Interior Design and the Building-Body Connection: Towards a Proactive Approach to Wellness Design
Bensalem, S. (2020). Interior Design and the Building-Body Connection: Towards a Proactive Approach to Wellness Design (Master's thesis). Paris College of Art, Paris, France.
A research-driven thesis exploring how interior environments can be designed to proactively enhance occupant health and wellness, investigating the physiological and psychological connections between built spaces and human bodies.
Rise
Bensalem, S. et al. (2017). Rise. Issue NO13, Vol. 13, pp. 96-99. University of Texas School of Architecture. ISBN: 978-0-9962542-2-9.
Documenting the design-build process of the RISE pavilion at the Gulf Coast DesignLab, this publication captures the collaborative effort to create an environmentally responsive outdoor learning structure on the Texas coast.
Rainscreens from Concept to Reality
Bensalem, S. & Sounny-Slitine, M.A. (2015). Rainscreens from concept to reality. NexusHaus News: Austin, Texas.
Outlines the technical approaches taken in the fabrication and implementation of the rainscreen cladding system for the Solar Decathlon NexusHaus prototype, detailing the design-build process and the many design changes necessary when translating conceptual designs into built reality.
The Impact of Elimination Diets on Allergy Development
Bensalem, S. (2015). The Impact of Elimination Diets Practiced by Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women and the Delayed Introduction of Certain Food in Early Childhood on Allergy Development (DU thesis). Université de Rennes 1 — Faculté de Médecine, Rennes, France. (In French)
A medical research thesis examining the relationship between maternal dietary practices during pregnancy and breastfeeding and the subsequent development of food allergies in early childhood, contributing to the field of nutritional and metabolic diseases.
Liberal Arts and Business Literature: An Annotated Bibliography
Bensalem, S. & Neville, M.G. (2014). Liberal Arts and Business Literature: An Annotated Bibliography. Report prepared for the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Southwestern University, Georgetown, TX.
A comprehensive annotated bibliography investigating the intersection of liberal arts education and business pedagogy, produced as part of a Mellon Foundation research fellowship examining the value of interdisciplinary approaches to professional education.
Energy Geography of Morocco
Sounny-Slitine, M.A. & Bensalem, S. (2012). Energy Geography of Morocco. Encyclopedia of Energy, Edited by Morris A. Pierce. Salem Press: Pasadena, CA.
An encyclopedia entry outlining Morocco's energy landscape and its strategic push into renewable energy sources, analyzing the country's transition from fossil fuel dependence to becoming a North African leader in solar and wind power development.
Energy / Climate Change — Challenges and Opportunities
Bensalem, S. et al. (2011). Energy/Climate Change – Challenges and Opportunities. Report prepared for São Paulo: Secretaria do Meio Ambiente.
A multi-authored report following the format of IPCC summary briefs, addressing energy and climate challenges at the national and global level. Sara contributed the chapter on Morocco's energy development strategy and its path toward renewable energy independence.
Sustainable Healthcare Architecture — Designing a Healing Environment
Bensalem, S. (2010). Sustainable Healthcare Architecture — Designing a Healing Environment. Munich Sustainable Architecture and Design Student Working Papers. Center of Sustainable Development, University of Texas School of Architecture: Austin, Texas.
Authored during the Munich Exchange Program with UT Austin and TUM, this paper researches the body-building connection and argues that sustainable design principles — natural ventilation, lighting, and sustainable materials — can enhance healing in hospital environments by impacting occupants' physical and emotional states. Case studies compare hospitals with and without intentional sustainable design approaches.