DANIA NAJEE
DESIGN PORTFOLIO
AL SHASHA
01
AL SHASHA
Year: 2025
Client: House of Artisan
Project Type: Product Design
Status: Complete
Al Shasha is a coffee table that celebrates the craftsmanship of traditional boat-making in the UAE, paying homage to what sailors in the region relied on in both fishing and pearl diving; the two maritime activities that were the backbone of the Emirati economy prior to the discovery of oil.
In honor of the meticulous craftsmanship required of the boats, the piece itself is handmade using a bent-laminate technique to emphasize the curved wood form, paired with an intrinsically shaped glass that has been molded to carry traces of the sea›s imprint when collecting pearls.
Originally, the design form intended to explore was to honor the practice of pearl diving through incorporating the textured glass that takes cues from the imprints of oysters collected from the bottom of the sea during the sailor’s expeditions. The use of this method of textured glass allows for a beautifully dynamic surfacing that captures the essence of an oyster shell, showcasing its form while interacting with light in an elegant manner.
The design started by considering the palm frond as a structural element, symbolizing its significance as the material used in the making of Shasha boats.
From there, experimentations with various forms of palm frond strands were made until it was narrowed down to an ellipsoid shape as the basis of the design piece, while reinforcing the strands with metal rods to strengthen and stabilize the structure.
To further understand the palm frond material as it were to be the main elemnt in the piece, the palm frond would be have to be bent in a certain angle. Based on the reserach and the convorsations had with emirati traditional boat makers, the palm fronds would need to be soaked for a minimum of 20 days to be bent. adding to that, it can be bent up to a certain angle and troughout time it might go back to its true form (pre-bending.
• Adding bracing to strengthen the structure
• Minimizing support
• Softening the legs
• incorporating oyster imprints
• Final form
1 Curved and angled bent laminated wood
Slumped glass
Brackets for table support and floating effect
Stainless steels rods for tension
Wooden dowel for extra bracing
2
02 SAHB
Year: 2024
Client: MAKE Abu Dhabi
Project Type: Product Design
Status: Complete
Sahb is a mobile maamoul workstation. Inspired by the time spent with family while making and decorating maamoul, Sahb adds a layer of collaboration and convenience to what is an enjoyable yet demanding traditional process. It comprises of a light Oakwood frame on four rotational wheels, with omnidirectional, retractable, stainless steel trays, and two wooden inserts to decorate on. Sahb is a piece that was designed to modernize the shared making of traditional delicacies such as maamoul, and facilitate a more hospitable, communal experience for making traditional treats.
working surface trays
2 surfaces for shared experience
hard wood
double surface one for storage?
for different heights
03
TWIST CHAIR
Year: 2024
Client: Andreu World
Project Type: Product Design
Status: Concept
Twist chair was a submission for the 23rd Andreu World International Design Contest which focused on Circular design. Twist chair is a versatile and sustainable chair crafted from three interlocking wooden pieces. The innovative design allows the chair to be used in two distinct configurations: a standard chair and a reclined lounge chair.
By simply flipping the chair, users can switch between a regular seating position and a more relaxed, reclined posture. This dual functionality is achieved without the need for any mechanical parts, relying entirely on the precision and craftsmanship of the interlocking wooden joints.
1 serves as the main connecting piece between 2 and 3.
2 & 3 are interlocked with 1 through a simple dowel joint.
4 consists of armchairs that act as a frame, providing additional support to prevent the chair from toppling.
4 also helps to bind the three wooden pieces together, enhancing overall stability.
Year: 2023
04 TIGER SKY TOWER
Location: Dubai, UAE
Client: Tiger Group UAE
Project Type: Architecture
Status: Under construction
Tiger Sky Tower at Business Bay by Tiger Properties is a 122-storey high-rise in Dubai, offering premium 1 to 4-bedroom apartments, penthouses, and a royal sky penthouse.
This modern architectural marvel combines Emirati cultural heritage with clean lines and soaring heights, redefining luxury living. Located strategically in Business Bay, it provides easy access to major landmarks, business hubs, and leisure destinations. The tower features serene rooftop gardens, jogging tracks, and advanced fitness facilities.
Notable attractions include the world’s highest residential rainforest at 447 meters, the highest infinity pool at 431 meters, and a restaurant at 439 meters, blending luxury and nature uniquely.
05 SAADIYAT PRIVATE VILLA
Year: 2024
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Client: -
Project Type: Architecture
Status: Under construction
Located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, this spacious family home features four bedrooms, a kitchen, and a majlis.
The owners’ main request was to maintain the privacy of the bedrooms without sacrificing natural sunlight. To address this, thin aluminum screens were specifically designed for the house. The design of these screens blends the modern architecture of the villa with the traditional aesthetic of a mashrabiya.
06 PEARL JUMEIRAH MOSQUE
Year: 2024
Location: Dubai, UAE
Client: NEB
Project Type: Architecture
Status: Under construction
Located on Pearl Jumeirah 1 Island, this community mosque accommodates around 100 worshippers. Unique in its modern, minimalist design, the mosque’s front facade features grooves inscribed with Quranic verses in square Kufic script.
The back facade showcases a stunning mosaic wall that forms a double-height mashrabiya, allowing natural sunlight to filter into the main prayer hall.
