MiddleEastArchitect201110

An ITP Business Publication

OCTOBER 2011 / VOLUME 5 / ISSUE 10

NEWS, DATA, ANALYSIS AND STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FOR ARCHITECTS IN THE GCC BUILDING FOCUS On site at Aldar Academies’ newly opened Al Bateen School

CASE STUDY Aedas’ double award-winning housing scheme in Afghanistan

BEST IN CLASS

Dubai’s Rolex Tower by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill wins Best Overall Project at Middle East Architect Awards 2011

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OCTOBER | CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2011 VOLUME 5 ISSUE 10 4

FRONT Top stories in the world of architecture including a Dubai-inspired project that has won the dubious title of Worst Building in Britain

12

THE BIG PICTURE

Oman’s Royal Opera House is captured at dusk by staff photographer Lester Ali

20

COMMENT Georgina Chakar asserts that Gulf malls should integrate recreational space

32

INTERVIEW

Architect of the Year George Efstathiou describes his role in changing Dubai’s skyline

38

COVER STORY

SOM’s Rolex Tower among the many winners at the Middle East Architect Awards 2011

76

CULTURE A snapshot of funky furniture, lighting, books, apps and other products in the market

9

PROJECTS A round up of the latest project news from MENA and the rest of the world

15

ANALYSIS Future of tall buildings discussed in London seminar hosted by Buro Happold

24

BUILDING FOCUS On site at Aldar Academies’ newly opened Al Bateen Secondary School in the heart of Abu Dhabi

58

CASE STUDIES Aedas’ Afghanistan housing project, Benoy’s Abu Dhabi landmark and a Saudi scheme from Henning Larsen

70

THE WORK A detailed reference section covering all of the projects MEA has looked at in recent months

80

THE LAST WORD MZ Architects’ Tony Abi Gebrayel on his involvement in an Abu Dhabi icon

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

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FRONT | OCTOBER

Combined height, in metres, of SOM’s Dubai towers (Page 32)

DUBAI-INSPIRED BUILDING CROWNED WORST IN UK New BBC home in Manchester wins Building Design’s annual Carbuncle Cup

$970 MILLION

TOP STORY

MediaCityUK

The UK version of Dubai’s Media City has won the dubious title of worst building in Britain.

MediaCityUK is a US$970million complex in Salford Quays, on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, designed by Wilkinson Eyre, Chapman Taylor and Fairhurst Design.

The complex provides the regional headquarters of the BBC and ITV, the media studies department of Salford University, as well as a hotel, residential units and a school.

4

is located in Salford on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal.

TOTAL COST OF

architecture critics from Building Design MEDIACITYUK The Observer, The Sunday commented: “[MediaCityUK] had every opTimes and The Guardian. portunity to be a piece of city Others in the running included to be treasured for centuries to come.

One Hyde Park, with the first £100m The reality, however, is scarcely disapartment in the world and the tinguishable from the Media Cities in Meccano kit apartments near Tate Dubai and Qatar that the developer, Modern in London.

Peel Holdings, has evidently taken as MediaCityUK has courted controits model.” versy since the BBC decided to shift five departments – sport, children’s, The magazine’s annual quest Radio 5 Live, learning and parts of to find Britain’s worst building is future, media and technology – to the labelled as the ‘Carbuncle Cup’. This new base in Salford. year the competition was judged by

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

OCTOBER | FRONT

Total number of delivered Aldarr Academies, including Al Bateen Schooll

Number of homes to o be provided by the Aino Mina scheme (Page 58)

(Page 24)

Middle East workload kl d helps h l Atkins Global stay afloat

Broadway Malyan opens new Turkey base to aid projects

• Winners announced for 2011 Middle East Architect Awards • Design for world’s tallest tower unveiled by Adrian Smith’s firm • 25 essential iPad apps for design students • Architect claims Dubai failed by trying to recreate Tokyo skyscrapers

WEIRD PROJECT OF THE MONTH

A huge man-made mountain has been proposed for Holland, to enable high altitude activities in the flat country. The concept was drawn up by local firm Hoffers & Kruger.

DATASTREAM

The firm’s tower will stand at 571m.

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314

MIDDLE EAST

USA

915

1,012

AFRICA & INDIA

FAR EAST & AUSTRALIA

WSP ENGINEERS - GLOBAL STAFF NUMBERS

1,340

Project wins in Turkey, including a 571m-high tower, have led Broadway Malyan to open an office in Istanbul.

The new office, led by director Peter Vaughan, will also deliver mixed-use schemes in Seyrantepe, Beylikduzu and Florya.

Managing director Gary Whittle said: “The new office will enhance our global reach and result in a network of 15 bases from São Paulo to Shanghai.”

Elsewhere in the region, the practice has recently delivered the concept masterplan for the ‘10×10’ project in Iraq involving a 17km2 extension of Sadr City, Baghdad, and the creation of New Sadr City.

• Sandcrawler receives The International Architecture Award

MAINLAND EUROPE

Atkins’ Rocco Forte Hotel in Abu Dhabi.

both the resilience of its diversified portfolio in a number of well-funded markets and its support for the Group’s Middle East operations.”

The statement added: “In the Middle East, as anticipated, our workload has increased during the year to date, as investment continues in the growing infrastructure market.”

In 2011, global staff numbers have risen to 17,700, with growth in the Middle East and Energy businesses exceeding reductions in the UK. Atkins’ recent projects in the region include the Rocco Forte Hotel in Abu Dhabi (pictured).

This month’s top stories on the online home of Middle East Architect

3,080

Atkins’ increasing workload in the Middle East is helping to counter the slowdown in UK projects.

A company statement said: “Although overall economic conditions in the UK remain difficult, our business here continues to benefit from

DESIGNMENA.COM

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FRONT | OCTOBER

PEOPLE

60 SECOND INTERVIEW

Eric Owen Moss receives Jencks Award from RIBA

Johnson will take over from Sang Dae Kim.

CTBUH appoints architect as new chairman Architect Tim Johnson has been elected chairman of the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), the international body for high-rise towers.

Johnson will succeed current chairman, structural engineer Sang Dae Kim, at a ceremony during the CTBUH Seoul Conference from 10-12 October 2011.

He said: “As a tall building ‘junkie’ I am passionate about tall buildings and will continue to emphasise the urban habitat as a crucial aspect of this organisation.

“As an architect, one of my roles in the industry is to be the keeper of the vision, a conductor and catalyst.

Johnson is a design partner for NBBJ where he leads the firm’s international commercial design practice. He will chair CTBUH until October 2013.

The ‘pipe dreams’ of the past are exactly that, and clients are now demanding intelligent designs backed up by research.”

Karim Benkirane, regional managing principal – Woods Bagot Middle East

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US architect Eric Owen Moss received the annual Jencks Award from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

The RIBA noted that Moss’ buildings have ‘helped shape the discourse of architectural internationally’.

Moss’ practice, Eric Owen Moss Architects (EOMA), has worked in global locations, including Russia and Austria, but the majority of its portfolio is situated in California, including the Samitaur Tower in Culver City.

Awards patron Charles Jencks added: “Eric Moss has been committed to evolving a unique local grammar of architecture from the Culver City vernacular that is at once creative, critical and evocative, a commitment to place and character for 30 years that is without parallel.”

Reconstruction of Mariinski Theatre in St. Petersburg by Eric Owen Moss.

The time has come to move the talk of sustainable and environmentally sound practices into real action.”

Eng. Issa M. Al Mohannadi, chief executive officer, Msheireb Properties

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

SUMAYA DABBAGH, PRINCIPAL, DABBAGH ARCHITECTS

What do you enjoy most about working in the Middle East?

As a Saudi architect educated in the UK, the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the region has been particularly rewarding. There is an g the g p opportunity to bridge gaps a e between Middle Eastern e sensibilities and Western know-how.

ressingneeds What are the needs for the industry?

There is a need for developers and planners so that the city is not left with isolated pocketss autiful t of individual beautiful i o developments which do not consider the spaces created in between them.

Where are the current opportunities in the region?

The change in economic climate has forced a greater consideration of value, quality design and sustainability for projects. In the UAE, KSA and Qatar, these challenges and opportunities require talented architects to create better and more innovative design.

The fundamentals of the Dubai market remain strong. It never changed, even after the financial crisis.”

Niall McLoughlin, senior vice president, Damac Properties

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OCTOBER | FRONT

MENA PROJECT SNAPSHOT

1 2

3

1 LEBANON

2 ABU DHABI

3 BAHRAIN

Beirut department store facelift nears completion

Bloom turns to SOM for Abu Dhabi scheme

Woods Bagot-penned hotels open in Bahrain

An extension and new facade for the ABC Dbayeh department store in Beirut, designed by nARCHITECTS, is due for completion in late autumn 2011. Located on a highway bordering the Mediterranean, the project contains four volumes that cascade down the sloped site and terminate in an LED-backlit laser-cut aluminium screen. The screen will shade the department store and reduce heat gain.

Abu Dhabi-based master developer Bloom has awarded the architectural design work for its National Holding Headquarters (NHHQ) to Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM).

NHHQ is located in Capital Cente, a ‘micro city’ comprising residential and commercial units and developed

by ADNEC. Construction on the 14 storey building will start in the last quarter of 2011.

A development containing two Kempinski hotels, designed by Woods Bagot, has opened in the Bahrain capital of Manama. Developed by Majid Al Futtaim and located in Bahrain City Centre, the project includes the five star Kempinski Grand and the four star Kempinski Ixir. Key features of the hotel complex include a hamam spa, several restaurants, meeting room facilities and suites.

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

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FRONT | OCTOBER

GLOBAL PROJECT SNAPSHOT

1

2

3

4

1 PHILIPPINES

2 TAIWAN

3 TURKEY

World’s largest indoor arena set for Manila

Design for Taipei art complex revealed

Work starts on Turkey’s Crocodile Stadium

Construction has started on the world’s largest indoor arena in Manila, Philippines, designed by architecture firm Populous and engineered by Buro Happold. Valued at US$214m, the 50,000-seat venue was commissioned by the Iglesia Ni Cristo and will be completed in time for its centennial celebration in 2014. As well as holding gatherings, it can also stage boxing and basketball games and music concerts.

US-based Zerafa Architecture Studio has revealed its proposed design for the New Taipei City Museum of Art (NTCArt) in Taiwan. Located in a park by the Yingge and Dahan rivers, the scheme will combine lifestyle, art, recreation and education to create a vibrant cultural complex. The museum’s programmatic spaces are loosely organised in a cascading composition rotating around a central void.

Construction has started on the 45,000-seat Timsah Stadium, which translates as Crocodile Stadium, in the city of Bursa, Turkey. The reptilian building will be the new home of Bursaspor football club, nicknamed the Green Crocodiles, which plays in the country’s top division. The 150,000m2 scheme is backed by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality and designed by local practice Sozuneri Architects.

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

OCTOBER | FRONT

5 6

4 ICELAND

5 MALAYSIA

6 AZERBAIJAN

Henning Larsen’s Reykjavik concert hall

KEO to work on $8bn KL financial hub

Woods Bagot’s Baku airport project takes shape

A spectacular concert hall and conference centre in Reykjavik, Iceland, designed by Henning Larsen Architects and Batteriið Architects, was officially opened in late August 2011. Inspired by the geological basalt stone formations along the Icelandic coast, the south facade rises up 33 metres. The facade was developed in collaboration with the Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson.

KEO International Consultants has been selected to work on the masterplan for the $8 billion Kuala Lumpur International Financial District (KLIFD) in Malaysia. Overseen by master developer 1Malaysia Development Bhd, KLIFD is intended to be a green, high-tech destination for regional and international financial institutions and will act as a hub for Islamic finance.

Construction work is well underway on Woods Bagot’s airport terminal project in Baku, Azerbaijan. Together with Buro Happold the firm is rebuilding and extending the principal facilities across Heydar Aliyev International Airport, including a brand new terminal. Located approximately 30km north east of Baku, on the outskirts of the city, the project will triple the capacity of the airport.

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

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FRONT | OCTOBER

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

OCTOBER | FRONT

THE BIG PICTURE

Royal Opera House, Muscat This brooding dusk-shot of Omanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Royal Opera House was taken

by Lester Ali, staff photographer for ITP. According to Ali, dusk shots are all about timing and balance. There is a very narrow window of opportunity when the buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lights turn on and there is still enough ambient light from the setting sun. Set to open on October 14, the Royal Opera House is designed by WATG and features an opulent interior with a grand marble staircase and elaborately carved teak timber screens.

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

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TALL BUILDINGS | NEWS ANALYSIS

VERTICAL VISIONS ANALYSIS

Future of tall buildings forms subject of seminar held by Buro Happold in London

T

he future of tall buildings was discussed at a seminar held at Buro Happold’s London office, with an audience of planners, architects, developers and policy makers.

The engineering fi rm’s seminar looked at the commercial viability of tall buildings and the role they play in creating the sustainable cities of the future globally.

A key theme of the discussion was the transition from ‘townscape’ to ‘skyscape’.

Group director Wolf Mangelsdorf started the debate by focusing on how vertical com-

munities of the future will have to reproduce the urban public space of a city square.

“We have to rethink the tall environment. Enabling usage mix, density and human interaction replicating civic life in less dense environments will be as important as the energy conscious modulation of the spaces they create,” he said.

Paul Finch, deputy chairman of the UK Design Council and chairman of Design Council Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE), was concerned about the challenges to public space.

He asked: “If taller buildings are to become the rule rather than the exception, what are the implications for urbanism and public space?”

The importance of controlling the developments of future urban tall buildings that are adaptable to mixed use to maximise rents was the theme of speaker Richard Linnell, former head of investment management, London Portfolio at Land Securities Group plc. ‘‘Tall buildings will continue to play an important role in the functioning of major

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

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NEWS ANALYSIS | TALL BUILDINGS

180 METRES

HEIGHT OF LONDON’S

against the brutal con‘GHERKIN’ BY FOSTER Richard Marshall, + PARTNERS crete style of the 1960s, currently in the specifically the chapter midst of a tall architects simply replaced on New Technology and building boom. it with a new kind of junk: Materials. The chapter focuses glass walls hung on steel frames with on a fundamental shift in the way in absurd details that don’t match.” which projects are designed and the Guest speaker Lee Mallett, couse of more sophisticated analytical principal of Ideas for the Built Enviand drawing methods to facilitate ronment, chair and co-publisher of inclined and twisting structures.

Planning in London magazine, said: This development mirrors the “The future of tall buildings is mixed changes in construction technology, – not because there’s any doubt we in particular more complex forms need or desire them, but because that can be fabricated through the they will have to combine several extensive use of 3D modelling and uses with public spaces if they are to detailing software, plus automated improve our cities.” manufacturing methods.

The seminar referred to the Wolf Mangelsdorf’s presentation ‘Tall Buildings Reference Book’ focused on growing green environco-authored by Buro Happold’s ments in the heart of vertical space to create living, breathing communiWe need to re-think high rise residential living to bring ties and reclaiming commercial city work towers for living space. “We back life to urban city centres that are empty after working need to re-think high rise residential hours. We can create living sanctuaries in the sky.” living to bring back life to urban city Wolf Mangelsdorf, group director, Buro Happold centres that are empty after working hours. We can create living sanctuaries in the sky,” he asserted.

London is

16

urban centres, providing that they can be specified and procured on an economic basis to ensure commercial viability. Tall buildings should continue to command premium rents and will play an important role in providing variety and high quality housing. The ability of tall buildings to provide residential and mixed use facilities will improve their attractiveness to developers and investors in giving scope for risk management and diversification,” he said.

Linnell added that architects and engineers cannot afford to make the mistakes of the past covered by English philosopher Roger Scruton in his essay ‘Why Beauty Matters’. He continued: “When the public reacted

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

COMMENT | EDITOR’S LETTER

NO LOSERS EDITOR’S LETTER

Praise shouldn’t stop at the award winners

GOT A COMMENT? If you have any comments to make on this month’s issue, please e-mail oliver. ephgrave @itp.com

W

ith SOM’s elegant Rolex Tower, Henning Larsen’s exciting Saudi designs and Aedas’ sensitive residential scheme for Afghanistan, there was a fantastic array of winning schemes at the Middle East Architect Awards.

Yet we shouldn’t forget that many outstanding projects missed out on the prizes. Several projects have caught the attention of Middle East Architect and will be covered in subsequent issues, if they haven’t already featured.

One of my favourite project designs to be unrecognised was FXFOWLE’s Museum of Built Environment in Saudi Arabia, which was

in the running for best Public and Institutional Project. With its shimmering fish-like skin, the scheme is one of many fantastic projects by the US-based fi rm which picked up the prize for Boutique Firm of the Year.

The project was pipped by Henning Larsens’ Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh, which is featured as a case study in this very issue.

The commercial building category was particularly strong this year, with many quality nominations not even making the shortlist.

Projects that missed out included DSA’s Al Fattan House - a low scale gem within the concrete jungle of JBR - as well as Goettsch Partners’ Sowwah Square in Abu Dhabi and

FXFOWLE’s Museum of Built Environment in KSA missed out on a prize this year.

The commercial building category was particularly strong this year, with many quality nominations not even making the shortlist.”

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

the jewel-like TRA Headquaters in Dubai by Henningson Durham Richardson (HDR). The winning scheme was another project by Danish fi rm Henning Larsen Architects - the King Abdullah Financial District in Saudi Arabia.

One fi rm that may have felt a bit frustrated is GAJ. Although the Dubai-based practice won the Principal of the Year award, it was shortlisted for a further six prizes and was runner-up for two of these.

Nevertheless, the fi rm was very highly praised by the judges.

This year’s sustainability category has some interesting schemes, with the LEED Gold Certified Mirdif City Centre and the DubioTech Research Laboratory both unlucky to miss out. The winning scheme in this category was Aedas’ Aino Mina in Afghanistan, which also won Residential Project of the Year.

International fi rm dwp must have felt that it was in with a very good chance of winning the award for best residential scheme with its Meysan Residences project in Abu Dhabi.

In fact, the project was described by judge Bart Leclercq, of engineering fi rm WSP, as “one of the most exciting tower designs ever”.

Leclercq’s emphatic praise for a project that was overlooked by others illustrates the fact that architecture, like all creative disciplines, is very subjective. Quality design is obvious in many cases, but we also have to remember that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

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COMMENT | GEORGINA CHAKAR

PARK LIFE OPINION

Gulf malls should integrate recreational space

Georgina Chakar is an Australian architect and a Master of Urban Planning. She works in Abu Dhabi.

M

alls in the Gulf region are increasingly becoming centres of urban planning and master design of the built environment. They have become the heart of the community and the centre of family life. But does this mean that future generations will believe that the content of the mall is the concept of the town?

A large enclosure containing a variety of retail stores, anchored with one or more mega stores, and surrounded by car-parking spaces, is in fact the American model of a mall. In contrast to US malls, the traditional souks and bazaars in this part of the world were covered and usually led to other parts of the town such as mosques or parks.

The most suitable mall model for this region needs to embrace the best aspects of the US model, the traditional covered ‘sikka’ of the souks and bazaars, and the needs of the modern life we live today. Shopping malls in this region must be suitable and adequate for their end users.

Shopping malls are visited by all demographics including families of all races and nationalities, the young and old, locals and tourists. The malls replace the town streets, public places and squares.

People who gather in malls are seeking shelter from high temperatures and humidity. They expect the mall to replace the complex urban environment. However, despite the large number of retail stores and

Mirdif City Centre in Dubai features green external spaces.

The significance of the shopping mall in the everyday life of the people in the Gulf region is undeniable. They must be transparent, open and well connected with the rest of the city.”

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

attractions that have been widely added, the shopping mall is not capable of replacing the complexity of the city. They cannot replace recreational spaces such as swimming pools, tennis courts and playgrounds and parks.

The significance of the shopping mall in the everyday life of the people in the Gulf region is undeniable.

Therefore, they must be transparent, open and well connected with the rest of the city, including parks.

Parks themselves, in order to become an integral part of shopping malls, need to include other forms of spaces such as covered glass gardens that lead to open parks and other city structures and buildings.

The pedestrian traffic of the mall needs to be coordinated and directed towards the glass gardens and open parks. Glass gardens need to be equipped with facilities such as kiosks, cafés, children’s playgrounds, stages for musical and other performances, fountains and so on.

A system of cooling and ventilation of the glass gardens should be based on energy produced by solar panels and modern forms of traditional Arabian wind towers.

The use of the shopping mall as a social environment is rising.

Meanwhile, the concept of parks as an integral component of the mall needs to be coordinated through the model of pedestrian connectivity and sustainable urban living. In fact, the concept of sustainable living is the starting point for the planning of our future social and built environment.

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COMMENT | HISHAM YOUSSEF

LOOKING FORWARD OPINION

Awards demonstrate new era of maturity

Hisham Youssef AIA, is project director at Gensler and a founding board member of the American Institute of Architects’ Middle East Chapter.

O

ne more September, and another successful Middle East Architect Annual Awards honour the best in the region. As the fourth awards gala in Dubai gathered the best in the profession to reflect on our industry’s accomplishments in these interesting times and celebrate the best of our work, it was exciting to see many promising works continue to emerge in the Middle East despite the global slump.

The region continues to struggle as it emerges from hard times but, on the evidence of the many awards in the Middle East, Qatar and Saudi Arabia seem to be the key drivers of project development.

Without the flashy projects of former times, we are now seeing new awards categories and equally impressive projects in areas of sustainability and housing in locations as far afield and diverse as Afghanistan.

The market is now becoming more mature and sophisticated as the profession adjusts to the realities of today and the needs of tomorrow, rather than the fictitious futures that some had pursued in the past.

This is perhaps the beginning of the grounding of the regional development market.

With new project categories for the awards this year, and future ones that need to be added, it is now time to recognise and indeed drive

This year’s awards had a total of 14 categories.

It is not sufficient that a project be a head turner.

It must contribute to the urban landscape and have a positive impact on the built environment.”

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

responsible developments in the region. Sustainable projects, housing, educational and other infrastructure projects are only a few examples of such categories that must lead the way for better design for the future landscape of the region.

I maintain that these are exciting times to design in the region.

With lessons learned during the last slump, clients are increasingly driving architects to develop more sustainable and responsible projects while still seeking a level of sophistication and recognition.

It is not sufficient that a project be a head turner. It must contribute to the urban landscape and have a positive impact on the built environment.

As we all adjust to this new phase of industry maturity across the region, projects need to be recognised on the basis of their sustainability and endurance.

I maintain my position of a year ago, that recognition and rewards of projects and professionals should not merely be for the aesthetic appeal of designs and visual impact.

Contribution to the environment, enrichment of the sense of place, and the built context must rank high on this agenda. This is our collective professional responsibility to the public and our communities.

The awards this year have underscored these new found values of our profession and I look forward to what we can collectively contribute to our regional built landscape in the coming year.

BUILDING FOCUS | AL BATEEN SCHOOL

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

AL BATEEN SCHOOL | BUILDING FOCUS

THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT Al Bateen school is one of six Aldar Academies to be delivered in Abu Dhabi.

Oliver Ephgrave gets a tour of the jaw-dropping building

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

25

BUILDING FOCUS | AL BATEEN SCHOOL

The atrium is definitely one of the most complicated elements of the entire building because there isn’t a single straight line of a regular face. Even the open space in the middle is not a symmetrical oval.”

Matthew Kennedy, Middle East managing director at Wates

A

ldar Academies’ newly opened education facility in the affluent Al Bateen area of Abu Dhabi is definitely not a typical school. With its deconstructivist facade, amorphous central atrium, mosaic-lined bathrooms and wide light-filled corridors, the building is far removed from the traditional rabbit-warren-meets-prison aesthetic.

As one of the six Aldar Academies now operational in the emirate, Al Bateen Secondary School accommodates pupils from ages 11 to 18.

Detailed design and engineering was provided by Dewan while construction work was carried out by the UK’s Wates Construction and local partner Al Fara’a Integrated Construction Group.

On a site tour, shortly before the opening of the building, Matthew Kennedy, Middle East managing director at Wates, commented: “The school is designed for 1,500 but actu-

26

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

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BUILDING FOCUS | AL BATEEN SCHOOL

AED150 MILLION VALUE OF

to produce 326 MWhs thing and the lights are CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT of energy per year. on sensors. The security filled corridors A big challenge for all is long distance proximity are prevalent. parties was the client’s fast track you don’t have to swipe.” construction programme; the projThe building also contains ect needed to be complete in time renewable energy measures. In addition to solar-powered heating, for the new school year in Septemthe roof of the sports hall contains ber. Ammar Al Assam, executive photovoltaic panels that are condirector, Dewan Architects and Engineers, says: “The concept design nected to the grid and are estimated was done by CPG from Singapore.

We were given two months to do the detailed design and We were given two months to do the engineering work. This was very tight. It would have been detailed design work. This was very tight. It would have been a challenge a challenge even in a conventional school design.” even in a conventional design.”

It’s clear that the building is far Ammar Al Assam, executive director, Dewan Architects and Engineers from conventional. While peering through the curved class into the Generous light-

28

ally it could take double that. Aldar Academies is very generous with its pupil to square metre ratio.”

As well as being staggering in scale, the facility is fi lled with the latest high tech wizardry. Ian Wright, project director, Wates, adds: “Everything you’d expect in a top class building is in this school.

There is a BMS that controls every-

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

BUILDING FOCUS | AL BATEEN SCHOOL

The building’s striking form is far removed from the typical school aesthetic.

30

open-air atrium, Kennedy remarks: “This is one of the most complicated elements of the building because there isn’t a straight line or a regular face . Even the open space in the middle is not a symmetrical oval.”

The irregular nature of the design mirrors the progressive teaching environment. Al Assam adds: “The school is a unique learning environment with break-out areas. It doesn’t have a rigid system and the kids aren’t stuck in one room all day. For instance, the atrium functions as an ‘oasis’. It’s an external learning area with benches. If I was a kid studying here I would absolutely love it. It’s like a museum.”

BUILDING CREDITS Client

Aldar Academies

Architect and structural engineer

Dewan Architects & Engineers

Concept architect

CPG Architects

Main contractor

Wates Construction/ Al Fara’a Construction

Landscaping and irrigation works

Advanced Agricultural Systems

MEP works

Al Sabbah Electro Mech

Solar energy

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Kone Elevators

Composite wall cladding

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

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INTERVIEW | GEORGE EFSTATHIOU

THE INTERVIEW Oliver Ephgrave meets the Middle East Architect of the Year, George Efstathiou from SOM

O

ut of all the categories this year, the award for Architect of the Year was the most clear-cut, with the jury almost unanimous in its decision to laud George Efstathiou.

Although based in Chicago, Efstathiou, was a key figure behind a trio of Dubai’s best high rises - Burj Khalifa, Infinity Tower and Rolex Tower, which won Overall Project of the Year at the 2011 awards.

Dressed in a sharp grey suit, Efstathiou starts by describing his career.

“I’ve been at SOM for 38 years. I started off as a technical architect, then became a design architect and then a manager of the design process.

I’m the number one ranking architect and the client liaison so I take care of all the business aspects.”

When asked whether he sees high rise buildings as his specialty, Efstathiou replies: “I think anybody at SOM is an expert at high rise buildings - it’s a hallmark of our firm.

Yet the super tall building is a totally different animal. They have the same issues as a 50 storey building but a lot more additional challenges.”

SOM’s twisting 330m-high Infinity Tower is undoubtedly the architectural highlight of Dubai Marina, a stand out feat of design and engineering among several unremarkable tower blocks. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Efstathiou is far from impressed by the neighbouring designs and cites Downtown Dubai as a better model for urban planning. He adds: “I have to be careful what I say because I don’t want to offend anybody. We’re not advocates of most of the Marina buildings or the approaches to planning. I’d say that Downtown Dubai is a better model of how to create more density that’s livable. It’s a fantastic place - it’s got great character. “ According to Efstathiou, Infinity Tower is the world’s first ‘truly’ twisting building. He elaborates: “Santiago Calatrava’s Turning Torso in Sweden looks as if it’s twisting, but it’s just the exterior wall moving . With Infinity Tower, the actual structure is twisting. The floor plates are the same but they rotate almost a degree each time.

The columns don’t go straight down, except for the core which contains the elevators and pipes.”

Despite massive construction delays due to a flood, the tower is expected to be completed by the end of 2011. Efstathiou continues: “The structure is all the way up but the cladding is not finished and they are fitting out apartments.”

While Infinity Tower stands out from its neighbours thanks to its panache and pyrotechnics, Rolex Tower - located on the other side of the city on Sheikh Zayed Road - manages to command attention through simplicity. Efstathiou adds: “As we studied Sheikh Zayed Road we realised that one of our buildings would stand out in a different way. Usually our buildings will come from one strong idea - that’s all you really need. You don’t have to apply ornaments all over your buildings.”

He continues: “What forced us into this simple design was a very tight site and a tight budget. We followed the client’s direction and had some fun with the facade and the shape. It’s really a quiet building but it’s one of the nicer ones around. In the middle of all the screaming buildings there’s Rolex Tower. When you have great

There is still a lot of work in Dubai, Saudi Arabia and Doha.

Dubai had its big blip and it has corrected itself.”

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

GEORGE EFSTATHIOU | INTERVIEW

Designers in general get the glory.

They come out and say they created the building. That’s fine, but when you look at the Burj Khalifa, there were 100 architects and engineers underneath Adrian Smith that were doing all kinds of work and studies.”

clients you can do different things and be true to the architecture that comes out of the site itself.”

Efstathiou is particularly proud of the Burj Khalifa. “Emaar gave us only two weeks to submit the concept design and we won the competition.

Initially it was 550m high tower but the building got stretched and more things got added. In fact, we wind tunnel tested it up to 1km just to see what would happen. We knew we could go higher, but the client chose to keep it at a certain height [828m].”

Efstathiou was disappointed to lose out on the contract to design the Burj’s taller cousin, the 1km Kingdom Tower in Jeddah. “We thought it would be difficult for them not to select us, given that we had worked on the Burj Khalifa with had the same team of engineers and architects. It came down to a beauty contest.

“Prince Al-Waleed put all the competitors in one room with all their models. What was interesting was that all of the submissions, except for a couple, were tapered.

They all looked very similar with the same basic profile. This is

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

33

INTERVIEW | GEORGE EFSTATHIOU

because the structure costs would become so high in a straight tower, and the movements would be untenable.

The firms with high rise experience knew they had to taper, or change the shape a little bit, or roughen the surface in order to confuse the wind.”

The winning entry went to AS + GG, a firm set up by former SOM employee and chief architect of the Burj Khalifa, Adrian Smith. When asked whether Smith gets most of the credit for Burj Khalifa, Efstathiou replies: “Designers in general get the glory.

They come out and say they created the building. That’s fine, but when you look at the Burj Khalifa, there

were 100 architects and engineers underneath Adrian that were doing all kinds of work and studies. Some of the studies were adopted by Adrian.

It’s not just one person that does the design. People in the background like me - that make everything work and get everything coordinated and get the contracts signed - are just the quiet heroes. I was good friends with Adrian and we worked together very well. I was disappointed when he left.”

SOM is currently working on two hotel projects in Saudi - the Park Hyatt in Riyadh the Grand Hyatt in Jeddah - as well as a mixed-use scheme in Lusail, Qatar. Efstathiou also reveals

Interestingly, all of the competition designs for Kingdom Tower, except for a couple, were tapered towers. They all looked very similar with the same basic profile.”

that he has been liaising with a large developer regarding a new mixed-use project in Business Bay, Dubai.

He adds: “There’s still a lot of work in Dubai, Saudi and in Doha. After its blip, Dubai has corrected itself. We are not going to abandon the market.

Both our Chicago and New York offices are here, actively marketing monthly. But it’s going to be slow.”

Efstathiou considers Dubai as a second home, although working in foreign cities is part and parcel of his job. “I’m a foreign architect in this country and people have welcomed me here, which makes me feel pretty good. Recently I looked back at my career and most of my work has been outside the US. But I don’t just bring SOM’s services here, I also bring back the culture of different places. I consider myself to be an architectural diplomat for the United States.”

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

INTERVIEW | GEORGE EFSTATHIOU

SOM | Hedrich Blessing ©Nick Merrick

PORTFOLIO: George Efstathiou

INFINITY TOWER, Dubai (Under construction) Developed by Cayan, Infinity Tower is a mesmerising twisting tower in Dubai Marina. Each floor rotates 1.08 degrees around a fixed cylinder core. Once the tower is complete later this year, the 73 floors will make a cumulative 90 degree turn. The core wall is one meter thick and tapers as the tower rises. There are no pillars in the building; instead it is supported via a complex concrete column structure that works with the core to hold the building up.

BURJ KHALIFA, Dubai (Completed)

ROLEX TOWER, Dubai (Completed)

Currently the world’s tallest building at 828 metres, the

Located on a tight site on Sheikh Zayed Road, Rolex Tower

jaw-dropping Burj Khalifa has become the icon of Dubai.

stands out from its more flamboyant neighbours. The

Developed by real estate giant Emaar, Burj Khalifa is the

glass facade extends from the foot of the 235m building

centrepiece of the US$20bn Downtown Dubai development.

to its very tip, which is capped with a clear glass beacon.

The soaring tower accounts for US$1.5bn, and contains

The tower has two set back areas designed to be used as

apartments, offices and an Armani hotel. Composed of

sky terraces, while the horizontal slots at the base of the

three elements arranged around a central core, the building

building are intended to mimic the movement of the street

steps back in an upward spiral pattern.

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

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COVER STORY | AWARDS 2011

Last month the region’s top architects and engineers gathered at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray to pay tribute to the industry’s best in class. We take a look at the 14 winners

A

s well as demonstrating the diversity of projects across the region, the fourth annual Middle East Architect awards will be remembered as the year of the brace, with four companies walking away with two awards apiece.

Chicago-based giant SOM picked up a duo of the event’s most prestigious prizes. The fi rm’s Rolex Tower on Sheikh Zayed Road won Overall Project of the Year, while the subject of this month’s interview, George Efstathiou, was crowned Architect of the Year.

Aside from Rolex Tower, the other standout project was Aedas’ Aino Mina in Afghanistan, which was designated Best Residential Project and Best Sustainable Project.

Danish fi rm Henning Larsen received two accolades for its exciting and inventive work in Saudi Arabia, specifically the King Abdullah Financial District and the Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh.

But arguably the most successful practice of the night was engineering fi rm Buro Happold, which was behind six of the winning entries. As well as collecting two awards (Best Engineering Firm and Best Engineer for Andrea Scotti) the practice is involved in Aedas’ Aino Mina and both of Henning Larsen’s winning schemes in Saudi Arabia.

While the 120 nominations included submissions from Turkey and Oman, it was interesting to note the plethora of projects in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Public Sector, Institutional & Cultural category. This no doubt confi rms the kingdom’s status as the most active building market in the region.

This year’s panel of seven judges had the unenviable task of whittling down the nominations and deciding the winners. After scrutinising the entries, Tangram’s Sandra Woodall remarked: “I know that this is going to be very difficult task as there are many quality submissions.”

THE JUDGES

GRAEME FISHER HISHAM PARTNER AT GAJ YOUSSEF DIRECTOR AT GENSLER

38

STEVE KELSHAW MANAGING DIRECTOR, MIDDLE EAST, AT DSA ARCHITECTS INTERNATIONAL

SANDRA WOODALL DESIGN DIRECTOR, TANGRAM ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

FARIBORZ HATAM DIRECTOR AT AEDAS

BART LECLERCQ HEAD OF STRUCTURES FOR ENGINEERING FIRM WSP MIDDLE EAST

RICHARD PHILIPSON DIRECTOR AT STRIDE TREGLOWN, ABU DHABI

AWARDS 2011 | COVER STORY

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AWARDS 2011 | COVER STORY

ROLEX TOWER, SOM

The 235 metre-tall Rolex Tower in Dubai, designed T by b SOM, was named Overall Project of the Year.

Recognising completed projects throughout the Middle East, the award was one the most hotly conM tested categories of the night. te Accepting the award, George Efstathiou, consulting partner, SOM, said: “This is a fantastic prize for the building and the award is indicative of the quality design work that comes from our fi rm. It’s always great des to be b recognised by your peers.”

He continued: “I think the probability of SOM getH ting architecture awards is good. We don’t win every award awar but we often get recognised.”

SOM was victorious in the same category last year, SO when it was lauded for Burj Khalifa.

Efstathiou added: “Rolex is synonymous with timeEfs lessness and the original watch still looks good. The idea lessne was to make the tower a timeless building. I believe it is.”

A total to of 40,000m of aluminum and glass were used for the exterior, with 3385 tonnes of steel and 29,150m3 concrete used in the structure. of con

OVERALL PROECT OF THE YEAR

SOM | Hedrich Blessing ©Nick Merrick

“An elegant addition to the Sheikh Zayed Road sky skyline among many flamboyant towers.

SHORTLIST

HIGHLY COMMENDED “A project that has already become a landmark for Abu Dhabi.”

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www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

41

COVER STORY | AWARDS 2011

WOODS BAGOT LARGE ARCHITECTURE FIRM OF THE YEAR

The award for the year’s best company with over 100 employees went to regional stalwart Woods Bagot.

With offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Bahrain, the fi rm has designed the Qatar Science and Technology Park and Kempinski hotels in Bahrain and Oman.

Collecting the award, Alf Seeling, design director and principal, commented: “We are overawed. Woods ds Bagot has been in the region for 12 years now and it feels good to be acknowledged for our input into this region. We are very dedicated.”

He continued: “We now have over 100 people in our office but when we started out we only had three members of staff. Since the recession we have managed ed to keep our hold in the marketplace and that has madee the company even stronger.”

Seeling added that Woods Bagot has partnered with th engineer Buro Happold on ZERO-E, an initiative that at advances the construction industry’s contribution to realising a zero carbon economy by 2050.

Woods Bagot provides unique and cleananuld lined contemporary architecture. We should remember that simplicity in architecture is the n.” ultimate sophistication.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED

SHORTLIST

“GAJ continues to deliver authentic proposals across a wide range of typologies.”

GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON (GAJ)

42

RW ARMSTRONG

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

ATKINS

NORR

AWARDS 2011 | COVER STORY

OBADA ADRA, ATKINS The award for the Middle East’s most promising T young architect under the age of 35 was handed to yo Obada Adra, Atkins.

Ob The judging panel remarked that Adra has already made ma a name for himself in the region with stunning and inventive designs.

Adra commented: “It was a shock to win because A there were so many really large names in the running the for tthe title. I have been working for Atkins for four years now and prior to that, I was in Syria for two years. year didn’t expect to win at all and it’s great to get this kind I did recognition.” of rec Adra gave a special mention to Shaun Killa, head Ad architect and design director. “I am really thankful to archi Shaun for what he has shown me. He has been a great Shau mentor to me.” ment Nominations for the Young Architect category needed No acknowledge the potential within the candidate and to ack just his or her demonstrated body of work. One of the not ju judge judges remarked: “Obada is a great asset to Atkins.”

YOUNG ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR

“Th “This architect’s work shows a maturity which trul truly belies his age.

SHORTLIST

HIGHLY COMMENDED “Florian’s hugely impressive portfolio contains a vast number of completed projects.”

FARIBORZ HATAM AEDAS

ROBERT EL HABRE NORR GROUP

JUSTIN BECKERMANN THE BUCHAN GROUP

FLORIAN OETT DWP

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43

COVER STORY | AWARDS 2011

ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR

GEORGE EFSTATHIOU, SOM George Efstathiou, consulting partner for Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM), was lauded as Architect of the Year.

It was revealed that Efstrathiou was a clear winner, r, with judges almost unanimous in their verdict.

Efstrathiou commented: “I can’t even describe how w I feel. This is very special to me. To be recognised by my peers away from home is a highlight of my career.””

While at SOM, Efstathiou has managed and led several key projects that have shaped Dubai’s skyline..

For the last eight years, Efstathiou served as managing partner and chief architect on Burj Khalifa, Rolex x Tower and Infi nity Tower, all in Dubai.

Efstathiou continues to lead SOM’s expertise in several on-going projects in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman an and the UAE. The jury remarked that Efstrathiou boasts asts a “prolific experience which represents a deep and thororough knowledge of the profession”.

Efstrathiou boasts a prolific experience which ich e of represents a deep and thorough knowledge n.” the profession.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED

SHORTLIST

“Ani’s Abu Dhabi towers are a strikingly beautiful response to history and the environment.”

RAYA ANI DWP

44

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

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COVER STORY | AWARDS 2011

BRIAN JOHNSON, GAJ PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

In this category, judges were looking for an individual who best demonstrated their ability to lead in a challenging economic environment.

The winner, Brian Johnson, of GAJ, was described by the panel as “an icon of the Middle Eastern architectural landscape”. One judge added: “Brian’s contribution to the architectural profession in the

region over the past 30 years has been immense.”

Collecting the award on behalf half of Johnson, GAJ’s Keith Gavin, n, commented: “Brian has a lot off experience and he is one of thee stalwarts of Dubai’s architecture ure industry. He has a never say diee attitude and will bend over backckwards to keep clients happy.”

SHORTLIST

HAMDI MAHMOUD TANGRAM ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS

MONA SALEM RW ARMSTRONG

FXFOWLE BOUTIQUE ARCHITECTURE FIRM OF THE YEAR

46

Even though FXFOWLE is based in the US, this small fi rm has made a significant impact in the region, with projects such as Museum of Built Environment in Saudi Arabia and the Renaissance Tower in Istanbul.

One judge highlighted the fi rm’s passion for architecture and impeccable sustainable credentials, while all members of the jury felt that the practice boasts a very impressive

portfolio for a small architectural ural fi rm with around 100 employees. es.

Edward Mayer, managing diirector, UAE, commented: “We’re e’re really happy and it is great to be recognised. We have some great at clients that make it possible to eivrealise quality buildings. Receiving this award reflects well on FXFOWLE, but it also reflectss on our clients’ vision.”

HIGHLY COMMENDED

SHORTLIST

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

AWARDS 2011 | COVER STORY

AINO MINA, AEDAS Sus Sustainable Project of the Year went to Aedas’ Aino Mina, a 2,000-unit A scheme in the beautiful setting of sch Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Ka The panel noted the progressive sustainability credentials that are su crafted to the local environment cr without just ticking boxes. It was w said to be an example of ‘true s sustainability’ which embraces s

SHORTLIST

social and economic issues as much as ecological.

Michael Fowler, managing director, Middle East, said: “We certainly weren’t expecting to win this award.

It’s really incredible. We are thrilled that our efforts are recognised.

Many people are pulling Afghanistan apart but this project is putting the country back together.”

SUSTAINABLE PROJECT OF THE YEAR

HIGHLY COMMENDED “With its achievement of LEED Gold, the scheme sets a new benchmark for shopping malls in the Middle East.”

DUBIOTECH RESEARCH LAB, DUBAI HDR

RENAISSANCE TOWER, TURKEY FXFOWLE

MASDAR INSTITUTE, ABU DHABI RW ARMSTRONG

MIRDIF CITY CENTRE HYDER CONSULTING

INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMATIC STUDIES, HENNING LARSEN ARCHITECTS He Henning Larsen’s Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh beat Di two tw other strong schemes in Saudi Arabia and one in Dubai.

Ar The project was described by the th jury as an impressive and daring i scheme with a dynamic facade and a a playful approach to light

SHORTLIST

and shade. One judge said that the transparency of the building will be an inspiration to visitors.

Mathilde Wehlen, marketing manager, added: “It’s a great night for us. This is a beautiful project and we really look forward to get it tendered out at the end of the year.”

PUBLIC SECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL & CULTURAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

HIGHLY COMMENDED “A simple, contemporary and site-specific design.”

MUSEUM OF THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT, SAUDI ARABIA FXFOWLE ARCHITECTS

REVITALISATION OF OLD SOUQ, DUBAI DUBAI MUNICIPALITY

CELEBRATION HALL, SAUDI ARABIA GAJ

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

47

COVER STORY | AWARDS 2011

FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI, BENOY HOSPITALITY & LEISURE PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has quickly become a symbol for its location and was lauded by the panel as “an astounding feat”.

Accepting the award, Mike Lewis, Middle East director, Benoy, said: “It has been a year since Ferrari World fi rst opened so this recognition has been a long time coming and we are delighted. A lot of hard work

HIGHLY COMMENDED

went into the design and it was an extremely difficult project becausee of the economic downturn.

“Benoy made a big commitmentt in seeing this project through.

It was a privilege to be a part of something so unique. Ferrari World is just the beginning of new w construction projects for Abu Dhabi and Yas Island.”

SHORTLIST

“A boutique resort hotel which captures the essence of Tunisia without resorting to pastiche.”

TOZEUR RESORT, TUNISIA GAJ

ABU DHABI EQUESTRIAN CLUB RW ARMSTRONG

BURJ RAFAL KEMPINSKI, KSA P&T ARCHITECTS

ONE & ONLY THE PALM, DUBAI DSA

KING ABDULLAH FINANCIAL DISTRICT, HENNING LARSEN ARCHITECTS COMMERCIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

The award for best commercial project went to King Abdullah Financial District by Henning Larsen.

The jury praised the large scale but sensitive provision of commercial density in a harsh climate.

One judge added: “The project has a human scale, despite its size,

HIGHLY COMMENDED

while sustainability forms a core component of the design.”

Collecting the award, Mathilde Wehlen, marketing manager, said:: “I hope that our clients, Public Pensions Agency and RIC, are as happy and excited as I am to receive this prestigious prize.”

SHORTLIST

“A gem of a building that is cleverly conceived and beautifully executed.”

TRA HEADQUARTERS HDR

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AL MANARA PROJECT, MUQARNAS TOWER, KSA DUBAI TNQ ARCHISOM TECTS & ENGINEERS

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

SOWWAH SQUARE, ABU DHABI GOETTSCH PARTNERS

COVER STORY | AWARDS 2011

AINO MINA, AEDAS RESIDENTIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Aedas’ community scheme picked up its second prize of the night, winning Residential Project of the Year 2011 .

Michael Fowler, managing director Middle East, commented: “Aedas is known for iconic towers, so this an opportunity to demonstrate quality in low-rise residential design.”

Fariborz Hatam, director, added: “The biggest challenge was the fact

HIGHLY COMMENDED

that the project is in a war zone country, so we are unable to travell to the site. But we feel we are giving ng back to the community.”

One of the judges remarked: “Aino Mina is set to make a positive impact on the lives of so many. y.

It is an indigenous and contempo-rary project for a place in desperate need of fresh design ideas.”

SHORTLIST

“A real beauty and one of the most exciting tower designs ever.”

MEYSAN RESIDENCES DWP

SARAYA BANDAR JISSAH, OMAN GAJ

STAFF HOUSING, DUBAI DXB LAB ARCHITECTURE

SAWARI RESIDENCE, NAGA ARCHITECTS MIDDLE EAST BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING AWARD

A new category for 2011, this award honours the fi rm that best demonstrates the successful application of building information modelling.

The winner was the exciting Sawari Residence in Saudi Arabia.

A judge remarked that the project demonstrates a fully integrated use of BIM throughout all of the design phases and across all disciplines.

HIGHLY COMMENDED

Collecting the award, Shamss Eldien Naga, principal, NAGA Architects and Dr Ahmed Elkady, Associate Director, added: “We were not sure if we would win but it was a really good project. We have probablyy been pushing BIM in the last three years. We are confident that we are the best at it.”

SHORTLIST

“The further benefits of BIM will no doubt be exploited as the project develops.”

SARAYA PROJECT, OMAN GAJ

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DUBARCH

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

EAS

VERTICAL MEDINA, SAUDI ARABIA SOM

AWARDS 2011 | COVER STORY

BURO HAPPOLD An emphatic victory in this category ego was achieved by a fi rm that continues to work closely with its con consultant teams and clients on con some of the region’s most prestisom gious projects. gio The judging panel noted that Buro Happold “never fails to acB knowledge the uniqueness of each k project according to its location, p environmental conditions and e sstatutory requirements.”

SHORTLIST

Furthermore, the judges believe that the fi rm’s commitment to sustainability will bring lasting benefit to the region.

Roger Nickells, regional director, said: “Buro Happold has done well this year, winning a number of awards. It has been a great year despite the challenging market. We are picking up a lot of work in aviation and sustainable masterplanning with Estidama.”

ENGINEERING FIRM OF THE YEAR

HIGHLY COMMENDED “This firm continues to produce quality engineered products during a time of recession.”

WSP MIDDLE EAST

RAMBOLL

HYDER CONSULTING

ATKINS

ANDREA SCOTTI, BURO HAPPOLD As wel well as being crowned EngineerFirm ing Fi i the Year, Buro Happold’s successful night continued in the succee Engineer of the Year category, Engin which c was handed to associate Andrea Scotti.

Andr d The Th jury commented that Scotti Scot has worked on an impressivee range, scale and profi le of projects with some of the most proj o respected and prolific archiresp s

tects in the region. He was said to demonstrate an understanding of how structural solutions reinforce architectural design concepts.

Scotti added: “I’m very happy to win this award. I’m currently involved in the King Abdullah Financial District that won an award earlier tonight, and I’ve just started another project with Woods Bagot, which I’m very happy about.”

ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

SHORTLIST SH H

DAVID MURRAY WSP MIDDLE EAST

KHALED ZAGHLOUL RW ARMSTRONG

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

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COVER STORY | AWARDS 2011

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

AWARDS 2011 | COVER STORY

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

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ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE | PHILIPS

Case study Aramex, Dubai Location Philips Lighting

Aramex, Dubai Logistics City, Dubai Customized TMX204 with occupancy sensor, Smartform TBS460 with LuxSense, Fugato Compact with PLR lamp

Background

solutions for thisproject, entitled ‘A LEED Gold

Aramex is a leading global provider of

Certified’. The challenge was to provide a simple

comprehensive logistics and transport

yet smart lighting solution that would meet

solutions, with over 29 years of experience

the application requirements and consume

delivering customized solution across more

40% less energy than that stipulated by the

than 54 countries and 307 locations. Apart

ASHRAE standards. The project also required

from investing in education and youth

luminaire-based stand-alone lighting controls for

empowerment, entrepreneurship, community

occupancy detection in the warehouse area and

develop ment, sports and emergency

daylight optimization in the offices.

relief, Aramex continuously focuses on the environment. Therefore Aramex has adopted

The solution

sustainable business practices as an integral

The key to the solution lay in an intelligent

part of its business model. Because logistics

selection and customization of standard

and transportation has a huge environmental

luminaires, which would not only match the

impact, the company is com mitted to

project’s stringent energy requirements but

decreasing its carbon footprint, optimizing

also satisfy the application parameters. For the

power consumption, and raising awareness

lighting controls Philips customized the standard

among other activities. LEED certification has

TMX204 luminaire with an occupancy sensor

played an important role in helping them to

in the warehouse area to provide the ideal

achieve this, especially in warehouses. Aramex

scenario: light when and where it is needed. The

understands the importance of warehousing

Smartform TBS460 luminaires in

within the wider supply chain, and the

the office spaces were factory fi tted with

environmental footprint of those facilities. So

Luxsense controllers, which save energy

the company has invested in cutting-edge green

by automatically regulating the luminaire in

technology to ensure that customers’ storage

accordance with the level of daylight available.

requirements and inventory management needs are met while at the same time ensuring that its

Benefits

carbon footprint is minimized.

Hussein Wehbe, Country Manager for Dubai & Northern Emirates of Aramex, is delighted with

The challenge

this energy-efficient lighting solution supplied

Driven by the desire to achieve the above

by Philips, which included smart integration of

objectives, Aramex wanted to make its key

daylight and occupancy control. “Sustainable

Dubai Logistics City facility more energy

business practices form an integral part of

efficient in order to meet the LEED criteria.

Aramex’s business model and daily operations.

Lighting therefore became a key element in

With its pedigree in developing energy-efficient

the process. As a company renowned for its

products, Philips was the natural choice to

energy-efficient solutions, Philips emerged

supply the lighting solution for our key Dubai

as the ideal partner to provide the lighting

Logistics City facility.”

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

PHILIPS | ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

“Help your city save costs and the environment.”

(City of Lyon, France)

By simply refurbishing the Guillotière’s bridge with Philips CitySoul luminaires including CosmoPolis lamps and gear, the city of Lyon saved more than 50% energy and reduced their CO 2 emissions. So, choosing responsible lighting has never been easier. It’s a simple switch.

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

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16 - 19 OCTOBER 2011 RIYADH INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTER RIYADH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

TAKE IT TO THE WORLD’S NEXT LEVEL t 0QFO OFX CVTJOFTT IPSJ[POT PO UIF MPDBM JOUFSOBUJPOBM MFWFMT t #F QSFTFOU VOEFS POF SPPG XJUI UIF TFDUPS T MFBEJOH DPNQBOJFT Concurrently held:

The 23rd International Construction Technology and Building Materials Exhibition

The 14th International Stone and Stone Technology Show

ORGANIZED BY:

www.saudibuild-expo.com Tel: +966 1 2295604

CASE STUDY | AINO MINA

THE SITE Situated in the province of Kandahar, the site gently slopes and has a backdrop of mountains bordering the Arghandab valley. A wide central park runs through the masterplan.

The park divides the site in two and links the retail area at the southern end with the Friday mosque at the northern end. “We have divided the sectors so the residential populaTOTAL AREA OF tion can feed the comAEDAS’ SCHEME mercial district to reduce the need for long distance travel,” added Hatam.

2M METRES2

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59

AINO MINA | CASE STUDY

THE CONCEPT Aino Mina is designed as a peaceful environment which embraces the beauty and tranquility of nature.

Water cascades down the slope and through the park in a series of features. The centre of the masterplan is described as a tree trunk that structures the entire scheme. Hatam adds: “The project will represent a paradigm TOTAL AMOUNT shift in quality of life in OF HOUSING IN Kandahar. It embraces AINO MINA sustainability through all aspects of the design by respecting the Afghani culture.”

2000 THE DETAILS According to Hatam, the project purposely avoids green building rating systems. A more bespoke sustainability framework was devised which encompasses quality of life, integrated transport, climate and water usage.

A wide pedestrian pathway, or ‘green-fi nger’, crosses the park and links the functional centres formed by the school to the west and the healthcare centre to the east. Four other wide pathways lead from the park to local neighbourhood mosques and community centres.

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

GEZE Middle East | P.O. Box 17903 | Jebel Ali Free Zone | Dubai U.A.E. | Tel: +971 4 4541434 | Fax: +971 4 4541474 | gezeme@ae.geze.com | www.geze.ae

YOUR STYLE YOUR SPACE

GEZE Door Technology - Innovative systems for door, window and safety technology GEZE door closers are a perfect example of attractive design and functionality. They incorporate the latest technical features and perform their task safely, reliably and with low maintenance requirements, decade after decade.

GEZE is a German manufacturer with a prestigious heritage of innovative systems for door and window technology. GEZE was founded in year 1863 and is a family owned company.

Door Technology | Automatic Door Systems | RWA and Ventilation Systems | Safety Technology | Glass Systems

BEWEGUNG MIT SYSTEM

INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMATIC STUDIES | CASE STUDY

INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMATIC STUDIES Architect: Henning Larsen Architects/ Buro Happold Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia CASE STUDY

THE PROJECT Winner of Institutional & Cultural Project of the Year, this scheme will provide Saudiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) with a new 46,000m2 building to house facilities for the Institute of Diplomatic Studies and Consular Affairs Department. Located in Riyadh, next to a large park and the monumen2 tal Nasseriyah Gate, the building contains TOTAL GROSS an auditorium, lecture FLOOR AREA halls, library, classrooms, offices, a large hall for visa applicants and office space.

46,000 METRES

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

CASE STUDY | INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMATIC STUDIES

THE CONCEPT Resembling a veil, the façade is composed of a pattern which is designed to adapt to climatic conditions. Pedestrians will be able to sense internal activity through the veil, and the entrance and visa hall are designed to appear welcoming.

Shading is provided by a composition of triangles which lean in and out from the vertical plane. The angle of the shading opens the façade to the north for optimum daylight without direct sun impact. In order to harmonise with existing MOFA building, the façade will be clad in natural stone with a sparkling fi nish.

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INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMATIC STUDIES | CASE STUDY

THE DETAILS Internally the project contains overhanging decks and a ‘stepped oasis’ over three of the five levels. Each of the steps and decks are twisted at an angle of 45 degrees to the façade. With its abundance of green vegetation, the oasis will provide an

attractive internal environment, in addition to generating oxygen and reducing internal temperature.

In order to provide the optimum indoor environment, the lighting levels, acoustics, air

temperature, and internal humidity will be carefully controlled while energy usage is minimised by the exterior envelope. All offices and classrooms are placed along the four façades to maximise daylight.

2013 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE

Common facilities for the Consular Affairs Department and the Institute of Diplomatic Studies, such as the lobby, cafeteria and library, are placed on the oasis. Due to the angle on the stepped storeys, these facilities will enjoy direct light and views to the existing MOFA building.

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

Silver Sponsors

THE MOST INTERACTIVE, HANDS-ON SHOWCASE OF PLANT MACHINERY AND VEHICLES IN THE MIDDLE EAST PMV Live is the brand new event concept which offers a unique mix of products, technology, machinery, live demonstrations for anyone involved in the Plant, Machinery and Vehicles sector.

The outdoor arena will allow exhibitors to demonstrate the full capabilities of their machinery and vehicles and give potential buyers the opportunity to H[SHULHQFH WKH SURGXFW ðUVW KDQG

DRIVIN NG AN IN NDUSTR RY 21-24 Novemb ber 2011 Dubai Inte ernational Exhibition n& Conventio on Centre

www.pmvlive.c com/arc c1

PMV Live is the relaunch of The Big 5 PMV and will be co-located alongside The Big 5, the Middle East’s largest international building and construction show.

Don’t miss this opportunity to exhibit or sponsor at the region’s most talked about event of the year. To enquire further please contact: Nathan Waugh on +971 (0) 4 438 0355 or nathanwaugh@dmgevents.com

Scan the QR code with your smart phone & register

FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI | CASE STUDY

FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI Architect: Benoy Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi CASE STUDY

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

CASE STUDY | FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

THE PROJECT Winner of the Hospitality & Leisure Project of the Year, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest indoor theme park. Designed

by Benoy for Aldar Properties, the project features over 20 rides and

attractions including the world’s fastest rollercoaster. Benoy’s gargantuan building, which opened in November 2010, features some staggering dimensions. Spanning 700m from tip to tip, the scheme has

an enclosed footprint of 100,000m2.

The total surface area of the colossal red roof is 200,000m2 , while the total perimeter of the roof is 2,200m2.

The highest point of the structure is 45 metres.

THE SITE Ferrari World sits at the centre of Aldar’s US$36bn Yas Island, a huge leisure resort that hosts the emirate’s F1 Grand Prix. Due to the shape of the island and the position of the site, the building was conceived as a simple ‘ground hugging’ form, peeling up from the landscape in flowing lines like a 2 red sand dune. In plan, the building is a three TOTAL SURFACE AREA pointed star with a main OF THE ROOF core enclosed element and three large ‘tri-form’ arms cradling the outdoor attractions.

200,000 METRES

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

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FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI | CASE STUDY

THE CONCEPT Benoy’s vision was to create a form that was unmistakably Ferrari.

Accordingly, the architectural solution is said to “reflect Ferrari’s sinuous form, directly inspired by the classic double curve side of

the Ferrari GT chassis”. The double curve was proportionately applied in elevation once the function and scale of the inner spaces had been derived, setting the structure’s length and height. Functional

700 METRES

requirements included the need to house the attractions in a large environmentally controlled zone while allowing the attractions to engage properly with the racetrack, rollercoasters and surrounding facilities of the theme park.

TOTAL SPAN FROM TIP-TO-TIP

THE DETAILS With its glistening silver edging, the metal skinned red roof was designed with the direct input of Ferrari S.p.A and forms the backdrop to the largest Ferrari logo ever created, at 65m by 48.5m.

The roof is highly insulated while the main façades utilise thermally efficient glass to reduce loads and glare. A total of 12,370 tonnes of steel were used to support the roof. Internally, a geometric Mero space-frame structure covers a huge undulating plaza deck which contains many of the theme park’s rides and attractions.

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

THIS IS A MANNEQUIN …it just takes a special eye to see it.

Scan the QR code and become part of the INDEX evolution

The most innovative design starts with a designer’s vision.

Visitors to INDEX understand that great design is much more than simply assembling, arranging or editing, it is something that is felt!

Showcasing products and services that range from traditional to quirky, opulent to minimalist, INDEX provides all the creativity and inspiration you need for your next design project.

To find out more and to register online, visit:

www.indexexhibition.com/attend

WHERE INSPIR ATION THRIVES

w w w.indexexhibition.com

Halls 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, Sh. Rashid Hall and Sh. Maktoum Hall | Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE Opening Hours: 22 October 11:00 - 19:00 (public admission), 23 - 24 October 11:00 - 19:00, 25 October 11:00 - 18:00.

No children under 18 years of age permitted to the exhibition.

PROJECT UPDATE | THE WORK

THE WORK PROJECT UPDATE

DOHA TWIN TOWERS

398%

TARGET NET FLOOR AREA RATIO

Architect: GHD Global Pty Ltd Location: Lusail, Qatar

DUBIOTECH RESEARCH LABORATORY Architect: HDR Location: Dubai

185 METRES

EXPECTED HEIGHT OF THE RENAISSANCE TOWER

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

RENAISSANCE TOWER Architect: FXFOWLE Location: Istanbul, Turkey

This billowing twin tower project in Qatar was designed by GHD Global and is designed to meet the client’s target net floor area ratio of 398%.

Overall water consumption will be reduced by 40% though the use of native plantation, water reducing fi xtures, storm water re-use and grey water treatment strategies. The building also aims to produce 5% of its energy from renewable sources, such as photovoltaics.

This US$25m complex was the fi rst research facility to be completed in DuBiotech, a huge freezone dedicated to the life science industry.

Architect HDR was also responsible for the masterplan, as well as a headquarters building which is under construction. A common requirement for DuBiotech facilities is the achievement of LEED certification; the research laboratory received Silver status at the end of 2010.

Designed by New York-based architecture fi rm FXFOWLE, Renaissance Tower is the headquarters for a construction and development company in Istanbul. With sustainability well and truly on the agenda, the tower has an ambitious target of LEED Platinum - the highest rank in the international rating system.

Standing at 185 metres, Renaissance Tower will be the tallest building on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Scan the QR code with your smart phone & register

30,000+

DEDICATED PRODUCT ZONES

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

80+

2,500+

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EXHIBITORS

At this year’s Big 5 you’ll notice some big changes To ensure you spend more of your valuable time meeting suppliers relevant to you, we have: Introduced 7 product focused sectors that will allow you more time to view the products you want to see Organised over 80 free-to-attend seminars on the floor focusing on product innovation, new technology, case studies and applications Commissioned the most comprehensive product-focused report of its kind in the Middle East with a research value of $20,000 – available to pre-registered visitors who attend Launched 4 new events running alongside The Big 5 - Middle East Concrete, PMV Live, FM Expo and the Green Build Congress

21 – 24 November 2011 Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre

Register free of charge at w: www.thebig5.ae/arc3 or for more information e: thebig5@dmgevents.com

www.thebig5.ae/arc3

PROJECT UPDATE | THE WORK

290,000 METRES2 TOTAL AREA OF OFFICE SPACE

SOWWAH SQUARE Architect: Goettsch Partners Location: Abu Dhabi

TRA HEADQUARTERS Architect: HDR Location: Dubai

AL FATTAN HOUSE

31,000 METRES2 TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF THE COMPLEX

Architect: DSA Architects International Location: Dubai

MUSEUM OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT Architect: FXFowle Location: King Abdullah Financial District, Saudi Arabia

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

Pitching for LEED Silver status, Sowwah Square will provide the new headquarters for the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and comprises four office towers overlooking water. The complex contains over 290,000m2 of office space and integrates two levels of retail and two parking structures. The centerpiece of the development’s fi rst phase is the business centre, which includes a 22,670m2 stock exchange building.

In December 2007, the UAE’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) commissioned architect HDR to design its headquarters for both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The Dubai project is located in a neighbourhood of low rise residential and cultural buildings and is looking to attain LEED Silver Rating. The facility will be officially opened in October 2011 while the Abu Dhabi project will be completed next year.

Al Fattan House is the third building by developer Al Fattan Properties in Dubai Marina. The client wanted to complement the existing Al Fattan residential and hotel towers development with a commercial building and chose architects DSA to design the scheme. The striking project is a prominent landmark, despite being dwarfed by the glassy Al Fattan towers and the soaring concrete cityscape of Dubai Marina.

One of the stand-out buildings in the King Abdullah Financial District, the glistening Museum of Built Environment has been designed by New York-based fi rm FXFowle. Due to the fast-track construction schedule, the architects are currently working on detailed design, while site excavation is underway and completion is slated for November 2012. The museum will focus on education with four sub-categories.

Scan the QR code with your smart phone & register

THE MIDDLE EAST’S ONLY COMPLETE EVENT DEDICATED TO THE CONCRETE INDUSTRY Be part of the region’s most exciting new event of the year – Middle East Concrete! Brought to you by the Middle East’s largest building and construction show, The Big 5. This 4 day event will be a global showcase of the most diverse and innovative range of concrete products and services.

9,500 of those who attended The Big 5 in 2010 indicated an interest in concrete WYVK\J[Z HUK ZLY]PJLZ ¶ [OPZ TLHUZ H N\HYHU[LLK H\KPLUJL PU P[Z ÄYZ[ `LHY Don’t miss this opportunity to exhibit or sponsor at the region’s most talked about event of the year. To enquire further please contact: Nathan Waugh on +971 (0) 4 438 0355 or nathanwaugh@dmgevents.com

21 – 24 November 2011 Dubai International Exhibition & Convention Centre www.middleeastconcrete.com/arc1

Silver Sponsors

PROJECT UPDATE | THE WORK

ONE & ONLY THE PALM Architect: DSA International Location: Dubai

WADI RESORT

7,432 METRES2 TOTAL AREA OF WADI RUM RESORT

Architect: Oppenheim Architecture + Design Location: Wadi Rum, Jordan

DOHA STADIUM Architect: Aedas/Populous Location: Doha

METROPOL PARASOL

18,000 METRES2 TOTAL AREA OF THE PARASOL

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

Architect: Jurgen Mayer H. Location: Seville, Spain

This five star hotel on the furthest frond of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah was picked up by DSA International in 2006, which opted to change most of the original design. The hotel was fi nally completed in 2010, and has been operating at 85% capacity since opening. The project has 100 rooms, split between individual villas, mansions and a manor house, and overlooks the Royal Mirage’s other beachfront hotel.

Taking cues from nearby Petra, the ambitious Wadi Resort in Jordan will feature 47 desert lodges and villas carved into sandstone cliffs.

Designed by USA-based Oppenheim Architecture + Design, the resort is set to open in 2014. It will cover almost 7500m2 in Wadi Rum, a spectacular valley cut into sandstone and granite. The rock will create the exterior facade and also parts of the interior and furniture.

A design collaboration between Aedas and Populous, this stadium addresses the requirements for the 2022 World Cup and provides multiple future uses. As a World Cup venue, the fully air-conditioned stadium will provide 46,000 seats with state-of-the-art broadcast and media facilities, luxurious VIP areas and a retractable roof. The flexible design will allow the pitch and areas of seating to be moveable.

Proudly holding at least one record ahead of Dubai, the Metropol Parasol is the world’s biggest building to be held together by glue. The 28.5-metre high structure contains four floors with a market, shops and a podium for concerts and events.

The basement accommodates Roman ruins while the roof houses a restaurant, viewing gallery and an undulating walkway with vistas over central Seville.

CULTURE | LIKE WANT NEED

LIKE WANT NEED CULTURE

BOOK OLD BUILDINGS, NEW DESIGNS Charles Bloszies

AUTOMATION SCENARIO MCZ Scenario, launched by indoor heating fi rm MCZ, is a television and fi replace all rolled into one. It has been designed by industrial design consultancy studio, Emo Design. The front cladding is made

With the increasing need for architects to design new work for existing structures, Charles Bloszies has written Old Buildings, New Designs. Topics include aging construction and the possibilities of mixing the old with the new. The book’s five chapters discuss the appeal of old buildings, sustainable urban environments, design viewpoints and project execution. The fi nal chapter is devoted to 19 case studies.

of tempered glass with a painted steel shelf and painted black steel framework.

It integrates a closed fi replace made of Vivo 90 Wood and a Loewe 37’’LCD TV complete with two 60W speakers.

103

INDIVIDUAL PARTS OF WOOD USED TO CONSTRUCT EACH LAMP

LIGHTING PARAMETRIC LAMP Unit Arkitektur Unit Arkitektur, a Swedish architecture fi rm, has designed a lamp that stands together without any glue.

By using a graphical algorithm software, Grasshopper, the 4×0.6 m Parametric Lamp was constructed by putting

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

together 103 individual parts of wood which were laser cut from 3mm birch plywood. The parameters (form, size and material – plastic or plywood) can be changed for a specific project and pricing changes accordingly.

The Office Exhibition Show something new

Take the opportunity to show something new at The Office Exhibition . You’ll find thousands of architects, designers and project managers visiting the show to find the latest in design, innovation and best practice.

Book your stand now Contact Tim Wilson, Project Manager t: +971 4 438 0355 e: timwilson@dmgevents.com

15 - 17 May 2012 Dubai World Trade Centre theofficeexhibition.com

Organised by

Co-located with

Knowledge partner

CULTURE | LIKE WANT NEED

LIGHTING SPEED LIGHTS Tongue and Groove Australian designer Brett Coelho has created the Speed Lights by handfolding street signs. Using the vibrant colours of signs, Coelho has jazzed up what could have been ordinary shades.

The lights are sprayed with enamel on the inside and then sealed with polyurethane. Various colours and sizes are available.

FURNISHING KOSHA READING SPACE Kosha Claudio D’Amore has designed an impressive sculptural object, midway between art and design, which is intended for book lovers. The Kosha Reading Space consists of 33 strips of wood machined individually then

assembled by hand. It includes 10 niches, which provide spaces to store books, always within easy reach. With its enveloping aesthetics and shapely lines, Kosha’s reading space combines design with ergonomics.

APP DESSO DIALOGUE Desso This iPhone and iPad app manufactured by cradle-to-cradle manufacturer Desso is aimed at architects and interior designers, allowing them to scroll through 1000+ carpet textures and designs, laid out in an intuitive colour bank. Users can tap on a sample to obtain a large image, along with technical specifications.

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

Silver Sponsors

THE MOST INTERACTIVE, HANDS-ON SHOWCASE OF PLANT MACHINERY AND VEHICLES IN THE MIDDLE EAST PMV Live is the brand new event concept which offers a unique mix of products, technology, machinery, live demonstrations for anyone involved in the Plant, Machinery and Vehicles sector.

The outdoor arena will allow exhibitors to demonstrate the full capabilities of their machinery and vehicles and give potential buyers the opportunity to H[SHULHQFH WKH SURGXFW ðUVW KDQG

DRIVIN NG AN IN NDUSTR RY 21-24 Novemb ber 2011 Dubai Inte ernational Exhibition n& Conventio on Centre

www.pmvlive.c com/arc c1

PMV Live is the relaunch of The Big 5 PMV and will be co-located alongside The Big 5, the Middle East’s largest international building and construction show.

Don’t miss this opportunity to exhibit or sponsor at the region’s most talked about event of the year. To enquire further please contact: Nathan Waugh on +971 (0) 4 438 0355 or nathanwaugh@dmgevents.com

Scan the QR code with your smart phone & register

LAST WORD | TONY ABI GEBRAYEL

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DESIGN HQ THE LAST WORD

Tony Abi Gebrayel, managing partner at MZ Architects, on his involvement in an Abu Dhabi icon

Group Art Editor Daniel Prescott Art Editor Simon Cobon PHOTOGRAPHY Chief Photographer Jovana Obradovic Senior Photographers Isidora Bojovic, Efraim Evidor Staff Photographers Lester Ali, George Dipin, Juliet Dunne, Murrindie Frew, Lyubov Galushko, Verko Ignjatovic, Shruti Jagdeesh, Stanislav Kuzmin, Mosh Lafuente, Ruel Pableo, Rajesh Raghav PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION Group Production & Distribution Director Kyle Smith Deputy Production Manager Matthew Grant Production Coordinator Nelly Pereira Distribution Manager Karima Ashwell Distribution Executive Nada Al Alami CIRCULATION Head of Database & Circulation Gaurav Gulati MARKETING

The hottest and most in-demand market in the Middle East is Saudi Arabia,

but I still have trust and confidence that Abu Dhabi will soon rise again.

Among many building in Abu Dhabi, my favourite is still Aldar HQ

as an overall complete project. I’m very proud of the way it combines feasibility, flexibility with an iconic form.

I’m convinced that the building will remain an achievement for years,

without being the tallest, the biggest, the most inclined, or the most expensive.

The building is a phenomenal masterpiece for the next generation.

Head of Marketing Daniel Fewtrell Marketing Manager Annie Chinoy ITP DIGITAL Director Peter Conmy Internet Applications Manager Mohammed Affan Web Designer Meghna Rao ITP GROUP Chairman Andrew Neil Managing Director Robert Serafin Finance Director Toby Jay Spencer-Davies Board of Directors K M Jamieson, Mike Bayman, Walid Akawi, Neil Davies, Rob Corder, Mary Serafin Circulation Customer Service Tel: +971 4 444 3000 Certain images in this issue are available for purchase.

Please contact itpimages@itp.com for further details or visit www.itpimages.com Printed by Emirates Printing Press L.L.C. Dubai

I hope that the Louvre will be completed soon.

Not only because of its design, but it’s about time to have such a museum in the region.

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Abu Dhabi, so far, has been the dreamland of every architect.

It has given opportunities for many to shine. I trust that the vision will be realised with the 2030 plan, even before it is completed.

The 2030 plan will rejuvenate the Gulf area

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and place Abu Dhabi among the big cities as a model for security and stability.

MZA is currently working on a very prestigious project in Lagos, Nigeria:

the master plan of EKO Atlantic City. The development consists of business, residential, commercial and leisure areas spread on 17,000m 2 of reclaimed land.

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com

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