About
Ola Saad Znad
Ola Znad holds a Master’s in Architecture from University College Dublin and a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Bahrain. Her academic journey ignited a deep passion for urban design and cities, which became a central theme in her work. Drawing from her reflections on the intricate relationship between contemporary architecture and identity, Ola's concepts reflect a nuanced understanding of space and culture.
Born in Baghdad, Ola left Iraq after the 2003 war, when she was just 8 years old, to settle in Bahrain, which became her second home. Her longing feelings in her Iraqi heritage shines through in her work, particularly in her Bachelor’s thesis, where she proposed an urban pedestrian bridge in Baghdad. This project not only earned her the prestigious Graduate Students Project Award in 2018 but was also published. Ola continued exploring urban and community design during her Master’s studies, where she focused on revitalizing public markets in Dublin, using architecture to promote diversity and strengthen community bonds.
Ola’s professional portfolio spans architectural and interior design projects across Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Dublin, and the United States. Her work reflects a global perspective and a commitment to inclusive design.
Her passion for research and education blossomed during her tenure as an adjunct professor at the University of Bahrain, where she also contributed to architectural and urban research initiatives under the Bahrain Authority of Culture and Antiquities and the Urban and Housing Lab. Ola thrives on blending applied research with art, exhibitions, architecture, and urban design, constantly driven by curiosity and a desire to experiment. This approach allows her to spotlight underrepresented communities across the MENA region, offering a voice to minorities and delving into the unseen aspects of architecture through her interactions with people.
As a co-founder of pioneering design initiatives in Bahrain, including Manama Lab and Design Majlis, Ola is deeply rooted in the creative community. She firmly believes that art, music, and literature are the foundations of any meaningful creative endeavor.
Ola Znad holds a Master’s in Architecture from University College Dublin and a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Bahrain. Her academic journey ignited a deep passion for urban design and cities, which became a central theme in her work. Drawing from her reflections on the intricate relationship between contemporary architecture and identity, Ola's concepts reflect a nuanced understanding of space and culture.
Born in Baghdad, Ola left Iraq after the 2003 war, when she was just 8 years old, to settle in Bahrain, which became her second home. Her longing feelings in her Iraqi heritage shines through in her work, particularly in her Bachelor’s thesis, where she proposed an urban pedestrian bridge in Baghdad. This project not only earned her the prestigious Graduate Students Project Award in 2018 but was also published. Ola continued exploring urban and community design during her Master’s studies, where she focused on revitalizing public markets in Dublin, using architecture to promote diversity and strengthen community bonds.
Ola’s professional portfolio spans architectural and interior design projects across Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Dublin, and the United States. Her work reflects a global perspective and a commitment to inclusive design.
Her passion for research and education blossomed during her tenure as an adjunct professor at the University of Bahrain, where she also contributed to architectural and urban research initiatives under the Bahrain Authority of Culture and Antiquities and the Urban and Housing Lab. Ola thrives on blending applied research with art, exhibitions, architecture, and urban design, constantly driven by curiosity and a desire to experiment. This approach allows her to spotlight underrepresented communities across the MENA region, offering a voice to minorities and delving into the unseen aspects of architecture through her interactions with people.
As a co-founder of pioneering design initiatives in Bahrain, including Manama Lab and Design Majlis, Ola is deeply rooted in the creative community. She firmly believes that art, music, and literature are the foundations of any meaningful creative endeavor.
Ola Znad holds a Master’s in Architecture from University College Dublin and a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Bahrain. Her academic journey ignited a deep passion for urban design and cities, which became a central theme in her work. Drawing from her reflections on the intricate relationship between contemporary architecture and identity, Ola's concepts reflect a nuanced understanding of space and culture.
Born in Baghdad, Ola left Iraq after the 2003 war, when she was just 8 years old, to settle in Bahrain, which became her second home. Her longing feelings in her Iraqi heritage shines through in her work, particularly in her Bachelor’s thesis, where she proposed an urban pedestrian bridge in Baghdad. This project not only earned her the prestigious Graduate Students Project Award in 2018 but was also published. Ola continued exploring urban and community design during her Master’s studies, where she focused on revitalizing public markets in Dublin, using architecture to promote diversity and strengthen community bonds.
Ola’s professional portfolio spans architectural and interior design projects across Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Dublin, and the United States. Her work reflects a global perspective and a commitment to inclusive design.
Her passion for research and education blossomed during her tenure as an adjunct professor at the University of Bahrain, where she also contributed to architectural and urban research initiatives under the Bahrain Authority of Culture and Antiquities and the Urban and Housing Lab. Ola thrives on blending applied research with art, exhibitions, architecture, and urban design, constantly driven by curiosity and a desire to experiment. This approach allows her to spotlight underrepresented communities across the MENA region, offering a voice to minorities and delving into the unseen aspects of architecture through her interactions with people.
As a co-founder of pioneering design initiatives in Bahrain, including Manama Lab and Design Majlis, Ola is deeply rooted in the creative community. She firmly believes that art, music, and literature are the foundations of any meaningful creative endeavor.