institutions and experts worldwide. Currently, she is a Senior Architect at Samer Engineering Consultancy Group in Oman.
Professional Profiles
Education
PhD. in Construction Management and Engineering Institution: University of Reading, United Kingdom Thesis Title: “Enhancing Strength and Durability of Adobe Bricks by Introducing Bio-inspired Stabilisers” Years Attended: 2012 – 2017 MSc. in Sustainable Building Technology (with Merit) Institution: University of Nottingham, United Kingdom Dissertation Title: “Impact of Curved Building Plans on Building Energy Performance in Different Climates in Comparison to Straight Plans Using Ecotect Software” Years Attended: 2008 – 2009 BSc. in Architecture (Honours 1st class) Institution: University of Khartoum, Sudan Thesis Title: “Khartoum Natural History Museum” Years Attended: 2000 – 2005
Work Experience
Senior Architect/BIM Advocator Company: Samer Engineering Consultancy Group, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Key Responsibilities: Conducting client meetings to understand needs and present design concepts. Promoting BIM in Oman’s AEC industry through workshops, presentations, and training sessions. Mentoring junior staff on BIM software and workflows. Managing design processes and overseeing project construction. Reviewing technical shop drawings and developing project timelines and budgets. Achievements: Designed numerous architectural projects including private villas, schools, and residential-commercial buildings. Conducted multiple BIM workshops and provided training on Autodesk Revit, Graphisoft ArchiCAD, and Autodesk Navisworks. Lecturer Institution: University of Technology & Applied Science, Salalah, Sultanate of Oman Key Responsibilities: Teaching History of Architecture and other architectural courses. Coordinating and supervising architectural studio and thesis projects. Developing and updating the architecture curriculum. Achievements: Developed a benchmark for curriculum comparison aiding in the accreditation process. Created course material for the bachelor-level History of Architecture course. Assistant Professor Institution: University of Khartoum, Sudan Key Responsibilities: Coordinating projects and supervising students. Teaching various construction and architecture courses. Conducting BIM training programs and workshops.
Awards
Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining Award for excellence in presentation (2016). Best poster certificate at the Annual Doctoral Research Conference, University of Reading (2013). Multiple awards for academic performance from the University of Khartoum and Sudanese architectural societies.
Research Focus
Amal Mohammed Hassan Balila’s research primarily focuses on sustainable construction practices, with a specific emphasis on enhancing the strength, durability, and structural stability of adobe bricks using bio-inspired stabilizers. Her work addresses the practical application of innovative building materials and technologies in housing, particularly in the outskirts of Khartoum, Sudan. Through her research, she evaluates the thermal performance and sustainability aspects of various building materials, aiming to improve housing standards and construction techniques suitable for local environments. Amal’s contributions extend to advancing appropriate technology solutions tailored to Sudan’s housing needs, integrating principles of sustainability and architectural innovation.
Publications
- Sustainable bio-inspired stabilisers to enhance the strength, durability and structural stability of adobe bricks used for the construction of houses in the outskirts of Khartoum, Publication date: 2016.
- Enhancing strength and durability of adobe bricks by introducing bio-inspired stabilisers, Publication date: 2017.
- Appropriate technology for housing in Sudan: evaluation of selected innovative building materials and technologies, Publication date: 2010.
- Comparative analysis on the thermal performance of selected building materials and technologies for housing in the sudan, Publication date: 2016.
- Young Researchers’ Forum III 2016 Innovation in Construction Materials. Publication date: 2016.
- Wall materials and techniques available for low cost housing in Khartoum from a sustainability point of view, Publication date: 2013.
- Sustainable Architecture and Urban Development
- Technology Transfer in Building Technology for Housing: Answering a Felt Need
- Appropriate Technology for Housing in Sudan: Evaluation of Innovative Building Materials and Construction Techniques
.