ME Consultant March 2015

013 March 2015

InsIght and analysIs for constructIon specIalIsts architecture

MEC exclusive on Woods Bagot’s new director

specification

The tricks that retail designers need to know

acoustics

Sounding out the role of acousticians in GCC projects

engineering

Details behind Gehry’s Sydney education scheme

WATCHFUL eye Why security consultants can never blink

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CONTENTS

March 2015

04 04

On topic news and analysis acrOss the Middle east Online news

Introducing CPI’s new digital platform for construction news

07

specificatiOn

The current trends and mistakes in mall development

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new appOintMent

Chris Brown, design director Dubai for Woods Bagot

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07

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in practice cOMpany prOfiles, OpiniOns and interviews OpiniOn

Wael Allan, Hyder, on the impact of consultants on societies

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interview

Paul Taplin and Graeme Macdonald from Driver Group

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event

Celebrating excellence with Knauf at its 2015 awards night

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30

insiGht

Evaluating the role and responsibilities of acoustic consultants

30 30

On site BUildinG reviews, case stUdies and snapshOts featUre

Assessing the deployment of security technology in the GCC

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12

34

snapshOt

Frank Gehry’s crumpled paper bag building in Sydney

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prOject news

Foster breaks grounds in Taiwan, Louis Berger wins rail work

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thOUGhts

Bassem Salah, general manager for hospitality, ISG Middle East March 2015 Middle East Consultant 1

WELCOME

Editor’s note Group GROUP CHAIRMAN AND FOUNDER DOMINIC DE SOUSA GROUP CEO NADEEM HOOD GROUP COO GINA O’HARA

Making a mark

O

ne of the articles in this issue is a case study on the Dr Chau Chak Wing building in Sydney. As soon as I glanced at the images, I could tell it was designed by American-Canadian ‘starchitect’ Frank Gehry.

You could say the likes of Calatrava, Ando, Hadid and Rogers have signature styles, but I believe you have to hark back to the legendary Antoni Gaudí to find another architect with such an immediately recognisable aesthetic as Gehry’s. All of his famous buildings feature a similar fragmented, crumpled look.

Trademark styles are fairly rare in architecture and many would argue this is a good thing. Form should follow function and a successful building must be tailored to the needs of the occupants rather than the ego of an individual.

Yet at the same time, most architects consider their profession to be a high form of art. Revered painters such as Van Gogh, Picasso, Monet, Dali and Turner all developed original styles which put them apart. In fact, artists are open to criticism if they don’t have a distinctive style.

Of course, architecture is an entirely different ball game, but I am slightly surprised that many of the top architects and architectural firms shy away from obvious design trademarks.

For example, Jean Nouvel’s Reina Sofia in Madrid and Louvre Abu Dhabi are both fantastic museum designs but completely different in appearance; I’m sure most people would not be able to tell they were designed by the same architect.

Gehry’s buildings are different. They are certainly not subtle and they dominate their surroundings while inspiring awe and disdain in equal measure.

It remains to be seen how his Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be received once it opens on Saadiyat Island in 2017.

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR RAZ ISLAM raz.islam@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5471 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR VIJAYA CHERIAN vijaya.cherian@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5713

Editorial EDITOR OLIVER EPHGRAVE oliver.ephgrave@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5475 ASSISTANT EDITOR MARIAM AHMED ELSAYED mariam.elsayed@cpimediagroup.com +971 4 375 5715 SUB EDITOR AELRED DOYLE

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REGISTERED AT IMPZ PO BOX 13700, DUBAI, UAE TEL: +971 4 440 9100 FAX: +971 4 447 2409 WWW.CPIMEDIAGROUP.COM

Oliver Ephgrave, Editor, Middle East Consultant

Printed by Printwell Printing press LLC © Copyright 2015 CPI. All rights reserved While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all information in this magazine, they will not be held responsible for any errors therein.

2 Middle East Consultant March 2015

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on ToPIC roundup

Online L AU N C H PA R T N E R

Middle East Consultant’s home on the web MOST POPULAR

EDITOR'S CHOICE

READERS' COMMENTS

AC Milan takes on Arsenal…in stadium design

Much has been said about UAE developers getting in on Egypt's 'megaprojects' - but few of these projects have moved. What happened to Arabtec's $40 billion project there, for example? Investors, not to mention the developers and contractors, don't know where they stand when it comes to these projects. There needs to be more transparency, and more reporting.

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Dubai Torch fire-safety systems ‘worked as planned’ Fire-safety procedures functioned “as planned” during a blaze at The Torch building in Dubai, the developer said, amid claims by some residents that alarm systems did not immediately sound.

2

Dubai Torch fire: 101 apartments still inaccessible, says insurer As many as 101 apartments at The Torch building in Dubai were still inaccessible a few days after the fire at the building, its insurer said.

PHOTO GALLERIES

Images of the Italian football club’s proposed $350m ground, which is said to be inspired by the Emirates Stadium in London, home to Arsenal FC. See photo galleries at: meconstructionnews.com/photos

3

Egypt’s new capital city to cost $66bn A new Egyptian capital city will be built at a cost of $66 billion by a Gulf-based developer and is set to be approved in March.

Bill Branson, on the story, ‘Abu Dhabi developer linked with new capital city in Egypt’

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Dubai ruler launches key developments, one to feature ‘snow fountain’ Sheikh Mohammed gave his backing to four major property projects including one with a “year-round snow fountain”.

5

Sink some money…into a $1.3m ‘underwater villa’ in Dubai Proposed floating villas located off The World manmade islands will have one level completely submerged in water.

READER POLL To what extent does your company use BIM when working on a project?

VIDEO

Amazing time-lapse video gives new view of Dubai British filmmaker Rob Whitworth was granted special access to make this time-lapse video of some of Dubai’s most awe-inspiring buildings.

See videos at: meconstructionnews.com/videos

20% 25% Not at all

Beginning to use

30% 25% Moderate users

Full suite of BIM services

Log on for the latest from across the Middle East construction sector. Write to the editor at contact@meconstructionnews.com

4 Middle East Consultant March 2015

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05

DEVELOPMENT The tricks that retail designers in the region need to know

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ARCHITECTURE Chris Brown joins Woods Bagot as regional design director in Dubai

On topic L

SPECIFICATION

Retail therapy Uncovering the current trends and common mistakes by stakeholders in regional mall developments

ast month, JLL issued a statement on the strength of the retail market in the UAE, based on the positive annual results from the largest developers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Emaar, the developer behind Dubai Mall and Marina Mall, reported a 30% increase in annual profit to $912 million, while Abu Dhabi’s Aldar, whose Yas Mall launched in November 2014, recorded profits of $618m. “The major developers appear in good financial condition to weather the more challenging conditions expected as the markets stabilise during 2015,” said JLL. Yet are the standards of regional retail complexes on a similar upward trajectory?

According to Yahya Jan, vice president and design director at Norr Group Consultants, developers are moving away from the typology of large airconditioned boxes towards environments that are more urban in feel.

“There is a general movement away from the enclosed box,” remarks Jan. “That was the prevalent model from the 1980s until the early 21st century. Now, people are looking at high street retail, which has a feel of indoors and outdoors that makes it seem like you’re part of the city rather than inside a mall.

“In some cases, it’s very cosmetic – a high street within a mall – but there are more exciting examples where the mall is no longer a hermetically sealed, simple rectangular mass. Here we see landscaping, and other aspects of outdoor space, woven in.”

He states that an organic make-up can be created by eschewing a planning style of rational grids. “It’s not about getting the perfect sightlines for every retail shop. Rather, it’s about creating an environment that has some aspect of surprise – you turn the corner and you discover something.

It’s a different way of designing malls, which I think is really exciting.”

March 2015 Middle East Consultant 7

on topic SPECIFICATION

Matt Kitson, regional director for Hilson Moran Qatar, believes that the most successful malls in the region boast pleasant and varied environments. Both Hilson Moran and Norr were behind The Avenues in Kuwait, a project which typifies this ethos, according to Kitson.

“From an architectural point of view, it is interesting – there is not a flat face that runs the full length of the mall. There’s a variation in texture. For a mall to be successful, the bottom line is the amount of people you get through the door.

The Avenues is very successful in that respect – people enjoy being there.”

Another contributing factor is lighting. Jan continues: “We would argue there should be no

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi.

8 Middle East Consultant March 2015

need for artificial lighting at all during the day, if the mall is designed correctly. This is from an energy efficiency and human comfort point of view. Also, if you want real vegetation, then the light has to be of the right spectral quality so the plants can grow.”

Kitson agrees: “There have been many studies on the impact of daylight on people that shop – natural light retains people in the space and leads to better returns on revenue. We need natural light to be happy.”

Given the extreme level of sunlight in the GCC, is there a danger of allowing too much natural light into malls? “Yes, absolutely,” replies Jan. “If you look at the main walkways in The Avenues, the

skylights are only about 20-30% of the roof – the Bi publictus, rest of it is solid. Even that was too much, so they quitem sid are fitted with high-performance glass so you coendam in tabem usquist don’t havenonis. too much glare. It has to be carefully Geremurbitam designed, especially in this part of the world.” perum locus Kitson adds: “Discomfort glare is equally offputting for shoppers. If you’re trying to relax and sitting there squinting, you’ll get a bad head and walk out.”

So how should designers and engineers achieve the right level of natural light? “There is computer modelling software to predict the levels of light and the specifications of glass you will need,” says Kitson. “That’s just good engineering. We also do thermal comfort studies.”

on topic SPECIFICATION

“Essentially, a lot of designers get lazy and condition the whole volume.

I don’t get that and never will” Matt KItson, HIlson Moran

Jan also points to Norr’s use of software, combined with local know-how. “We look at the sun path, the shape of the skylight, and we try to bring in the north light rather than the strong south light. Some places should be brighter, depending on the mood in different parts of the mall.”

The plentiful sunshine in the region also presents the opportunity to create outdoor retail environments, typified by Meraas’ popular Citywalk and The Beach projects in Dubai.

Jan states that the hot summer months should not be used as an excuse for other retail developers not to follow suit. “If you look at the great cities of the world, they have six or seven good months and then cold months. We have very hot months.

“I think [outdoor retail] works, but it has to be done cleverly. You have to look at the breeze and how that goes through the project. In our region, it feels hot because it is humid.”

Kitson believes that a mixture of indoor and outdoor retail is an effective model. “If there are massive spaces, then maybe some of them should be outside. It would be interesting to find a mall with a park in the middle.”

In fact, Norr is working on a mall in Tehran, Iran, which employs this concept. Jan explains: “The mall introduces a Persian terrace garden with real cypresses and feels urban rather than seeming like the inside of a building. To pull that off requires a collaborative design effort.”

March 2015 Middle East Consultant 9

ON TOPIC SPECIFICATION

Urban shopping Regional malls that offer city-style experiences within indoor or outdoor spaces

When asked about the common mistakes by mall designers and developers in the region, Kitson scoffs and replies: “There are many. For instance, the type of material that is used on the floor.”

Jan states that durability is a key priority when specifying flooring. “A mall, like an airport, is a high traffic area, similar to a subway station. We try and convince our clients that you really need to use the highest quality of materials in terms of durability.

“If you compromise on that, you really pay for it in operational costs – it just keeps falling apart and you need to keep replacing things. In our malls, we use a lot of high-quality ceramic tiles that don’t age – it looks the same a decade later.

A mall is generally a privately-owned building but has the feeling of being public. People think of malls as part of the city – it’s almost like designing a streetscape or a public space.”

Brian Mee, project director at Norr, adds that developers should carefully allocate their budgets in order to realise the concept. “Sometimes the owner may want less expensive granite or marble flooring and put more money into specialist lighting. It’s not all about using the most expensive materials, but rationalising the budget. When you’re looking at materials, the issue of sustainability – with LEED or Estidama – comes up as well.”

When questioned whether developers are seriously addressing sustainability, Jan retorts: “I think they are concerned about economic sustainability, that’s for sure. I would say that if the developer is sophisticated, he will understand about sustainability in terms of a project lifecycle.”

Yet Kitson points out that many malls in the region are wasting energy, with designers to blame in a lot of cases. “I do think it is a little obscene how much air we put in,” he says. “I would like to see more strategies that put in the air where it is needed, in occupied zones only. Essentially, a lot of designers get lazy and condition the whole volume.

I don’t get that and never will. For some malls you

THE AVENUES, KUwAIT The largest shopping mall in Kuwait opened in 2007 and contains over 800 stores spread over seven districts.

The scheme was developed by Kuwaiti real estate and investment company Mabanee, with consultancy from Norr Group Consultants and Hilson Moran.

YAS MALL, AbU DHAbI Launched in November 2014, Yas Mall integrates plentiful natural light in a varied urban setting with extensive internal landscaping. The project, developed by Aldar and engineered

by Aecom, won Development of the Year at the Big Project Awards 2014.

THE bEACH, DUbAI Meraas’ The Beach at JBR has won many plaudits for its varied outdoor retail environment. Designed by Benoy and BSBG, the complex stretches for 1km along the coast and features cafes, restaurants, shops, markets, public courtyards and an outdoor cinema.

have to do that, due to the way they are configured, but for others you don’t have to condition the whole volume.” He also highlights other typical inefficiencies, such as no insulation on duct work.

The circulation in malls is a bone of contention for Jan. “Often the developer or designer has come up with a scheme where the circulation is very convoluted and disorienting. You end up with back corridors that no one knows about – shops in those areas tend to fail as they don’t get enough footfall. Mall designs need legibility and simplicity. There can still be an element of surprise or excitement, but it is important that you don’t have a lot of dead ends that nobody knows about.”

“Developers are shocked when you start designing and the area allocated for parking is larger than the mall itself” YaHYa Jan, norr Group Consultants 10 Middle East Consultant March 2015

Washrooms and parking are two other aspects which are often overlooked, says Jan. “People don’t realise how important it is to have really well-appointed washrooms which are considered for privacy and hygiene. Some customers choose which mall to shop in based on the washrooms.”

He adds that often developers don’t realise how much space is required for adequate parking facilities. “Developers are shocked when you start designing and the area allocated for parking is larger than the mall itself. But a mall can choke on its inability to get the parking to work. It’s not just the amount – the parking has to be designed in a very clever way to allow people in and out as easily as possible.

“How people enter the mall is very important.

Retail is really about distributing footfall at multiple levels and making sure people walk in front of shops and the main attractions. Often parking is designed in just one end of the mall or just below. In the larger malls, you have multi-level parking structures that bring people in at multiple levels. That kind of strategic planning is really a key to success.”

on topic NEW APPOINTMENT

Brown pinpoints Woods Bagot’s SAHMRI project in Adelaide.

12 Middle East Consultant March 2015

on topic NEW APPOINTMENT

ARCHITECTURE

Headline act Internationally experienced architect Chris Brown has joined Woods Bagot as regional design director for Dubai.

Middle East Consultant gains an exclusive interview

I

n a January 2015 interview with Middle East Consultant, Woods Bagot principal Julie Knight spoke of a “headline” name that was soon to be appointed design director for the company’s Dubai office. At the time of going to press, the mystery figure has been revealed as ex-HOK leader Chris Brown, a familiar face in the industry with 21 years of experience in the UK, Hong Kong, the US and the Middle East.

After training at The Bartlett in London, Brown started working for RMJM in the same city before moving to the practice’s Hong Kong office. He subsequently worked for Foster + Partners in Hong Kong, Wilkinson Eyre Architects in London and then relocated to the Middle East in 1999 as head of architecture for RMJM in Dubai. The following year, Brown joined HOK to work as senior project architect for the six residential towers of Dubai Marina 1 for Emaar and later Dubai Festival City for Al Futtaim Group.

After a stint running a new Florida office for HKR, Brown decided to return to the Middle East and work for HOK, becoming vice president and practice leader of the region. During this second spell, he ran a team of over 30 architects and oversaw the delivery of a number of prestigious projects, including Msheireb Downtown Doha, Doha Marina Mall and the Change Initiative building in Dubai.

What made you choose Woods Bagot?

I chose Woods Bagot due to the quality of the design work and the diversity of the company overall. We use the term ‘design intelligence’ to describe the multi-faceted process of weaving together what is both art and science when it comes to project design.

It also speaks to the gathering of intelligence, whether the research of our own studio here in Dubai or the

input of experienced designers across sectors in our global studio. Woods Bagot allocates 2% of annual revenue to our global research arm. Research is the process, intelligence is the product. This collective intelligence leads to how we as a global practice inform tailored project approaches. The diversity aspect of Woods Bagot is also important. Many international practices are global; however, when you look across our network of directors, principals and senior staff, there is a genuine diversity in leadership background and design knowledge.

You were described by Julie Knight as a “headline” name. Do you think it was important for Woods Bagot to appoint someone well-known in the industry?

“I think the challenge for the profession is to be delivering not simply the best work in the region, but the best work globally”

That is kind of Julie. I think what is important is being well-known for a track record rather than specifically having a profile. I think the work should speak for itself with the architect taking quiet pride in the client’s success, whether they are an end user or a commercial-led developer. A good case in point is the SAHMRI project in Adelaide, designed by Woods Bagot. It has delivered an award-winning design which has represented the client very well on the global stage.

This is my goal for the Dubai studio. Our work in the Middle East, as well as winning local design awards – which is a great plaudit – should aim to be as recognised within an increasingly global marketplace as it is in the local region. I think the challenge for the profession is to be delivering not simply the best work in the region, but the best work globally. There isn’t a lack of vision within the clients’ organisations, but together clients and consultants should be able to work more collaboratively to align those visions with the time and commercial constraints that many projects are subject to.

March 2015 Middle East Consultant 13

on topic NEW APPOINTMENT

What project, in this region, are you most proud to have worked on?

I would choose two projects, both at opposite ends of the spectrum. Dubai Marina because of the entire design process, a fully engaged and passionate client, an excellent design team, a quality-led construction and the final product, which has served as a good benchmark for lifestyle residential in the region. The second project, at the other end of the scale but no less ambitious, is The Change Initiative. This was a brand conceived and developed in Dubai with a global sustainable outlook, again from a client with real vision. Both designs were exacting in their own ways, from the seamless integration on the Dubai Marina project to the sourcing of sustainable materials and gaining LEED credits on The Change Initiative building.

You have a lot of experience in the Middle East and around the world. What do you like most about working in the Middle East compared to other regions?

I would say it is the passion and vision that clients have for their projects, particularly at a leadership level. While that can make the designer’s life challenging, I believe most professionals here – if they took a step back from some of the daily pressures of the job – would see the incredible opportunities that we have. There is also an energy that comes from working with a variety of different cultures and experiences, and there seems to be an infectious desire to succeed. This could clearly be seen in the level of public engagement, for example,

on the Expo 2020 bid. I also see a similar energy and diversity in our Dubai studio, and one of the great things about this role is the chance to mentor staff so that they genuinely enjoy and grow in what they are doing as creative professionals rather than just having a job.

We also enjoy very good access to clients in the region, and I think that early engagement is key to the success of a project. Clients are always welcome in our studio, and we notice that greater interaction can lead to more clearly defined goals and quicker resolution of design problems. It isn’t perfect, of course. Somebody reading this may ask, “What about more realistic design periods? Less fee cutting? More equitable contract terms?” They are all conversations a mature market must continue to have, so the industry evolves to serve our clients and regulates itself to reduce, or eliminate, poorly conceived and executed work.

Will you be championing the use of BIM?

Yes, I think it is critical. As a leading design practice, we continue with our implementation of BIM. We still aren’t seeing this as a universal requirement from clients, but regardless, we recommend its use. We see a greater appreciation among clients for the benefits of BIM; this will enable us to lead our industry rather than just follow a trend. BIM is not just a production tool, as some people may believe. It is a full design platform that brings to the table not just efficiencies in design, but a truly integrated design process where consultants are designing within each other’s virtual environments. It is far harder to ignore threeAt HOK, Brown worked on the Change Initiative (left) and Dubai Marina 1 (right).

14 Middle East Consultant March 2015

dimensional work in a shared environment than it is a traditional two-dimensional approach.

One thing I would like to see, however, is a realisation in the marketplace that there is a cost to BIM that must be balanced against savings made from reducing on-site clashes. It isn’t a quantum shift, but investment in BIM takes time, training and software, therefore the assumption that the consultant just absorbs those costs won't provide the adoption rates or depths seen in the USA, UK and Australia.

You have a passion for façade design.

Are fully glazed façades completely inappropriate for the desert, or can they still be sustainable?

Well-conceived high-performance glass façades have their place in building design, but I think regionally there is an over-reliance on skinning the building in glass. I suspect some of that is expediency by designers, coupled with the client’s desire to represent themselves with a modern materiality. As the market has matured, we are seeing far greater exploration of appropriate claddng types, whether that is the in-depth studies of creating a new architectural language at the Msheireb Downtown Doha, or the rich variety of cladding that brings The Beach project at JBR to life. Both are good examples of how far we as an industry have moved from fully glazed buildings. There is still a lot of work to be done, though, and I hope the industry embraces that challenge in the same way we are working with our clients on such issues.

M

‫ﺟﻤﻌﻴﺔ اﻟﺸﺮق اﻻوﺳﻂ ﻟﺼﻨﺎﻋﺎت اﻟﻄﺎﻗﺔ اﻟﺸﻤﺴﻴﺔ‬

Middle East Solar Industry Association

Empowering Solar across the Middle East

IN PRACTICE WAEL ALLAN

Opinion

Wael Allan is Hyder Consulting COO and Middle East chairman

Licence to skill

How international consultancies positively impact the cities where they operate Hyder Consulting’s first regional project was in Yemen in 1904, where John Taylor and Sons – our predecessor company – advised on water and sewerage schemes.

Longevity in any region raises a number of macroeconomic and social questions about the legacy and influence of design and engineering consultancies.

There are a number of important contributions that such companies collectively provide to the economy and stability of a nation. The first, and most obvious, is the creation of quality infrastructure projects and the resulting effect on the users of these built assets.

This impact of effective infrastructure on a country’s economy, and by implication its political and social stability, is vast; from roads and transport systems leading to increasing connectivity and mobility, to the role of functioning and efficient schools, hospitals and other crucial built assets.

For design and engineering consultancies, this positive impact on society results in a continued cycle of work; the improvements in infrastructure result in an increasing GDP. What normally follows is a natural increase in projects thanks to the growing economy. It is a win-win scenario for the society and the companies who build and design them.

The second major impact from the work we do is related to the skills and knowledge transfer from international companies. The jobs that consultancies tend to provide are mainly for skilled personnel who, in order to maintain global 16 Middle East Consultant March 2015

standards, are constantly developing themselves. This contributes to a country’s knowledge-based economy and creates wealth for a viable middle class who are an important key driver of growth and stability.

On top of a skilled workforce, the dynamic of a multinational workforce – which shares best practices and continuously learns and improves techniques and methods – provides added benefits both to design and engineering consultancies and to the local economy.

From a macro level there is a clear connection between skilled people and happiness, which, like the growth in the economy, has benefits for both society and the firms themselves. The provision of high-skill employment means people are fulfilled financially, socially and intellectually. Happy workers make companies more productive and the positive cycle continues.

Another positive influence of international consultancies relates to the theme of tolerance.

Certainly, international companies working in emerging markets bring with them global methods and different ways of working.

Likewise, to succeed, international consultancies require cross-border activities, relationships and systems that require total acceptance and tolerance of all cultures.

While globalisation is a cliché, it is apt to summarise this discussion. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are microcosms of the phenomenon.

These cities have embraced the global workforce and the international design and engineering consultancies which bring expertise, staff and investment. The resulting society is a snapshot of what a globalised world can look like, with a plethora of cultures working side by side in relative prosperity and harmony.

IN PRACTICE Driver anD Diales

interview Middle East Consultant visits the shared office of Driver Consult and Diales and speaks to recently-appointed directors Graeme Macdonald and Paul Taplin

DRIVING FORWARD

18 Middle east Consultant March 2015

IN PRACTICE Driver anD Diales

March 2015 Middle east Consultant 19

IN PRACTICE Driver anD Diales

AlThOuGh hOusED IN ThE sAME OFFICE IN

Business Bay and sharing similar clients, Diales and Driver are two brands that encounter differing levels of awareness in the Middle East. While claims, quantity surveying and project management provider Driver has been based in the region since 2005, its newly-branded expert witness service Diales had its regional launch just a few months ago, in October 2014.

Driver’s recently-appointed head of claims in Dubai, Graeme Macdonald, explains: “Both Driver and Diales provide services for clients such as developers, major contractors or subcontractors. The dispute can come from anywhere.”

In addition to providing claims and expert witness services, Driver Group also offers commercial management and quantity surveying, planning and programming and project management. As the parent company, Driver Group PLC contains 440 employees globally, within which the Diales brand is able to offer a select group of 32 expert witnesses.

Paul Taplin, freshly appointed as head of Diales Middle East, says: “With Diales, the work is more likely to come through the recommendation of a lawyer, but in terms of the projects that we work on, they are largely the same.”

Taplin completed an ONC and HNC in building studies and a degree in quantity surveying over a period of eight years, parttime. He is also an accredited mediator, panel adjudicator and expert witness. Taplin’s career in dispute resolution consultancy began in 2000; prior to moving to Dubai in 2013, he was the operational director for Driver Group’s London office.

Meanwhile, Macdonald graduated from Dundee Institute of Technology (now Abertay University) with a BSc in quantity surveying, and is an accredited mediator. Since moving to the Middle East in 1998, he has worked with contractors, employers and consultants in commercial and claims roles, joining Driver over two years ago.

With more than 20 years of experience apiece, both Macdonald and Taplin agree that dispute resolution is more established in Europe than the Middle East. Taplin asserts that adjudication gained real momentum in the late '90s in the UK. “People were a little bit sceptical at first – it probably took a year or two to really get going, but once it did, it all but killed arbitration and people really did embrace it.” Compared to the

“In this part of the world, there isn’t much awareness about Diales, but there will be soon” Paul TaPlIn, DIales 20 Middle east Consultant March 2015

Middle East, which prefers to stick to standard methods, the UK and Europe are constantly looking for new ways to resolve their disputes, according to Taplin.

Macdonald points out that dispute resolution became more prominent in the UAE after the 2008 global financial crisis.

“Post-2008 in the UAE, contractors were more determined to secure what they were entitled to.” Taplin adds: “If you start talking too much about adjudication and mediation, there are some cultural differences which affect that decision [to choose either method]. I think certainly the appetite in the UK to embrace new methods of dispute resolution is far more established than it is here.”

However, the rapidly developing emirate is becoming increasingly open to new ideas. Macdonald remarks: “I would say that there is no question that Dubai is embracing new methods, as it wants to position itself as a financial commerce centre in the Middle East. While doing that, they have to embrace new methods of dispute resolution.

“The systems used in Europe have developed over time and over centuries. There is still a reliance on arbitration and litigation to resolve disputes here. I believe it is just a question of an opportunity to introduce new methods to the market and learning that other methods can be successful for them to be well received.”

According to Taplin, the majority of disputes are resolved informally. “Most disputes about construction are resolved by negotiation – that has never changed. The problem is the market only hears about the ones that go on to arbitration.

“I would say that the use of any formal dispute resolution process to resolve a dispute is in the minority in this area. Even if you start a process of arbitration or litigation, it is unlikely that the case will reach a hearing, so the number of disputes that are actually getting to a decision by a judge or an arbitrator is very low. Most cases just get resolved along the way.”

Despite some lingering misconceptions, the role of the expert witness is becoming more understood within the UAE court system. Taplin explains: “I think it is slowly becoming clear, but the role of the expert still has a bit of a myth around it. I don’t think there is a particular understanding around the need to be impartial, which is the cornerstone of being an expert.

“There is a wrong belief that the expert will also make decisions about what is right and wrong. They simply provide an independent view of the case. However, the understanding is definitely improving.”

With 440 members worldwide, Driver Group is a truly global firm with a need for mobile employees. Taplin explains: “We are a global construction company so we have to operate in a certain way. It is a requirement for the staff to be able to

IN PRACTICE Driver anD Diales

Graeme Macdonald, Driver (left) and Paul Taplin, Diales (right).

give a client a service that he needs in any location, and they need to be able to move around internationally.”

He adds: “One of the reasons I do this job is that I enjoy travelling. I like to see new regions, new cultures and places.

The world is becoming a smaller place, no question about that.”

To assist its global clients in need of expert witnesses, Diales has launched a new iPad app to find the most suitable expert for a certain job. The app categorises and filters the 32 professionals according to the area of expertise, sector, regional experience, years of experience and contract experience.

In order to spread its expertise to clients in the region, Driver has ambitious expansion plans. Macdonald continues: “We are already recruiting in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices, and we’ve hired six or seven staff members in the last month or two, with more in the pipeline.”

One of the key benefits of a bigger workforce is the ability to mobilise quickly, Macdonald adds. “Recruiting new staff is a dual approach to build capabilities and to be able to mobilise someone at short notice.”

When it comes to recruiting expert witnesses, less experienced staff are not considered but they can be trained

“The objective is to double the size of the Driver business in three years” Graeme macDonalD, DrIver and developed, according to Taplin. “For someone to work for Diales, we are looking at someone with considerable experience. They have to have been cross-examined. If they haven’t, then they can still become a part of Diales, providing that we put them on a course which allows them to be an accredited expert witness.”

Elaborating on future growth plans, Macdonald says: “The objective is to double the size of the [Driver] business in three years. It is ambitious, but that is what we have been working on for the last three months. Everyone is busy in the Middle East, which is why we are recruiting to cope with current demand, and to ensure that we have resources for the future demand created by our growth.”

March 2015 Middle east Consultant 21

advertorial KNAUF AWARDS

Industry event

Amer Bin Ahmed with the Knauf Award winners on the night.

Knauf celebrates excellence The 2nd annual Knauf Awards Night was held at the One and Only Royal Mirage on February 20, 2015. Middle East Consultant was there to witness the achievement of excellence amongst Knauf’s clients and employees

L

ast month, Knauf Middle East hosted the second ever Knauf Awards Night, at the One and Only Royal Mirage in Dubai. An annual event that celebrates the achievements of its huge and varied customer base, the Knauf Awards serves as a way for the drywall systems provider to connect with the different segments of the construction industry.

The customer-centric event was attended by senior executives who were representing construction related firms from all over the UAE, the GCC and even South-East Asia. More than 285 guests attended the event, which was held on February 20, 2015 and featured performing artists and live music, along with a dinner reception.

“We are at a very important turning point in the UAE,” said Amer Bin Ahmed, managing director of Knauf Middle East. “Expo 2020 is just around the corner and along with it comes a challenging and exciting period of time. Many projects are in the pipeline and many more underway with completion nearing. The expo itself stands for something much more than simply a show. It is unification on a global scale which will propel Dubai and the rest of the UAE to even more 22 Middle East Consultant March 2015

international prominence than already is present.

“Knauf Group and its many loyal patrons demonstrate the unification that the Expo stands for.

We all come from many different creeds, colours and backgrounds and this is a major factor in all of our successes. It is through this diverse unification that we are able to bring about mutual success through a performance based culture. We are all here tonight due to our combined efforts and subsequent performance via the common language of Knauf and in particular our full drywall system solutions along with our synergy partners; AMF, Heradesign, Aquapanel, Knauf Flooring and Danoline. We talk about Knauf being a family company, and it really is; from our employees to all of our customers, we are together as one. You can certainly feel this in the atmosphere here this evening at our Knauf Awards Night.”

Larish Buhari, operations manager at Al Rawda General Maintenance and Décor Company, said that he was appreciative of the support and assistance Knauf had provided to his firm over the years. Speaking after picking up a ‘Special Recognition for Contractors’ award, he said: “It feels good to receieve an award. It makes us

feel appreciated for the hard work that we put in.

The vibe is amazing and it’s really good to be here!

“Knauf is a reliable systems provider. Anytime I need anything, they’re there. They give quick response and they take care of all our needs onsite.

I’m really happy to work with them because they’re very efficient, very reliable and very professional.

To have all these qualities in one supplier is rare,” said Buhari.

Vineesh Babu of Gemini Building Materials, the winner of Dealer of the Year award on the night, agreed wholeheartedly with Buhari, adding that in his opinion, Knauf was the best drywall system provider in the GCC. “Knauf is the only solution for drywall systems for major projects – the A+ projects (in my opinion).

So any tie-up or connection that we have with them helps our company to grow as well,” he asserted.

“Our relationship with them is at the top level and the support we get from them is for all departments.

Whether it’s sales and marketing or technical support, it’s above and beyond all levels,” Babu said.

Hasan Abu Gheida, managing director of Qatar Gypsum Products Industry, winner of the

advertorial KNAUF AWARDS

Knauf Awards winners

Qatar Dealer of the Year award was also quick to praise Knauf for its efforts in bringing the industry together.

“It’s an appreciation of the dealers from Knauf and that means a lot to us. As a matter of fact, it’s an incentive to us to improve our efforts for sales and distribution in Qatar,” he insisted.

Also in attendance were representatives from some of the sponsors of the event, including Peter Brunner, sales manager – North/East for Heradesign Acoustic Ceilings. He expressed his delight at the turnout for the event and highlighted the presence of representatives of Dubai Municipality and several major contractors as especially satisfying.

“I’m really proud to be part of this awards ceremony because it shows that the community and the values of Knauf have been delivered. It was an amazing and motivating show and it’s now our target to go ahead and keep it running,” he told Middle East Consultant.

“The market here is quite stable and it is still increasing, but it is catching up with professionals.

Because of this, they need the entire range of completely developed products and solutions and that is where Knauf and all the brands under its umbrella can come in. They can provide all

the tools required to deliver in this market,” Brunner asserted.

Mayad Badar, design manager at Brookfield Multiplex, who are working on the Qatar National Library project, seconded Brunner’s opinion, pointing out that his experience with Knauf showed how committed they were to delivering excellence.

“Looking back to two years ago, when Knauf first visited me at the National Library project – we had absolutely nothing and within one week, they had supplied us with the specifications for the project, with a system that really suited us, and we took it from there. Since then, every month there’s been a visit from Knauf – their support is just amazing, it’s more than a supplier and it’s more than just a product being bought,” he related.

Jean Claude, a senior manager for Technical Trading in Oman, winner of Installer of the Year for Oman, added that Knauf’s technical support showed how they brought added value to their products.

“It’s not just about installing the product, it’s about understanding it. We visit the factory, we get an understanding about the product and how to install it, that brings added value to it. Knauf is very proactive in this regard and they put a lot of effort into their research, and that’s why I believe they have such a large share of the market,” he asserted.

System Seller of the Year ● Dywall Qatar Ltd, Qatar ● Mount Decor LLC, Oman ● SIG Middle East LLC, UAE Installer of the Year ● Trade Line LLC, UAE Best Performance - Special Products ● Al-Yaqeen for General Trading & Contracting, Kuwait ● Almisned Ceiling & Flooring, Qatar ● Depa Albarakah, UAE Installer of the Year - Heradesign ● Al-Khayarin International, Qatar ● Jascon Engineering WLL, Qatar Dealer of the Year - Heradesign ● Creative Line Enterprises WLL, Qatar Installer of the Year - AMF and Heradesign ● Heradesign - Technical Trading Company LLC, Oman ● AMF - Perfect Building Materials LLC, UAE Special Recognition - Contractor ● Sadeer Trading & Contracting Co., Kuwait ● Al-Khayyat Contracting & Trading KCT URBACON, Qatar ● Interarc Qatar LLC, Qatar ● IMAR Trading & Contracting Co. WLL, Qatar ● Al Turki Enterprises LLC, Oman ● Al Kahf Trading Co. LLC, Oman ● Interco Decor Co. LLC, UAE ● Vancouver Interiors LLC, UAE ● Pando Insulation Materials Co. LLC, UAE ● Al Rawda General Maintenance and Decoration Co., UAE Special Recognition - Architect ● Brookfield Multiplex Medgulf JV, Qatar ● Khatib & Alami - Consolidated Engineering Company, UAE Special Recognition - Aquapanel ● Insite Dimension, UAE ● Mainline Building Materials LLC, UAE Special Appreciation ● Dubai Municipality - Government of Dubai Dealer of the Year ● Alyusuf Building Materials Co. WLL, Bahrain ● CPF International Co., Kuwait ● Qatar Gypsum Products Industry, Qatar ● Gemini International LLC, Oman ● Gemini Building Materials, UAE

March 2015 Middle East Consultant 23

24 Middle East Consultant March 2015

IN PRACTICE ACOUSTIC CONSULTANTS

Insight

SouNd of SuCCESS Evaluating the importance of acoustic consultants and their role in various projects, from high-profile concert halls to lowcost housing

T

here can be little debate that the success of the upcoming Dubai Opera will depend on, at least to some degree, the quality of its acoustics. Yet is the discipline given enough consideration in less prestigious developments in the region? Middle East Consultant speaks to four acoustic consultants to understand the fundamental role of acousticians.

March 2015 Middle East Consultant 25

IN PRACTICE ACOUSTIC CONSULTANTS

ACCoRdINg To SARAh huSkIE, hEAd of

acoustics at WSP, it is easily noticeable when the discipline has been neglected. “The basic principles of acoustic design are the same, regardless of the project. While a good acoustic environment is rarely noticed, it is very evident when it has not been considered,” she says.

All elements of the construction process require teamwork, and acoustics is no different. Thomas Bailess, a mechanical engineer and acoustician at PMK International, comments: “The acoustic consultant needs to work closely with the architect, interior designer, structural engineer and building services engineers. If there is a PA system, an audio-visual consultant would be required too. All the design team needs to work together closely.”

Whether it is an auditorium or a residential building, certain materials need to be used in order to provide optimal acoustic properties. Sudhanshu Sharma, an acoustician at Kinetics Middle East, explains: “Mostly, you require absorptive material. However, you need to intersperse absorptive material with diffusers, which in a way are reflective materials, just so that you get a diffused field for the listener. Some designs require ovation reflector panels mounted on the ceiling.”

“Acoustical engineers need to work together with architects, facilities managers, MEP & HVAC consultants and technical directors to shape and design spaces for optimal performance of auditorium acoustics” SArAH HuSkiE, WSP Bailess highlights the importance of using certain ratios and proportions of materials in addition to paying attention to their texture and composition. He says: “There are no materials that can’t be used, and there are no materials that must be used. Materials should be used in the correct proportions and locations to get a correct balance of acoustic properties.

“Every material has some absorption, reflection and diffusion, so we have to get the right mix to ensure the correct acoustic environment.”

While the science of acoustics remains the same, the complexity varies according to the building type. Huskie remarks: “Consultancy for an auditorium is much more complex and involved than for other buildings, as every detail is critical 26 Middle East Consultant March 2015

in ensuring excellent acoustics, and detailed computer models are typically created to assess the space. For this reason, our fees are typically much higher than for other types of building.”

Bailess asserts that each building has its own requirements.

“The main difference with an opera house will be that the standards are much more onerous compared to a stadium, so it will require more detailed assessment and analysis (e.g. 3D modelling). An auditorium is not more important, it is just different criteria.”

A state-of-the-art auditorium like Dubai Opera has the ability to transform into three modes – theatre, concert hall and ‘flat floor’ for banquets or events. With these possibilities, the audience of Dubai Opera might be exposed to either high or low frequency sounds.

Vinayan Nambiar, project director and acoustician at Moov Group, comments: “The low frequency sounds are very difficult to absorb because of their long wavelength.

Incorporating an air space behind an acoustical ceiling or wall panel often serves to improve low frequency performance.

However, some materials are avoided, like rockwool panel, as it is inappropriate in terms of acoustic properties and it may cause health problems if directly exposed to the air.”

If mistakes are made acoustically, it is not always straightforward to rectify them, Huskie explains. “Acoustic finishes tend to be quite deep in order to control sound across the frequency range, and an appropriate allocation needs to be made in the early stages of the design. The shape and volume of the space are also critical elements of the design which will affect the acoustic environment, and it is extremely difficult to fix these retroactively.”

All four acoustic consultants agree that fixing mistakes retroactively always costs more. “Rectifying mistakes after construction is done will cost five times more,” says Sharma.

Bailess agrees: “It is always more expensive to fix things retroactively, compared to doing it from the start.”

Acoustic faults in run-of-the-mill projects can occur because acoustic consultants are not engaged. Nambiar states: “Everyone is aware of the importance of good acoustical design in concert halls, recording studios, auditoriums, but there are very few experts in this field. Yes, sometimes acoustics are neglected.” Sharma has a parallel view on this matter, and remarks: “Low-income housing projects rarely need input from an acoustic specialist.”

Acoustic consultants are now more recognised than previously, according to Huskie. “Acoustics is becoming more widely integrated and considered by architects and engineers worldwide, and the same is true here in the Middle East.

This is reflected in the acoustic criteria included within local legislation, such as the Dubai Green Building Regulations.”

Perhaps surprisingly, there is no agreed definition of perfect acoustics. Bailess comments: “Acoustic consultants will argue about how to define best, and there isn’t really a consensus

IN PRACTICE ACOUSTIC CONSULTANTS

Making a noise: Acoustical case studies from around the world

BoSToN SyMPhoNy hAll, uSA With its inaugural concert on 22 October 1881, the Boston Symphony hall in Massachusetts remains one of the most revered concert halls in the world for acoustics. Architects McKim, Mead & White of New York engaged acoustic consultant Wallace Clement Sabine, a young assistant professor of Physics at Harvard, to work on the hall, once known as Old Boston Music Hall. It then became the first auditorium designed in accordance with scientifically-derived acoustical principles. Featuring 16 replicas of Greek and Roman statues, the walls of the stage are inwardly sloping to help focus the sound, while shallow side balconies prevent the trapping of any sound. The recesses of the coffered ceiling help distribute the sound throughout the hall.

AldERlEy PARk CoNfERENCE CENTRE, uk Working with architect Nicholas Alderson of Alderson Design, SAS International designed a linear strip waveform ceiling in the main lecture theatre at Alderley Park Conference Centre in Macclesfield, England. By balancing aesthetics, an integrated concealed suspension system solved the unsightly problem of profile sides and suspension grids visible from below. The linear strip waveform surface was an essential requirement for the conference centre, as it enables the absorption of sound and minimises the reflection of sound outwards or the reflection of sound energy back into space. The strip design meant that the waveform in the main auditorium, by way of contrast, could be open.

“Every material has some absorption, reflection and diffusion, so we have to get the right mix to ensure the correct acoustic environment” THoMAS BAilESS, PMk inTErnATionAl on what is the best. There are different definitions. So it is somewhat subjective, in the same way that it is subjective about what makes good music.” Three of the four acousticians, Bailess, Huskie and Nambiar, agree that the Boston Symphony Hall is one of the most acclaimed auditoriums worldwide in terms of acoustics.

Sharma explains that certain characteristics need to be present in an auditorium before deciding how good it is.

“Good reverberation time [RT] control is very important.

That is, if I say ‘hi’ in a room, the ‘hi’ shouldn’t echo for too long. I might say, ‘Hi, how are you?’ and there will be a clash of sounds. When it comes to music, if you make a mess of the RT, it will sound flat.”

Huskie agrees. “The objective measures that are taken into account when designing a concert hall are typically reverberation time, early decay time and clarity.” Nambiar adds: “In order to create a world-class auditorium, acoustical engineers need to work together with architects, facilities managers, MEP & HVAC consultants and technical directors to shape and design spaces for optimal performance of auditorium acoustics. In the design phase, acoustical modelling software is used to predict and analyse reverberation, reflection, vibration, projection and other acoustical issues.”

The Dubai Opera house will have a large space suitable for conferences, operas, musicals and lectures. With such multi-functional abilities, the acoustic consultants agree that this project will be significant and one-of-a-kind. Bailess comments: “I expect the new opera house to be of excellent quality. The design team consists of some of the world's most highly renowned specialists and designers. Assuming it is built to spec, the acoustics should be world-class.”

Sharma agrees: “It is an extremely good project. With consultants like Atkins [design], Sandy Brown [acoustics] and SRL [acoustics], you cannot expect anything else.”

March 2015 Middle East Consultant 27

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ON SITE SECURITY

Assessing the deployment of security techno

Watch f 30 Middle East Consultant March 2015

ON SITE SECURITY

logy, manpower and regulations in the GCC

u l

e y e March 2015 Middle East Consultant 31

ON SITE SECURITY

W

hile several countries in the Middle East are currently no-go zones, the GCC states continue to remain safe havens. Yet are the buildings in the Gulf up to the latest international standards of security? Four regional specialist consultants share their expert views.

TO ExplaIN ThE ThrEE fuNdaMENTal

principles of security, Dr Munaf Al Nidawi, CEO of Consquare Security Consultancy, alludes to a popular car brand. “I believe security is very similar to the Mercedes logo, with a circle with three equal thirds,” he says. “You cannot develop a single third and ignore the others. They are all of equal importance.

These three thirds include human, technical and procedural or regulatory factors.”

When it comes to the last factor, Dubai is one of the few cities in the GCC with a specialised law for security providers and users, according to Adil Abdel-Hadi, managing director at IES. He elaborates: “If I talk about the Dubai template specifically, yes, it is a very comprehensive system and it is governed by a law [Law (24) 2008] which is not in many countries in the region at all. There are regulations in other countries, but this law is the most comprehensive as it actually covers both the manpower and the equipment.”

Sam Samuels, a principal consultant at UK-based security consultancy SGW, also highlights the importance of upto-date regulations. “Dubai has set out requirements for security which are under Law 24 of 2008, and the supporting annexes are regularly updated. This requirement focuses on technological solutions, compared to the Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) focus of Abu Dhabi, and this results in a different design emphasis.”

Abdel-Hadi continues: “In Dubai, there are laws and regulations. People have to pass tests, and they only pass after undergoing an internationally accredited training course which is 60% practical and 40% theory. They are only then certified to work with security professionals.” He adds that these tests encompass security guards, security supervisors, security managers and security directors.

Although consultants are the key innovators in certain disciplines, such as design, the situation is somewhat different in technology-based sectors like building security, where manufacturers are responsible for raising the bar.

32 Middle East Consultant March 2015

Samuels comments: “Improvement in technology is driven mainly by the manufacturers and rarely by the security designers, consultants or operators. For example, megapixel cameras are being pushed by manufacturers, whereas designers know that they have inferior performance in low light and a large impact on storage capacity requirements. Despite this, to the client they appear to be the perfect solution.”

As technology is in constant development, the experts are unable to agree on which innovation has had the greatest impact on security in recent years. Al Nidawi asserts: “The latest technology is to embed the computer functionality into ‘edge devices’ – the final devices that are in touch with observation, like the camera itself. Previously, we had the analytics done in the server, but nowadays those analytics are processed in the camera itself. This is actually a huge development.”

“Attackers always try to find ways around to break into systems. If a man can make it, a man can break it” AdIl Abdel-HAdI, IeS Abdel-Hadi points to improvements in closed-circuit television (CCTV) as a crucial technological development, while Samuels remarks: “The latest trend in security design is definitely the drive by clients for smart security solutions. This is the need to closely integrate the security systems with the Building Information Management (BIM) systems.”

ON SITE SECURITY

Going retro The security solution is an essential element of any building, yet it is not always considered from the outset. Sam Samuels, a principal consultant at SGW, notes: “Security measures are rarely competently considered in the architectural design of hotels, malls or towers – be they commercial or residential. The security consultant always arrives late to a project and the security measures are usual overlaid as an afterthought. The retrofitting or late implementation of security measures can mean that a project is compelled to use a visually intrusive solution. The effect of this will not be limited to the impact of the visual appearance of security measures on the environment – it might even increase people’s anxiety.”

While important, technology should not be the only consideration when it comes to security consultancy. Paul Bogan, principal security consultant at Atkins Global, asserts: “Technology is just a part, and we have a holistic strategy.

The real movement needed is towards an integrated security system over a single IT network. Cyber security is the next big thing, and if you look at the news there are a lot of issues.

Infrastructure platforms are interconnected and you no longer have to be physically somewhere. You don’t have to be Tom Cruise from Mission: Impossible to hack the system of any institution, I can do it from my laptop if I want to.”

While other countries in the region may lag behind, Dubai recognises the need for adequate manpower for security.

Abdel-Hadi highlights: “In the security industry, the only country [in the GCC] which is actually implementing the law fully – regarding training, equipment, manpower – is Dubai.

The other countries are not.”

Highlighting the importance of strong manpower, he adds: “Attackers always try to find ways around to break into systems – the way I look at it, if a man can make it, a man can break it.

So at the end of the day, the system can be broken, and that is why the human factor is very important. You have to take the human factor into consideration, otherwise the equipment on their own will never work.”

Yet Al Nidawi points out that, in many cases, personnel are being replaced by technology. “Machines can’t substitute human beings, but this is what is happening now. We depend on technology more than human beings, but the fact is that the machine can’t substitute humans, it can only add extra serving capabilities to the human.”

Even if security technology and manpower are integrated comprehensively, a perfect security system does not exist, according to Samuels. “There is no such thing as a perfectly secure building,” he says. “All systems – whether they are electronic, physical or operational – are subject to failure. Tier 4, the highest standard for security of data centres, defines a

“You don’t have to be Tom Cruise from Mission: Impossible to hack the system of any institution.

I can do it from my laptop if I want to” PAul bogAn, ATkInS globAl resilience of 99.995%. This is the highest level of security one could expect to achieve, but this predicts that the systems will not function for 26.28 minutes per year. If this failure can be exploited by an attacker, the security has failed.”

Abdel-Hadi agrees: “If I told you there is a 100% secure building, I would be lying. It is an impossible theory. You cannot cater for everything. After 9/11, there is no flying of commercial aircrafts over certain cities in the USA. If they knew what would happen and didn’t allow the flying of certain aircrafts before, there wouldn’t have been 9/11. But that wasn’t a consideration, because you can’t cover everything.”

However, for Samuels, there is an invariable rule that should be applied to ensure the security of any building. “The design of any building must accommodate the principle that certain individuals will seek to misuse facilities. One should note the use of the word ‘will’ instead of ‘may’. Misuse is inevitable unless there is control or supervision.”

Even though security cannot be perfected, the UAE is always looking globally to remain on the pulse. Bogan asserts that the types of security technology used in the UK and the UAE are essentially the same. “The technology we use in the Middle East is from the UK, Europe and America, and a lot of the products are manufactured and assembled in China.”

Abdel-Hadi, who regularly visits the UK, argues that the technology used in the UAE is even more advanced than in the West. “We actually have better technology than they do in the Western world. For, example, in the UK, the majority of security managers still use a video cassette recorder [VCR], but in the UAE it is all digital.”

Whether or not security-related technology in this part of the world is more advanced than in other countries, the search for state-of-the-art technology never stops. Al Nidawi explains: “We are always chasing the latest technology. In the Middle East, most projects are not following the feasibility studies, so they invest a lot, especially in the field of security. We are adapting the latest technologies here in the Middle East."

March 2015 Middle East Consultant 33

ON SITE DR CHAU CHAK WING

Snapshot

34 Middle East Consultant March 2015

ON SITE DR CHAU CHAK WING

In detail LOCaTION Sydney, Australia hEIghT 116m BuDgET $180m STOrEyS 12 grEEN raTINg Five Green Stars COMPLETION February 2015

DR CHAU CHAK WING

Resembling a crumpled paper bag, the Frank Gehry-designed Dr Chau Chak Wing at the University of Technology in Sydney welcomed its first batch of students at the end of last month

T

ThE Dr Chau Chak WINg aT ThE uNIvErSITy

of Technology in Sydney is Gehry’s first building in Australia and provides accommodation for 1,300 students and over 300 academic staff. Peter Cosgrove, Australia’s governor-general, describes the building as “the most beautiful squashed brown paper bag” he has ever seen. The distinctive façade required the placement of 320,000 bricks by hand, and the main lobby features a sculptural staircase built from polished stainless steel. It contains a café on the ground floor, two oval-shaped classrooms framed by 150 enormous timber beams and a variety of other classroom types. Other facilities include a theatre designed specifically for technologically supported interaction.

Named after its Australian-Chinese benefactor, the wing was constructed by Lend Lease Group. With sustainability high on the agenda, the building incorporates 160 bicycle parking spaces along with changing areas, showers and lockers to encourage students and staff to use bicycles ahead of other modes of transport. Sustainable features include natural daylighting through a glass-panelled curtain wall, highperformance glazing, adjustable blinds to minimise glare, locally-sourced bricks, energy-efficient LED and T5 lighting and energy-efficient external lighting, along with daylight sensors. Other sustainability measures include rainwater capture, treatment and re-use. The wing welcomed its first batch of students last month.

March 2015 Middle East Consultant 35

ON SITE DR CHAU CHAK WING

Architecture

Structures

gEhry ParTNErS LLP Known for game-changing designs such as the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Gehry drew inspiration from many different sources, including treehouses and folds in skin and clothing.

The building has two distinct external façades – one made of brick as a reference to Sydney’s urban heritage, and the other made of angled sheets of glass to fracture and mirror surrounding buildings. On the inside, the school is flexible and has open-ended internal spaces. Professor Attila Brungs, chancellor and president of UTS, comments: “Frank Gehry has created unique spaces to inspire a life-long love of learning [and] enable completely new educational experiences.”

aruP Arup’s responsibilities included the implementation of advanced and environmentally-friendly measures to achieve a minimum 5 Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). It was also required to devise an ingenious structural solution to facilitate Gehry’s architectural intent. This involved irregular structural floor and column arrangements to accommodate the curved façade. Peter Bailey, Arup principal and project director, says: “The Dr Chau Chak Wing building carries Gehry’s indelible mark on its façade.

One of our most important tasks on this project is to capture this innovative form in a usable and sustainable fashion.”

36 Middle East Consultant March 2015

ON SITE DR CHAU CHAK WING

Services

Acoustics

aECOM Gehry’s unconventional design needed an equally unorthodox approach to the construction, primarily to support the brick façade. Ken Morkaya, Aecom’s technical director of buildings and structures, developed a custom tie system to secure the bricks. Morkaya says: “The tie system I developed enabled the brick wall to be built traditionally with up to 10 courses of wet mortar, the standard for normal masonry construction. The key innovation was a clip and tie system that held the bricks in place during construction.” Water usage is kept to a minimum with a fire-water reclamation system and water-efficient appliances fitted throughout.

MarShaLL Day Acoustic consulting was provided by international practice Marshall Day. To ensure a good acoustic environment throughout, sound-absorbing materials were carefully integrated into the fabric of the building to absorb the unwanted sound buildup.

The sound insulation between spaces has been tailored to ensure a quiet teaching environment inside the classrooms.

Oval classrooms are designed for small groups yet have a very high insulation capacity compared to conventional classrooms. The ceilings have efficient sound absorption to reduce reverberation and an irregular inner face to eliminate acoustic focusing effects resulting from the oval shape.

March 2015 Middle East Consultant 37

on site roundup

Project update Work starts on $200m KSA scheme Construction has begun on Antara, a $200 million residential complex in Al-Dir’iyyah, Riyadh Province, designed by Omrania.

Developed by Abu Dhabi-based asset managers Gulf Capital and US-based developer Related Companies, the project was master-planned by OTAK. Infrastructure, architecture, interior design and engineering were conducted from Omrania’s Riyadh and Bahrain offices. Landscape architecture services were provided by US-based firm EDSA. The main contractor for the project will be UAE-based Drake and Scull International, with chief executive Khaldoun Tabari remarking that Antara will be one of his company’s showcase Saudi projects.

The project is designed as a Mediterranean resort, and will be home to approximately 520 expatriate families once completed in October 2016. It is situated 20 minutes from King Khalid International Airport, Gulf Related highlighted in a statement. Antara comprises a built-up area of 98,115sqm and park-like landscaping, the developer said.

Other infrastructure facilities will consist of utility building, security gates and guardhouses, car parking, landscaping and pedestrian paths.

Around 40%, or 48,500sqm, of the total development will be devoted to open areas, green landscaping, cycling tracks and children’s play areas. Enabling and underground infrastructure works have already been completed.

Foster + Partners aquarium breaks ground in Taiwan A groundbreaking ceremony

According to Fosters + Partners, the

community, the museum’s focal point

has been held for Taiwan’s new

concept is rooted in the site and the

will be a new public plaza at the heart

National Museum of Marine

surrounding urban grain, as well as

of the aquarium. Many of the facilities,

Science and Technology (NMMST),

Keelung’s subtropical climate and

such as the shop, café and restaurant,

designed by Foster + Partners.

the conservation of marine life.

will be open and full of activity all week.

In addition, special displays

The largest aquarium in northern

The building is oriented to face

Taiwan is said to combine innovative

Badouzi Harbour, while maintaining

devoted to the conservation of local

tank design with a wide variety

connectivity between the waterfront

species of squid will draw attention

of species and aims to set a new

and the fishing village to the east of the

to the creature’s importance in the

benchmark for aquariums worldwide.

site. Conceived as a social hub for the

everyday life and culture of Keelung.

38 Middle East Consultant March 2015

on site roundup

Louis Berger and Egis Rail pick up $79m contract for Doha Metro

Dewan begins work on reeM Mall Dewan Architects & Engineers has begun work on the design of Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi, providing a range of services including engineering, master planning, architectural design, sustainability design and post-contract services.

Reem Mall, developed by the National Real Estate Company (NREC) in partnership with United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC), is a 186,000sqm retail, leisure, dining and entertainment destination valued at $1 billion on Reem Island, a new master-developed residential and commercial zone which will eventually be home to more than 200,000 people.

Dewan’s involvement marks another step forward for the project, which last month saw the appointment of Mace as project manager. Concept design is provided by RTKL. Currently at concept design stage, the Reem Mall project is expected to start construction in 2015 and open in 2018. Once completed, Reem Mall will have around 450 stores, including 85 food and beverage outlets.

A joint venture between Louis Berger and Egis Rail has been awarded a $79 million contract

by Qatar Railways Company to provide project management services for all elevated and atgrade sections of the Doha Metro.

The newly-contracted sections include the Red Line North, Red Line South and Green Line, which have a combined length of approximately 16km. These sections will provide a passageway to the stadiums that are being developed for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

"We are honoured to play a key role in bringing Qatar Railways Company's vision to build one of the world's most impressive, extensive and modern metro programmes to life," said D. James Stamatis, president for Louis Berger's international operations. "The Doha Metro will be a global model for transit programmes providing greater access, connectivity and mobility to its citizens."

The Doha Metro, part of the overall Qatar Integrated Railway programme,

is approximately 216km in length across four lines (Red, Green, Gold and Blue), with a total construction value of $36 billion. Around 100 stations are planned along the Doha Metro, including two major stations at Msheireb and Education City.

The Louis Berger Egis Rail joint venture was initially commissioned in August 2012 to provide project management services for the metro, specifically underground sections including the Gold Line and major stations. In 2013, the joint venture was also hired to provide independent certification engineer services, which covered early enabling works and utility diversions.

Louis Berger's previous rail and transit experience includes schemes in Ankara, Bangkok, Riyadh, Panama City and Mumbai.

Qatar newspaper the Peninsular reported that Advanced Construction Technology Services (ACTS) is soon set to complete geotechnical engineering works for the Red, Green and Gold lines of Doha Metro.

March 2015 Middle East Consultant 39

THE BACK PAGE Bassem salah

Thoughts I worked full-time in the construction industry and studied part-time so it took a little longer than normal,

but I gained industry experience, which was invaluable as a graduate. I have always believed in professional development, so I decided to enroll in an MBA through the University of Newcastle, also in Australia. It was tough to find the time, but I took great satisfaction in being able to make it all work out.

In the mid-'90s, the legislation changed in New South Wales to allow more wide-ranging leisure facilities in smaller establishments. This spawned a wave of hospitality projects. The new laws coincided with my entry to the workforce, so I was able to gain experience and exposure in this sector of the industry. Obviously, I had a passion and it is difficult to be successful if you are not really into it.

I think the challenging nature and complexity of hospitality projects has always provided the stimulus

for me. It is not just complex construction, it is effectively managing stakeholders, logistics, project teams, suppliers, hotel guests, vehicles, food and beverage, revenues, etc.

In Australia, I think the most recognisable project I have worked on would be Bondi Icebergs in Sydney,

a spectacular seaside F&B venue above an ocean pool on Bondi Beach. The interiors are beautifully designed to emulate the calmness of the ocean.

In the UAE, a key project for ISG is the Kempinski Mall of the Emirates refurbishment. This includes

393 guest rooms, ski chalets and suites, all meeting and function rooms, the executive lounge, F&B outlets, bar and terrace.

It is great to be associated with a place that the

Why I chose my job

entire Dubai population recognises, and many have

wonderful memories there, my family included.

Renzo Piano is one of my favourite international designers for The Shard and Aurora Place. In the UAE,

Bassem Salah, general manager, hospitality, ISG Middle East

it would have to be RUR for its design of O14, which is unique and controversial.

was born and raised in Sydney, with some of my teenage years spent in Syria. After completing my A-Levels in Damascus, I gained a Bachelor of Building at the University of Western Sydney.

it fun. The days are very diverse. It can be anything from

I

40 Middle East Consultant March 2015

Completing a project is always uplifting, as you get to reflect on something tangible that you have produced. Yet it sometimes comes with a sense of

underachievement in construction, because you always know you could have done something differently and achieved a different outcome.

In my job, nothing is typical and that's what makes

board meetings with the CEO to walking through the construction site with the delivery team, preparing programmes and tenders, meeting clients, working through design workshops, or just simply having a quick coffee or bite with colleagues.

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