INNOVATION

ONE ZA’ABEEL

COMPLETES FULL CLADDING AND PROGRESSES WITH FINAL CONSTRUCTION WORK IN PROGRESS

Ithra Dubai, the leading real estate developer and asset manager wholly owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, announced today that the final construction work at their iconic One Za’abeel development is in progress, in preparation for the grand opening scheduled for 2023.

The development is taking shape in Dubai’s skyline after the achievement of a new milestone in Q3 2022, the completion of the full glass cladding of its 3 towers: One Za’abeel The Residences, One Za’abeel Tower, and The Link. Work on the multiaward-winning One Za’abeel development is now focused on the interior fit-out and will be available for residents and visitors later in 2023, as per phased handover schedule.

One Za’abeel is a feat of engineering, architecture and design while its crown jewel The Link pushes conventional limits and elevates industry standards in order to deliver an exceptional, immersive experience to its visitors.

One Za’abeel is redefining the concept of mixed-use developments in Dubai, and the region. The development’s towers and panoramic sky concourse, The Link, offer the finest in retail, residential, office space, and hospitality. The Link is posed to break the Guinness World record for the “Longest Cantilevered Building”, offering an elevated lifestyle destination and several high-end attractions, including a 360° observation deck providing mesmerising views of the city.

Commenting on the work progress of One Za’abeel, Raad Al Jarrah, Chief Development Officer at Ithra Dubai, said: “We’re developing and creating an iconic mixed-used development that will contribute to Dubai’s landscape. From concept to design and implementation, a lot of thought has been put in to guarantee the residential, business, hospitality, and leisure components at One Za’abeel are fully integrated for an unparalleled, luxurious experience. Visitors of One Za’abeel will be driving straight into a premier urban oasis.”

The iconic mixed-use development is sure to be an indulgent haven for tourists and residents alike, providing high-end retail experiences throughout The Gallery on its podium levels, and featuring the world’s first luxurious urban vertical resort. Managed by One&Only, the resort includes 94 One&Only Private Homes, and 229 luxurious hotel rooms and suites. One Za’abeel’s hospitality offering also includes SIRO Hotel, which will manage 132 guest rooms and a state-of-the-art wellness & recovery fitness club.

One Za’abeel consecutively received Best Innovative Project of the Year at Innovation in Construction & FM Awards in 2019 and 2020

An all-encompassing project, One Za’abeel houses an unparalleled residential offering, with 264 opulent simplexes and duplexes which were offered for sale earlier this year. Its strategic location close to Dubai’s commercial business district also makes One Za’abeel a prestigious business address, with 26,000 square metres of premium grade-A office space available, attracting international corporations to settle in one of the most sought-after business destinations.

Ithra Dubai mission is to enrich lives and transform the legacies of the past into landmarks of the future. Ithra are proud of their work being recognized by prestigious institutions and industry peers as it is a true reflection on their commitment to contribute to Dubai’s global standing as the city of endless achievements. The continued recognition pushes us to deliver further and to always exceed expectations.

Current progress of work at One Za’abeel is focused on the interior fit-out in compliance with Gold LEED certification requirements in preparation for the phased handover and grand opening scheduled in 2023.

AESTHETICS & FUNCTIONALITY

Cem Kapancioglu, founder and managing director of CK Architecture Interiors, discusses his unique architectural perspective, how finance and design are parallel pursuits for project success, and why he is a big advocate of sustainability

Can you provide a brief overview of your background, expertise, and unique architectural perspective? I studied Architecture at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University for seven years. I then founded CK Architecture Interiors in 2010. The company started growing on the back of project wins for clients such as Anantara on the Palm and Burj Khalifa. Prior to that, I gained valuable sector experience by working for Dubaibased consultancy Eronat Engineering.

I then went back to Istanbul to work for design firms like Kocaciklioglu Architects and Arketipodesign before I returned to Dubai where I worked with Rixos Group for a project worth around US$500m. What is your guiding design principle? I see design as the unity of two principles—aesthetics and functionality. I take these two principles to set my limits from the start to the end of my design process. Successfully combining both of these ensures that the project is in perfect harmony.

How is the role of architecture evolving in terms of designing for the end-user? I want to mention that many people see architecture as a type of art, therefore, it is simply a very subjective field. Tastes cannot be defined in a general sense but can be described in mutual connections. Oscar Wilde says: “It is better to be beautiful than being good. But it is better to be good than to be ugly.”

Following this quote, we focus on learning key things about the endusers of our projects. We start with the problems they are directing us to in terms of their design needs and we enhance it by learning about their lifestyle so that when we suggest our design solutions we ensure that we not only match up but also exceed their expectations.

How will your recent studies in finance and real estate help you in the field of design and architecture? I recently finished the programme of Real Estate Economy and Finance at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The programme helped me gain a deep knowledge of the real estate industry from a macroeconomic perspective.

Finance and design, are parallel pursuits on the path to a successful project. My recent programme on real estate has helped me widen my vision in analysing and taking strategic initiatives throughout the lifecycle of the projects I am working on. Financial success is as important as client satisfaction once the project is handed over.

I have encouraged my design team to approach our finance team throughout the design and build process to maximise project performance and profitability. >>>

Studies I conducted on the real estate market have also helped in the design process as the luxury real estate market in our region is on an upward trajectory and is predicted to go even higher in the coming years.

In short, combining these different theories help us in recalibrating the future of our company. Are you optimistic about the power of architects to shape sustainable cities? I want to be optimistic about this issue. For us architects to direct the market to sustainable design solutions, we need to take full responsibility and show our leadership skills. This will require suffering at first but if we don’t do our bit today i.e. influence the public on the importance of sustainability, we will not be in a position to make the switch.

What trends are you paying attention to in your projects right now? There is a big focus on sustainability within our company. Sustainability is and will be the major trend in the world of architecture.

In addition, with the growing number of ultra-luxury real estate projects in the region, we are also closely following up on this trend. As a vertically integrated design and build boutique specialising in the creation of opulent living and working spaces, CK Architecture Interiors was responsible for the design and build of Casa del Sole – the most expensive villa sold in Dubai earlier this year. We are also working on a few other uber-luxury villas on Dubai’s Billionaire’s Row.

Can you tell us about any special projects you are working on that exemplify innovation? Last year we completed our LEED Platinum-certified office building, CK Design House, in Izmir, Turkey. Every small detail on that project was thoughtfully chosen and implemented.

“FOR US ARCHITECTS TO DIRECT THE MARKET TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN SOLUTIONS, WE NEED TO TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND SHOW OUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS.”

We tried to make use of natural and local elements to maximise the sustainability features and build an office space with a soul. Many innovations were practiced, from a transparent central core with the help of glass material from the roof to the basement level, collecting rainwater and solar panels and so on.

Here in Dubai, we are pushing the limits of luxury living with our design applications. From basement levels that you can only see in sci-fi movies with the harmony of technology and luxury, to basement bowling alleys with a view to the swimming pool on the ground level.

Which building do you wish you had designed in the Middle East? As a loyal alumni of the school that has been named after and being from the same land as I am, I wish I had been a part of Suleymaniye Mosque when Sinan was designing.

Very different times but the idea is the same – perfection in every detail thoughtfully considered and strategically placed. Much like Sinan, we place great emphasis on attention to detail which is one of our main pillars when it comes to design.

What do you think will be the most significant trends and developments in architecture over the next five years? I will mention sustainability again and again. In addition, tech-driven spaces incorporated with design and minimalism will evolve to ultimate limits in all senses. Capsule living spaces from Japan, for example, will have big impacts on the design world in the future. Still, the demand for ultra-luxury will be always there.