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
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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
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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.
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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.
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FRONT | OCTOBER
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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.
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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
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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
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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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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
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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-
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com
AL BATEEN SCHOOL | BUILDING FOCUS
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www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
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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-
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
below, while also providing shading onto the pavement.
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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
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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.”
AL MANARA PROJECT TNQ ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS
AL SHAQAB IN QATAR LEIGH & ORANGE QATAR
MASDAR INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, ABU DHABI RW ARMSTRONG
FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI BENOY
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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)
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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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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
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ALAA MANDOUR KMA
MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com
KEITH GAVIN GAJ
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SAWARI RESIDENTIAL AND HOTEL TOWERS AL KHOBAR,KSA MIDDLE EAST BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING AWARD
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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
DRAWLINK GROUP
ARCHIDENTITY
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
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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
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COVER STORY | AWARDS 2011
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.11 | www.designmena.com
AWARDS 2011 | COVER STORY
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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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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
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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+
FREE SEMINARS
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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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.
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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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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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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
Registered at Dubai Media City PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE Tel: 00 971 4 444 3000 Fax: 00 971 4 444 3030 Web: www.itp.com Offices in Dubai & London ITP BUSINESS PUBLISHING CEO Walid Akawi Managing Director Neil Davies Managing Director ITP Business Karam Awad Deputy Managing Director Matthew Southwell Editorial Director David Ingham EDITORIAL Senior Group Editor Stuart Matthews Editor Oliver Ephgrave Tel: +971 4 444 3303 email: oliver.ephgrave@itp.com Reporter Devina Divecha Tel: +971 4 444 3502 email: devina.divecha@itp.com ADVERTISING Sales Director, Construction Group Yazan Rahman Tel: +971 4 444 3351 email: yazan.rahman@itp.com Sales Manager Luke Jones Tel: +971 4 444 3715 email: luke.jones@itp.com Business Development Manager, Saudi Arabia Rabih Naderi Tel: +966 1 2068697 email: rabih.naderi@itp.com STUDIO
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.
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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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