NATURE RESERVES
16 OFFICES IN 4 CONTINENTS
40+
years of experience in MENA region, ASIA & USA
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Commercial
Destination Development
Development Creation
Economic Feasibility Studies
Education
Engineering
F&B
Health & Wellness
High-rise
Hospitality
Infrastructure Design
Interior Design
Island Developments
Lighting Design
Market Analysis
Master Planning & City Planning
Mixed-use
Nature Reserves
Pre-development Studies
Project Management
Public & Civic
Public Realm & Landscape
Residential
Retail
Site Supervision
Sustainability
Vision
Waterfront Developments
DÜSSELDORF, GER
BRATISLAVA, SVK
CAIRO, EGY
AMMAN, HKJ
RIYADH, KSA
RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE
DUBAI, UAE
ABU DHABI, UAE
MUMBAI, IND
KOCHI, IND
DELHI, IND
$12billion of design+built work over the past15years
Limitless creativity. Expert strategy. Unparalleled results.
Established by internationally renowned American design professionals with over 40 years of experience in the Middle East, Europe, Asia and the USA, AE7 is a global leader in destination development, healthcare, higher education, residential, corporate and commercial design, and planning. The Partners from AE7 have been working as a group for over 20 years. Now with offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Europe, Jordan, Egypt, KSA and the USA, the firm’s design practice is led by industry innovators committed to delivering the extraordinary.
At AE7, our goal is to listen to our clients and to comprehensively understand their needs so we can provide superior service, iterate to the best possible outcome, and deliver groundbreaking projects that are responsive to our clients’ vision on every level. We are passionate about the power of exceptional design: Our philosophy is to nurture a better future and environment, to improve life and to motivate the human spirit through thoughtful and inspired design.
With a multidisciplinary team of more than 600 people who collaborate in 16 offices across four continents, we bring together
a diverse set of international talent to provide full-service architecture and engineering design for some of the most prestigious projects in the world. Over the last 15 years alone, we have designed, managed and are currently supervising more than US$12 billion in construction projects. Our combined masterplans and developments cover more than 350 square kilometers in total land area. Our expertise covers nine market sectors: healthcare and wellness; development; science and technology; higher education; destination developments; commercial and corporate; hospitality; residential; and primary and secondary schools.
Our innovative designs continue to enrich and inspire, from sophisticated hospitals to skyscrapers exceeding 700 meters in height to the largest crystalline lagoon in the heart of one of the most premier luxury communities in the world. No matter what we undertake, all of our planning and design work stems from creative solutions, attentiveness to client needs, knowledgebased strategy, and a drive to make life better through inspiring and intuitive design. A holistic, interdisciplinary approach allows us to realize the most unique end-user experiences, offer the best commercial results to clients, and consistently create new benchmarks for excellence around the globe.
MANILA, PHL
THE RESPONSIBLE EXPERIENCE SUSTAINABILITY
Through the use of industry tools, material research, best practices and community partnerships, AE7 strives to be a leader in sustainable environments. AE7 is committed to incorporating Green Building and Sustainable Design in our projects. Our team includes LEED accredited Architects and Interior Designers that are familiar with the goals of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and use these resources to design environmentally responsible and resource efficient buildings. The construction industry is one of the biggest waste producers on the planet and Architects can play a role in curbing that waste. AE7 utilizes specifications to describe how to control construction waste and specifies products that can be sustainably harvested, recycled or reused.
When incorporating sustainability into our work we focus on energy efficiency, sustainable site planning, water efficiency, conservation of materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. Utilizing energy modelling, daylighting studies, and specifying energy saving mechanical and electrical systems are the best solutions to creating an energy efficient building. A life cycle analysis done by AE7 can help a client understand that a new environmentally sound system may cost more now, but will pay them back in energy savings
in the near future. Our approach concentrates on planning, designing, constructing and managing projects from a more sustainable perspective rather than checking items off of the certification requirements list. Education and community groups are also valuable in remaining up to date with the technology trends and practices. Learning about the latest sustainable materials and construction practices is something AE7’s employees do regularly through our membership with the Green Building Alliance and Continuing Education Courses. How buildings use energy efficiently is paramount.
Our decision is to focus more on the challenges our projects face and working to better accommodate the people and the environment rather than working toward LEED certification. With sustainability becoming the design norm, we are incorporating many Green concepts into our work to better interior and exterior surroundings for occupants which allows us to work with the client to achieve these sustainable goals without pushing certain ideas to achieve certification.
Sustainability is about the future and AE7 will remain invested in the movement to create a better built environment for the world’s posterity.
DELIVERY OF THE EXPERIENCE CONCEPT VISUALIZATION METHOD
Key to the success of any project is a clear understanding of the project’s goals. AE7’s Concept Visualization Method (CVM) organically moves the client’s stakeholders through the programming phase of a project. It is designed to spark ideas and expand possibilities through guided discussion, visualization, benchmarking, and instant feedback.
THE PROCESS
Ask questions. What can be substituted in a space? What can be combined with something else? What can be adapted? Can you modify or magnify an existing process or space? Can you change the use of a space? What can be eliminated? How can spaces or adjacencies be rearranged? What is your project growth or contraction?
Live in-person programming, using massing volumes and diagrams
What is the experience that is to be achieved with this space or building(s)
Virtual Reality, 3-D Graphics, Animations/Walkthroughs
Evaluating pros and cons of options
A facility program that has been agreed upon by the stakeholders in the matter of days instead of weeks.
Ras Al Khor Sanctuary
Dubai, UAE
Project Size
Plot size: 6.8 mil sq.ft / 630,000 sq.m
Services
Architecture
Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Masterplanning
Pre-development Studies
Project Management
Structural Design
Sustainable Design
Taking into account the site’s designation as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, this collection of sculpted structures enriches visitors’ experiences while maintaining the wetland’s ecological integrity. These compelling indoor/outdoor spaces echo the habitat, complementing and blending with their sanctuary surroundings. Circulation and solar studies informed the structural designs, which capitalize on the natural elements, resulting in open-air, self-ventilated systems for each space. Designed to engage all ages throughout all seasons, the structures include places to observe the fauna from the hidden confines of a carefully crafted hide or opportunities to traverse the many trails through the newly developed perimeter visitor zone. A childrens’ eco-village caters to family visitors while the many elegant lookout towers offer a panoramic view of this expansive sanctuary, transforming Ras al Khor into a unique destination for ecotourism.
AWARDS
2020 WAN Awards - Gold: Future Projects - Urban Design
2022 Iconic Awards: Urban Planning
2023 - AIA Middle East - Award of Excellence, Architecture Unbuilt
Project Size
Plot size: 39 mil sq.ft / 3.6 mil sq.m
Services
Architecture
Landscape Architecture
Masterplanning
Sustainable Design
Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Dubai, UAE
Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve stretches along the sands of the vast desert providing a delicate ecosystem for various wild animals, birds, and reptiles. As the government of Dubai is looking to protect its ecological resources, the reserve was seeking to obtain an international conservation status of a biosphere reserve from UNESCO. To achieve this, our team has developed a master plan that identified several key goals – to conserve natural and cultural diversity, promote sustainable use of lands and resources, and use the conservation area for research, monitoring, education, and training.
To meet the requirements of the biosphere reserve designation we have developed 3 distinct zones: core, buffer, and traditional. Through careful planning of several core areas, the plan accommodates wildlife populations, undisturbed natural landscapes, and archeological sites – all while integrating with an adjacent military reserve. The buffer zone features a range of structures and activities – inviting visitors to enjoy the wildlife in their natural desert habitat with minimal disturbances. Representing the smallest area within the conservation area, the transitional zone accounts for the adjacent active farms, industrialized and built-up areas.
The master plan aids the sanctuary in progressing towards its goal of becoming a biosphere reserve while establishing its viability and attracting new visitors to experience the raw beauty of the reserve.
Project Size
Plot size: 775 sq.ft / 72 sq.m
Services
Architecture
Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Project Management
Structural Design
The Nest – Bird Observation Tower
Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, UAE
Part of a greater vision for the Al Marmoom Conservation Area, the Nest acts as a delicate interface between the sanctuary’s local animals and its visitors. Inspired by the structure and geometry of a bird’s nest, the Nest’s platform lattice facade creates unique shadows and blends in with the surrounding landscape context, complementing the sanctuary experience rather than interrupting it. The envelope wraps around a two-level shaded viewing platform that allows visitors close-up views of the sanctuary’s diverse bird fauna, without creating glass reflections and interrupting their natural habitat. The platform’s intentionally minimal interior is designed to complement and blend with the sanctuary surroundings, and dark sky-compliant LED fixtures have a minimal impact on wildlife. This project paves the way for other architectural projects that highlight the sanctuary’s main attractions and provide unique experiences for the visitors.
AWARDS
Identity Design Award | Outdoor Space
The Dune – Yoga Center
Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, UAE
Project Size
Plot size: 3,230 sq.ft / 300 sq.m
Services
Architecture
Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Project Management
Structural Design
Located deep inside Dubai’s desert landscape, The Dune at Al Marmoom Conservation Area blends beautifully into its environment. Inspired by the surrounding sand dunes and shrub formations, the structure’s focal point is its organically-shaped roof, made from a combination of steel frames and GRP-cladded material with a stone finish. Featuring irregular cell-like perforations that act as a lattice, the roof allows sunlight to filter through, creating shadow formations across the viewing platform as well as the stone-paint walls. Below the undulating roof, a single-story concrete structure houses indoor and outdoor platforms.
The indoor platform features a multipurpose hall that can be used for group gatherings, Yoga and meditation, with a glass partition that opens up to the shaded outdoor platform, allowing the option to enjoy a fully open air setting. The outdoor platform also acts as a viewing deck, offering visitors a chance to take in the vastness of the desert landscape and the expansive sunrise or sunset over the dunes. In support of the Conservation’s Areas efforts, dark sky-compliant LED fixtures have a minimal impact on wildlife, and the outdoor platform’s open air, self-ventilated system capitalizes naturally on the desert’s elements.
The Cocoon Bird Observation Tower
Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, UAE
The Cocoon bird observation tower is an organic structure designed to allow visitors to experience the reserve’s many different species. Inspired by a nest form and echoing the desert’s colors, the ovular structure’s porous shell—an elegant sculpted wood lattice—allows maximum transparency and creates a 360-degree viewing experience. The space includes two viewing platforms— one interior, air-conditioned level and one open-air level— making space for up to eighteen people at a time. The facade’s diagonal structural criss-cross pattern provides an intimate view without interrupting the sanctuary’s birds, while also protecting them from harmful glass reflections. This project paves the way for other architectural projects that highlight the sanctuary’s main attractions and provide unique experiences for the visitors.
Covered Stage
Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, UAE
Project Size
3,229 sq.ft / 300 sq.m
Services
Architecture
Engineering
Landscape Architecture
Project Management
Structural Design
The design of the outdoor theatre is consistent with the desert nature of the reserve; it is inspired by the formation of desert shrubs above the sand dunes. The theatre consists of a platform for performances and art, with a full-screen display, as well as service rooms and terraces of varying levels to give different perspectives to the audience. The stage is topped by an open dome, also inspired by sand dunes, giving a desert color to the design, and providing a silhouette for the public.
The 350-person theatre will host a variety of artistic and lyrical performances from across the region and the world, within a year-round artistic and entertainment schedule.
AWARDS
Identity Design Award | Project of the Future
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means without permission in writing from the AE Seven Morse Architecture & Engineering Consultancies co.
ICLDC project was designed in association with KMD architects. Zayed Military Hospital project was designed in association with Leo A. Daly Architects. The architect of the record of Meliha Hospital is RSP Architects.
Photography and renderings by AE7, Ryan Debolski, SEHA, Command of Military Works, KMD, RSP, Accor Hotels, Eric Cuvillier, Victor Romero, Phishfotoz, Paul Thusbaert, and Yasser Ibrahim.
Some of the content of this book represents the personal portfolio of AE7 partners, whilst employed at Burt Hill and Stantec between 1988-2009.
