Areas of Expertise
Smart Interiors, Sustainable interiors, Hybrid Craft, Islamic interiors
Education
PhD. in Design from De Montfort University , UK
Biography
Dr. Nehal Almerbati is an Assistant Professor of Interior Design at the University of Bahrain, specializing in smart and sustainable interiors, hybrid craft, and Islamic interior architecture. Her academic and research work focuses on developing contemporary spatial solutions that integrate technology, cultural identity, and craftsmanship.
She is particularly known for her work on smart interiors, where she explores the role of artificial intelligence, data integration, and responsive design in enhancing human experience within interior spaces. In the field of sustainable interiors, Dr. Almerbati emphasizes environmentally conscious design strategies that promote well-being, energy efficiency, and resource-conscious materiality.
Her interest in hybrid craft bridges traditional Islamic craftsmanship with modern digital fabrication, aiming to revive cultural heritage while innovating in product and spatial design. Dr. Almerbati also contributes significantly to the study and reinterpretation of Islamic interiors, reimagining architectural elements and aesthetics to meet the needs of contemporary users while preserving cultural and spiritual values.
Through her teaching and research, Dr. Almerbati empowers emerging designers to think critically and design responsibly—encouraging a design philosophy that connects innovation, sustainability, and cultural authenticity. She remains deeply committed to interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge dissemination in design education.
Achievements
Winner of Ahmad Alsuraj award
Affiliations
- Board member in Bahrain Smart City Society
- Board member of Bahrain Intellectual Property Society
Grants & Contracts Awarded
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Publications & Presentations
- Almurbati, N., Almahamid, S., Al‑Alawi, A. I. & Al Fataih, M., 2023. What determines 3D printing adoption in the GCC region? Innovation Journal.
- Almurbati, N. & Dean, L., 2024. From manual to hybrid: Parametric Mashrabiya. International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, Environmental and Landscape Design, 10(2).
- Almurbati, N., 2024. Examining Mashrabiya’s impact on energy efficiency and cultural identity in Saudi architecture. Sustainability, 15(13).
- Almurbati, N. & Headley, D., 2016. Heritage conservation in the new digital era: The benefits of 3D printing architecture screens in sustaining architecture and identity. Proceedings, International Conference.
- Taki, A., Headley, D., Ford, P. & Almurbati, N., 2016. From Manual to Hybrid, Parametric Mashrabiya. International Journal of Architectonic, Spatial, Environmental and Landscape Design, 10(2).
- Headley, D., Almurbati, N., Ford, P. & Taki, A., 2015. From research to practice: exploring 3D printing in production of architectural Mashrabiya. Proceedings, International Conference.
- Almurbati, N., Ford, P. & Taki, A., 2014. From vernacular to personalised and sustainable: the value of additively manufactured window screens in Middle Eastern dwellings. Proceedings, International Conference.
- Almurbati, N., 2020. Hybrid heritage in hospitality interiors as an evident of cultural sustainability. Second International Sustainability and Resilience Conference: Technology and Innovation in Building Designs, 11 November, Bahrain. doi:10.1109/IEEECONF51154.2020.9319973.
- Almurbati, N. & Ahmed, N., 2021. Humanizing spaces through designing smart hotels. Conference Paper, June 2021.
- Qaed, F. & Almurbati, N., 2021. Resilience in design: The use of user persona to enhance co‑working spaces design. Conference Paper, November 2021.
- Almurbati, N. & Almalood, S., 2021. Hybrid school as means to spread cultural awareness of developed educational systems. Conference Paper, November 2021.
- Ahmed, Z. A., Qaed, F. & Almurbati, N., 2020. Enhancing museums’ sustainability through digitalization. Conference Paper, November 2020.
- Almurbati, N., Albuainain, S. & Alkhalifa, F., 2020. The makerspaces contribution to smart cities learner community. Conference Paper, September 2020.
- Alkhalifa, F., Wilkins, A. J., Silva, J. P. & Almurbati, N., 2018. Visual discomfort health concerns in the future cities of the Arabian Gulf: Case of Bahrain. Journal Article, October 2018.
- Alkhalifa, F., Almurbati, N., Silva, J. P. & Wilkins, A. J., 2018. Visual discomfort health concerns in the future cities of the Arabian Gulf: Case of Bahrain. Conference Paper, October 2018.
- Alkhalifa, F., Wilkins, A. J., Almurbati, N. & Pinelo Silva, J., 2020. Examining the visual effect of trypophobic repetitive pattern in contemporary urban environments: Bahrain as a case for Middle East countries. Journal Article, March 2020.
