Design Middle East March 2021

M arch 2 0 21 | de sign - middle eas t .com

KEO appoints Darryl Cluster as Executive Director

Futuristic Design: Sharjah Sustainable City

Interiors and Architecture from the Gulf, Levant and Beyond

Jamal Salem

Middle East Regional Director, DLR Group

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Contents

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COVER STORY

DESIGNING THE FUTURE DLR Group's Middle East Regional Director Jamal Salem talks about his experience in the region, plans for the firm, challenges, and design trends in the region

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INTERVIEW Delivering on promises

FEATURE Futuristic design

INTERVIEW Designing for children

Rahail Aslam, Group CEO at Select Group, talks about their recently launched 15 Northside Project in Business Bay and their commitment to deliver on their promise

Sharjah Sustainable City is reshaping the future

Tel Aviv-based awardwinning designer Sarit Shani Hay talks about the joy of designing for children

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NEW APPOINTMENT Bringing in a new perspective Darryl Custer joins KEO as the Executive Director of its Design Division 26

TRENDS Key AEC trends to look out for in 2021

By Naji Atallah, Head of AEC and Manufacturing at Autodesk

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SUSTAINABILITY Paving the way A new presidential library design uses ancient green techniques

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DZ Design delivers Bank of Baroda HQ

PROJECT Pedal by NIU A unique concept bicycle workshop-cum-coffee bar in Dubai 44

EVENT PREVIEW Multi-dimensional The 42nd edition of HostMilano

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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MARCH 2021

Etisalat Data Centre in Dubai by DLR Group

PROJECT ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’

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OP-ED Rethinking education Sanjay Batheja, co-founder and director at Capital University College, explains how the curriculum will change at design institutions

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Editor's note

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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MARCH 2021

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his March we have double reason to celebrate as we have two big events lined-up, Design Forum and Architecture Leaders Awards 2021 to be held on March 31. We are super excited and want your love and support like always.

March cover is graced by Jamel Salem, DLR’s Middle East Regional Director as he talks in-depth about his professional journey, challenges, and market trends. What an inspiring and influential personality, and we are glad to have this conversation with him.

Moving on, this month’s project is a unique concept of cycling warehouse and cafe by Niu, called Pedal. A must-visit! There’s a new appointment in the industry, Darryl Custer joins as Executive Director at KEO and we discussed his plans and future goals as he takes up this senior role.

CEO WISSAM YOUNANE

wissam@bncpublishing.net DIRECTOR RABIH NAJM

rabih@bncpublishing.net GROUP PUBLISHING DIRECTOR JOAQUIM D’COSTA

jo@bncpublishing.net +971 50 440 2706 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR RABIH NADERI

rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net +966 50 328 9818 EDITOR ROMA ARORA roma@bncpublishing.net CREATIVE LEAD ODETTE KAHWAGI

design@bncpublishing.net EDITORIAL DESIGN CHRISTIAN HARB | ELIANE ELIAS

Plus, other exciting opinion columns and the latest happenings from the design world.

MARKETING EXECUTIVE AARON JOSHUA

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CONTRIBUTORS KASUN ILLANKOON JOCHEBED MENON NAJI ATALLAH SANJAY BATHEJA

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News

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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MARCH 2021

FUTURE-PROOF YOUR OFFICE and return to the workplace safely with Dyson

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fter a year of working remotely during a global pandemic, many office workers are already returning to the workplace, with a keen focus on staying safe, and a demand for healthy and hygienic workspaces, including shared spaces such as washrooms.

“This global pandemic is the greatest crisis of modern times, and it has fundamentally changed the way we work and our approach and attitudes to hygiene,” says Alex Knox, Dyson VP of Environmental Care. “Keeping shared spaces clean has never been so important and we all want to touch things less. We’ve developed a fast, hygienic and touch-free way to dry hands, which comes without the cost and environmental concerns associated with papers towels. Our Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryers also feature HEPA filters that capture 99.95% of particles, including bacteria and viruses, to dry your hands with clean air, not dirty washroom air.”

The new research supports that Dyson Airblade technology is a safe and hygienic washroom solution, especially compared to paper towels, giving employers and employees assurance that a Dyson Airblade hand dryer is a hygienic washroom essential at a time when returning to the workplace is a concern for many.

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“We know damp hands can transfer up to 1000 times more bacteria than dry hands,” says Salome Giao, Senior Researcher at Dyson. “We wanted to ensure that people are washing and drying their hands properly and dispel any myths around aerosolisation and hand dryers,” she explains. “Not having a drying option in a washroom due to misinformation can increase the spread of germs and is ultimately unhygienic,” she adds.

This new research supports that the Dyson AirbladeTM is a safe and hygienic way to dry your hands. In this independent study hands rinsed with water (no soap) or washed with soap for 20 seconds were then dried using Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryers or paper towels. The objective was to determine the effect of the different hand drying methods on concentration of aerosols and bacteria in air. The study results showed

that aerosols can be generated in a washroom due to different activities, such as walking, and using a tap. It also revealed that in general drying your hands with a Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryer showed no statistical difference to these common washroom activities, such as walking and washing hands.

It also showed the increase of aerosols and bacteria numbers after drying with any of the Dyson AirbladeTM hand dryer models is comparable to the numbers obtained when hands are dried with paper towels. Dispelling any uncertainty around this technology in the process.

Add to that the fact that Dyson Airblade technology is touch free at a time when people are conscious of touching surfaces such as dispensers, door handles or touching buttons.

In a global hygiene study in July 2020, Dyson examined how attitudes towards the washroom and general hand hygiene have changed since COVID-19 started.

The study revealed that poorly maintained washrooms caused people concern, with 40% worrying about having to press buttons on hand dryers to use them. 58% of those surveyed selected touchless activation of a hand dryer as one of the features that would put their mind at ease if using a hand dryer and a further 47% stated that hand dryers with filters, which clean the air would also make them feel more confident when drying their hands with a hand dryer.

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News Bloomingdale's three new homeware concepts for spring 2021 are now available to shop online and in-store at Bloomingdale’s Home

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Bloomingdale’s launches three new homeware concepts

shift in season outside often means an update or two inside as well.

For spring 2021, Bloomingdale’s introduces three new homeware concepts; Palm Bay, Color Spectrum and Bohemian Dreamscape, offering curated selections of furniture, accessories and soft furnishings.

Capable of transporting one to a tropical paradise whilst at home, comes Palm Bay, a beach-chic, boho concept that wouldn’t look out of place on the shores of Bali. Think natural wicker accessories, rattan accent chairs, straw lampshades and macrame embroidered cushions or pouffes for touchable textures in every corner. An authentic, free-spirited feel for any space, made for modern living. The musthave items from the edit? Tribe’s bamboo drinks trolley and rattan armchair are real standout pieces making neutrals feel new again.

For those who wish to brighten up their surroundings for summer, Color Spectrum brings a celebration of energetic shades to areas in need. From Moroccan-inspired rugs and cushions, to relaxed throws trimmed with tassels, this selection feels fun, vibrant and as if collected from countries all over the world.

Vivid, large feature vases in yellow and turquoise add a touch of pigment to shelving or tables and hippy-esque stitching on armchairs and pillows bring comfy spaces to life for the new season.

Somewhere between the serenity of Palm Bay and the glow of Color Spectrum lies the third concept, Bohemian Dreamscape; a warm but washed-out take on faded pastels and unpolished pieces for the home. Giving a rustic and raw edge to everyday items, this edit is imperfectly unrefined and refreshing. Oversized terracotta vases feel modern again and homely handcrafted crockery feels organic, raw and full of character for an interesting tablescape. Clashing cushion textures and throws in faded burnt oranges and warm reds complete any cozy sitting rooms for an authentic feel.

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10 News

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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MARCH 2021

Image courtesy of propsearch.ae

The project began in March 2019, and took 19 months to complete. It consists of floors G to five, plus the roof terrace.

SAY Studio turns Emaar Square Building into the Middle East and Europe’s first commercial WELL Health-Safety-certified space SAY Studio announces the completion of a Dh100m+ WELL project in Emaar Square for an undisclosed client. The project is the only commercial space across the Middle East and Europe to receive the WELL health and safety seal from the international WELLbuilding institute, the global authority on healthy buildings. Space is also awaiting confirmation of a Gold grade WELL certification.

With designers at the firm having worked with clients such as DEWA on its net-zero footprint office space, Adidas’s award-winning, wellness HQ and big names in the technology space such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Google, designers at SAY Studio were tasked with undertaking the design of a brand-new 16,000sqm HQ under the theme “office of the future”, the first health and wellbeing focussed project of its kind for this client.

Laila Al-Yousuf, design director at SAY Studio said: “WELL Projects are required to meet certain, high-level

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criteria across a broad spectrum of categories and this project required an in-depth understanding of both the built environment and the operational requirements to accomplish this. It’s been a privilege to work on the first health and safety rated commercial space and we are looking forward to applying our now extensive knowledge on the subject to more of our clients in the near future.

The WELL Health and Safety seal can be seen on buildings that have set out to prioritise end user’s health and safety. This includes measures such as cleaning and sanitising procedures, air and water quality control, emergency preparedness programs and health services.

The client has offices in 157 countries around the world and the overall design concept for the project was to represent the client’s global presence.

We achieved this by designing each of the floors with subtle references back to different pivotal locations. The

objectives were two-fold, to maximise productivity and staff wellness, and more specifically staff health and safety, which has globally come under scrutiny since COVID-19 hit and is now an element of WELL accreditation which is being heavily promoted."

Laila Al-Yousuf, Design Director at SAY Studio

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News

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as energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions, etc. making it the world’s first platinum certified station. ENOC exceeded the requirements; securing 93 points, making it the first service station in the world to obtain a LEED platinum certification.

The service station’s design is inspired by the rich heritage of the UAE’s traditions in the form of its national tree, the ghaf. Marking a true innovation in fuel retail, it is also the first station in the region to incorporate an on-grid wind turbine for power generation and carbon fibre in the construction of its canopy.

In a bold move to incorporate renewable energy to generate power and enable the station to be energy efficient, 283 solar photovoltaic (PV) panels have been installed to generate 143 MWh of solar power every year, and a 25-metre wind turbine will generate 12.7 MWh of wind energy annually. This follows ENOC Group’s decision to incorporate solar PV panels to power its service-station network and is aligned with the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 and Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 goals.

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ENOC Group, the Official Integrated Energy Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, unveiled the innovatively designed Service Station of the Future, located at the Expo 2020 site. The station was inaugurated in the presence of Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, ENOC Board members as well as H.E Saif Humaid Al Falasi, Group CEO of ENOC, along with members of the Group’s senior leadership.

The station will support the logistical needs of Expo 2020’s fleet ahead of the global event and will serve the general public at District 2020, the smart human-centric community and curated innovation system that will become Expo’s physical legacy after its doors close on March 31, 2022.

The service station received the LEED platinum certification, an internationally recognised building certification system from the US Green Building Council. LEED verifies that designs and buildings have been built considering factors that improve performance based on metrics such

MARCH 2021

ENOC opens the Service Station of the Future at Expo 2020 Dubai

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12 News

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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MARCH 2021

The project is also equipped with smart and modern systems, as well as clean energy systems that save on electrical energy consumption

Pace delivers Hawalli Smart Courts Complex in Kuwait

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espite the recent challenges forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kuwait is still managing to move forward with its national development projects with strategically revised timeframes. One of the most recent of these key developments is the new Hawally Court Complex, a new judicial landmark that was recently completed for The Ministry of Justice (MOJ). The Complex is considered the latest edition of the smart courts being built in the State of Kuwait.

The Ministry of Public Works (MPW) collaborated with leading regional multidisciplinary firm, Pace, to undertake the design and construction supervision for the new Hawally Courts Complex. The project, to be handed over to its beneficiary, MOJ, has been delivered in accordance with the highest standards of quality and design excellence.

Noting that Pace delivered most of the country’s smart judicial edifices, including the award-winning Farwaniya and Jahra Court Complexes, the firm is also in the process of delivering the new Palace of Justice of Kuwait.

The Hawally Court Complex is a multi-purpose smart building, soaring 150 meters above ground level on a site area of 9,000m2. The tower provides an array of courtrelated services to its occupants and spans a built-up area of 146,000sqm, comprising 52 courts, which includes 40 Supreme Courts, 12 Appeal Courts and offices to accommodate 1,334 employees.

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Additionally, the building houses numerous facilities including prison facilities, a law library, archival storage, cafes, prayer rooms, seminar rooms, multi-use auditorium, public waiting, as well as the required areas for mechanical and service utilities. An adjacent multi-storey car park will house a total of 1,200 parking spaces.

Elaborating further, Pace CEO, architect Tarek Shuaib, said: “The new Hawally Courts Complex project, which currently stands as the tallest and one of the largest buildings in Hawally area, is located within its commercial and administrative district. The project aims to provide a larger and more modernised facility in order accommodate the increasing number of users in Hawally Governate, in addition to minimising congestions at the temporarily existing Hawally District Court building until it is fully replaced”.

From a design point of view, Shuaib mentioned that Pace sought a design that could symbolise the foundations of stability, permanence and stature within a society portraying equality and fairness for all. Externally, the architectural envelope is enlivened by the use of a contemporary interpretation of an Islamic pattern. According to Shuaib, the architectural mass makes the best use of the site and expresses the gravity and importance expected from a building of this stature: “The surfaces, both glazed and solid are linked around the building by the use of the pattern to reflect a traditional theme in a contemporary manner."

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ARCHITECTURE LEADERS AWARDS 2021

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MARCH 31, 2021

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14 Interview

MARCH 2021

Delivering on promises

RAHAIL ASLAM

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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THE GROUP CEO AT SELECT GROUP talks to Kasun Illankoon about their recently launched 15 Northside Project in Business Bay, their commitment to deliver on their promise, and how the developer is looking to stand out from the rest of the competition

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES IN 2021 “The biggest goal for us in the year ahead is getting back on track after what was obviously quite a difficult year worldwide due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The decisions we have made as a company over the past 20 years allowed us to brace such storms in the past year, and as we head forward into 2021, we remain committed to our fundamentals. These are centered around Dubai’s ambitious plans to be a leading place to live and work, hence our drive to be consistent, reliable, and to continue delivering uncompromising quality. We are always looking to improve in all aspects of what we do, making our operations and output across all levels of the business more efficient and effective, and 2021 will be no different in this regard.

In terms of our key goals, they are always focused on continuous improvement in all aspects of the business, resulting in excellent value for our customers, with projects delivered on time and as promised. One of the key learnings from 2020 for me was the increased value people put into customer service and feeling they are valued as a customer, rather than just being another number in a queue. So, by making sure all our customers are always treated with the care and respect we have become known for, is even more important, and will stand us in great stead as we continue to forge these relationships with both new and existing clients.” design-middleeast.com

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Apartment sizes in the development range from 370 square feet to 3,142 square feet. Anticipated completion date for the development is 2022.

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

15 Northside is the fifteenth development by leading real estate developer Select Group.

Spread over 21 floors, the development offers 349 apartments, featuring studio, one, two, three and a select number of four bedroom apartments. Panoramic waterfront vistas, efficiently designed layouts, premium finishes, full floor windows allowing bright morning light and ample storage solutions are the hallmarks of these modern homes.

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16 Interview 15 Northside is located on the doorstep of Downtown Dubai, Design District and DIFC, three of the trendiest and most popular districts in Dubai for young, modern working professionals.

Set to become a major future landmark, the development is mere steps away from jogging and cycling tracks along the Dubai Canal, a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. and a range of entertainment and leisure facilities.

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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MARCH 2021

ing community hub. We believe the Marina Gate development is just that. It is over 4 million square foot of built-up area, it is a mixed-use development which offers a wide array of amenities and facilities, right on the doorstep of the residents. There are over 1,500 apartments within those three developments, and with the presence of a vibrant collection of mixed retail outlets, this has established Marina Gate as one of the premier addresses to live in within Dubai.

In addition, partnering with Jumeirah Group was a bold decision and has really been a huge success for the stakeholders. As an entity known worldwide as being a symbol of luxury and excellence in hospitality, and combining that with our standards of delivering premium, high quality residences is a real endorsement for the product we completed. The JLMG project which was the final building of the trio, is divided between branded residences and serviced hotel apartments, all of which are the summation of luxury living directly on the waterfront, in one of the most sought-after residential hubs in Dubai.

In terms of what is in the pipeline, we have just announced the launch of our 15th project, 15 Northside in Business Bay. We are already at an advanced stage with this development, the building is over 50% completed, the contractors are on site, and we are aiming for delivery in Q3, 2022. We are very excited by the prospect of this project, and what is bringing to the marketplace.”

Delivering the Jumeirah Living Marina Gate Project “We have just recently completed our three-tower project at Marina Gate, with the successful handover of Jumeriah Living Marina Gate in July 2020. Marina Gate 1 was completed 2018, while Marina Gate 2 was handed over in 2019, so navigating through such a tumultuous start to 2020 and delivering JLMG, a project which has won many awards and accolades, on time was an achievement we are very proud of.

One of our big aims with the Marina Gate development was to create a real feeling of community within the Marina itself.

Obviously, everyone knows about the Marina area, and it is a great attraction for people, but we felt that it didn’t have a real anchordesign-middleeast.com

Northside Project & Features “Having developed such a reputation within the Marina for providing quality, high value waterfront residences over the past two decades, we considered our next move very carefully before deciding to make a foray into the Business Bay district. We feel we have spotted a real gap in the market regarding the demand for affordable luxury, in a waterfront setting, which is an angle that no other developer seemed to be exploring when we decided to make this our next project.

I think one of the real unique elements of 15 Northside is the location and the value associated with the price point. Residences in prime waterfront locations, at an affordable price point like Northside offers are certainly unique in that sense. A perfect comparison is The Dorchester, which is immediately adjacent to our building, and has a starting price point of AED 15,000,000 going up as high as AED 40,000,000. Whereas we have an entry price point of AED 580,000.

We have focused on prioritizing efficiency within this development, while still making sure that we don’t have compromised units. This allows us to go to market with a very manageable price

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landscaped relaxation deck on the roof of the 9th floor, which will also overlook Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame, and will offer people a tranquil and private area to relax in at any time of the day. And of course, we’ll have a dual level gym, which will contain the latest, state of the art fitness and strength equipment.

There are 349 units in this development, predominantly studios and 1 bed, but with a select

"The ability to be able to have a building that has such an array of views from any angle is a feature we are really proud of with this project."

Waterfront Infinity pool

number of two and three bedroom units. We know we’re looking at a younger, exuberant and energetic demographic for this project and that’s why we’ve put a lot of effort into making sure the amenities and facilities in the building really cater for those individuals.”

Differentiating themselves from the Competition “One of the key aspects of Select Group compared to other developers is we are committed to delivering on our word and giving our customers exactly what they want in a timely manner. We are very careful to make sure we don’t speculate.

We buy land, we make sure we are capitalized to start and finish with our developments.

We don’t over stretch ourselves or bring unnecessary pressure on ourselves in this regard to safeguard on our promise.

We are always striving to improve from one project to the next, making sure that we have elements within our developments that really set us apart.

Looking back over some of our previous developments, we built Torch Tower and that was the world’s tallest residential building of its time, in Botanica we had the idea of the Tropical Sky Garden which presented something different and unheard of at the time. >>

MARCH 2021

Jumeirah Living Marina Gate Villa

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We have built in a massive common area on the pool deck, which is situated on the third floor of the building, which directly overlooks the Burj Khalifa. The Downtown skyline is considered one of the most iconic in the world and you will be able to take it all in in breathtaking fashion from the deck floor of 15 Northside.

Being able to sit in the infinity pool, or lounge on a deck chair while taking in sights like this isn’t something everyone will be lucky enough to experience, not to mention the fact you will have a front row seat for the Burj Khalifa’s spectacular New Year’s Eve firework show. Additionally, there will be spacious outdoor fitness terrace and a social and games terrace which is a perfect place for entertaining on this deck level.

There will also be a beautifully

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

point. The building is situated directly on the Dubai Canal Promenade, is right on the doorstep of Downtown Dubai, with Dubai Mall, The Opera House, Burj Khalifa, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, DIFC and Dubai Design District all within the immediate vicinity. We feel it really presents a unique opportunity for the first-time buyer, or seasoned investors alike to get a foothold in an area which has massive potential.

First and foremost, the thing that will stand out most about this development will be the spectacular views over the waterways of Dubai Canal, but also of Dubai Creek. The ability to be able to have a building that has such an array of views from any angle is a feature we are really proud of with this project.

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18 Interview

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over. I think it gives customers a real sense of trust when they look at something that comes from Select Group.”

Furthermore, we make sure we always work with partners who are best in class whether it is from the design aspect to the build, or anything in between. Ultimately, we are always geared towards the end goal of providing a product to be proud of for our clients, and for it to be on time and as per specifications. Once we showcase a project from the concept stage, our job is to ensure that is what it looks like at hand-

Northside Living room

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Real Estate Market Overview “2020 was a very tough year across the board for sure, not just for real estate, but for every sector and industry. As a city I think Dubai has remained resilient, in terms of how it has managed to deal with CoVid-19. They have done it carefully and cautiously without completely shutting down the economy, and as a result I think the signs are positive that it will lead to an accelerated bounce back. Particularly when you compare it to other countries and cities around the world which are still in a state of flux.

From a property market perspective, I think one of the key aspects that really emerged from 2020 was the shift to a more dynamic, flexible working routine for large swathes of people, with remote working becoming a big part of everyone’s routines now. Given how the government here have adjusted regulations, with new citizenship laws and remote working

visas, I expect we will see an increased interest with people looking to relocate here, particularly during the winter months. As a result, we do expect there to be more interest from foreign buyers as we move into 2021.

From our perspective, we have had a good start to the year, and we have seen a spike in the market over the first couple of months of 2021 and of course we hope that continues. However, I think at the moment we can’t make any long-term assumptions about how quickly it will take the market to return to a state of normality, but the signs are there that there is positivity afoot and we hope that continues.”

COVID-19 Impact and Leading the Group out of the pandemic “Like most businesses, we had a difficult spell also. We can’t say that we came out of the year completely unscathed, but we came through it with a redefined focus and a commitment to bouncing back quicker and stronger than anyone of our competitors. Thankfully, we didn’t have

really train our teams across the board to make our delivery processes much more streamlined and efficient.

Overall, the downtime also allowed us to restructure our sales team and sales function, and as a result we have been recruiting heavily over the past 6 months, which has really bolstered our internal capabilities. With this combination we believe we are now set up to really move ahead stronger than before.”

“We can’t say that we came out of the year completely unscathed, but we came through it with a redefined focus and a commitment to bouncing back quicker and stronger than anyone of our competitors.”

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to make any redundancies throughout the period, which I think filters down through the company to all the team members. I mentioned how having the trust of our customers earlier was vital, but in the same vein, having the trust of our team is equally, if not more important. Not having doubts over their futures or job security allowed us to move forward together as a company and continue to operate with as much normalcy as possible all things considered.

There is no question there was a slow down for us, but from a project standpoint we didn’t have to stop or pause anything, and we managed to complete and handover Jumeirah Living Marina Gate successfully, while also keeping all our other projects on track.

To be honest during the lockdown/s we had time to reflect on certain parts of the group that needed some improvements, which typically when we are busy that focus would have not been there. Thankfully we have been able to really hone in on certain technological advancements as well as being able to utilize the time to

to meet our yearly targets.

I want every team member here to know they have the remit to present what they think is the best way forward.

By giving people that level of ownership within their field it inspires them to really put their all into it.

I am strong supporter of innovation and not resting on one’s laurels. What was good enough last week, last year, won’t be the same as what’s good enough now. By encouraging everyone within Select Group to continually push boundaries and strive to deliver the best in their given field, the more chance we have of continued growth and success as a collective. That’s what ultimately will make sure we all achieve our goals together.”

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Kitchen, 15 Northside

“The biggest thing for me is making sure the right people are in the right positions they fulfill. I don’t want to find myself in a situation where I would micromanage or be involved in every step of the cycle, because if I’m doing that it’s a fundamental weakness and creates a bottleneck.

Every department within Select Group has the autonomy to operate within a set framework with a clear delegation of authority set out for management allowing for efficient processes. I have mentioned it before, but I’m going to go back to the issue of trust, as it’s such an important aspect of all levels of this business. Everyone who works here knows they have my complete trust to deliver what is needed in order

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Living room, Marina Gate

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Timeless TimelessElegance Elegance

Where modern French art de vivre meets ancient Egyptian charm.

Where modern French art de vivre meets ancient Egyptian charm.

Book your stay at sofitel-dubai-theobelisk.com

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PARIS - LONDON - ROME - DUBAI - SYDNEY - MEXICO CITY

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22 New appointment

DARRYL JOINS KEO AFTER AN 18YEAR CAREER WITH CALLISON, THE LAST FIVE YEARS IN THE ROLE OF SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CALLISONRTKL ASIA LIMITED – HONG KONG, SERVING MULTIPLE SECTORS WITH A PRIMARY FOCUS ON HEALTHCARE, RETAIL, AND COMMERCIAL MIXED-USE PROJECTS. ROMA ARORA SPOKE TO DARRYL CUSTER AS HE TAKES ON HIS NEW ROLE AT KEO.

MARCH 2021

Darryl, can you tell us about your new role at KEO and how different is it from your previous jobs?

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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I will be running the Design Division within KEO. I have had similar roles in the past however, this is unique because it includes disciplines beyond architecture, interior design, and landscape design. The division is positioned to offer a full complement of services in a multi-disciplinary format which is unique and a very exciting proposition.

What new do you want to bring at KEO and are there any goals you have set for yourself?

While KEO already delivers a high-level of design services, I hope to bring my global experience and perspective from past projects in other regions. The world is changing rapidly; climate change, urbanisation, and evolving consumer demands are forcing the industry to revisit their thinking on commercial project’s, and I hope this is an area we can explore with KEO’s clients.

Bringing in a new perspective Darryl Custer joins KEO as the Executive Director of its Design Division

and will be responsible for overseeing the Architectural and Building Engineering Practice design-middleeast.com

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"Our clients are looking for forward-thinking expertise in these challenging times and this can only

come with strong leadership."

How important is leadership and communication for you?

Chengdu MiXC, Chengdu, China (Callison RTKL)

What is the greatest satisfaction you derive from your work?

This is a massive topic that could fill a book but in short and beyond the external forces changing design solutions the key topics that come to mind are the speed at which design is developed and the tools we use to develop them are most evident. I still remember my first job drawing with ink on vellum and being afforded weeks to figure out design problems. Fast forward to today where all of our work is developed digitally and in a matter

I have been blessed over the years to work with visionary clients on impactful and compelling projects. Visiting old projects that I worked on in full use by the public is a truly satisfying experience. I also consider myself a teacher of sorts and internally speaking I enjoy working with and teaching the next generation of designers; passing down knowledge is something I really enjoy doing. >>

Below: Diamond Multi functional Centre, Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan

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What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen in the past 30 years in design and architecture?

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of days and mostly presented online – it’s quite an evolution when you think about it.

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This is fundamental to my working philosophy. I believe our clients are looking for forward-thinking expertise in these challenging times and this can only come with strong leadership. Of course, leadership can only be delivered through clear communication and open dialogue from beginning to end including strong follow-through.

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24 New appointment

You have done a lot of mixed-use projects, what kind of commissions are you are keen on working on now in the region?

With KEO, I hope to continue helping our clients solve their problems in

whatever project typology they pursue however, I do hope we can explore mixed-use models in the region. With so many critical issues facing us in the built environment, it really is a good model for communities to consider.

There’s obviously a lot of focus on sustainability now in the region. How has that evolved?

In years past this was a topic in and of itself and delivered as a service however in a rightful manner in today’s markets I believe it has become the backbone of the design and something we do as a matter of course. Responsible design in today's world must include these considerations.

As noted, I feel lucky to have worked on some great projects over the years in multiple geographies however the one project that sticks out the most is City Creek Centre in Salt Lake City, Utah USA.

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Which projects stick out for you as the most memorable that you have worked on?

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Left: Kuwait Neighborhood Centre Below: Expo Village, Dubai, UAE by KEO

What are your plans for the future? Are you going to keep doing this for a while?

With this new position, I hope to help KEO bring value to as many clients and communities in the region as I can by offering my point of view and perspective from past efforts. I am still having fun and plan on doing this for as long as I can.

Any parting thoughts?

I am super excited about this new venture and would like to express my gratitude to KEO’s leadership for their trust. It almost feels like this job was meant for me and am looking forward to where this may lead.

The tower consists of 48 floors which are stacked in four office courtyard atriums of eight floors each, and one 6-storey executive office courtyard. Each of these 8-storey atriums offers a 2-storey atrium facing the east, a 2-storey atrium facing north, and a 2-storey atrium facing the west.

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The client’s ambitions brought a level of complexity and scale that designers do not often come across and I feel blessed to have been able to participate.

Kuwait Authority HQ, Kuwait KEO’s winning design entry for the prestigious Kuwait Investment Authority headquarters project creates an iconic 230-meter tower raised on a 6-storey podium structure which houses all public facilities, including an auditorium which goes through the base of the tower.

The podium’s structured inspiration is drawn from the traditional form of the dhow, which represents Kuwait’s past heritage, while the tower symbolizes its soaring global presence into the future.

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"The world is changing rapidly; climate change, urbanisation, and evolving consumer demands are forcing the industry to revisit their thinking on commercial project’s, and I hope this is an area we can explore with KEO’s clients."

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26 Trends

to look out for in 2021

WORDS NAJI ATALLAH, HEAD OF AEC AND MANUFACTURING AT AUTODESK

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KEY AEC TRENDS

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he need for businesses and organisations to be resilient and adaptable was made crystal clear during 2020. As the pandemic progressed it became obvious that industries and sectors that were able to adjust the way they worked and operated would overcome the challenges created by the impact of Covid-19.

In the short to medium term what that meant for the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry last year was to conquer the immediate issues raised by the pandemic. Despite progress made with vaccinations in the UAE and around the world challenges remain, however. As such 2021 will see greater implementation of digitisation in business operations across the sector.

Better design through data /2020 witnessed a rapid increase in digitization and that

is set to continue this year. We are more rooted in the digital world than ever before. What’s making the digital transformation possible is better use of data. As the built environment captures more and more data, the design and build process will become increasingly outcomes focused.

The Common Data Environment (or CDE) – with cloud data storage and document management – will extend from the project to the asset to support the movement of data design-middleeast.com

through the full project lifecycle to include owners. The CDE is squarely in the middle of the design process empowering innovators to work with one single source of truth.

Cloud cooperation to grow /Successful construction projects are made possible

through a team effort. For deadlines to be met and projects to be completed on schedule teams must work closely together. Design and construction firms will continue the remote collaboration practices they adopted last year. In

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MARCH 2021

"WE ARE MORE ROOTED IN THE DIGITAL WORLD THAN EVER BEFORE. WHAT’S MAKING THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION POSSIBLE IS BETTER USE OF DATA. AS THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT CAPTURES MORE AND MORE DATA, THE DESIGN AND BUILD PROCESS WILL BECOME INCREASINGLY OUTCOMES FOCUSED."

2021, they will continue to push projects to the cloud at an accelerated rate, in pursuit of an end-to-end digital workflow.

The last 12 months have allowed teams and companies to become accustomed to this method of working with many of the initial teething problems now ironed out. As businesses become increasingly comfortable in this way of working, they will become even more efficient and productive.

using manufacturing techniques in construction, it’s about the convergence of industries, process, workflows and functional data within design, construction, manufacturing, and operation.

The majority of contractors will adopt industrial construction techniques such as design for manufacture and assembly.

In 2021 this will become an even more important element of the industry’s resilience as contractors realize that prefab construction dramatically accelerates project timelines.

Automation will become integral to the industry /As the AEC industry is increasingly

challenged to find the fittest solution in the shortest time, automation will become an integral part of the industry’s toolkit. The AEC industry now wants to get things done, faster. To have the ability to take the big, tedious design tasks and

finish them in the time it takes to make a fresh pot of coffee.

This is where automation will play a central role. It will mean the focus can be on the design tasks that inspired someone to become a designer in the first place by enabling technology to automate the tedious tasks that can potentially limit the designer. Computational and generative design techniques and collaborative robotics will speed up the digital design and physical manufacturing processes.

Embracing automation will get the industry a step closer to making their data work for them.

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An industrialized approach to construction /This approach means more than just

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Naji Atallah

The future is digital for the AEC industry and it is already on the path toward that goal. Companies can no longer ignore this approach and must place adoption of such technologies as a high priority or risk being left behind. As 2020 showed, businesses in the construction sector must be agile and resilient to survive and the trends highlighted here will enable the AEC industry to do just that. design-middleeast.com

28 Cover story

Designing the future/

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Jamal Salem

design-middleeast.com

DLR Group's Middle East Regional Director talks to Jochebed Menon about his experience in the region, plans for the firm, challenges, and design trends in the region

29 Madinah Gate, Madinah, KSA DLR Group was commissioned to design the first Saudi transit oriented mixed-used development to connect with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s highspeed rail station and align with the master plan for the Islamic World District.

I did not settle in the US as I thought I would, and I have not built my own home (yet) as I thought I would, instead I moved and settled in the Middle East and contributed to a wide range of projects that I am humbled to have been a part of and witness their influence on the built environment responding to the lifestyle of a new generation representing their needs and who they are.

I initially came to Dubai on a two-year assignment and it has been 15 years since.

I fell in love with this region and wanted to be a part of creating history. Very rarely is one involved in creating cities from scratch, and I was not going to let these opportunities pass. >>

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the US and earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Houston.

After my graduation in the eighties, the global recession hit the economy but despite the situation, I was determined and fortunate to kick off my career in architecture by working across several major regions in the US. I eventually settled down in the Northwest. During, my spare time, I worked on a conceptual house exploring minimalism in response to how I would like to live, and to who I am.

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DLR Group is an American firm that originated in the Midwest over half a century ago and has recently set out on a mission to become a global firm. In 2013, we established our Asia office in Shanghai, followed by our Middle East office in 2017 based out of the energetic Dubai Design District.

Our goal in becoming a global firm was to share the great knowledge we have accumulated across various sectors, through positively impacting the design society and significantly contributing to the construction and real estate sector.

We seek to elevate the human experience through design.

As for me, architecture and design fascinated me. When it was time to decide my career path, architecture was the obvious choice. What drew me towards that decision is strongly linked to my dream of designing my own home. I moved to

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Tell us about DLR Group and yourself.

"One of the most important elements of our success is that our clients see us as their partners

who understand their business objectives and have the capability to guide them through their investment decisions."

Left: Etisalat Data Centre,DubaI, UAE

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30 Cover story

Above: Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, UAE For its expansion, DLR Group's design team worked with the client to maintain the overall luxurious design aesthetic while blending additional spaces seamlessly into the existing mall.

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Left: Islamic World District, KEC, KSA The Islamic World District will provide affordable, high-quality accommodation to pilgrims and visitors in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

What is on the horizon for DLR Group’s Middle East Dubai Studio?

Over the past three years, we have successfully grown our portfolio of work, our client base and our outreach has grown to include new markets like Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Our Middle East team members are active contributors to the AIA Middle East chapter. Our Middle East practice leader, Stephanie Kinnick was elected as the chapter’s vice president for 2021. We also support young talents by being open to internship programmes from a variety of regional design schools, and by assisting the community through our design leaders support of academic researchers.

Our ambition in the coming years is to continue to expand our portfolio of clients, set-up an office in Saudi Arabia, and continue supporting the design community, as well as the real estate and construction industry.

What does ‘elevate the human experience through design’ mean?

‘Elevate the human experience through design’ is our firm’s promise to the world and it has multiple levels, one that is visible with direct contact with the user such as the interior of spaces to the design of buildings, landscape, public realm all the way up to urban design and master planning. The other is nontangible and is related to the environment whether indoor or outdoor climates and individuals' comfort level.

Putting people first starts by designing environments that react and adjust to contemporary needs that elevate the wellbeing of individuals in a manner that contributes to their level of happiness. design-middleeast.com

What are some of the popular trends in the design space?

There is an increase demand for outdoor lifestyle destinations.

In fact, we are seeing this trend growing in Saudi Arabia where developers are asking for designs that incorporate the outdoors in their shopping and leisure developments. Another trend is creating environments that are future proofed with a high level of flexibility that can absorb future changes.

Millennials and Gen Z form 63.5% of the global population and much of the future hotelier client base. They are the most ethnically diverse generation, involved in environmental and ethical causes. They have a greater awareness of sustainability and are interested in supporting environmentally and economically cautious projects. They are more likely to visit, stay and purchase properties that are sustainable.

What we have also noticed is how the experiential travel trend continues to influence holiday destinations. Wellness as a lifestyle is also being appreciated more widely, as user health and comfort both physically and mentally are becoming more valued.

"DLR Group is a passionate advocate of sustainable design.

We are an early adopter of the Architecture 2030 Challenge, and an initial signatory to the AIA 2030 Commitment and the China Accord and which resonates and aligns with the vision and objectives of our forward-thinking partners."

31 Right: Meadows Mall, Dubai, UAE Within the existing development, the design considered the local vernacular to ensure a synergy of architecture with its neighborhood. Careful study of the street massing, shopfront details and natural lighting were considered to ensure a fresh and appealing environment.

What are the key challenges the design industry is facing in this era?

We strongly believe the Middle East has successfully carved a unique and distinguished position for itself when it comes to global design and architecture trends. In the past few decades, architects and designers have experimented on a large scale to develop attractive metropolitan cities that can compete as world destinations.

This, I assume, is obvious in the diversity of architectural vocabulary that is dominating our cityscapes; the traditional character that is unique to every region has dissolved against what is now defined as ‘contemporary’ design/architecture trend. There is no doubt that with globalisation, the world has become a small

One of the most important elements of our success is that our clients see us as their partners who understand their business objectives and have the capability to guide them through their investment decisions which is why 90% of our customers are repeat clients or referred by an existing satisfied client.

We are an 100% employee-owned firm, meaning that every DLR Group employee is invested in the firm and its success and this resonates well with our client partners.

DLR Group is a passionate advocate of sustainable design. We are an early adopter of the Architecture 2030 Challenge, and an initial signatory to the AIA 2030 Commitment and the China Accord and which resonates and aligns with the vision and objectives of our forward-thinking partners.

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What makes DLR Group stand out?

How is the Middle Eastern architecture and design industry faring compared to the rest of the world?

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village and contemporary architecture has become a worldwide trend. However, the successful interpretation of contemporary has varied globally from one region to the other through understanding and rooting ‘contemporary’ to ‘locally’. In the past decade, we have touched upon increased awareness and demand to transition towards regionally influenced contemporary style.

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Obviously, the pandemic has impacted every aspect of our lives from the way we live, work, and play. The impact has not only taught us to work differently, but to design differently to accommodate the change which we believe is here to stay.

Another challenge we are facing is earning inadequate fees due to the widespread competition that stretches the limits of ensuring quality deliverables that are market ready. Also, in this hyper competitive market, developers are racing against time leading to rushed design thinking and design decisions

Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE

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32 Feature

FUTURISTIC DESIGN

SHARJAH SUSTAINABLE CITY

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hroughout history, humanity has been on a lifetime quest to display grandiosity and style starting with the first architectural stone ever laid. Civilisations raced to envision, design, and build extraordinary cities that left memorable footprints till today. They all had one main thing in com-mon: the future! Today, we continue on this journey to develop modern communities and cities that will mark the beginning of a new era.

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SHARJAH SUSTAINABLE CITY IS RESHAPING THE PRESENT TO SUSTAIN THE FUTURE

Natural disasters and climate change are problems ignited by human consumption and are affecting the world drastically. While knowing the limitation of resources at hand, we are faced with a responsibility to duly respond to these major issues. If these natural disasters continue to increase, there is a risk we will be overwhelmed by their results and won’t be able to successfully overcome them; thus, the way we live, specifically the way we obtain and consume energy, should change.

Modelled on the success of the iconic development The Sustainable City, Sharjah Sustainable City aims to create a world class sustainable and happy community in UAE. A joint venture of Shurooq and Diamond Developers, the city is the first fully integrated, net zero energy community in the Emirate of Sharjah, with the total of 1,120 of 3, 4 and 5 Bedroom houses with exceptional shared facilities and amenities for the ultimate in comfort and convenience.

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On the other hand, what is modern and futuristic about SSC? First, this city is suitable yet affordable to all individuals and families looking for a home of the future where their investment will serve a lifetime. The villas are built with nature in mind by using the most efficient materials and facades and powered by solar panels placed innovatively on every rooftop.

The smart design of this project will be serving the social life in many ways. To start with, the city is surrounded and shielded by three high gates that clearly display safety and security. Children can play on car-free roads and sikkas, while parents enjoy a free walk in the surrounding green areas. Energy won’t be the only aspect solved by SSC’s nouvelle design. The villas will be equipped with low flow water fixtures which reduces water consumption and thus the production of carbon.

Today, we are faced by many problems to which we are obliged to find solutions. In fact, architects who are the key towards the future have to use their design to resolve the problems we face not only today but tomorrow also. To imagine a future different from the present is to seek a better life and leave behind today’s aspects of living. However, SSC is changing the present to a better one in order to sustain the future, drawing the futuristic ideas based on what we enjoy best about our present. We should truly use all our available resources now to create and design more sustainable cities. The scale at which we do something determines whether we are part of it or beyond it. Our cities should be organised to keep us at stake when it comes to the decision of shaping our lives.

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The vision was to create a futuristic living concept that tackles the current problems, aiming to provide a better future while also preserving our vibrant tradition and heritage. Imagine a community that provides its residents with plenty of opportunities to enjoy a high quality of life.

A world-class city that strives to preserve and improve its economy, the quality of its environment, and the health and well-being of its residents. This might seem like a grand challenge, but has become a reality after a strategic partnership between Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Diamond Developers, a leading sustainable communities developer in the UAE has set to bring Sharjah Sustainable City to life.

At the heart of Sharjah near Al-Rahmaniya area, the first modern mixed-use project in the Emirate of Sharjah rises. Sharjah Sustainable City (SSC) delivers the highest standards of green economy and environmental sustainability.

By the fusion of old and new, the future-ready city, Sharjah Sustainable City engulfs 1,120 villas each designed specially to provide comfort and feasibility to its residents. SSC blends traditional and innovative designs together: a traditional design that once integrated the right way in the futuristic concept of design, will carry many social and environmental benefits which can be enhanced using urban design and smart technology.

The question here is, what is traditional about SSC? Tradition starts by blending the villas with the environment while ensuring a bond with the wider surrounding community, which results in a human scale lenient to-wards social integration and community building. The villa designs are unique yet encompass a traditional feel: providing a desired level of privacy while maintaining a calm and bonded neighborhood feeling. The Ghaf, and Date palms have been part of our tradition, and thus we made sure they are available everywhere in order to further provide this sense of authenticity.

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34 Sustainability

PAVING THE WAY

A NEW PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY DESIGN USES ANCIENT GREEN TECHNIQUES WORDS ODETTE KAHWAGI, CREATIVE LEAD, BNC PUBLISHING

Award at the Davos World Economic Forum, aimed "to look at a form that was ubiquitous across the continent.

The grain store which you think of as a simple container is actually the crucible of generations of learning and survival.”

By using local resources, such as mud for the building’s rammed earth façade and stone for the terrazzo floors, the project’s carbon footprint is significantly reduced.

In addition to photo-voltaic panels, the building will use a geothermal heating system to passively regulate the temperature of the interior spaces.

The Ghanaian-British architect hopes the building will become the epicentre of an African Renaissance. "This will be the first purpose-built presidential library [in Africa], and one which is also going to deal with being the archive for African liberation movements around the continent."

THABO MBEKI PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY Johannesburg, South Africa Status Current Size 5,400 m2 Category Civic, Culture, Education Client Thabo Mbeki Foundation Design Architect Adjaye Associates Architect of Record MMA Design Studio

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Images courtesy of Adjaye Associates

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he Thabo Mbeki Presidential Library in Johannesburg, South Africa, is being built from rammed earth: Eight domes will be made from local mud, using a technique which has been around since the Stone Age. Designed by Adjaye Associates, the 5400 sqm complex will serve as a museum with temporary exhibition space and a research centre; and will also include an auditorium, a women’s empowerment centre, a reading room, seminar rooms and offices.

The new building references the structures of granaries, which allow for the extension of grain production and the systematization of cycles of feeding, planting and harvesting. Sir David Adjaye, founder of Adjaye Associates, and winner of the 27th Annual Crystal

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In 2017, Adjaye was recognized as one of the 100 most influential people of the year by TIME Magazine. Most recently, Adjaye was announced the winner of the 2021 RIBA Royal Gold Medal; he is also the recipient of the World Economic Forum’s 27th Annual Crystal Award, which recognizes his “leadership in serving communities, cities and the environment.”

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The firm’s work ranges from private houses, bespoke furniture collections, product design, exhibitions, and temporary pavilions to major arts centres, civic buildings, and master plans. His largest project to date, The National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC opened on the National Mall in Washington DC in 2016 and was named Cultural Event of the Year by The New York Times.

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Sir David Adjaye OBE is an award winning Ghanaian-British architect known to infuse his artistic sensibilities and ethos for community-driven projects. His ingenious use of materials, bespoke designs and visionary sensibilities have set him apart as one of the leading architects of his generation.

In 2000, David founded his own practice, Adjaye Associates, which today operates globally, with studios in Accra, London, and New York taking on projects that span the globe.

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“The architecture of the Library taps into the collective memory of the continent through the establishment of a new historical centre for African consciousness in which knowledge, education and sustenance are nurtured in the representation and intelligence of the continent."

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36 Trends

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EMERGING

TRENDS ALEC identifies key trends for the construction sector in 2021

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LEC, one of the UAE’s most diversified construction groups has identified what it believes to be the key trends expected to drive the industry during the year ahead. Commenting on the topic, ALEC CEO Kez Taylor said: “While the pandemic has clearly caused many industries around the world to change tack, the prevailing construction trends are ultimately ones that were long overdue prior to the challenges of 2020. Today, we stand in a unique position to transform our industry into a healthy ecosystem, where all stakeholders are able to succeed by utilising the latest technology and a collaborative approach.

Innovation While the word itself has become a platitude in the lexicon of corporates for illustrating the adoption of progressive tools and technologies, the arrival and implementation of innovation within the construction industry has become a game-changer in terms of reducing risk while increasing efficiency. Whether from the use of BIM, which greatly increases accuracy in the design phase of a project, through to the use

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of hardware on site, innovation‘s importance will only increase in the years ahead and will be a decisive factor in the ongoing success of industry stakeholders.

At ALEC, its use of the latest design software has meant that potential issues are flagged in the early stages of a project, resulting in a significant saving of time, cost and resources in later stages. From a high-level approach, ALEC believes that consolidating ideas and resources is a far more effective approach to R&D, not only helping to spread initial investment risk, but to ensure the input of as many industry specialists as possible. In partnering with like-minded organizations, leading consultancies, tech companies, start-ups, universities and supply chains, great leaps can be made that help to change entire processes on site.

A great example of this being the collaboration between ALEC and Hilti, which yielded the region’s first autonomous drilling robot.

Since its implementation, site teams have reported significant improvements in productivity thanks to the robot’s ability to follow digital plans, while alleviating site teams from the strenuous work of overhead drilling, allowing them to upskill and operate the robot itself. >>

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“TODAY, WE STAND IN A UNIQUE POSITION TO TRANSFORM OUR INDUSTRY INTO A HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM, WHERE ALL STAKEHOLDERS ARE ABLE TO SUCCEED

BY UTILISING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY AND A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH.”

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Kez Taylor, CEO, ALEC

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38 Trends

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“SINCE THE CREATION OF GREEN CEMENT 23 YEARS AGO, ITS POPULARITY HAS STEADILY INCREASED TO PROVIDE GREATER DURABILITY, A REDUCTION IN ENERGY TO FABRICATE AND A REDUCTION IN CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS WHEN COMPARED TO ITS PREDECESSOR.”

Kez Taylor, CEO, ALEC

Collaboration/ Enhanced communication In addition to collaborating on innovative new ideas and products, ALEC believes a fundamental increase in communication between stakeholders will greatly improve project processes and delivery. In overhauling the existing model of fragmentation from planning to delivery, ALEC is in the process of creating a new platform that involves all key stakeholders from the very beginning of a project. Not only does this allow for any potential issues to be flagged at the design-middleeast.com

earliest opportunity, it also promotes a collective approach towards project delivery as opposed to each party working as sole agents.

Green Technology/ Sustainable Best Practices While more of a subcategory of innovation, ALEC believes the utilisation of green technologies will be a crucial factor towards ensuring the sustainable development and progress of the construction industry. Manufacturers, building contractors and property developers must

make environmentally conscious decisions at each level of the supply chain to meet demand, while promoting a greater interest in clean energies and resources.

Under this category, ALEC has identified the use of renewable energy, environmentally sustainable materials and the sustainable management of waste as top priorities.

Since establishing ALEC Energy, ALEC has focused on finding new ways to ensure the implementation of sustainable energy consumption, not only during the construction phase of a project, but also during its lifecycle. Similar to the collaboration with Hilti, ALEC Energy signed an agreement with Azelio in Q3 2020 to establish a renewable energy project site in Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City, thereby harnessing the abundant energy of the sun to power Masdar’s product portfolio. In promoting the wider use of similar projects; contractors, developers and our environment all stand to reap the rewards.

When it comes to environmentally sustainable materials and or the sustainable use of materials, ALEC has identified two core areas that require industry-wide attention. The first is to find alternative solutions that yield the same result while reducing the carbon footprint in the process, a great example being cement. Since the creation of green cement 23 years ago, its popularity has steadily increased to provide greater durability, a reduction in energy to fabricate and a reduction

ALEC partnered with Hilti to pilot Jaibot, first-of-its-kind drilling robot in UAE

of wastage can also be found in disputes between owners and designers, with Engineers Daily estimating that 38% of construction disputes are due to design error.

As a step towards curbing physical material waste, Dubai Municipality enforced green building regulations by issuing building permits for projects within its jurisdiction; specifically ensuring that 50% of waste materials by volume or weight from the total waste materials generated during construction and/ or demolition are designated for reuse or recycling. While this is a great initiative, it is the responsibility of all of us as construction stakeholders to seek prevention over the cure.

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accuracy in design, as well as committing to a decision in terms of desired output, an immense of time, money and material can be saved. According to a study from KPMG, just 31% of all projects came within 10% of the budget in the past three years, an astonishing figure when bearing in mind the average value of a major construction project. Other side effects

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in carbon dioxide emissions when compared to its predecessor. The good news is that, according to Technavio, the use of green cement across the global industry is growing at a CAGR of 15%. As a global centre for promoting a greener construction industry, Dubai and the UAE is well positioned to exceed this figure.

The second area of focus when it comes to material is the recycling aspect, i.e. ensuring that materials are incorporated at the design stage with the intention of being recycled at the end of the building’s lifecycle. According to a research paper published by the Department of Building Services Engineering at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, recycling was found to have the highest energy saving potential of 53% when it came to end-of-life deconstruction.

Where waste is concerned, ALEC believes the industry’s focus should be guided towards correcting our overall approach. By ensuring a higher degree of

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Conclusion While ALEC understands there is much to be done in terms of improving overall standards, it also believes the UAE is extremely well positioned in terms of its ability to effectively collaborate, while using its resources responsibly in order to improve the overall state of the industry.

With so many extraordinary projects still in the pipeline, there is no reason why the UAE cannot implement these changes to become a role model for industrial efficiency while ensuring that its existing reputation for technological integration is just as equally associated with its built environment.” design-middleeast.com

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40 Project

HOW ABOUT

A CYCLING Pedal by NIU is a unique concept bicycle workshopcum-coffee bar in Dubai

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CAFE?

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edal is a unique concept bicycle workshop cum coffee bar where cycling enthusiasts can socialise with like-minded others over coffee and pastries while they shop for the latest accessories and have their bikes serviced. NIU Studio spearheaded by Italian architects Elena Gregorutti and Giorgio Palermo delivered another unique concept in Dubai.

The rustic industrial ambience of the flagship Pedal merges form and function to create a one-stop bicycle shop in an industrial area of Dubai. The seamless concrete floor provides a solid monotone foundation to unite the different zones, each designated for specific purposes.

Overhead metal light fixtures suspended from the high, open black ceiling create a cohesiveness to the separate retail and hospitality areas while utilising every available space for displays.

A curved wood rack curves artistically up one wall for customer bike parking while the cosy coffee zone encourages cyclists to hang out with distressed leather chairs and reclaimed wood tables. >>

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42 Project

Cyclists can order good coffee and pastries from a vast counter finished in rustic metal and white Calacatta marble

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The façade of Pedal is clad in the warm red oxide hue of real iron Corten and embellished with scattered black metal projections that evoke the free atmosphere of riding a bicycle

Giorgio Palermo & Elena Gregorutti

The warm red oxide façade of Pedal encourages cyclists to squeeze their brakes and come inside.

The goal was to create a distinctive, recognisable structure for a new concept bicycle workshop cum coffee bar where cycling enthusiasts could shop and socialize while having their bikes serviced.

The client visualised a rustic industrial ethos for the flagship outlet of this newconcept endeavour. He wanted to create a one-stop-shop where bicycle enthusiasts could hang out and enjoy coffee with likeminded others while shopping or checking on design-middleeast.com

their bicycles at the on-site service workshop The interiors merge form and function to create an industrial feel that is both bicyclefriendly and coffeeshop welcoming. The high, open ceiling with all the exposed MEP painted black, track lights and overhead metal light fixtures give an industrial ambience and create a cohesiveness to the separate retail and hospitality areas.

The funky yet refined bicycle theme extends throughout the retail displays and even into the washroom area with oldfashioned wash bucket sinks and cyclistinspired signage.

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Every available space is creatively utilised for displays.

A curved wood rack artistically swirls up one wall for customers to park their bikes. Easy access is granted to the workshop, changing rooms, drinking fountain and cosy coffee bar

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The seamless concrete floor provides a stable, classic monotone foundation to unite the various zones designated for specific purposes

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44 Event preview

Multi-dimensional

Find out what the 42nd edition of HostMilano has in store for us

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iera Milano is in constant contact with its partners under a phygital perspective. Waiting for the in-person event that will take place safely from October 22 to 26, 2021, it is essential to understand the future of the HoReCa sector.

Innovation, sustainability, training: this year, more than ever, these are the keywords that will echo through the pavilions of Fiera Milano Rho from October 22 to 26, 2021.

Now in its 42nd edition, HostMilano is the global expo that, in a single location and for five days in a row, brings together the latest news from the hospitality and travel sectors ranging from catering to coffee, ice cream, bread, and pizza but also furniture, tableware, formats and solutions for the hotel industry.

This year, along with the leading Ho.Re.Ca event, there will also be TUTTOFOOD, a

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reference point for the agrofood sector. This makes the “expo menu” even richer and more complete.

Facing a juncture such as the current one, where the industry is getting ready to establish the foundations of the new hospitality, this opportunity becomes truly unique. In addition to the latest novelties in terms of equipment, where sustainability and energy savings will play a leading role, there will be room also for Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things, proximity and social commerce, big data, and robots and automation; thus, introducing a vision of the present and future to the large audience of professional visitors who meet every two years in Milan. Attention will go in particular to the products and services that won the prestigious Smart Label, Host Innovation Award, the recognition

granted by Host – Fiera Milano and POLI.design sponsored

by ADI, Associazione per il Disegno Industriale (Industrial Design Association) for the solutions capable of anticipating the trends of the future.

However, HostMilano, is not only a huge expo, but it has become, for several editions now, a window on the state of the art of the various markets and sectors, thanks to the busy agenda made of hundreds of training and informative events,

techno-cooking, performances and competitions of high innovative and artistic content embodied by some of the greatest pastry chefs and ice cream makers, chefs, baristas and latte artists, but also an occasion for meetings, workshops and conferences held by major industry associations and consultants.

Among the participants is “Pasticceria di Lusso nel Mondo” (Luxury Pastry in the World) by Iginio Massari that will bring some of the best pastry chefs in the world centre stage, offering a workshop-conference where the paradigms of innovation will be discussed even in the pastry-making sector. International championships such as the Cake Designers World Championship and the World Trophy of Pastry, Ice Cream and Chocolate organised

by FIPGC, the International Federation of Pastry, Ice Cream and Chocolate and yet again the Panettone World Championship by the Masters of Natural Yeast, the World Championship of Milk Art Grading organised

by Latte Art Grading System and ALTOGA, National Association of Coffee Roasters and Importers of Coffee and Food Wholesalers, are all high profile events.

the eCommerce segment, was held on January 28 and gave voice to a market that in 2019 reached €544 billion in BtoB in Italy alone and €22.7 billion in BtoC in 2020.

The importance of innovation to grow and face the challenges of the future has never been bigger. Therefore, HostMilano is a truly unique opportunity to review the situation and prepare for a relaunch.

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courage meetings between exhibitors and visitors and all HostMilano stakeholders.

In addition to the Observatories, the periodic newsletters and the Ambassadors whose task it is to collect the trends from the four corners of the world as they emerge, HostMilano is organizing a series of webinars, both national and international, as part of the training path and in-depth analysis of the main current topics in the sector. The most recent one, regarding

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While the expo will take place in full safety – following a plan carefully drawn up months ago – HostMilano has already launched a series of activities to monitor all the supply chains and identify, through their protagonists’ feedback, the best practices to help the operators make the best business decisions. An approach to the expo made possible thanks to the Fiera Milano Platform, a set of touch points designed to improve the experience and en-

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46 Interview

Designing for children/ Tel Aviv-based award-winning designer Sarit Shani Hay

talks about the joy of designing for children and her current projects

Why did you focus on design for children and how has it impacted your career and business?

For me, childhood has always been my greatest source of inspiration. The birth of my daughter was a turning point in my life. In a sense it was a double birth; I finally discovered my professional and creative calling. After spending several years abroad (studying in New York, London, and having the experience of being a young mother in Africa), I returned to Israel, and my first project was to design my daughter's bedroom, putting into practice all that I had observed throughout the years in the fields of design, art and crafts.

I have now been designing for children for over 25 years.

My work has expanded from designing objects and intimate spaces to now focusing on the pedagogical environment in schools, libraries and hospitals throughout the country that have become of social value for the community. I believe we are living in a time of constant radical cultural and technological change. Along with these design-middleeast.com

changes, we need to also reimagine the learning environment for the 21st century based on experiential learning.

Recently my studio was involved in a number of challenging and rewarding educational projects including our design of "Bikkurim", the first inclusive school in Tel Aviv and the therapeutic educational spaces for children and young adults at Safra Children's Hospital, Tel Hashomer and the Abarbanel Mental Health Centre in Israel.

How important is this aspect of design for children and their development?

Very. I believe that a well-designed environment can enhance a child’s well-being, develop their sensibility and provide an atmosphere in which they can feel free and safe, be creative and inspired, and most of all, feel loved.

Children deserve to grow up in well-designed environments that are mindful of their physical proportions, empower their mental abilities, heal their emotional sensitivities and inspire their creative powers.

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"The main idea behind these projects is to give equal importance to the decor and design of activity spaces for children as is given to that of adults."

The Weizman Educational Centre, Tel Hashomer

hotel, but a kid-friendly luxury hotel that invests equally in its design and facilities for children. Now 10 years later, the hotel has decided to more than triple the kids club space to 350sqm and has brought us back for its design.

Our design for the kids club uses motifs from the old city in Jerusalem as the core of the design language, emulating the architecture of the hotel itself, originally designed by renowned Israeli architect, Moshe Safdie and recently updated by Italian architect, Piero Lissoni. Young children, aged 2-5, can enjoy varied activity stations, soft furniture play spots, inclusive seating and intimate nooks for individual or group play. For older children and teens aged 6-18, you can find pool tables, a soccer area and a multi-media room featuring computers, video games and a projector for a movie theater vibe. >>

MARCH 2021

fun space that acts as a home away from home for them to create unforgettable experiences. Even when deciding on a hotel, a parent is much more likely to choose a brand that has given as much thought to the enjoyment of their children as it has to that of their own.

In 2011, I designed the initial kids club of the David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem and it was a great success. Although only 100sqm, it attracted many families to come from all over the world, and proved the value of designing not just a luxury

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The David Citadel Hotel Kids Club in Jerusalem and the Kids Club at the Six Senses Shaharut Hotel are both part of an area of my career on which I have focused quite some time: creating kid-friendly and family-inclusive high-end hospitality establishments. The main idea behind these projects is to give equal importance to the decor and design of activity spaces for children as is given to that of adults.

Parents are able to better enjoy and utilise the facilities made available to them when their children have a dedicated,

David Citadel Hotel Kids Club by Sarit Shani Hay

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

Tell us about David Citadel Hotel Kids Club in Jerusalem and the Kids Club at the Six Senses Shaharut Hotel. What were some of the challenging aspects of these projects?

In 2019, Sarit Shani Hay and her eponymous design studio in Tel Aviv took on the challenge of reimagining much needed learning and healing spaces for children and young adults during hospitalization.

These spaces include an educational environment for mediating medical processes in the surgical department at Safra Children's Hospital in Tel Hashomer and a creative Makers’ Hall at the “Shahaf” school in the Abarbanel Mental Health Centre in Bat Yam. Both projects were commissioned by the philanthropic organization Sasa Setton in collaboration with each hospital, as well as the Israeli Ministry of Education.

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48 Interview

Left:Six Senses Shaharut Hotel Kids Club

by Sarit Shani Hay

tural plan of the museum by Israeli architect Ron Arad.

I was inspired by nature; this soft installation reflects my desire to bring fragments of the natural world into domestic settings. It is an imaginary landscape scene saturated with contradictions, which invites an interactive experience while examining concepts such as home refuge, climate and animals, as well as the complexity of mother nature in contradiction to human involvement.

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What are your plans for 2021, and have you received any inquiries from the UAE?

The Six Senses Shaharut Hotel is a desert boutique hotel overlooking the Arava valley. We were commissioned to design the “Grow with Six Senses” kids club to provide a dedicated spot for younger guests. We sought to match our design concept to both the architecture and philosophy of the hotel: to find a connection to nature and preserve the natural terrain.

These two projects are set to launch in April and June respectively of this year .

Please expand on your project soft landscape and what is its purpose.

Soft landscape is a site-specific installation created for the Design Museum Holon, taking into account the architec-

This new year, 2021, I’m continuing to develop both new projects and those that have been put on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The David Citadel Hotel in Jerusalem and the Six Senses Hotel Kids Clubs are set to open later this year. An early learning centre in Beer Sheva is about to be launched whose inspiration stems from literacy and the excitement there is when teaching children to read for the first time.

We are also developing a project prototype for 21st century new classrooms at the American International School in Israel. The new design aims to create a flexible and dynamic learning environment. The design was developed through a dialogue with the teachers of the school with the main goal of creating a space that suits their needs and vision for the new classrooms.

Although I have not yet had the opportunity to work with the UAE, I am very much looking forward to extending my work to Dubai, especially now that there is a new era of hope between our two countries.

Creative interior design

by SSH

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50 Project

‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ DZ Design delivers

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MARCH 2021

Bank of Baroda HQ

D

Z Design delivers Bank of Baroda HQ in Dubai, UAE. The place is inspired by the traditional ancient art form of the Rangoli in the form of geometry and patterns. The Bank of Baroda HQ exemplifies a balance of textures and patterns keeping with brand colour palette, Baroda Vermilion- representing hope and energy.

There is diversity in work areas, providing dynamism and optimism to the employees in the globalised world of modern workspaces.

India’s oldest international bank, stand by their

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motto of concern, care, and competence.

The direction given to DZ Design team was to make sure that the touchpoints of customer interactions be smart and efficient. Dina Murali and Zain of DZ Design were conscious to reflect the values of enduring relationships on which the bank is founded and also meet the client’s needs.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is the mantra followed

by DZ Design at an early stage in their design process. As this project is a relocation from the clients existing premises in Bur Dubai to new premises in Karama. With the aspiration to create green designs, DZ Design recommended and agreed with the client to reuse the existing furniture adapting to the new layout. The focus was to reduce the impact on the environment by reusing and upcycling the existing furniture and also reducing waste and extra cost. >>

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52 Project

The intelligent lighting design scheme contributed significantly to reducing energy consumption. The use of recyclable interior materials that have been locally sourced has brought a reduction in ecological footprint for the project. The indoor quality of the office is enhanced with the use of interior paint finishes that has a low VOC emission.

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The office embodies the power of creating a sense of community and encourages a healthy, holistic relationship amongst the employees. The beauty is in its subtlety and the conscious nature that accommodates all the senses and sensibilities, making it a modern, sustainable workplace.

The focus of space planning was on productivity. Zoning of different departments within the bank was derived on the basis of their level of interaction (both external & internal), concentration, and privacy. The entire office space has been spatially divided into four zones with consideration to the working culture of the Bank.

Spread across an area of around 20,000sqft over two levels and four main divisions, the office is designed to bind the best of all, yet demarcate the team, floor wise with intelligent spatial planning.

The cafeteria, storage cabinets, and reception area are designed with pockets of colours and textures without

overwhelming spatial quality. The use of decorative lights and comfortable loose furniture adds to the interior environment.

The green spaces and natural plants give a fresh feeling to the office, improving the air quality as well.

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Concept

The CORE by Bene Bene launches a new concept range in response to the global pandemic

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T

he COVID-19 pandemic has once again profoundly changed the way we see the office. During the pandemic, offices have had to be remodelled and adjusted to take necessary precautions, so that people feel safe there and can still be productive. The international office expert Bene presents with "THE CORE

by Bene” a global office concept on how to navigate these challenging times.

The office is the physical “core” of an organisation, the heart of a company, a place where people and ideas come together, creating opportunities for spontaneous social interaction and collaborative and agile work, and where shared management and fluid leadership can evolve.

THE CORE by Bene is a global concept that can already be experienced at the Bene showroom in Frank-

furt; a live, immersive and experiential space to study how our places of work have adapted, and how they will further evolve after the pandemic.

With the ideal mix between open spatial structure and shielded areas, THE CORE

by Bene manages the balancing act between distance and teamwork so that people feel comfortable and can work creatively at the same time, comprising:

Hygiene concepts and sensor technology Innovative technologies and smart room solutions ensure safety throughout the premises. This starts at the checkin area with temperature screening and registering for ‘track and trace’, followed with contact-free hand disinfection. The system then gives a green light to lead the visitor to a prior selected and cleaned workstation.

Spatial awareness The focus of the entire office space is on teamwork and exchange, while maintaining the correct distance.

Anchor points in the form of furniture are placed in collaboration areas to ensure correct distancing. The room configurations are designed so that they can be adapted to changing needs at short notice, giving the office breathing space. Moveable partition walls and partition elements can be used as protective barriers.

Exchange and interaction There is a wide choice of spaces for project and teamwork, in addition to the team workspace and an informal meeting area. Other areas enable spontaneous standup meetings, ensuring an optimal exchange of ideas.

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56

Op-ed

Dr Sa Co-Founder & Director, Capital Univ

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST | MARCH 2021 DESIGN MIDDLE EAST | FEBRUARY 2021

Rethinking education

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How the curriculum will change at design institutions in the post-pandemic world WORDS SANJAY BATHEJA, CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR, CAPITAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

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n recent years, the interior design industry has witnessed a spike in its international business. The sector as a whole has gained prominence, opening pathways for future designers with exciting opportunities.

As per reports, the global market is set to reach $157 billion by 2027, with a growing CAGR of 7.8%. In line with this, it is natural for higher education institutions to witness a rise in students who aspire to pursue this as a successful career. However, since the coronavirus outbreak, the education division has been expected to change their teaching style, delivery and even its curriculum to best fit the rapid changes and make students more resilient to these challenging times. This column will explore some potential changes higher education institutions may bring about to train future designers of this industry. >>

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Dr Sanjay Batheja, Co-Founder & Director, Capital University College

MARCH 2021

anjay Batheja, versity College

Capital University College design-middleeast.com

58 Op-ed

Focus on educators Considering how rapidly the industry is evolving, there has not been a significant rise in professionals who are equipped to teach and train interior design students. Additionally, the pandemic has further fueled this challenge leading educators to incorporate pre-requisitions that will add value to the lessons taught, thereby, making it more impactful and meaningful.

In line with this, colleges and universities that teach these programs focus on hiring educators who have field experience apart from high academic qualification. Furthermore, they must possess excellent communication skills and be well-

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"THE NEW EDUCATION SYSTEM FOR INTERIOR DESIGN MUST ENCOURAGE THE NECESSITY OF TEAMWORK AND ALLOW STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN E-PLATFORMS FOR NETWORKING AND GAINING VAST KNOWLEDGE."

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informed about the latest developments in the industry to channelize the students in the right direction.

Taking the sustainable route This pandemic has enabled us to rethink our daily life choices and inculcate better practices. This holds true even for the design industry where educators are now looking at adding a module or topics that create awareness of sustainable designs.

During the lockdowns, people have been cooped up in their homes where many have smartly transformed small places into multipurpose spaces. Starting from the design element to incorporating aspects that will save energy and their utility bills, students must have the capability to create spaces that are disaster-proof, sustainable and establish safety as a priority.

The curriculum could potentially focus on subjects that allow students to design spaces that have increased comfort, health and safety requirements and a sustainable construction/ maintaining method.

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Although it is not possible to entirely predict how the industry may evolve in the near future, we can certainly make our future designers more capable and equipped to handle these unprecedented times by giving the right balance of aspiration and reality while honing their academic knowledge.

"STARTING FROM THE DESIGN ELEMENT TO INCORPORATING ASPECTS THAT WILL SAVE ENERGY AND THEIR UTILITY BILLS, STUDENTS MUST HAVE THE CAPABILITY TO CREATE SPACES THAT ARE DISASTERPROOF, SUSTAINABLE AND ESTABLISH SAFETY AS A PRIORITY."

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Practical training In times like this, students are expected to be more efficient and be well-informed of industrial developments. Aspiring

designers are expected to be self-sufficient and manage multiple roles as a designer. Gone are the days when an interior design was only handling a set number of tasks, today they are likely to handle many job roles along with overseeing the entire project. This means that students must have the skill-set to multitask and have a realistic approach towards fulfilling their client’s expectations. In the current times, it is no longer just about academia but also about the practical experience students can gain from these design courses.

Therefore, the programs must take a practical route where students can indulge in real-time projects and work under industry experts to better understand the world of design.

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Design:A process, not a product Although creative spaces can be envisioned by one, it takes a whole team to successfully attain the final product. Yet, many of the design schools focus on teaching design as a product rather than a process. Therefore, the new education system for interior design must encourage the necessity of teamwork and allow students to participate in e-platforms for networking and gaining vast knowledge. Apart from this, the curriculum must emphasize on healthy criticism, appreciation and building an information-sharing platform for its students.

Furthermore, the curriculum must also delve into managing the client's finances - both in terms of spending and earnings as these are some important traits of a successful interior designer.

design-middleeast.com

60 Pick of the month

ELIE SAAB RUG COLLECTION

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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MARCH 2021

IS DEDICATED TO NATURE

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Following the worldwide launch of the ELIE SAAB Maison Rug Collection last September during Milan Design Week, ELIE SAAB Maison and Sahrai, official licensee, present the Marlène capsule collection. Six exclusive versions of the luxury rug, whose design is inspired by the colors of nature, transferred into precious materials, refined elegance and exquisite craftsmanship.

In line with the other rugs created for the ELIE SAAB Maison Rug Collection, the Marlène capsule represents the highest expression of Sahrai's artistic quality, acquired in over two hundred years of history; a refined mix in which Persian artisan tradition,

a sophisticated contemporary taste, and a pinch of glamour are blended in a harmonious way.

Each rug from the Marlène Capsule Collection is a unique work of art, capable of transmitting that sense of luxury which for Sahrai is not just a well designed creative and production process, but is completed with the impeccable interaction of the rugs with its environment, touching all senses. The Rugs are created with the finest silks, whose filaments alternate in a play of depth and relief, made with the most refined knotting techniques, aiming for excellence in every aspect, in line with every single creation of ELIE SAAB Maison.

discover At Arada, we build high quality communities.

Diverse neighbourhoods that come to life when people share, exchange and celebrate.

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