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Asari Chair by Herman Miller
designed by Naoto Fukasawa
Aedas, a leading global architectural firm, has always been a strong advocate for emerging talents and it has recently supported the Six Degrees Exit Show hosted by the College of Architecture, Art and Design (CAAD) of the American University of Sharjah (AUS) at Dubai Design District on June 9, 2023. The event, which served as a graduation show for seniors to celebrate their journey, witnessed the presentation of the Aedas Architecture Design Award 2023 to three exceptional seniors thanks to Professor George Katodrytis, Head of the Department of Architecture, and Dr Varkki Pallathucheril, the Dean of CAAD.
Ignacio Gomez, Aedas’ Global Design Principal, awarded certificates of recognition to three outstanding individuals for their design achievements throughout the years.
•First Place Award: Jude Hisham Maharmah
•Second Place Award: Zartaj
Kamran Khan
•Third Place Award: Viana Ahmadyar
Delivering the UAE’s leading programs in architecture and the built environment, and art and design, (QS World Subject Rankings, 2023), CAAD is an exclusive design community of some of the most creative and forward thinkers in the region.
CAAD Dean Dr Pallathucheril said, ‘While we have had awards for overall academic excellence, this is the first time we have recognised accomplishments in design studio courses. I am grateful to Aedas for helping us recognise such excellence; they are a valued partner in many ways. Special thanks to Ignacio Gomez and Professor George Katodrytis for making the award possible.’
The college’s accomplished faculty are constantly testing the existing boundaries of design to bring its students to the forefront of innovation and transformation.
Aedas is delighted to be part of the journey of these young talents by recognising and celebrating their achievements, which reinforced the company's commitment to nurturing the next generation of design visionaries. Aedas recognises the importance of providing opportunities for young architects to showcase their skills and creativity, motivating them to push the boundaries of architectural innovation.
To fortify the exchange of ideas while breeding fresh minds, Aedas believes it’s part of its responsibility to collaborate with local universities to support emerging talents in the field of architecture. With the Aedas Architecture Design Award 2023 serving as a stepping stone, the firm is determined to continue nurturing talented individuals, demonstrating its commitment to fostering the next generation of local designers. In line with this vision, Aedas is planning to undertake various initiatives in the future, aimed at providing a vast array of opportunities for young architects to showcase their skills and creativity. Stay tuned for the upcoming developments as Aedas continues to inspire and empower the architects of tomorrow.
Sobha Realty introduces Sobha Hartland II to reinvent premium waterfront living
Sobha Realty unveils Sobha Hartland II, its new flagship mixed-use community aimed at redefining luxury living. The eight million square foot project, which is located adjacent to Sobha Hartland, includes more than 30% open green space, five- and six-bedroom villas, and one- to four bedroom apartments, all of which are projected to set new expectations for luxury waterfront living. Each residential unit in Sobha Hartland II is designed to offer comfort, style, and functionality, showcasing Sobha Realty’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality. Sustainability and environmental stewardship have also been key pillars of the community. Along with a waterfront promenade, the community will also be home to vast green spaces and spacious parks that will provide residents with a serene experience and promote their overall wellbeing. In addition, residents will have an easy access to key business districts, shopping malls, leading educational institutions, and healthcare facilities, due to the community’s prime location in the centre of Dubai.
Ravi Menon, Co-Chairman of Sobha Realty, said: “Dubai’s real estate market is constantly evolving, and the recent surge in sale of luxury properties in the emirate indicates the rise of new residential micro-markets. At Sobha Realty, we work hard to surpass our customers’ expectations by setting new benchmarks in design, craftsmanship, and amenities, which is also in line with Sobha group’s brand ethos- ‘The Art of Detail’. Sobha Hartland II exemplifies luxury waterfront living at its finest, and we are delighted to introduce this exceptional community that combines timeless elegance with modern comfort. With its prime location in the heart of the city and unparalleled amenities, Sobha Hartland II is poised to redefine the concept of urban living in Dubai and continue Sobha’s legacy of delivering world-class projects that stand out.”
According to data disclosed by the Land Department, Dubai recorded over 29,000 primary residential property sales from developers totalling AED 67.75 billion during Jan-May 2023, a growth of 41% over the same period last year. The real estate industry has actively played a significant role in the city’s economic expansion over the years. With the support of the government’s golden visa policies and influx of foreign investors from across the globe, the city has undergone a significant transformation, resulting in iconic skyscrapers, opulent homes, and expansive infrastructure projects.
Easa Saleh Al Gurg launches three stores in one day
“Reem Mall positions us right at the heart of Abu Dhabi’s newest residential district, home to a growing population of homeowners and tenants looking to make the most of their location with products and services that speak to their lifestyle ambitions,” said Easa Al Gurg, Group CEO.
“The three stores will help these residents shape their home environments with the latest products from the world’s leading brands”.
Leading UAE retail operator, Easa Saleh Al Gurg (ESAG), opens three stores in one day. Better Life, Interiors, and Chattels & More all open new showrooms at Reem Mall
Initiating the concept of built-in appliances in the region, the new Better Life is the brand’s third store in the capital and features an extensive range of home appliances and electronics from a host of leading international brands such as Miele, Hisense, and Weber.
The Abu Dhabi footprint of the Interiors’ brand has expanded with the opening of a second showroom to follow the store in Al Ain Mall. The Reem Mall address features an all-new in-store look and consumer experience, showcasing unique furniture, accessories, and textiles from more than 100 renowned premium as well as exceptional global brands across Europe, the USA, and Canada.
Chattels & More – a home-grown ESAG retail concept that stocks furniture and accessories handpicked from around the world now boasts a huge showroom inside Abu Dhabi’s newest mall. It is the brand’s second biggest showroom in the UAE after the Mall of The Emirates and features more than 1,000 furniture products and accessories focussing on trendy, modern, minimalistic, quirky, and elegant styles.
ESAG launches a record three new stores in a single day, within Abu Dhabi’s Reem Mall. These are a flagship Better Life store, the UAE’s second largest Chattels & More, and a new Interiors showroom.
He added that the investment in the three stores demonstrates the Group’s strong belief in the economy of Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, as well as its commitment to furthering business growth at every opportunity. According to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, UAE’s retail sales are expected to reach $70.5 billion (Dh259 billion) by 2025, which is an annual growth of 6.6 percent. Hence, it is important for retailers to stay relevant across multiple touchpoints be it through digital engagement or own stores.
Nikken Sekkei, a Japanese architecture firm, expands its operations in Dubai
ikken Sekkei, a leading Japanese architectural, engineering, and urban design firm, celebrated the debut of the company’s local subsidiary and new headquarters in Dubai Design District (D3) at a spectacular reception in Dubai recently. Over 130 people gathered at the luxurious five-star Palace Downtown Hotel in Dubai, including Noboru Sekiguchi, consul-general of Japan in Dubai, Nikken Sekkei’s president and CEO, Atsushi Omatsu, members of Nikken’s executive committee as well as a host of partners, associates, and developers.
The new Nikken Sekkei Dubai office is a testament to Nikken Sekkei’s pedigree in the UAE, which stretches back to 1991, with the design of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry building located on the banks of Dubai Creek. The new D3 office will complement Nikken Sekkei’s office on Sheikh Zayed Road and support the company’s expansion.
Welcoming guests, Omatsu commented: “The Middle East is a region which we greatly value for the opportunity to participate in high-quality projects. We are especially pleased with the high level of craftsmanship and beauty we have achieved with our clients and partners on recent landmark projects such as One Za’abeel. Dubai has an excellent infrastructure with which to sustain our growth, and I believe the establishment of a new company in the Dubai Design District will strengthen our capability to continue contributing to the development of this region.”
NThe consul-general congratulated the team, noting the significance of Nikken Sekkei’s achievements in Dubai.
Fadi Jabri, executive officer of Nikken Sekkei and CEO of Nikken Sekkei Dubai, said: “Nikken Sekkei Dubai is a cosmopolitan group of architects, designers, and experts who value the role of creative design and the capacity for architecture to generate value through aesthetically pleasing and functional environments for people. We have a young and vibrant team. Our signature designs are influenced by Japanese aesthetics, and we believe in the importance of nature and traditional values yet are creatively aware of embracing progress and technology.”
Elaborating on Nikken Sekkei’s design journey in the UAE, Jabri said: “When we started working on our first project, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it was one of the tallest buildings in Dubai. Dubai’s superior infrastructure and proximity to clients in the Middle East, India, and CIS have since supported our growth in the region. We hope to continue serving the needs of our clients and bring additional value through collaboration with the team in Japan.”
The event also showcased a range of projects the Dubai office has been responsible for designing and collaborating on the region’s office, residential, and hospitality markets during its three decades in the Middle East. Indeed, it was Nikken’s team of architects and engineers that were responsible for designing the iconic One Za’abeel development, which has a 230-meter long, 23,000ton skybridge called “The Link,” connecting the two towers 100 meters above ground, giving it a floating effect. The development is due to be inaugurated before the end of this year. Other iconic buildings include Emaar 52|42 towers, Emaar Forte, Islamic Development Bank Headquarters in Jeddah, Tadawul Tower in Riyadh, and Cairo Opera House. Nikken Sekkei Dubai has begun operations with a staff of 25. The new subsidiary is the company’s fifth globally and its first since 2019. It will continue to serve mixed-use, urban planning, hospitality, and high-end residential markets in the UAE and neighbouring countries by providing holistic and innovative designs.
Chapman Taylor reveals its creative design for Saudi Arabia's Porta Jeddah mixeduse development
Chapman Taylor has unveiled its creative design for Saudi Arabia's 120,000m2 GBA Porta Jeddah mixed-use complex. Acting on behalf of Al Akaria, the project is planned to become an iconic landmark, with a variety of retail, F&B, and leisure offerings, as well as a 230-key lifestyle hotel and office amenities.
The design draws inspiration from the city's rich cultural heritage and includes elements that evoke powerful memories of Jeddah, such as the Makkah gate, the old port, Al Balad and the palace gardens.
The development is defined by a vibrant central plaza with a concept based on a journey through a sequence of themed plazas that are informed by the characteristics of Jeddah. The garden plaza offers visitors a variety of al fresco dining options within a beautiful landscape setting, the water plaza showcases retail experiences alongside dancing fountains and interactive sculptures, and the entertainment plaza hosts a range of leisure activities centred around an amphitheatre for social engagement and curated events.
Chapman Taylor's vision for Porta Jeddah is to create a destination that has a deep connection to its context, one that captures the energy and diversity of the city and creates a strong sense of place and authenticity. The development will feature a gateway that characterises the project, embracing the central plaza and becoming an iconic architectural landmark in the city.
Olly Bradley-Barnard, the principal designer behind the project, said: "We are excited to be working on this ground-breaking project in Saudi Arabia, and we are confident that our design will create a high-quality destination that meets the client's vision and exceeds the expectations of visitors. It was important to create a vibrant and energetic design that responds to the needs of the city and its residents."
