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Muna Mahmoud Yousef Salameh
- Senior Lecturer
- Ext: 6716
Dr. Muna Salameh holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and a Master's degree in Urban Planning from AN Najah National University, Palestine, graduating with honors. She earned a Ph.D. in Architecture and Sustainable Built Environment from The British University in Dubai. Dr. Salameh practiced architecture in Palestine for several years and has taught architectural courses at various universities in Palestine and the UAE. Notably, she contributed to the survey and documentation of historic buildings in Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine. Since 2004, Dr. Salameh has been a faculty member at Ajman University, where she teaches various architecture courses and actively participates in official committees, including the Annual Book Committee and the Course File Updating Committee. She has presented at several conferences, such as the 2nd World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (CSEE'17) in Barcelona, Spain, in April 2017, where she received the Best Paper Award. In August 2022, she attended the 6th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ICACE 2022) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she was honored with the Best Presentation Award. Dr. Salameh is a member of the Jordan Engineers Association and is dedicated to advancing research in sustainable architecture.
Education
- Ph.D. in Architecture and Sustainable Built Environment, The British University in Dubai, UAE, 2018.
- B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering, Al Najah National University, Palestine, 1997.
- M.Arch., Al Najah National University, Palestine, 2004.
Ph.D. in Architecture and Sustainable Built Environment, The British University in Dubai, UAE, 2018.
B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering, Al Najah National University, Palestine, 1997.
M.Arch., Al Najah National University, Palestine, 2004.
Experience
- Senior Lecturer (Full-time), Architectural Department, Ajman University, UAE, September 2021 – Present.
- Lecturer (Full Time), Architecture Department, Ajman University, UAE, September 2008- 2021.
- Teaching Assistant (Part Time), Architecture Department, Ajman University, UAE, September 2004 - August 2008.
- Lecturer (Part-time), Fine Art Department, Al Najah National University, Palestine, September 2001- August 2004.
- Teaching Assistant (Full Time), Architecture Department, Birzeit University Palestine, September 1999 - July 2001.
- Teaching Assistant (Full Time), Architecture Department, Al Najah National University, Palestine, September 1998 - July 1999.
- Lecturer (Part-time), Architecture Department, Al Najah National Community College, Palestine, September 1997 - July 1999.
Senior Lecturer (Full-time), Architectural Department, Ajman University, UAE, September 2021 – Present.
Lecturer (Full Time), Architecture Department, Ajman University, UAE, September 2008- 2021.
Teaching Assistant (Part Time), Architecture Department, Ajman University, UAE, September 2004 - August 2008.
Lecturer (Part-time), Fine Art Department, Al Najah National University, Palestine, September 2001- August 2004.
Teaching Assistant (Full Time), Architecture Department, Birzeit University Palestine, September 1999 - July 2001.
Teaching Assistant (Full Time), Architecture Department, Al Najah National University, Palestine, September 1998 - July 1999.
Lecturer (Part-time), Architecture Department, Al Najah National Community College, Palestine, September 1997 - July 1999.
Teaching Area
- Sustainability and Energy Saving, Master's course – Teaching Assistant, Envimet software.
- Introduction to Design, Building Construction, Engineering Graphics and Perspective Shade and Shadow, Landscape Architecture.
- Sustainable Architecture, Design Courses.
- Active Thermal Comfort in Hot Climates, such as the UAE.
Sustainability and Energy Saving, Master's course – Teaching Assistant, Envimet software.
Introduction to Design, Building Construction, Engineering Graphics and Perspective Shade and Shadow, Landscape Architecture.
Sustainable Architecture, Design Courses.
Active Thermal Comfort in Hot Climates, such as the UAE.
Research
- Challenges and Opportunities of Using E-Learning Systems in the Architectural Curriculum.
- Feed-in Tariff Policy in Dubai/UAE.
- Courtyard as Passive Design Solution for School Buildings in Hot Area.
- Low Carbon Cooling Approach for the Residences in the UAE: A Case Study in Dubai.
- The Effect of School Courtyards on Student Satisfaction.
- The Effect of School Courtyard Proportions on Daylight in Classrooms.
- Heritage as a Bridge to Sustainability in Nablus City, Palestine.
- An Analysis of Indoor Environment Evaluation for The Springs Development in Dubai, UAE.
- Thermal Comfort and Performance Analysis Related to Urban Layouts in the Hot Arid Climate of the UAE.
- Conservation and Heritage as a Sustainable Approach.
Challenges and Opportunities of Using E-Learning Systems in the Architectural Curriculum.
Feed-in Tariff Policy in Dubai/UAE.
Courtyard as Passive Design Solution for School Buildings in Hot Area.
Low Carbon Cooling Approach for the Residences in the UAE: A Case Study in Dubai.
The Effect of School Courtyards on Student Satisfaction.
The Effect of School Courtyard Proportions on Daylight in Classrooms.
Heritage as a Bridge to Sustainability in Nablus City, Palestine.
An Analysis of Indoor Environment Evaluation for The Springs Development in Dubai, UAE.
Thermal Comfort and Performance Analysis Related to Urban Layouts in the Hot Arid Climate of the UAE.
Conservation and Heritage as a Sustainable Approach.
Publications
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JournalMuna Salameh, Emad Mushtaha, Ayat El Khazindar, Improvement of thermal performance and predicted mean vote in city districts: A case in the United Arab Emirates, Ain Shams Engineering Journal- 2022-Elsevier, Oct 2022
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JournalBasim Touqan, Alaa Abdul-Ameer, Muna Salameh, HVAC multivariable system modelling and control-2022, Advanced search Access/Profile Cart Close Drawer MenuOpen Drawer Menu Menu Browse by discipline Information for Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, Nov 2022
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JournalMuna Salameh and Basim Touqan, Traditional Passive Design Solutions as a Key Factor for Sustainable Modern Urban Designs in the Hot, Arid Climate of the United Arab Emirates 2022, Buildings, Oct 2022
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Heritage conservation as a bridge to sustainability assessing thermal performance and the preservation of identity through heritage conservation in the Mediterranean city of Nablus
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An analysis of indoor environment evaluation for The Springs development in Dubai, UAE
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Courtyard as Passive Design Solution for School Buildings in Hot Area-2017
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Low Carbon Cooling Approach for the Residences in the UAE: A Case Study in Dubai-2017
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Courtyard design in schools and its influence on Students’ Satisfaction, Lisbon, Portugal – October 18-20, 2020, 5th World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (CSEE'20)
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Challenges and Opportunities of Using E- Learning System in Architectural Curriculum-2010
Muna Salameh, Emad Mushtaha, Ayat El Khazindar, Improvement of thermal performance and predicted mean vote in city districts: A case in the United Arab Emirates, Ain Shams Engineering Journal- 2022-Elsevier, Oct 2022
Several studies have indicated that traditional architecture is known for its sustainable capability to manage climate effects, while contemporary architecture focused on style more than sustainability. This study intends to improve thermal performance and comfort in modern urban districts with reference to traditional districts in the UAE using ENVI-met software. The research methodology adopts comparative and qualitative investigations for the old and the new districts to explore their thermal performance on specific days. As per the simulation results, a reduction in the maximum outdoor temperature of approximately 1 °C was observed in the traditional area compared to the contemporary districts. The study has also integrated some traditional passive design concepts such as grass and green shading devices to the modern district to lower its outdoor temperature.
About the journal
Basim Touqan, Alaa Abdul-Ameer, Muna Salameh, HVAC multivariable system modelling and control-2022, Advanced search Access/Profile Cart Close Drawer MenuOpen Drawer Menu Menu Browse by discipline Information for Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science, Nov 2022
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) is a multivariable process where any alteration with one system input affects most or all of the system’s outputs simultaneously. Owing to its comprehensiveness, a readily derived multivariable HVAC mathematical model is selected for this work, mainly a hybrid distributed-lumped parameters model. As the transfer function matrix was not established in the selected HVAC model, it was exclusively developed in this study, using the time domain graphical responses of the chosen model. Based on the developed transfer function matrix, a conceptual two-step approach was followed to control HVAC model performance. The first was decoupling the interactions that affect all the system outputs, and the second was designing proper PID controllers for each decoupled loop similar to those used for single input single output (SISO) systems.
About the journal
Muna Salameh and Basim Touqan, Traditional Passive Design Solutions as a Key Factor for Sustainable Modern Urban Designs in the Hot, Arid Climate of the United Arab Emirates 2022, Buildings, Oct 2022
Sustainable architecture is a key approach for creating sustainable cities and reducing the impact of climate change. In hot, arid regions, the passive design traditional architecture is known for its ability to provide comfortable indoor environments and outdoor shaded areas, in contrast to the use of energy-intensive air conditioners in a great deal of modern architecture. Thus, this research used a qualitative methodology based on ENVI-met software to study, investigate, and compare the thermal performance of two urban fabrics as case studies (traditional and modern districts) in the hot, arid climate of the United Arab Emirates. The thermal performance of the old urban districts was better than the new ones, with a lower maximum potential air temperature and an improvement in the level of thermal comfort, measured by a predicted mean vote. Moreover, it was found that enhancing the shade in the outdoor open areas in the modern district, mimicking the traditional passive design solutions, resulted in lower air temperature and PMVs. This research is expected to be one step among many towards creating sustainable, innovative modern architecture.
About the journal
Heritage conservation as a bridge to sustainability assessing thermal performance and the preservation of identity through heritage conservation in the Mediterranean city of Nablus
Heritage conservation can revive vernacular architectural methods of construction which naturally embody sustainable design concepts. This research investigates and highlights the intrinsic value of heritage conservation in building a sustainable society; from an environmental, economic, and social perspectives. This research is an evaluation of a unique case of heritage conservation in the city of Nablus, Palestine, at both architectural and urban scales. The investigation concluded that traditional passive design solutions have many advantages over modern ones. It was found that the thermal performance of a conserved traditional building was more effective, making it more sustainable than its modern counterpart with the same function. Further, the investigation concluded that heritage conservation is core to protecting identity in its preservation of the past for future generations, especially in an occupied area, such as Nablus. This study aims to highlight the vast scope and application of heritage conservation with regards to innovative and sustainable solutions in a modern urban society.
About the journal
An analysis of indoor environment evaluation for The Springs development in Dubai, UAE
Purpose This study aims to evaluate The Springs’ indoor environment, one of the iconic townhouse-type residential buildings in Dubai, more efficiently for the integrated evaluation of the indoor environment with the weights of indoor environmental factors such as thermal, indoor air, lighting and acoustic. Design/methodology/approach The weights of the indoor environment factors were derived for the integrated evaluation to reflect the residents’ preferences. Based on the post-occupancy evaluation (P.O.E.) survey, the weights according to the gender, age group and indoor spaces followed a comparison and analytical processes. Findings This paper had found the priority of residents’ needs for each space in The Springs project. In summer, thermal comfort was the most important factor for living room and the master bedroom. In winter, the priority for living room and kitchen was the indoor air quality. Research limitations/implications As it is the first research survey for housing project in Dubai, it needs to be extended to other housing projects in Dubai. To increase the reliability of the weights calculated through this study and the applicability of the integrated indoor environmental evaluation, more in-depth P.O.E. survey is needed with wide range of survey participants. Social implications This paper will help developing guidelines for future renovation based on the comparative analysis among thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, lighting comfort and indoor air comfort. Originality/value This paper is the first attempt to analyze the condition of early housing projects in Dubai. The data can be used to increase not only the design quality and marketability of housing projects in Dubai but also the condition of residents’ health status to avoid sick building syndrome from approximately 20 years old buildings.
About the journal
Courtyard as Passive Design Solution for School Buildings in Hot Area-2017
Low Carbon Cooling Approach for the Residences in the UAE: A Case Study in Dubai-2017
Courtyard design in schools and its influence on Students’ Satisfaction, Lisbon, Portugal – October 18-20, 2020, 5th World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (CSEE'20)
Challenges and Opportunities of Using E- Learning System in Architectural Curriculum-2010
Conference Presentation
- Thermal Conditions and PMV Enhancements in Modern Urban Districts in Relation to Traditional Ones in Hot-Arid Climate – Ajman, UAE. 6th International Environment Conference – 28th March 2022.
- Courtyard Design as a Sustainable Tool for Classrooms' Lighting and Thermal Performance – 6th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ICACE 2022), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 1, 2022 – Received the Best Presentation Award.
- Courtyard Design in Schools and Its Influence on Students' Satisfaction – 5th International Conference on Geotechnical Research and Engineering (ICGRE'20), Lisbon, Portugal, October 18-20, 2020.
- Salameh, Muna, Touqan, Basim, Salameh, May. "Courtyard Design in Schools and Its Influence on Students' Satisfaction." 5th World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (CSEE'20), Lisbon, Portugal, October 18-20, 2020.
- "Salameh, Muna. 'Courtyard as a Passive Design Solution for School Buildings in Hot Areas.' Proceedings of the 2nd World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (CSEE'17), Barcelona, Spain, April 2-4, 2017. ID #141."
- Salameh, Muna. "Low Carbon Cooling Approach for Residences in the UAE: A Case Study." Proceedings of the 2nd World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (CSEE’17), Barcelona, Spain, April 2-4, 2017. ID #127.
- Participated in the first BUID Conference at the British University of Dubai in May 2015. The title of the paper was Courtyard as a Passive Design Solution for Schools in the UAE.
- Abstract only: Education for Sustainable Architecture, November 2012, International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation (ICERI 2012), Madrid, Spain.
- Challenges and Opportunities of Using E-Learning Systems in the Architectural Curriculum: Ajman University as a Case Study, International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation (ICERI 2012), Madrid, Spain, ID#171.
Thermal Conditions and PMV Enhancements in Modern Urban Districts in Relation to Traditional Ones in Hot-Arid Climate – Ajman, UAE. 6th International Environment Conference – 28th March 2022.
Courtyard Design as a Sustainable Tool for Classrooms' Lighting and Thermal Performance – 6th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ICACE 2022), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 1, 2022 – Received the Best Presentation Award.
Courtyard Design in Schools and Its Influence on Students' Satisfaction – 5th International Conference on Geotechnical Research and Engineering (ICGRE'20), Lisbon, Portugal, October 18-20, 2020.
Salameh, Muna, Touqan, Basim, Salameh, May. "Courtyard Design in Schools and Its Influence on Students' Satisfaction." 5th World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (CSEE'20), Lisbon, Portugal, October 18-20, 2020.
"Salameh, Muna. 'Courtyard as a Passive Design Solution for School Buildings in Hot Areas.' Proceedings of the 2nd World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (CSEE'17), Barcelona, Spain, April 2-4, 2017. ID #141."
Salameh, Muna. "Low Carbon Cooling Approach for Residences in the UAE: A Case Study." Proceedings of the 2nd World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering (CSEE’17), Barcelona, Spain, April 2-4, 2017. ID #127.
Participated in the first BUID Conference at the British University of Dubai in May 2015. The title of the paper was Courtyard as a Passive Design Solution for Schools in the UAE.
Abstract only: Education for Sustainable Architecture, November 2012, International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation (ICERI 2012), Madrid, Spain.
Challenges and Opportunities of Using E-Learning Systems in the Architectural Curriculum: Ajman University as a Case Study, International Conference of Education, Research, and Innovation (ICERI 2012), Madrid, Spain, ID#171.
Memberships, Awards and Honors
- Best Presentation Award, 6th International Conference on Architecture and Civil Engineering (ICACE 2022), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, August 18, 2022, for the paper: "Courtyard Design as a Sustainable Tool for Classrooms’ Lighting and Thermal Performance."
- Best Paper Award for the presentation of the paper "Courtyard Design in Schools and Its Influence on Students’ Satisfaction", 5th International Conference on Geotechnical Research and Engineering (ICGRE'20), Lisbon, Portugal, October 18-20, 2020.
- Certificate of Appreciation from Dubai Municipality for effective participation in Dubai Universal Design Week, January 30, 2018.
- Certificate of Participation in the WICE Networking Series: Role of Women in the Solar Industry 2, Environmental Workshop, Dubai, March 2, 2016.
- Certificate of Participation in the Seminar Women in Science, organized by Ajman University & Educational Advisory, Public Affairs Office, U.S. Consulate General, Dubai, UAE, 2012.
- Certificate of Participation in the Survey and Documentation of Old Buildings in Palestinian Villages, including Tell, awarded by Riwaq Institute, Palestine, September 1998.
- Member, Jordan Engineers Association since 1997.
- Certificate of Participation in the Documentation of Palaces in Bethlehem, awarded by the Palestinian Ministry of Culture, Palestine, September 1997.