Engi
Jaber talks markets and the Big Picture
Speed, quality & convenience aren’t mutually exclusive
choice or not?
Mentoring Mindset
TBH’s Emrah Uluverdi on the dynamics of Mentoring
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Threat & Risk Assessment
Gap Analysis
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Sustainability and the ‘Big Picture’
At a time when Sustainability is increasingly part of the overall construction agenda, Engi Jaber, Head of Climatize, +impact’s specialist sustainability division explains the latest trends and issues...
Close-up
“It’s all about communication”
As a powerful tool for personal and corporate development, Mentoring has truly come of age. Yet just as its popularity is on the increase, a number of complex issues are coming to the fore, particularly in terms of aspects such as confidentiality, and Mentoring’s all-important relationship with HR. To clarify these issues, ME Consultant spoke to a highly experienced MentorEmrah Uluverdi, Principal, TBH…
Mixed-use: A double-edged sword?
The post-Covid era is seeing a rise in the popularity of mixed-use communities. Yet while they can diversify revenue streams and provide opportunity for one-stop, convenient lifestyles, they also can come with a burden of challenges. ME Consultant analyses the pros and cons...
Can carbon fibre become the ‘new normal’?
ME Consultant spoke to materials research and advisory experts, Aranca, about the benefits and opportunities of carbon fibre application in construction…
Making the impossible possible
Modular construction techniques tend to be synonymous with recordbreaking speed: but they can also be a gateway to strong risk management, better sustainability and high levels of compliance. US-based Webber + Studio discuss the benefits and strategies...
Think Smart: think Connected
The era of the ‘standalone’ structure is slowly passing by, with a growing emphasis not only on internal connectivity and Smart, AI-led systems, but a series of intuitive links with the surrounding community. UK-based Priva explains the trends and the benefits…
A towering risk
It’s a worrying thought that there isn’t a single Fire Code in the world that specifically tackles fire emergencies in super-tall buildings. This expert article from Jaime A. Moncada, PE, Director of International Fire Safety Consulting (IFSC), makes sobering reading…
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COMPANY OF THE YEAR 2021
COST CONSULTING COMPANY OF THE YEAR
The season of Opportunity
The first thing I should say is that the full coverage of the recent ED&I Awards and the ME Consultant Awards will feature in the December issue of the magazine - in fact, that’s going to be a ‘bumper’ issue with a major, special supplement dedicated to these important Awards events.
But right now, I’d like to comment on what, for me, was one of the most striking aspects of the nominations that these events generated. The overall quality was astonishingly high - and in the ME Consultant Awards, many nominees had raised the bar considerably since the last Awards 12 months ago. This was particularly true in the following categories, where the standard of entries (and the standard of competition!) was extraordinarily high:
• Architectural Company of the Year
• Cost Consulting Company of the Year
• Company of the Year
• Sustainable Consultancy of the Year
• Project of the Year: Residential & Commercial
• Multi-Discipline Consultancy of the Year
As I mentioned on stage on the night of the Awards, entries of this level make me very
much aware of one thing: that now is the time when we have the opportunity to change the entire industry for the better! There are so many key players with the ability to do things differently - and better - than ever before, and they surely have the power to set a new, higher benchmark. That’s a standard that many others must follow.
The entries not only showed a new scale of project, but a strong, ongoing commitment to innovation; and more than this, they demonstrated that factors such as the quest for sustainability were now a ‘given’, not an add-on or afterthought. Also, it was clear that the engagement of AI and Smart tech is growing apace and was playing a central role in project conception and delivery. Indeed, many of the entries had themselves been carefully produced using hi-tech production techniques.
So - we’re about to end the year with the knowledge that all the ingredients are certainly ready in the mix, and 2025 could be a year where we see these quantum shifts really and truly make their mark.
Head of Content, ME Consultant
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“It’s
all about communication”
As a powerful tool for personal and corporate development, Mentoring has truly come of age. Yet just as its popularity is on the increase, a number of complex issues are coming to the fore, particularly in terms of aspects such as confidentiality, and Mentoring’s all-important relationship with HR. To clarify these issues, ME Consultant spoke to a highly experienced
MentorEmrah Uluverdi, Principal, TBH…
irstly, Emrah, do you believe that the Mentee should be able to choose their Mentor, or can this be the decision of the organisation?
“I think it’s helpful to look at it like this. Imagine you are a new employee, just starting a job, and you arrive at the office on Day One. You don’t know anyone, or anything about the company culture. So, it goes without saying that you’re not in a position to know who would be right for you as a Mentor. You
have no context to make the right pick. In this situation, it makes good sense for the organisation to start the initial pairing by making the well considered choice for you.
“But, of course, that doesn’t mean that it will always remain this way; as the new person settles in, they will be betterplaced to understand who is really right for them, and to change Mentors if they want to. I should also emphasise here that when someone changes Mentor, it doesn’t mean that the first one wasn’t intrinsically any good, but rather, that a new one might simply be a better, more accurate fit. It might just make more sense. Of course, that decision will be made in the light of getting good feedback from both sides; it’s an organic process, and all about managing the Mentee’s evolution in the best possible way.”
Should Mentoring be connected to the HR function - with the dialogue fed back into corporate records - or be largely free and independent?
“This is a very good question, and there are very important aspects here to consider. The reality is, though, that the HR function should always play a part in the Mentoring process. However, we should first and foremost respect the Mentee’s privacy; the relationship with the Mentor should always be private. After all, if you feel that everything you say will be reported to HR, you will always have this thought weighing on your mind. The Mentee should feel free to speak openly, knowing that the right safeguards for privacy are in place.
“At the same time, the actual Mentoring process - its ongoing role and its organisation - can be effectively driven by HR. We can’t ignore the HR component and the skillsets it brings. At TBH, HR plays a key role in providing Mentors with initial training to prepare them for their role, as well as ongoing training for continuous improvement.
At the end of the day, HR has the experience of handling the range of personnel agendas, can help shape career pathways and contribute to the relationship between Mentor and Mentee. So, we really can’t ever build walls between the Mentoring process and HR. Yet at the same time, it’s always good for Mentee and Mentor to have their own mentoring relationship without HR pressure, and any sense of things being ‘supervised’.”
How do you see the role of confidentiality within the Mentor/ Mentee relationship?
“I think this is also partly connected to the previous question. To ensure a strong relationship between Mentee and Mentor, confidentiality is important, and
An evangelist for Mentoring, Emrah believes that establishing trust and the right chemistry between Mentor and Mentee is critical.
that confidentiality should be mutually understood as the relationship grows. If the Mentor ever breaks that confidentiality, it’s not something that will happen in isolation - a breach of that kind can tarnish Mentoring across the entire business. Certainly, as a Mentor myself, I want my Mentees to feel comfortable and relaxed. If confidentiality is in doubt, a Mentee may hold back on the things that really matter to them. From my own perspective, I’m trained to maintain confidentiality, and I really see that as foundation stone of my Mentee relationships.
Should Mentoring take place within office hours, and in the office environment, or can it happen at any time and in any place that the parties involved prefer?
“Mentoring shouldn’t be limited to the office setting and office hours. Of course, the office is the best place to be if you’re only talking about work; but Mentoring involves a much broader agenda. In those situations where you are talking more widely, having lunch together, stepping outside the office for an hour or so, can be beneficial in developing that crucial bond. This is where you can talk about hobbies, the weekend, and get some real insightsso in that sense, it can be much better and more fruitful to maintain the relationship outside of the office.
“Let me give you a related example. Here at TBH, we play padel together regularly, and this is quite helpful in building valuable bonds between people, departments and teams. Put simply, being able to get out of the office provides feelings of flexibility that you don’t necessarily get inside the office environment; away from the workplace, you really can take a step back and have a broader perspective.”
Should the Mentor hold a particular set of credentials/qualifications and have
As consultants in the construction sector, the challenges faced can often be difficult for those outside of the industry to understand – and only colleagues can truly relate”
a certain level of experience in order to qualify for Mentorship?
“First and foremost, from my perspective, experience plays a key role. This doesn’t mean I underestimate the role of qualificationsfar from it - but I’ve been in this sector for more than 15 years, across many parts of the business, and it’s critical that the Mentor has a depth of experience. This allows the Mentor to effectively transfer their know-how to the Mentee and guide them in shaping their path. By sharing this knowledge, grounded in actual day-to-day experience, the Mentor can provide meaningful guidance that truly supports the Mentee’s growth.
“At the end of the day, I would say that practicality and effectiveness are what being a Mentor is all about. You’ve been through the same process as the Mentee, and intuitively understand what they are going through.
“There is another aspect to experience, too. Experience isn’t necessarily connected with age; this shouldn’t be a determining factor at all. There are in fact many examples where the Mentor is actually younger than the Mentee, because their intense experience and bandwidth have enabled them to mature well beyond their years of experience.”
One of the factors that Emrah sees as important for the organisation is picking the right Mentor
for new arrivals, guiding their initial journey in the business.
Can Mentoring be relevant even for more senior personnel, or is best applied to an organisation’s newcomers?
“Actually, there’s no limit here at all. It’s for everyone, regardless of age or position in the company. Of course, there are ‘hotspots’ here, and as we’ve said, it will often be the case that Mentoring is very necessary and meaningful for new arrivals into the business; it will really help them find their feet. Yet equally, another key ‘hotspot’ may be for those who have reached a certain level within the business and whose progress has stalled somewhat. Mentoring can play a very powerful role with that reorientation; as you progress within a business, it can empower you to kick things up a couple of notches.”
Tell us something about your own experience of Mentoring?
“2018 was a turning point for me. This was when I started working for TBH, and prior to that, I had always worked for contractors. On joining TBH, I was immediately assigned with a Mentor, and that proved to be so important, because the consultancy culture was very different from anything I’d experienced before.
“I can say from the bottom of my heart, I really appreciated the Mentoring I received during that initial period. Then, in 2019, I was assigned as a Mentor myself, and now I have five Mentees. When I talk about this transition to consultancy, remember, that as a consultant, you are expected to represent best practice - you always have to strive to do more and have the skills and knowledge to fulfil the client’s expectations. Working within the field can be demanding and challenging given the high standards and quality of work required.
There’s no doubt that all these parameters can bring stress, but here at TBH, we believe that Mentoring really helps overcome these issues. We have a culture where we are closely connected,
genuinely care about each other, and value personal relationships. Supporting one another is a priority – with one of our core values being 'Better Together'. As consultants in the construction sector, the challenges faced can often be difficult for those outside of the industry to understand – and only colleagues can truly relate. The strong sense of collaboration at TBH, combined with a supportive Mentoring culture, ensures that no one faces the challenges alone.”
How does the Mentoring process work currently at TBH? Is it done in an informal way, as part of the company’s culture, or is there a rigorous and structured programme?
“First things first. We believe that effective Mentoring is all about ongoing communication, and everything about our approach to Mentoring reflects this. We feel that there always has to be an open, flexible dialogue.
So, as I’ve said, when you arrive here, you are assigned a Mentor, and then, every six months, we get together and review the Mentoring structure at a senior management level and ask for feedback from the Mentees. On top of that, training is continuously provided to Mentors by HR.
“However, I don’t want you to think that it’s all super-structured and rigid: it all depends on the Mentors and Mentees. Flexibility is crucial here at TBH. While we have a strong feedback mechanismwhich is invaluable in helping personal and career development - we never let any preconceptions get in the way of effectively rolling out the right programme. We really give a lot of thought to the overall effectiveness of what we’re doing. We make a point of always keeping the conversation going and reassessing it as we go; to us, that’s far more important than having a set structure - and I believe the results really speak for themselves!”
n the recent Middle East Consultant Awards, Climatize won the category for ‘Sustainable Consultancy of the Year’. What do you see as some of the main factors that give your business such pre-eminence in this space?
“I think the answer lies in the very DNA of how the company was formed. All too many sustainability consultants tend to focus only on surface-level goals - getting certifications or meeting design briefs. This approach risks missing opportunities
to make a meaningful difference. Yet at Climatize, we start by looking at it from a different angle - we begin by asking what really adds value, and what will ultimately benefit the broader community? Our aim is not just to meet standards but to create lasting, positive change.
“We all know that from a value engineering perspective, there’s a risk that key sustainability-related elements might be taken out of the mix - but at Climatize, we approach this differently through 'value engineering by design.'. Right from the start, we identify what truly makes sense and adds value to the client and then we integrate and embed it into the core of the project design. Our philosophy is simple: these elements can't be removed because they're fundamental to the design's integrity, resilience and the project's overall purpose..
“Concern for sustainability and the
Sustainability and the ‘Big Picture’
At a time when Sustainability is increasingly part of the overall construction agenda, what are the touchstone issues that enable this critical factor to be embedded at the core of every project, as a ‘de facto’, defining element, rather than an add-on or a box to be ticked?
To find out, Middle East Consultant spoke with one of the region’s best-known Sustainability evangelists, Engi Jaber, Head of Climatize, +impact’s specialist sustainability division
environment defines everything we do at Climatize. We’re not just focused on large, high-profile developments but we pride ourselves in our advisory services that allow us to contribute to public and global agendas as well as our BeyondZero Initiative, launched since January 2023, where we delve deep into communities, empowering villages and people with essential tools for life. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a child drinking clean water, knowing you’ve contributed to making it happen – being on the ground making and “seeing” that social impact now feels so different from working on a long, ongoing design and construction project. To us, sustainability isn’t just a statement, it’s a core value, and we want to see it as part of those day-to-day lives. We say that it’s not enough to simply talk about the sustainability agenda - we say that you’re also accountable for delivering it.”
Now that Climatize is a part of the international Serco brand, and it’s newly launched +impact business, how do you see these greater resources, outreach and client capabilities changing your role in the market?
“It’s a game-changer, definitely. It’s an added plus to what the business is all about. In fact, you could say that this is a marriage built on common interests! Before we joined Serco, we knew that their company’s purpose statement was ‘Impact a better future’ - so this really is a marriage of core values, because that objective is part of our mission statement, too!
“Plus, of course, being part of Serco opens many doors; for example, it
Engi Jaber, Founder and Managing Director, Climatize.
gives access to the highest levels of government. That means that now, we’re able to impact every certain decisions at an executive level. Serco launched +impact, its international advisory business, just a few months ago, and Climatize forms part of its service offering as its specialist sustainability division. We now have a much further global reach – with a focus on the UK, Europe and ASPAC. But it’s about more than just having a larger footprint - this international presence means we have an opportunity to fully understand how each and every country tackles sustainability, and we are able to understand and provide the right knowledge and the right kind of solutions in each location, backed by the operational experience of Serco. By doing so, we also gain valuable insights into what adds real value, what’s feasible, what’s missing and what creates the desired impact. This global knowledge allows us to return to our clients with a stronger, more informed perspective, grounded in real-world experience.
What are the extra benefits and ‘added-value’ factors that accrue with Climatize now being part of
a large multinational, particularly from your clients’ perspective?
“Firstly, from the point of view of our existing clients, they already trust us because they are growing with us yearon-year. And now, they are looking forward to seeing what else we can bring on board. Likewise, with new clients, we benefit from a synergy with the broader capabilities Serco and +impact bring to the table. For example experience design, asset and facilities management and operational transformation. Clients can now use us to deliver multiple services, which is beneficial in itself, but also now get an end-to-end solution. Clients are no longer satisfied with just strategic
guidance; they want more far-reaching support into the operational stage, seeking tangible results from firms that offer both strategic and executional capabilities. The single operator model could become a key driver in realising the region's ambitious goals and that’s what we can now offer – practical, sustainable and user-centric solutions designed to support customers from the initial phases of a project right through to implementation and operations.
“There’s now another, wider client angle for Climatize. We’re no longer restricted to a small niche, instead, we can serve a much larger portfolio. While we’ve always been a specialist provider, we can now apply our expertise across various types of clients and industries. In practice, this means we’re expanding our scope and considering a much wider range of sectors beyond construction when identifying potential clients.
“This is also valuable for Serco themselves, of course, because rather than coming in and doing business as usual, the company can now always offer this specialised expertise as part of its core service. Plus, Serco is all about the operations side, and anyone who knows
Companies are generally showing a much greater awareness of the sustainability agenda and questioning the essence and the outcome of the services they provide.
me will understand how much this matters to me personally. I’ve always strongly believed that sustainability resides largely in the execution and the operational side of things, and now we have the perfect platform to ensure this is integrated throughout a project and doesn’t end at solution design.”
How do you currently see the Sustainability agenda changing, Engi – is it the case that the quest for Sustainability is now becoming considerably more mainstream?
“To be honest, very few sectors experience the rate of change that we see with sustainability. It doesn’t just change year on year, but it can actually change month on month! When I look back now, I can see vividly see the sustainability transformation. Initially,
To us, sustainability isn’t just a statement, it’s a core value, and we want to see it as part of those day-to-day lives”
for most companies, it was about just ticking the box – “please”, they would say, “just get me my permit!” Then, there was a shift towards a greater awareness, and more companies started questioning what they were doing and why they were doing it. The question became: ‘Why are we
stopping at just a checklist, when we can do so much more?’. Now, sustainability is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. . we’re in an era where clients wanting to set key benchmarks aligning with a global agenda. We’re no longer talking about saving a bit of energy here, and some water, there – we’re talking about the Big Picture, exploring the better, more sustainable alternatives; and that means the gamut of issues relating to fossil fuels, and so on.
“If you really think about it, go back to 2008, when HH Sheikh Mohammed said: ‘the day that we see the last barrel of oil leaving the country will be a day of celebration’. That vision was incredibly forward-thinking. It set the stage for a transformation that is now unfolding. Today, we are truly focused on how to make the country more sustainable. Here in the UAE, we’re at the heart and
centre of the global change in mindset; the government has long since been preparing for change, with initiatives like solar power farms, etc., already coming on-stream, adding to the output and speeding up the change process. The forward planning here is already reaping huge rewards, while other countries are struggling to keep up.
In Saudi Arabia, the challenge is clear: to drive forward its ambitions while fully aligning with environmental directives, such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This balance is essential to foster economic growth without compromising the natural heritage and environmental health of the nation. Saudi has every opportunity at its door, to forge for themselves a positive position as a world leader in balancing growth with sustainable practices.”
How does the increasing scale and complexity of projects (particularly, eg, those in KSA) impact the style of Sustainable protocols – and indeed, are these now becoming more challenging?
“There are two sides of the coin here. But first things first. We are miles off where we need to be, especially in terms of global warming, and this added pressure on governments is forcing them and everyone along on the need to confront it and doing something about it. Part of the solution lies in smart giga-cities and gigaprojects, where the very essence of urban development is in sustainable operation.
“These projects partly result from Governments saying: ‘We are not just talking about this; we are actually taking action now’. The GCC, with its accelerated growth, is ahead of many regions, but truth is, we are still miles off.
Engi believes that digital surveillance and mapping from Space are destined to play an increasing role in assessing key environmental issues.
For example, especially with developing countries, and all these giga projects, it’s great to see them growing, but the very act of creating and building them still has an environmental impact that’s overlooked! If we really want to make a difference, then we have to do “grow” in smaller, well-thought-out steps, really thinking them through operationally, and focusing on sustainability at each stage and every component.
Take Saudi giga-projects, for example. Carbon neutrality is central to their vision, but that’s only relevant for when the projects are completed and operational. What about considerations for sustainability in the way that they’re designed and built? We should be thinking not only from an engineering point of view, but throughout the entire process- including the construction phase itself. The increasing scale and complexity of these projects certainly make it more challenging to implement sustainable protocols, but it’s a challenge we must face head-on to truly drive meaningful change”.
To what extent is Smart technology and AI playing more of a role in the planning, evaluation and delivery of Sustainability initiatives?
“They are useful tools that are undoubtedly playing an increasingly important role, but they are not yet the optimum tool right now for sustainability initiatives. While it’s true that we’re seeing certain tools driving sustainable decisions, it’s still at a basic platform level. However, with the ambition for smart cities and buildings, etc., AI is of course an increasingly indispensable part of the equation, and it’s very much in mix right now.
“One of the really critical advances
we’re starting to see is digital surveillance and mapping from Space; these tools can measure and evaluate the critical environmental issues here on the ground. This is an area in which Serco themselves are pioneers and active practitioners with 60 years of international expertise, and we will increasingly see a move towards using Space intelligence to drive environmental and sustainable designs and retrofits. For us at Climatize, this is particularly exciting, as now, being part of Serco, we actually have access to space data, through their proven and long-term engagement with Space technology.
“I feel as well that, eventually, the application of digital tech is going to get into the Metaverse as well, where it can be used to shape and form the design of real-world entities. Presently, we see that Digital Twins are being used more widely to make preventative, risk management strategies, and we are seeing these tools applied on an increasingly larger and larger scales. We actually launched our own Urban Twin Solution in March to help governments and organisations to address critical environmental challenges using the latest space-enabled environmental data.”
Very few sectors experience the rate of change that we see with sustainability. It doesn’t just change year on year, but it can actually change month on month!”
Do you feel that here in the GCC, there is a growing move towards more comprehensive Sustainability programmes, whether in residential, commercial or mixed-use developments?
“Definitely we are seeing sustainability trickling down, from the grand, showpiece projects to more and more developments on the high street. But I see another change as well. Previously, projects were generally designed as ‘standalones’- but now, there’s a real focus on the public realm and creating the right connectivity with the surrounding community. Developers are now thinking about both the physical infrastructure, and the digital interface between neighbourhoodsthinking about the end-users’ concerns, like ‘how will residents and visitors talk to each other?’ ‘how can we ensure the building contributes to the community’s long-term sustainability and well-being’. Additionally, there's an increasing focus on how technology, especially AI, can optimize energy efficiency, enhance real-time management of resources, and improve the overall user experience. It’s no longer about just creating a residential building, it’s about designing a smart building that’s integrated with its surrounding context seamlessly via digital and physical connectivity, intertwining positive social and environmental impacts into its design fabric. No one wants to be isolated, nor want isolated, ‘standalone’ buildings anymore- they want environments that are digitally and physically integrated with the community. This is a real shift in emphasis, and it brings with it the larger necessity for a fully sustainable presence; one that’s properly aligned with community values, harnesses technological advancements, and fosters a true sense of belonging and well-being.”
MIXED-USE COMMUNITIES:
The post-Covid era is seeing a marked rise in the popularity of mixed-use communities. Yet while they can potentially offer strong, better-balanced revenue streams and the opportunity for one-stop, convenient lifestyles, they also come with a significant burden of challenges. ME Consultant analyses the advantages and the pitfalls…
A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD?
very commercial real estate developer in the GCC is most likely aware of the increasing popularity of mixed-use developments. These projects, which
combine residential, commercial, and often retail spaces within a single development, offer numerous advantages. They create vibrant, walkable communities, enhance property values, and diversify revenue streams. However, the planning and delivery of successful mixed-use developments comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. In this article, we’ll explore these challenges and provide insights on how best to navigate them effectively.
1. ZONING AND REGULATORY HURDLES
Of course, one of the primary challenges in creating a mixed-use development is navigating the relevant set of municipal regulations, which might be entirely different for each of the functionalities you have in mind.
An even wider challenge is that there will be substantially different regulations applying to residential, commercial and retail uses - and these issues will be writ very large indeed when a mixed-use development
juxtaposes very contrasting structures: the combination of a skyscraper and a groundlevel mall, for example, is becoming an increasingly common example.
Some of the key constraining factors will include the required configuration and placement of retail premises in terms of how close they can be to residences; the various points of infrastructure connectivity; the raft of differing Fire & Safety regulations (which vary substantially between residential, commercial and retail usage), issues around noise abatement; and the provision of Facilities for People of Determination - not to mention the differing regulatory frameworks for the required tolerances and juxtaposition of structural materials.
Moreover, many areas - especially Freezones - may have strict zoning codes that may not readily accommodate mixeduse projects. There may also be implied ‘competition laws’ between retailers and a wariness to position rival brands too close to their competition when there are closely-adjacent communities.
With all of the above, the best strategy is to engage with local authorities as early as possible in the planning process. Seek out future zoning changes and consult municipalities about planned schemes if needed; and be prepared to make a compelling case for the benefits of mixed-use developments, such as increased corporate tax revenue and improved urban vitality.
2. BALANCE OF USES
It’s important to invest in transportation solutions, such as public transit access, bike lanes, and pedestrianfriendly amenities”
Achieving the right balance between residential, commercial, and retail components can be challenging. Overemphasis on one type of use may lead to under-utilised spaces or a mismatch with the community’s needs. Everyone is familiar with developments where shopfronts stand empty, either because the smaller, more artisanal retailers simply can’t prosper in an area of high commercial rents, or they couldn’t find their niche reflected in the residents’ demographics. This kind of mis-match is similarly found across residential and commercial office spaces, too.
Here, the best solution is proper and comprehensive market research, carefully planning and understanding the consumer market that offices and apartments actually provide, and conversely, evaluating the shopping needs of ‘xyz’ numbers of residents and office workers. Given the
value-sets that these create, the next step is to look at the larger connectivity and infrastructure around the development, and ask how will this impact the value of office space - which of course - will determine the style of companies that move in, along with their relative spending power in the neighbourhood.
One approach may be to consider ‘flexible’ zoning that allows for the likelihood of adjustments based on shifting market conditions and community feedback.
Dubai has been, and continues to be, a world-first innovator in the trend towards mixed-use communities.
3. INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION
Mixed-use developments can strain existing infrastructure and transportation systems. Increased density may lead to traffic congestion and higher demands on utilities.
This is where ‘Big Picture’ thinking is vital. It’s important to invest in transportation solutions, such as public transit access, bike lanes, and pedestrianfriendly amenities. Collaborating with the municipality to address infrastructure needs proactively may also involve talking to, eg, bus operators about the possibility of adding in a local stop; while the drain on utilities may be offset successfully by making solar power installations a core part of the new community’s public areas.
4. DESIGN AND AESTHETICS
Maintaining a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design across different uses and architectural styles can be challenging. On the other hand, ‘forced’ conformity may all too easily defeat the whole point of creating a neighbourhood with variety and transitions between zones.
While the traditional approach to this challenge was to create a consistent and co-ordinating set of motifs running throughout a development - a ‘leitmotif’ focusing on creating a cohesive design vision - a more contemporary approach is to use AI-led tools (Midjourney and DALL-E are examples), which can expertly integrate all components seamlessly while avoiding an overt sense of repetition or sameness.
5. PARKING AND ACCESSIBILITY
It almost goes without saying that providing adequate parking for residents, shoppers, and office tenants can be a logistical challenge, particularly in urban areas. This can also involve tricky choices between different forms of paid and ticketed parking, from conventional
solutions to automatic number-plate scanning and digital validation points. Then again, some parking may be reserved for office tenants, or pre-paid as part of service charges for residents.
It's well worth exploring innovative parking solutions, such as shared or rotational parking, which are often linked to hybrid working models, where different teams of staff are only present at the office on particular days.
There can also be greater availability of valet services, or incentives for using public transport.
Managing diverse types of properties within a mixed-use development requires specialised expertise”
Classic examples of mixed-use communities tend to have close access to principal highways, with strongly supportive infrastructure.
6. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Mixed-use developments often face resistance from local communities concerned about increased population density and making adverse changes to the neighborhood’s character.
A tried and tested approach here is to engage in transparent and open communication with the community as far in advance of the development being built as possible. This is typically done best by hosting public meetings (‘Town Hall’ sessions) to gather input and address people’s concerns, all the while showcasing the benefits of mixed-use developments, such as improved local amenities and job opportunities.
7. PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
There is no doubt that managing diverse types of properties within a mixeduse development requires specialised expertise, but due partly to traditional industry verticals, most professionals will tend to have this expertise in relation to only one type of property.
This is where outsourcing the management dimension to a professional property management company can be extremely advantageous; it can bring on board a batch of wider skillsets, with seasoned campaigners well-used to dealing with the substantially different agendas relating to residential, commercial and retail.
CONCLUSION
While mixed-use developments offer numerous benefits, addressing the challenges and considerations outlined above is crucial for success.
Engaging with local authorities, conducting market research, and fostering community support are essential steps in navigating the complexities of mixeduse projects. With careful planning and a comprehensive approach, it’s possible to reap the full benefits of delivering vibrant, sustainable mixed-use developments, of a kind that will not only be valued by their commercial stakeholders but by the highly varied communities they serve.
onstruction materials have evolved significantly over the past decades. Due to technological advances, new and resilient materials such as carbon fibre are progressively replacing traditional ones. A highly innovative material, carbon fibre is gaining traction in
the construction industry due to its strength, durability, and flexibility, allowing it to be moulded into a wide variety of desired designs and structures. Moreover, as the material has a low density and high strength-toweight ratio, its use in other industries such as the automotive and aviation sectors is becoming increasingly widespread.
Carbon fibre is a polymer made of long, fine strands of carbon atoms attached in a crystal formation. For a given crosssection, this material is five times as strong as steel, much lighter, and twice as stiff. Manufacturers twist the carbon fibre strands together to weave them into fabric or mould them into varied shapes.
CAN CARBON FIBRE BECOME THE ‘NEW NORMAL’?
While ‘de rigeur’ in so many industrial applications, carbon fibre is still not a prolific option across many areas of construction. But are factors such as price-sensitivity and recycling challenges detracting from what in other ways is an ideal solution? ME Consultant spoke to materials research and advisory experts, Aranca, about the benefits and opportunities…
The size of the composite market globally is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.8% to USD112.8bn in 2025 from USD74bn in 2020, and carbon fibre would be among the frontrunners in this market.
CARBON FIBRE IN CONSTRUCTION
Adoption of carbon fibre as a construction material is gaining more acceptance. One of its most widely-used versions, pultruded carbon fibre (made by drawing resin-coated glass fibres through a heated die) has several characteristics that make it suitable for use in the construction of residential and commercial buildings. Strong and durable, it has the following advantages -
• Extremely lightweight, it requires less manpower for material handling.
• It is well suited for constructing windows, door systems, exterior trim, decks, columns, fences, and pergolas.
• Fatigue resistance and flexibility properties make it more crack-resistant than traditional materials such as steel and concrete, especially when exposed to repeated load-bearing weight.
• It has greater compression strength and can withstand higher pressure.
• Due to its higher resistance to humidity, rain, radiation, and chemicals, structures coated with carbon fibre work efficiently under all environmental conditions.
APPLICATIONS OF CARBON FIBRE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
The favourable properties of carbon fibre have led to its widespread use in the construction industry. Typical applications include:
• Precast Concrete Construction: Traditionally, steel mesh reinforcement is used in the outer and inner sections of precast concrete structures. These steel elements are increasingly being substituted with carbon fibre sheets and grids. A welded steel grid, commonly used in the construction of concrete slabs, can be replaced with a carbon fibre grid to reduce weight and
achieve the desired chemical inertness. In the case of sandwich wall panels, carbon fibre can be used as a shear grid or truss. In fibre-reinforced concrete, carbon fibre is a suitable replacement for steel, as the fibre is made from polyacrylonitrile. Moreover, replacing asbestos with carbon fibre in the preparation of fibre cement improves air quality.
• Reinforcements: Carbon fibre is increasingly used for the external
Carbon fibre has gained widescale acceptability in the construction industry due to its strength, light weight, and cost-effectiveness”
strengthening of structures, e.g., in concrete columns. This eliminates the need for additional anchoring and associated installations, thereby saving time and cost.
• Bridge Construction: Carbon fibre is widely employed in the construction of bridge load-bearing structures, carbon fibre cables, decks, and supports. Typically, steel is used for reinforcing and pre-tensioning concrete for bridges. However, a
number of applications are using carbon fibre instead, as the material is resistant to corrosion, has a longer life span, and is more resistant to temperature variation, moisture, and chemical action.
• Repairing Stressed Structures: Structures made from reinforced or prestressed concrete are generally repaired using fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) laminates. The FRP laminate is bonded to the structure to be repaired with a resin. This technique improves the shear and flexural capacity of beams and slabs, enhances confinement in columns and requires minimal additional weight.
DISADVANTAGES OF CARBON FIBRE IN CONSTRUCTION
Carbon fibre is more expensive than other materials. However, while steel and aluminum are less expensive, they require more workforce for material handling.
CARBON FIBRE AND SUSTAINABILITY
Carbon fibre has gained wide-scale acceptability in the construction industry due to its strength, light weight, and cost-
Germany's Carbonhaus shows practical yet highly creative usage of carbon fibre for both structural and surface applications.
Due to its higher resistance to humidity, rain, radiation, and chemicals, structures coated with carbon fibre work efficiently under all environmental conditions ”
effectiveness. However, this has raised concerns over its sustainability.
There are various kinds of carbon fibres, and though they are usually environment-friendly (i.e., biodegradable and recyclable), not all high-carbon fibres impact the carbon footprint as the underlying science is rather nuanced.
Lignin-based carbon fibre is normally ‘green’ as it is a natural resource extracted from plant cell walls. It has a carbon content of 50–71% and possesses all the general characteristics of carbon fibre. This type of fiber is used for low-cost applications and is easily recyclable.
Carbon fibre that is meant to retain its strength and shape is difficult to recycle and non-biodegradable. However, the resins used to bind the fibre are decomposable. The process of recycling the resin is called pyrolysis, where the resin is burnt off the fibre at high temperatures.
Manufacturing carbon fibre is an energy-intensive process, especially for oxidation and carbonisation. To increase overall sustainability and reduce the carbon footprint, many manufacturers use green energy (wind/solar). Undoubtedly,
as with any material involving a long and energy-intense manufacturing process, producing carbon fibre potentially endangers the environment. However, this impact can be mitigated by responsible manufacturing through the use of green energy to power the process.
CASE STUDIES OF CARBON FIBRE USAGE IN CONSTRUCTION
A well-known application of carbon fibre in the construction industry is the Apple HQ’s floating carbon-fibre roof, which is designed to consume lower energy and be environmentally sustainable.
Another example of a first-of-its-kind application of fibre-reinforced plastic is the campus of Dresden University of Technology, Germany. The university’s building, Carbonhaus, is the first in the
Appropriately,
Carbon fibre aids builders in meeting close tolerance requirements, enables easy and quick installation, and helps reduce maintenance costs”
world to be reinforced using carbon fibre in order to replace more traditional materials such as concrete and steel.
CONCLUSION
The prospects for large-scale use of carbon fibre in construction hold substantial promise. Carbon fibre aids builders in meeting close tolerance requirements, enables easy and quick installation, and helps reduce maintenance costs.
Considering the varied advantages it has to offer, carbon fibre is clearly a prime material of the future. The pace of its wider adoption in newer applications in fact mostly depends on the capacity of existing manufacturing facilities. Hence, manufacturers need to commit to scalingup capacity and making proactive efforts to drive its adoption.
the world's largest single expanse of carbon fibre is that seen in the HQ of the most valuable company on the planet, Apple.
MAKING THE IMPO
SSIBLE POSSIBLE?
Modular construction techniques tend to be synonymous with record-breaking speed: but they can also be a gateway to strong risk management, better sustainability and high levels of compliance. US-based Webber + Studio explain the benefits and strategies for this important tool for assembling the built environment…
odular construction is revolutionising the way we create environments, from homes and offices to schools and hospitals.
Unlike traditional construction, where every element is built on-site, modular construction pre-fabricates building components in a controlled factory setting.
The modular construction process enhances efficiency and quality control by utilising lean manufacturing techniques and adhering to Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) practices, which are pivotal in ensuring precise assembly tolerances and the integration of various building materials and additional features before installation on-site.
This method leverages the same materials, meets the same codes, and achieves the same or higher standards as conventional construction but with a modern twist.
WHY CHOOSE MODULAR?
• Enhanced Quality Control: In a factory setting, each component of the building undergoes rigorous checks by experts, ensuring unmatched quality. This controlled environment significantly reduces the chances of on-site errors and weather-related complications, leading to superior end products. Permanent modular construction further enhances this process by offering faster speed to occupancy, cost predictability, and a lower environmental impact, all of which contribute to the efficiency and quality of the construction.
• Optimised for Energy Efficiency: Each module is designed from the outset to minimise environmental impact. The use of advanced insulation materials
and the integration of energy-efficient designs mean that modular buildings are not just built faster but are also more sustainable.
EFFICIENCY IN CONSTRUCTION
Modular construction fundamentally changes how quickly a building project can move from the planning stage to completion. This method dramatically accelerates construction timelines by enabling simultaneous offsite module production and onsite foundation work.
STREAMLINING CONSTRUCTION PROCESSES
Here’s how modular construction makes this possible:
• Simultaneous Construction Activities: While modules are being constructed in a factory, site preparation and foundation work proceed concurrently. This parallel processing cuts down the overall project time significantly.
• Predictable Schedules: Factory production is less affected by the unpredictable elements that often delay traditional construction, such as adverse weather conditions or logistical setbacks. This predictability ensures that projects stay on schedule.
COST EFFICIENCY IN PERMANENT MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
Adopting modular construction also impacts the financial aspect of building projects. By standardising parts and processes, it significantly cuts down on unexpected costs that typically arise from project delays or onsite issues.
• Controlled Budgets: With most of the building constructed offsite, the scope for unexpected costs rocketing due to weather or logistical issues is greatly reduced.
• Waste Reduction: Precise measurements and controlled manufacturing processes mean that material waste is drastically lowered, which not only saves cost but also benefits the environment.
ENHANCED QUALITY FROM START TO FINISH
In modular construction, each module is constructed under stringent quality controls, which are easier to enforce in a factory setting than on a traditional construction site. This controlled environment ensures that every element of the building meets high standards of quality before being shipped to the site.
• High Standards of Construction: The oversight in a modular construction
factory is typically much higher than on a traditional site, leading to better-built environments.
• Fewer Onsite Corrections: Since modules arrive on site almost complete, the need for corrections due to construction errors is minimised, ensuring a smoother final assembly.
GREEN BUILDING: SUSTAINABILITY IN MODULES
Modular construction is at the forefront of
eco-friendly building practices, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of construction activities. This method integrates sustainability into every phase, from design to assembly, emphasising reduced waste and enhanced energy efficiency.
MINIMISING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Modular construction promotes a sustainable approach through several key practices:
• Reduced Material Waste: Precise factory measurements and controlled production processes mean that material usage is optimised, significantly reducing the waste typically associated with traditional building methods.
• Less Site Disturbance: Since most construction activities occur offsite, the impact on the building site is minimised, preserving the natural environment and reducing the site’s carbon footprint.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY FROM THE GROUND UP
From the initial design phase, modules are crafted to be energy-efficient, incorporating various sustainable technologies that contribute to long-term environmental benefits and cost savings.
• Advanced Insulation Techniques: Modules are equipped with state-of-theart insulation materials that enhance thermal efficiency, reducing the need for heating and cooling.
• Integration of Renewable Energy Sources: Many modular buildings include solar panels or other renewable energy systems as standard features, promoting cleaner energy use from the start.
LIFELONG SUSTAINABILITY
Modular construction doesn’t just think about immediate sustainability but considers the entire lifecycle of the building:
• Recyclability and Reusability: Modules are designed not only for use but for future reuse or recycling. This approach extends the lifecycle of the materials and decreases the need for new resources, promoting a circular economy in the construction industry.
• Adaptable Designs: The flexibility of modular buildings means they can be easily adapted or relocated, reducing the need for new construction and allowing buildings to evolve with changing needs without additional environmental cost.
Carmel Place – New York City, USA. Image: nARCHITECTS
FLEXIBLE FOUNDATIONS: ADAPTING AND SCALING
Modular construction introduces unprecedented flexibility in building design and use, allowing structures to adapt seamlessly to changing requirements. This adaptability makes modular construction especially valuable for rapidly evolving commercial landscapes and personal space needs.
The modular structure concept further enhances this adaptability, proving suitable for a wide array of construction projects, including offices, hospitality builds, and residential properties.
MODULAR FLEXIBILITY: DESIGN AND REDESIGN
The inherent flexibility of modular construction supports dynamic changes in structure and function:
• Scalable Solutions: Modular units can be designed to allow for easy expansion or reduction, adapting as the needs of the user change. This makes them ideal for businesses that anticipate growth or changes in usage patterns.
• Reconfigurable Layouts: Beyond scalability, modular constructions can be reconfigured or relocated with minimal disruption, providing ongoing flexibility throughout the building’s lifecycle.
COMPLIANCE AND CUSTOMISATION MADE EASY
Navigating the complexities of local building codes and achieving personal customisation are simplified through modular construction:
• Easier Compliance: Modules manufactured in a controlled environment are pre-designed to meet or exceed the same building codes and standards as conventionally built facilities, simplifying the approval and installation process on site.
• Customisable Designs: Despite the prefabricated nature of modules, there is a wide range of design options available, allowing for significant customisation to meet specific aesthetic or functional requirements.
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES IN MODULAR METHODS
LONG-TERM ADAPTABILITY
Modular buildings are not just flexible at setup but throughout their entire operational life:
• Future-Proof Buildings: The ability to upgrade or modify modular buildings easily means they can evolve with technological advancements or changing environmental standards.
• Sustainable Growth: The adaptability of modular structures contributes to sustainable development practices by minimising the need for new constructions and reducing resource waste over time.
While modular construction offers numerous benefits, it also presents unique challenges. These obstacles range from logistical complexities to regulatory hurdles and market acceptance, each requiring strategic solutions to fully leverage the advantages of modular building.
LOGISTICAL COMPLEXITIES: TRANSPORTATION AND ASSEMBLY
Handling the logistics of modular construction is critical, given the size and transportation needs of prefabricated modules:
• Transportation Strategy: Modules need to be transported from the factory to the construction site, which can involve navigating through tight urban spaces or across diverse terrains. Effective planning and co-ordination are essential to manage
CitizenM Bowery Hotel – New York City, USA. Image: Chris Cooper
these logistical challenges smoothly.
• Precision Assembly: Once on site, the assembly of modular units must be executed with precision. This requires not only skilled labour but also advanced equipment to ensure that modules align correctly and integrate seamlessly.
REGULATORY NAVIGATION: COMPLIANCE AND ACCEPTANCE
Adhering to local building codes and gaining regulatory acceptance can be particularly challenging in modular construction:
• Code Compliance: Modular units must be designed in accordance with diverse local building codes, which can vary significantly from one region to another. Ensuring compliance during the design and manufacturing stages is crucial for smooth project execution.
• Market Perception: Overcoming skepticism related to the perceived quality and design flexibility of modular buildings is essential. Educating stakeholders and showcasing successful modular projects can help shift public and professional perceptions towards acceptance and preference.
Modular construction isn’t just a promising idea; it’s a proven success, demonstrated by a variety of impactful
projects across the globe. From rapid urban developments to efficient responses in emergency situations, these examples underline the robust capabilities and widereaching benefits of modular construction.
REAL-WORLD MODULAR MARVELS
The following keynote projects highlight the capabilities and diversity of modular construction:
• Wuhan Ark Hotel – Wuhan, China: Erected in just six days, this hotel stands as a testament to the speed and resilience of modular construction, boasting enhanced earthquake resistance and operational efficiency shortly after assembly.
• Carmel Place – New York City, USA: New York City’s first micro-apartment
Barclays Center Residential Towers –Brooklyn, New York, USA.
Image: Felix Lipov
building, Carmel Place, showcases how modular construction can optimize urban living spaces, providing affordable and sustainable housing solutions in one of the world’s busiest cities.
• CitizenM Bowery Hotel – New York City, USA: As one of the tallest modular hotels in the U.S., the CitizenM Bowery Hotel illustrates modular construction’s potential in the hospitality industry, combining speed, efficiency, and quality at a prime urban location.
• Barclays Center Residential Towers
– Brooklyn, New York: Adjacent to the traditionally constructed sports arena, these residential towers utilized modular construction to minimize disruption and maximize efficiency in the densely populated area of Brooklyn.
• Collegelands – Glasgow, Scotland: This modular student housing development in Glasgow provides highquality accommodations quickly and efficiently, addressing the urgent need for student residences with minimal environmental impact.
With advancements in technology and increasing global acceptance, modular design is set to revolutionise how we approach construction projects, making them faster, more efficient, and more adaptable.
TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS IN MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
The integration of cutting-edge technologies is transforming the modular construction landscape:
• 3D Printing: This technology is increasingly being used to create complex modular components, allowing for more intricate designs and faster production rates. 3D printing also reduces waste by using precise amounts of materials.
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and ML are being leveraged to optimise the design and manufacturing processes in modular construction. These technologies help predict project challenges, improve precision in manufacturing, and enhance the overall efficiency of the construction process.
• Automation in Production: Increased automation in modular factories is leading to higher precision and quality, as well as lower costs and reduced human error. Automation streamlines the production of modules, making the construction process quicker and more consistent.
CROSS-INDUSTRY COLLABORATION: EXPANDING HORIZONS
The future of modular construction will see greater collaboration between different industries:
• Technology and Construction
Partnerships: Collaborations between tech companies and construction firms are enhancing the capabilities of modular construction. These partnerships are driving innovation, from smart homes integrated with IoT devices to buildings designed with advanced sustainability features.
• Global Supply Chain Integration: As modular construction gains traction, the integration of global supply chains is improving the availability of materials and technologies, facilitating international projects and collaborations.
These factors will help accelerate the quality, speed and compositional elements of modular construction.
While modular techniques are presently far from being the ‘new normal’, the next few years are set to see them become increasingly part of the mainstream - and that can be good news for developers, contractors, urban planners and end-users alike.
Collegelands – Glasgow, Scotland. Image: Sigmat
THINK SMART: THINK CONNECTED
The era of the ‘standalone’ structure is slowly passing by, with a growing emphasis not only on internal connectivity and Smart, AI-led systems, but a series of intuitive links with the surrounding community. UK-based Priva explains the trends and the benefits…
he concept of a smart connected building is certainly not new. Having a building where the infrastructure enables the automatic control and monitoring of key systems - including heating and cooling, ventilation and lighting - has been growing in popularity for a decade. But there seems little doubt that relatively new factors such as hybrid working are going to accelerate the trend.
The latest intelligence from global research company Juniper Research certainly points to a continuing rise in the number of connected buildings worldwide.
Describing a smart facility as one in which connectivity is employed ‘to enable economical use of resources’, Juniper forecasts that the number of connected buildings will reach 115 million in 2026. This represents a 150% increase on the 2022 figure of 45 million smart buildings. Building and/or facilities managers - especially of larger corporate estates - will surely have been watching these developments with interest. It is probable that many will want to implement technologies that can help them automate and monitor building management systems to a higher degree. But in a challenging and unpredictable economic phase, it might not be so easy to convince the board of directors to make this investment!
So, what follows is a list of keynote pointers showing a compelling case for investing in a connected infrastructure –
1. THE ENERGY SAVING BENEFITS
There has, quite simply, never been a better time to ‘bang the drum’ for lower energy consumption. The last year has seen global energy prices soar, and all indicators is that this is likely to continue. Implementing and investing in infrastructure that allows accurate monitoring of energy usage across all systems - and quickly identifying any areas of energy waste - means that the savings can start straight away.
2. EASE OF USE & CONTROL
Having a connected infrastructure makes it far easier to control and monitor different building systems. Increasingly, companies
The user experience has now become a critical factor in creating new aspects of the built environment.
Having a connected building makes it possible to monitor the performance of building systems and take steps to ensure they support wellbeing”
are opting to invest in cloud-based building management platforms. Not only do they enable centralised control of multiple systems - from air conditioning to lighting - they also make it possible to monitor systems and make changes remotely. Underpinned by proven cloud technologies (for example, Microsoft Azure), cloud-based platforms are also more secure and scalable than many onpremises and/or hard-wire equivalents.
3. CONNECTED INFRASTRUCTURES
BENEFIT HYBRID WORKING
The world of work is changing and it’s not a short-term shift. More working from home is a definite, and when people are in the office, they may be using the space in more unpredictable ways. So, for example, it may be possible that an entire
office floor’s heating and ventilation system can be deactivated at certain times. Or certain zones/workgroups might have their own preferences for heating and cooling.
In summary, connected infrastructures that use sensors and control platforms can adjust rapidly to conditions, ensuring that only the required energy is used.
4. COMPANIES THAT DON’T INVEST IN CONNECTED SYSTEMS WILL LOSE OUT
The impact of buildings on health is under great scrutiny. Employees will want to know that the air they breathe is fresh - and well managed. And, that other building systems will not put them at risk physically or mentally. Having a connected building makes it possible to monitor the performance of building systems and take steps to ensure they support wellbeing.
In the longer term, more employeesparticularly those in high-demand fieldswill make the working environment a vital factor in their choice of employer.
The above pointers only scratch the surface of how a connected building can be truly transformative. It’s not hard, also, to see the increased engagement with the Internet of Things, whereby –
Today's Smart interiors enable not only monitoring and control of utilities, but can proactively modulate settings aligned with behaviour.
Implementing and investing in infrastructure that allows accurate monitoring of energy usage across all systems - and quickly identifying any areas of energy waste - means that the savings can start straight away”
• The building is no longer a ‘standalone’, but intrinsically connected to the surrounding community; it understands the ‘user experiences’ that the community prefers and offers residents and visitors alike a series of bespoke engagements, whether in terms of the services it provides, the use of landscaping features, or the style of advertising its digital signage promotes.
• The structure plays a physical role in its surroundings by using temperaturemoderating glass and advanced fibre composites, or via biophilic surfaces. These can cool the ambient temperature, avoiding any risk of urban ‘hotspots’, and also provide a Wellness-focused, positive outlook to passers-by.
• Physical connectivity: where is it most convenient to enter/exit the building in relation to local retail centres, community parking and links with major roads and highways? Until recently, a ‘standalone’ approach insisted that office workers and residents ‘make their own arrangements’, but now, with the right data feedback, the building can be structured so as to ensure alignment with people’s best interests and actual needs.
A TOWERING RISK
It’s a worrying thought that there isn’t a single Fire Code in the world that specifically tackles fire emergencies in super-tall buildings. This expert article from Jaime A. Moncada, PE, Director of International Fire Safety Consulting (IFSC), in Washington, DC, makes sobering reading…
act: the maximum height at which a fire department can safely evacuate occupants through the facade of a highrise building is no more than 23m (75 ft) above the floor level, or no more than seven stories.
In today's built environment, skyscrapers are regularly exceeding 250m, and the reality is that we are now presented with two options:
1. We have to turn to Fire Protectionie, minimising the risk of fire happening in the first place and trying to minimise its impact and spread when it does
2. Evacuation - how to enable perhaps hundreds of occupants to exit in a safe manner while actively restricting the risks they are exposed to The human safety and fire protection criteria for these types of buildings have been defined by the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE), who in cooperation with the International Code Council (ICC), the building code of the United States, established a Design Guide for Super Tall Buildings.
When fires breaks out in a tall or super tall structure, the most obvious challenges are the following:
• The movement of people in the building; exactly where people are and the current density of occupation will be largely unknown factors Then, add to this –
V The difficulty of providing access for manual firefighting
V The fact that there will be only limited means of egress
V A prolonged evacuation time
V The time it takes to decide to fully or partially evacuate the building.
• Movement of combustion products, including the ‘stack effect’, or the air draft that can be developed inside the building. In this sense, the air shot in a fire of a skyscraper has the possibility of spreading smoke vertically through the unprotected openings of the building, by stairs and elevator shafts. Additionally, ladder pressurisation systems can, if not well designed, prevent the door from opening as the internal pressure of the ladder cannot be counteracted.
• The design of the automatic sprinkler system also presents significant technical challenges, due to static pressures, which can exceed 400 psi (28 bar). The definition of where to place fire pumps, whether they are all in one place, or at different levels of the building, or whether the fire water tank is installed in the basement or roof, are also complicated questions to solve.
Typically, human safety and fire protection requirements are defined by the use or occupancy of the building. However, the requirements of a super tall building can be independent of use. In fact, many skyscrapers include shopping malls, offices, hotels, and residential apartments, within the same building. In many cases the top floor of the building is the floor with the highest occupancy density. Therefore, the most important fire safety systems are as follows –
• Fire Suppression Systems: All highrise buildings, without exception, have to be protected with automatic sprinkler systems. This system is the most effective way to control a fire in a skyscraper.
• NFPA also requires the installation of hose ‘connections’ instead of ‘hose-equipped cabinets’, which is called the Class I Water Column. The Class I System provides a column or upright, typically 6 inches (152mm)
in diameter, loaded with pressurized water, with connections for hoses 2-1/2 inches in diameter (64mm), with a hose reduction of 1-1/2 inches (38mm). It should be clear that NFPA does not require the installation of hose cabinets.
The effectiveness of manual fire extinguishers in incipient fires is more than documented, and these are of required use in all occupations that occupy high-rise buildings. Computing rooms in high-rise buildings should be protected with automatic sprinklers, typically preaction systems. It is also possible that through a fire risk analysis, the user of the computer room decides to protect this room, in addition to the sprinklers, with a flood system with clean agents.
• Detection and Alarm Systems: All high-rise buildings require an alarm system that uses an alarm or voice emergency communication system. This involves the installation of manual pushbuttons and alarm horns throughout the building, but the installation of smoke detectors is not specifically required.
NFPA regulations only require smoke detection in areas where someone can sleep (hotels, dormitories, hospitals, residences, etc.), in the elevator lobby, or in very sensitive occupations (such as a computer room or telecommunications room). Depending on the design of the air conditioning system, it is very likely that smoke detectors will be required in the air ducts (to prevent the air conditioning system from distributing smoke throughout the building).
The ‘alarm through voice’ messages depends on the decision regarding the evacuation by floors against the total evacuation of the building. In a very tall building, it is preferable to evacuate the floor where the fire occurs, the floor above and the floor below, and in order to achieve this procedure, the alarm system must have the possibility of sending a specific
Alarm requirements on skyscrapers and super-tall buildings differ greatly from the traditional and familiar systems in the low-rise sector.
In the modern world it would be unthinkable for a skyscraper to be designed and built without the involvement of a fire protection engineering firm, to draw up a Fire Safety Master Plan and review the building at its design stage”
voice evacuation message to the areas to be evacuated, and an alert message to the areas that do not require immediate evacuation.
• Pressurisation of stairs: Contrary to popular convention, NFPA does not require the pressurization of stairs in any type of building, including high-rise buildings. However, stair pressurisation can be used to reduce "construction type" requirements in high-rise buildings protected with automatic sprinklers.
• Fire Sectorisation: This describes the type of construction that a building must have, from the point of view of fire resistance. This is defined in the International Building Code (IBC), where the area per floor and the number of floors a building can have depending on its type of construction is limited. In addition, these limitations are eliminated or increased when the building is protected with automatic sprinklers.
Similarly, the finishes or interior coatings (defined through tests that measure their rate of flame propagation and amount of smoke developed) must be evaluated. Finally, it is important to review the type of construction of the curtain walls. Recent fires in London and Dubai have called into question many of these exterior claddings and their impact on a fire.
• Evacuation: Evacuation is a complex issue and requires a specific study of the building through the NFPA 101 standard, Human Safety Code, which establishes the specific criteria for the design of evacuation routes (location, quantity, width, distance).
NFPA requires high-rise buildings to be protected by an emergency lighting system in evacuation media and evacuation media signage. The emergency power system must be connected to the fire pump, the equipment in the command centre, to
an elevator serving all floors and smoke control systems, among others, and this must come into operation in less than 10 seconds after the loss of energy.
Skyscrapers require an Emergency Plan that establishes procedures for the notification of an emergency, the response of occupants and personnel to an emergency, evacuation procedures, adaptability of use of elevators, conduct of fire drills and the type and coverage of fire protection systems.
• Elevators: Elevators in a high-rise building must comply with ASME A.17.1, Elevator and Escalator Safety Code.
Because an elevator could stop on the floor of the fire or combustion products enter the elevator shaft, it is important that a re-call of the elevators is initiated after the operation of smoke detectors in the elevator lobbies or in the elevator engine room, so that they are out of service and operated only by firefighters.
CONCLUSIONS
In the modern world it would be unthinkable for a skyscraper to be designed and built without the involvement of a fire protection engineering firm, to draw up a Fire Safety Master Plan and review the building at its design stage. Remarkably, the protection of skyscrapers (and super tall buildings specifically), escapes what is required in the majority of the world’s accepted building codes - and that is why it is absolutely critical that its analysis and review must fall on expert professionals in this field.
The role of the Fire Safety Master Plan is now more crucial than ever.
ISO 9001: BEYOND THE URBAN MYTHS
Until
recently, many operators in the GCC were accused of lagging behind globally in the quest for achieving ISO 9001 certification - yet now, it has frequently become a given for specialist contractors, consultants and suppliers engaged with any of the region’s large-scale projects. Here,
Paul
Godfrey assesses the background and relevance of this often misunderstood accreditation…
irst things first. Everyone reading this article will know that ISO 9001 is a worldwide quality management system (QMS) standard. It focusses on aspects like customer-first orientation, leadership, process method, and continuous growth.
Yet it is in fact one element of a broader group of ISO 9000 standards commonly known as the ‘ISO 9000 family’.
This is a set of five quality management systems (QMS) standards by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which help organisations ensure that they meet customer and other stakeholder needs within the statutory and regulatory requirements related to a product or service. The ISO refers to the set of standards as a ‘family’ which brings together the standard for quality management systems and a set of ‘supporting standards’, and the idea is that their presentation as a family facilitates their better, integrated application within a business.
THE ROLE OF ISO 9001
ISO 9000 in fact sets out the fundamentals and vocabulary of QMS, including the seven quality management principles that underlie the family of standards. Then, ISO 9001 deals with the requirements that organisations wishing to meet the standard must fulfill. A companion document, ISO/TS 9002, provides guidelines for the application of ISO 9001. ISO 9004 gives guidance on achieving sustained organisational success.
To keep things in check, a number of third-party certification bodies confirm that organisations meet the requirements of ISO 9001. In fact, over one million organisations worldwide are independently certified, making ISO 9001 one of the most widely used management tools in the world today.
Every aspect of the built environment can benefit from proactive consideration of the recommended regulatory framework.
Various measures have been put in place by the UAE government to promote quality and competitiveness in different sectors”
That’s not to say that it’s universally acclaimed as a ‘be all and end-all’. The ISO certification process has often been criticised as being wasteful and not being useful for all organisations. For example, it tends to privilege businesses that have the sheer level of resources to compartmentalise operations, converting them into a set of designated processes, which are in turn identified in an operational manual. Those processes are then supervised by designated practitioners and are ‘timelined’ within schedules that - if exceeded - can risk voiding the certification. Of course, supporters will argue that ‘this is the whole point’…
So - what really are the benefits; and to what extent has ISO 9001 gained a compulsory or legislative status here in the region?
THE ROLE OF ISO 9001 CERTIFICATION IN THE UAE
For the UAE, one of the hallmarks of more than 50 years’ dynamic commercial growth has been the desire to drive quality standards through strong regulatory frameworks. Various measures have been put in place by the UAE government to promote quality and competitiveness in different sectors.
However, ISO 9001 certification in the UAE isn’t legally required for all UAE businesses. Instead, the compulsory status of ISO 9001 certification in the UAE depends on the specific industry and business context. For example, industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare might need to meet more strict quality and regulatory standards. Clients and regulatory bodies in such industries may force ISO 9001 certification for contract, tender, or regulatory approval. The end result is that many operators in the UAE might need ISO 9001 certification as a matter of course; and indeed, those engaged in any aspect of Construction (certainly over the last decade) can be prime examples.
Large and intricate construction projects in various emirates - particularly
Dubai and Abu Dhabi - often demand contractors and suppliers to have ISO 9001 certification, ensuring quality standards and risk management practices. This trend has also grown across other GCC states, too: the mega-projects in Saudi Arabia, for example, commonly require a raft of ISO certifications, and these will be a ‘sine qua non’ across the pre-qualification stages of many competitive tenders.
Just as a point of reference, we see this same requirement in the Manufacturing sector, including its sourcing of materials for Construction applications: ISO 9001 certification is key to confirming product quality and consistency. Many contractors and consultants, both in the UAE and globally, prefer or mandate their suppliers to hold this certification, ensuring reliable and high-quality products.
ADVANTAGES OF ISO 9001 CERTIFICATION
Achieving ISO 9001 certification in the UAE, whether required or not, brings various benefits for a business’s operations and market positioning.
In short, ISO 9001 certification shows customers, collaborators, and stakeholders that a business prioritises quality standards. This e-ndorsement boosts the firm’s reputation and credibility, making it more appealing to potential clients and partners. In a competitive market such as the one found locally, this certification gives an edge over uncertified competitors.
A robust QMS helps companies better understand and meet customer needs, leading to higher satisfaction, more loyalty, and repeated business. Of course, focusing on the customer is crucial in a market with continually rising customer expectations.
ISO 9001 certification also underlines the fact that you have well-structured processes, continuous growth, and a commitment to waste reduction. With these principles, businesses can optimise operations, minimise errors, and streamline productivity. Such process efficiency re-sults in cost savings and
Dubai's extraordinary skyline was the first urban context in the GCC to embody comprehensive certification standards.
increased stability, allowing for more effective product and service delivery.
What’s more, adopting ISO 9001 certification involves engaging all employees in the journey towards quality and continuous improvement. This involvement builds a culture of accountability and responsibility. Employees better understand their roles within the QMS and how they contribute to company success. Increased employee participation and clear communication can help surge morale and job satisfaction, leading to a better-motivated and more committed workforce.
LEGALITIES: ISO 9001 AND RISK MANAGEMENT
Most legal mandates in the UAE also contain within them the requirement that, whether actively or passively, businesses take a clear and rigorous approach to risk management. This approach requires
The days of building without cognisance of ISO standards are long gone, and clients and stakeholders strongly favour systematic compliance.
Large and intricate construction projects in various emirates often demand contractors and suppliers to have ISO 9001 certification, ensuring quality standards and risk management practices”
businesses to identify, assess, and mitigate risks; this emphasis comes to the fore regularly in cases where an organisation’s intention has proven paramount to proving its culpability or not. In this respect, ISO 9001 helps companies foresee potential problems, reducing possible disruptions and enforce a perception of Best Practice. Good risk management of this kind also boosts overall business resilience and ensures consistently high-quality product and service delivery.
For businesses looking to venture into new markets, ISO 9001 certification can be an invaluable asset. More than 40 international markets acknowledge and require ISO 9001 certification as a quality mark. Through this certification, UAE-based companies can display their commitment to quality internationally, making entering new markets - and achieving global competitivenessfundamentally easier.
So, despite not being compulsory for all UAE businesses, ISO 9001 certification in the UAE certainly has strong arguments in its favour. For businesses in particular industries or those seeking a competitive advantage, aiming for ISO 9001 certification can be a strategic step towards sustainable growth and success.
To summarise the benefits -
1. Client Expectations: Many clients, especially in sectors like construction and manufacturing, favour or require ISO 9001 certification to ensure quality, consistency and reliability.
2. Regulatory Adherence: In some industries, certification helps with local and international regulatory compliance, reducing legal risks.
3. Competitive Edge: In a competitive business environment, ISO 9001 certification UAE makes a company stand out from its rivals, drawing more business opportunities.
4. Operational Boosts: Gaining and maintaining ISO 9001 certification UAE can lead to marked improvements in operational efficiency, cost savings, and overall business performance.
Commercial
