Amal Mohammed Hassan Balila is an accomplished architect, researcher, and academic with a strong commitment to sustainable building technology and bio-inspired research. She holds a PhD in Construction Management and Engineering from the University of Reading, where her research focused on enhancing the strength and durability of adobe bricks using bio-inspired stabilizers. With over ten years of experience, Amal has made significant contributions to architecture, sustainable design, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) adoption in Oman’s AEC industry.
Author Profile
Google Scholar Profile
Education
Amal completed her BSc in Architecture with First-Class Honors from the University of Khartoum, Sudan. She earned an MSc in Sustainable Building Technology with Merit from the University of Nottingham, focusing on energy performance in curved versus straight building plans using Ecotect software. Her doctoral research at the University of Reading centered on sustainable adobe brick production.
Research Focus
Amal’s research primarily focuses on sustainable building technologies, bio-inspired materials, and enhancing construction methods for eco-friendly architecture. Her PhD research explored innovative approaches to strengthen adobe bricks using natural stabilizers, contributing to sustainable building practices and environmental conservation.
Professional Journey
Amal has a diverse professional journey spanning architectural design, research, and academia. She has worked as a Senior Architect at Samer Engineering Consultancy Group in Muscat, Oman, leading architectural projects and advocating for BIM adoption in the region. Currently, she serves as a Lecturer at the University of Technology & Applied Science in Salalah, Oman, where she teaches and supervises architectural studio projects.
Honors & Awards
Throughout her career, Amal has received multiple awards and recognitions for her contributions to sustainable architecture and research excellence. These include accolades for her PhD research outcomes and her advocacy efforts in promoting sustainable building practices in Oman.
Publications Noted & Contributions
Amal has contributed to academic literature with publications and presentations on sustainable building technology, bio-inspired materials, and architectural design. Her research outputs have been presented at seminars, symposiums, and conferences, establishing her as a thought leader in sustainable construction and eco-friendly architecture.
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
This paper, presented at the Young Researchers’ Forum III in 2016 on Innovation in Construction Materials, explores the use of sustainable bio-inspired stabilizers to improve adobe brick properties. The focus is on enhancing strength, durability, and structural stability, crucial for housing construction in Khartoum’s outskirts.
Enhancing strength and durability of adobe bricks by introducing bio-inspired stabilisers
Published in 2017 from the University of Reading, this research by A. Balila investigates the application of bio-inspired stabilizers to enhance the strength and durability of adobe bricks. The study contributes to sustainable building practices by proposing innovative solutions for improving adobe brick performance.
Appropriate technology for housing in Sudan: evaluation of selected innovative building materials and technologies
Co-authored with A.A. Elkhalifa, this paper was presented at the Second International Conference on Sustainable …, focusing on evaluating innovative building materials and technologies suitable for housing in Sudan. The research aims to identify appropriate technologies that can address housing challenges in Sudan.
Comparative analysis on the thermal performance of selected building materials and technologies for housing in Sudan
Also co-authored with A. Elkhalifa, this paper published in the Journal of Building and Road Research in 2016 provides a comparative analysis of the thermal performance of selected building materials and technologies in Sudan. The study evaluates how different materials and technologies perform in the local climate, informing sustainable building practices.
Young Researchers’ Forum III 2016 Innovation in Construction Materials
Presented by C. Cheeseman and M. Tyrer at the same forum where A. Balila presented her research, this paper likely discusses various innovations in construction materials, contributing to the broader discussion on sustainable building practices and material advancements.
Research Timeline
Amal’s research journey began with her undergraduate studies in architecture at the University of Khartoum and continued through her postgraduate education at the University of Nottingham and the University of Reading. She has consistently explored innovative approaches to sustainable architecture, from her early academic endeavors to her current role as a lecturer and researcher in Oman.