Making of Atlantis The Royal by Red Door Productions FZ LLC

MAKING OF

Peek into the $1.4 bn impressive project of The Royal Atlantis Resort and Residences that is grabbing everyone’s attention for right reasons

Design Par Excellence $1.4 billion project 5,500 tonnes of structural steel 130,000 square metres

Anam Khan anam@khaleejtimes.com

ol Kerzner built the legendary city of Atlantis from ground up between 1994 and 1998, or, more precisely, from the seafloor to the heavens. With its massive project, Atlantis The Royal, which seems idyllic to aware eyes, the group is now prepared to capture all of the world’s attention. Dubai has received a new colossal masterpiece, this one costing a total of $1.4 billion, which attracted considerable interest even before it was introduced to the market. Along with 231 serviced houses and apartments, some of which have private plunge pools and terraced gardens, two spectacular towers with 37 and 43 stories offer visitors 795 rooms and suites. The Concept Of Luxury Sol Kerzner has extended the metropolis Atlantis city with a chic and contemporary design at Atlantis The Royal. This brand-new Dubai landmark is ready to welcome you to an experience that will change the way you think about luxury. Visitors will be astounded when they enter the lobby, which looks out into extravagant fountains and fire displays in the open area beyond, which is situated close to the Atlantis resort on The Palm’s crescent. The Sky Bridge, which unites the project’s two towers and has a pool and an attractive lounge 95 metres above the ground with views of the Palm, is unquestionably the project’s showpiece. The Resort also has 45 on-site dining options and 92 swimming pools. Work up an appetite before dining at one of the 10 restaurants, which are run by seven world-class celebrity chefs, including Heston Blumenthal and Costas Spiliadis. It boasts a spectacular rooftop with a 90-metre infinity sky pool, a 3,000 sq

of glass-reinforced concrete

2 towers connected by Sky Bridge 80 floors in total 795 rooms and suites 92 swimming pools metre wellness haven, and beachfront access to the longest stretch of privately accessed beach. Dream up the perfect event and make it happen in one of Atlantis, Royal’s spectacular venues, which include a ballroom for upwards of 600 delegates, a business centre, a bridal lounge, and sprawling lawns for outdoor recess. The property also guarantees a luxurious spa experience that offers the best of wellness and relaxation. An Artistic Challenge Although the outcome is spectacular, it was difficult to create Atlantis The Royal. The two towers and the Sky Bridge joining them required almost 45,000 tonnes of steel rebar, 5,500 tonnes of structural steel, and 130,000 sq metre of glass-reinforced concrete. This architectural marvel by Sol Kerzner was brought to life by experts in interior design, architecture, real estate, and luxury resort development. The dream team used their skills and imagination to design this architectural wonder to life with a water feature design. French interior designer Sybille

de Margerie emphasised flair and creativity at the Resort. For more than 20 years, she has been redesigning the interiors of upscale properties. The Resort’s opulent and complex architecture was skillfully crafted by Kohn Pederson Fox (KPF) Associates, to everyone’s delight. Value and innovation were provided by the global real estate consultant Knight Frank. Address For Entertainment The new Atlantis The Royal is only a short distance from the original Atlantis hotel. The two properties feature over two kilometres of pristine, privately owned beachfront, only accessible to guests. Together, the two hotels are designed to form the ultimate entertainment destination. Of course, everyone staying at the resort get free access to the famous Atlantis waterpark and the onsite beach club called White Beach. Lavish Gastronomy Delights Mich Turner, a pioneering baker, has opened her first atelier bakery outside of the UK, at Atlantis The Royal. Turner

Proud to be Lead Architect for The Royal Atlantis

founded Little Venice Cake Company (LVCC) in 1999, and her award-winning designs of couture cakes continue to be an inspiration for many. Turner is an award-winning entrepreneur and author of seven internationally published books, the most recent ‘Everyday Bakes to Showstopper Cakes’. Turner has the credentials to create the perfect cakes and bakes. Living up to her name of ‘Star Baker’, Turner has created cakes for celebrities and international royalty including Queen Elizabeth, Pierce Brosnan, Sir Paul McCartney, Emma Thompson, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne, Gordon Ramsay and David Beckham. Nestled in the heart of the resort, LVCC will offer guests and visitors several distinct experiences. Those with a sweet tooth can purchase a slice, or a whole cake to take away — from posh doughnuts to afternoon tea loaf cakes, homemade fudge and florentines, fresh fruit tarts, exquisite chocolate cupcakes, brownies and biscuits as well as a selection of stylish piñata and fresh layer cakes. Another restaurant that is recognised as a finest Mediterranean seafood

restaurants in the world, Estiatorio Milos headed by Chef Costas Spiliadis introduces gourmands to high-end Hellenic food, drinks and hospitality that is infused with a philosophy of simplicity. The satisfying experience at the restaurant encompasses the timehonoured virtue of hospitality and embracing dining as an act of sharing. Every dish is served in its most basic form, highlighting the flavours and freshness of the ingredients with a brush of Aegean rock salt or a drizzle of olive oil from centuries-old Koroneiki olive trees. This includes the freshly caught fish and Greek wild oysters as well as the ceviches and tzatziki. Saying that Atlantis The Royal is a fusion of many cuisines under one roof would not be a lie. Both visitors and locals would find this to be a worthwhile culinary adventure at the resort.

We move 1.5 billion people per day More than 1.5 billion people use our products every day to get up and down buildings and across transportation hubs. Safe, smooth, and energy-efficient journeys – that’s been our core focus for almost 150 years. We’re driven by excellence in everything we do. Our extensive range of smart and sustainable mobility solutions, combined with our excellent customer service, have earned us the trust of thousands of building owners and operators worldwide. Whether simple mobility solutions for low-rise homes, or more sophisticated access and transport management solutions for mixed-use buildings – we’ve got you covered.

+971 4 3760000 | info.ae@schindler.com www.schindler.com | schindlergroup

We Elevate Rendering Courtesy of KPF

MAKING OF ATLANTIS THE ROYAL

The Winning Combination

Two architectural firms have deciphered the formula for unlocking creative collaborations, leading to iconic and breathtaking results

P A World of Wonders

Welcome to the realm of surprises where something exciting happens at every moment of every stay

ocated on the crescent of The Palm, next to Atlantis, The Palm, Atlantis The Royal is an unparalleled destination, that is sure to attract visitors and those who appreciate the good things in life. Building on the resort started in 2016 and is stretched over an area of 406,000 square metres. There are 795 guest rooms and 102 suites, including 44 suites and penthouses with private infinity pools. Surging 43 storeys into the sky, the new iconic landmark has been designed by the world’s leading designers, architects and artists. It is an imposing and jawdropping structure, meant for the discerning guest with a desire and appreciation for luxury. Destined to be a permanent feature on the Dubai skyline for decades to come, the resort is built upon an attentive and personalised service philosophy that is delivered in an exclusive environment, unlike anywhere else. The resort also features a 5,000 sq m holistic spa and wellness area including fitness, steam and sauna facilities. The Aquaventure Waterpark features the world’s largest record-breaking waterpark.

Home to four large aquariums in the lobby and lobby bar, holding a total of 600,000 litres of water, the lobby bar features the world’s largest jellyfish tank with over 4,000 jellyfish.There is something for everyone at the resort. Featuring a collection of elegant rooms, signature penthouses and suites crowned by a 90-metre sky pool, Atlantis The Royal is blessed with stunning views of the Dubai skyline and Arabian Sea. In addition to 17 world-class restaurants, these feature a wide variety of celebrity chef restaurants, more than anywhere else in the world. Additional awe-inspiring experiences include fountains that breathe fire as well as the region’s most comprehensive wellness facility, offering curated holistic, aesthetic and science-based treatments. If you are looking for something to spark all your senses, you have come to the right place when you visit Atlantis The Royal. There are miles of private beaches and pools overlooking the vast horizon. Guests are taken on a journey of surprise and discovery, with artful masterpieces, iconic entertainment and beautiful craftsmanship at every turn.

remier landscape architecture firms, SKS Studio and 40North Design have once again joined forces to design what is sure to be hailed as the embodiment of experiential resort living with Atlantis, The Royal at Palm Jumeirah. The two firms, helmed by principals Sean Simms and John Galloway, have combined their talents by partnering on some of the most prestigious projects in the world including: Porto Island, Dubai, The Mandarin Oriental Grand Cayman, and Six Senses Southern Dunes in KSA. While each studio operates independently, they have been able to forge a compelling means of collaborating on the best developments, where each team member can utilise their unique talents to optimise creativity during the design process. The team has extensive experience in both large- and small-scale projects with a focus on the creation of luxury destinations. Both SKS Studio and 40North Design have designed projects in more than 40 countries across the globe for such esteemed clients such as One and Only, Four Seasons and Mandarin Oriental. “For us, it begins by listening. Then, we can connect our experiences and creativity to the needs of our clients and other members of the design team. John and I have been working on projects like this for more than 25 years. We have been able to use technology as a problem-solving tool and have integrated it into our creative process to share our ideas with clients around the world,” said Sean Simms, President, SKS Studio. 40North Design principal John Galloway attributes the success each firm has achieved with such a demanding clientele to one simple principle: understanding that the creative process is a combination of experiences, attitudes, and

Atlantis, The Royal at Palm Jumeirah

Amara Hotel

One&Only The Palm accommodation talents. He says that in the end, the project is always better for exploring different points of view. “Working with other highly talented people creates a dynamic design process that brings out the very best in everyone. We bring this collaborative energy to each project in which we are involved,” added Galloway. 40North Design and SKS Studio have their main studios located in Kansas City, Missouri, USA with branch offices in Dubai, UAE. Reach them via their www.sks-studio.com www.40northdesign.com — ali@khaleejtimes.com

Elevating Landscape Steven Foster Managing Director Schindler MENA highlights the Swiss engineering company’s mobility expertise on the project Briefly explain the philosophy behind Schindler and its journey in the MENA region. Schindler is a 150-year-old Swiss family company. Our core philosophy is to do business around a set of values that are non-negotiable. These values include Safety, Quality, Delivering Customer Value, Integrity and Trust and People Development. Our view is that if we take care of the core values, the business growth will take care of itself. The MENA region is one of the key growth markets for the Group, and therefore, we aim to be the best service provider in the industry by continuing to develop highly innovative and user-friendly mobility solutions specifically tailored to this market. Tell us about Schindler’s role in the futuristic Royal Atlantis Resort & Residences on Palm Jumeirah. The Royal Atlantis is an extraordinary building with a unique design and complexity. At the peak of its making, there were around 14,000 people working on site. The project required a set of very clearly set out procedures for planning, installation and execution. As a global pioneer in the elevator and escalator industry, Schindler Group sets itself apart through its rigorous practices, uniquely designed in Switzerland and consistently applied throughout the world — be it in Switzerland, South Africa or Vietnam, we install a lift in the same manner. This ensures quality throughout in a safe manner. A vital role that we play in any project of this size is auditing on a regular basis as part of a clearly defined process. For instance, for Atlantis, The Royal, we had several independent checks at regular milestones

to ensure compliance and quality. Secondly, it is important to have clear and open communication with the main contractor to make sure that the complexities at any stage could be worked through. Thirdly, it is important to appoint the right project leadership and staff that is technically welltrained and motivated and matches our ambitions. It’s important to highlight that all our technicians on this site have been fully certified to the Schindler standard. What are some of the challenges in sharing public spaces and how were you able to ensure that in this project? Safety is one of our core values. Therefore, whenever we look at a project, we also do a safety assessment first to make sure that the main contractor has the right safety protocols that are aligned with our own. On this site, there were many people working in the same shared space, and it was important to stick to a set of clear methods and processes, but also to provide additional levels of intervention. For instance, we made sure to have a daily risk assessment meeting. Before beginning work in the morning, the team would get together and discuss any issues on site, what may have moved overnight, the plan for the day and how we would achieve it, safely. This was an important change in culture, allowing our fitters and technicians to speak up and address their areas of concern and how to overcome them before commencing work. Our commitment is that every day our colleagues get home safely to their families.

A New Level of Hospitality and Luxury Living You will be able to experience the city from a very different vantage point, says Mansoor Kazerouni, the key architect of the project Suneeti Ahuja-Kohli

n the architecturally rich environment of Dubai, where every building has a distinct look and feel to it, new projects often test the talent and creativity of engineers and architects. “There’s always a question of whether something new that hasn’t been done before can be achieved to make it stand out in the skyline of Dubai that is dotted with signature projects,” said Mansoor Kazerouni, Global Director Buildings, IBI Group, while talking about the role his firm has played in the construction of Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeriah in Dubai. IBI is the lead architect on the project. The Canadian firm collaborated with New York-based KPF architects, who are the design architects for Atlantis The Royal. “KPF is the one who envisioned the concept. It was their idea since the inception. Our role was to deliver the project as the lead architect,” said Kazerouni. IBI Group has been instrumental in the design development of the project. “We played multiple roles. We worked on the interior design of the functional areas, designed some of the standalone pavilions, cabanas and restaurants. The key role as a lead architect was to coordinate the efforts of the entire design team and to advance the design concept that KPF had put forward,” he added. The latest iconic structure on the Palm Jumeriah has been in the making since 2016, and is likely to open doors to guests and residents later this year. “This project speaks to you at multiple levels. The building is unique in its voids that it has created on each floor. The floors are like boxes that sort of pull out, like drawers. There are some incredible sky gardens that integrate nature and

Mansoor Kazerouni Global Director Buildings IBI Group

It has been a tremendous privilege to be involved in what will become one of the most iconic projects in the region, if not in the world. It will contribute significantly to Dubai’s already very impressive list of architecturally significant buildings. architecture in quite a sculptural, dramatic and beautiful way. And this, essentially, has broken down the traditional form of the building, creating a lot of visual and physical permeability,” noted Kazerouni. The structural design of the business is reminiscent of screens that are seen in many different scales and contexts in the Middle East, mediating sunlight in a beautiful way and capturing light and shadow. “Besides, if you step back and squint your eyes, Atlantis The Royal makes a very strong reference to the traditional classic Atlantis form that has strongly become the identity of Atlantis. But it does it in a highly contemporary way. The project reflects the personality of both the palm island and the city of Dubai,” he said. Atlantis The Royal features a series of cascading ‘sky-courts’ that open up to the sea and double

as landscaped terraces attached to executive suites. Some of these terraces contain infinityedge pools and trellis-shaped decks. The structure features two buildings seamlessly connected with the hotel tower to the west and residential tower to the east, linked by an arch spanned by a connecting bridge and topped by a pool. Hotel rooms and apartments are organised as a series of discrete modular blocks. The building also features a four-storey podium, which will be home to specialty chef restaurants, spa and meeting facilities flanked by a ballroom. There are eight townhouses. “It has been a tremendous privilege to be involved in what will become one of the most iconic projects in the region, if not in the world. It will contribute significantly to Dubai’s already very impressive list of architecturally significant buildings. It is a great testament to what can be achieved when a visionary client with great ambition and strong ideas brings together the best talent from across the world to build something that is so audacious and hasn’t been done before. We are humbled, thankful to be invited, and to have been a part of the team creating this incredible building,” said Kazerouni, who has a strong connection with Dubai, having lived there throughout the 90s. “I was in Dubai from 1992-99, and worked as one of the designers of the Emirates Towers. That project represents four years of my life. Watching that project come alive and the impact it had on the early development of high-rise buildings in Dubai is so heartwarming,” he said. IBI is a global multidisciplinary firm and practices in infrastructure, building and technology. “We are a highly technology driven design firm, and have projects and offices around the world. Our practice in Dubai is focused on infrastructure, urban planning, and transportation. We have infrastructure and urban planning projects in the region with a lot of work in Saudi Arabia. We have significant healthcare work in the UK with very large hospitals,” he concluded.