FACE TO FACE
Piyusha Bokil, Design Partner, EXS Design
Discussion on the facade lighting trends, benefits, norms & codes, and the future
Volume 3 | Issue 4 May - June 2021
INDUSTRY SPEAKS
Ahmet Astal, Vice President, Yale Middle East
Sustainable solutions for every building.
To g e ther wi t h o ur n e t w ork o f partners, a rchi t ec t s , s pecifier s an d in v e s t ors , Schüco d e li v ers t ail o r e d pr o duct s fo r n e w b uil d s and r e n ovat i o ns, de signe d t o m e e t in d ivi d u a l u s er n e e d s in all clim a te z o nes . E v e r y one in v ol v ed is s up po r te d with a co mp reh e nsi v e rang e of se rv ic e s a t e v e ry s t ag e of t h e c o n s tructi o n proces s W ind o w s , door s a n d f açad e s o lu t ions fro m Schüc o m e e t the highest requir e ments i n terms of design, comfort and security, whilst simultaneously reducing CO2 www.schueco.ae
Dear Readers,
What really attracts you most about the modern cities at night time? There is no doubt that most of you will answer “the lights”. The beauty of the cities is enhanced by the illumination of the building façade that adds value to the structure. Lighting effects can range from enhancing and accentuating façade components to completely changing a building’s appearance. Lighting design, which highlights components in a façade, can help to maintain the original building design and concept. Designers who incorporate lighting with the design that is favourable to the local environment generate graceful aesthetics.
Apart from adding beauty to the buildings, lighting makes the façade very interactive and creative. Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world is also famous for its lighting and laser shows. Whether it is a new year’s eve, the national day, or any other event, people gather together to witness the magic created by the lighting in the structure.
This edition’s cover story is focused on this magical element that brings life to the buildings at the time of night. We interviewed a few lighting experts and presented their views and researches to find out the current trends, the design criteria, norms & regulations, future technologies in the “Façade Lighting”.
The edition also has a variety of articles on many important topics, interviews of architect and a brand head, a case study of a project covering the design details & technology of the façade NEWS, and a brief of a newly launched product.
Enjoy reading the magazine! You can send your feedback and suggestions to editorial@wfmmedia. com. You can also suggest some article topics that you would like to read, we will try to bring the articles on those topics for you.
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The Importance of Certification and Standards
David Gray - Technical Development & Performance, Consort Architectural Hardware
Reconsider Your Façade Warranty
Mohamed Merchant - Associate Director, TÜV SÜD Dunbar Boardman
Got Stone? It Could Be Better
Alan George - Architect, Orange Design Group
Significance of Screen-Façade in UAE
Johny Isaac - Resident Architect, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers 34
Façade Lighting for Transforming the Appearance of the Cities
Discussion on the facade lighting trends, benefits, norms & codes, and the future
Industry Speaks
Interview with Ahmet Astal - Vice President, Yale Middle East
Face to Face
Interview with Piyusha Bokil - Design Partner, EXS Design
About the Author:
David Gray
Technical Development & Performance Consort Architectural Hardware
David Gray has over 30 years of experience in the architectural hardware world and entered the industry as an apprentice locksmith and safe engineer. He brings a valuable technical perspective to achieving optimal functionality and performance due to his experience in a range of roles both on and off the tools. David is qualified as an Architectural Hardware Consultant (AHC), Diploma of Architectural Ironmongery (DipGAI), and Registered Ironmonger (RegAI). Most recently, David has been heavily focused on US certifications and has developed several ANSI/BHMA compliant ranges to support business growth within the region.
The aim of this article is to inform, clarify, and support the construction industry to help better understand the importance of hardware and what you need to deal with the differences and the technicalities of the industry.
Architectural hardware plays a key part in all buildings and in everyone’s day-to-day lives, so much more than is realised. Incorporating look, feel, functionality, security, performance, fire life safety, accessibility, acoustics, weather protection, and energy efficiency to name but a few. It is essential that your building is specified
correctly by an industry expert, and that the products comply with the relevant codes and standards and are fit for purpose.
There are currently two prevailing sets of standards related to door hardware / ironmongery that form the basis of the majority of project specifications. These are British / European standards, identified with the BSEN and CE prefixes and North American standards identified as ANSI/BHMA.
These standards indicate performance levels on each product, carrying out stringent testing such as operational, cycle, strength, security, test apparatus, and test methods. All procedures
Example (cycles)
ANSI/BHMA
A156.4
described within the standards are performed under laboratory conditions. ANSI/BHMA A156 series of standards, normally consists of a 3 Grade system, with Grade 1 representing the highest
Bronze range of Ironmongery
level of performance, whilst BSEN use a digit coding system (six or more-digit classification) with each digit referring to a particular feature of the product measured against the standard’s performance requirements. Certified products are guaranteed to meet the criteria called for by their standards.
A fire-rated door assembly is specially constructed to slow or prevent the spread of fire and smoke for a specified time period and provide a safe and protected escape route for occupants evacuating a building. Simply put, the purpose for fire doors is to save lives and limit the spread of fire.
Certified by Warrington Fire (BSEN) and Underwriters Laboratories UL (ANSI Accredited), are third-party certification schemes that assure performance, quality, reliability, and traceability of products and systems. Both have online registers that list all certified products and make sure continuation of testing as well as initial testing. By doing this it gives peace of mind that products are undergoing continued checks as well as initial tests. There are many other certification schemes in the market, but these tend to be the most recognised.
EN1634-1 and UL10C fire tests expose the door assembly to a controlled fire exposure, set to
achieve regulated temperatures throughout a specified time period.
UL 10C uses a positive pressure test where the neutral pressure plane is located forty inches above the floor to replicate the conditions of a real fire and is followed by the application of a standard fire hose stream more accurately.
EN1634-1, it is important to remember that the passing of the fire test EN1634-1 is not the sole criteria and safety measure to consider when selecting hardware for a fire door. It may pass a fire test in isolation but if it has not passed the remaining EN requirements the door will not perform the rest of the functions required during the lifecycle of the building to actually be operable in the case of fire directly causing loss of life regardless of the fact it passed a fire test in a laboratory.
As an example, North American codes and standards stipulate that fire door assemblies must be closed and latched in the event of a fire, however BS legislation fire door assemblies are acceptable without having an active latch bolt but must have a self-closing device. UK legislation demands mandatory signage on every fire-rated door, regardless of application.
Both standards agree that fire doors must selfclose and in the case of doors that are required to be held open, they must be linked to the fire alarm interface and release to close in the event of a fire. Fire-rated openings on escape routes must open in the direction of egress to enable evacuation of the building.
As the codes and standards and their required applications differ, it is most important that the Architectural hardware specifier / supplier has a strong knowledge and understanding of the relevant building codes, fire codes , and referenced standards. Either can be viable by correct specification, and by adhering to one fire life safety code. Mixing codes and standards is a potential recipe for disaster and should be avoided at all costs.
• The Life Safety Code (NFPA101)
• International Building Code (IBC)
• Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives (NFPA80)
• International Fire Code (IFC)
• Accessible and Useable Buildings and Facilities (ICC A117.1)
• Standards for Accessible Design (ADA)
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA)
Common Codes and Standards Used Across Europe and the UK
• Fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings (BS 9999)
• Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings (BS 9991)
• Parts 20 & 22 – Building,
• Regulations 2000 – Fire Safety – Part B (BS476)
• CEN Committee European de Normalisation (European Committee for Standardisation) (CEN)
• British Standards Institution (BSI),
• Design of Buildings and Their Approaches to Meet the Needs of Disabled People (BS8300)
It is so important to make sure that your hardware functions and serves the correct purpose across a building to make sure that the safety of the building and people within it is not compromised. The correct hardware is another element in ensuring the safety and correct functionality of a building and access points. Consort is always here to discuss certifications and requirements on a project and can advise you on how best to protect your building.
Mohamed Merchant Associate Director, TÜV SÜD Dunbar Boardman
About the Author:
Mohamed Merchant is an Associate Director at TÜV SÜD Dunbar Boardman, Europe’s leading elevator, escalator and access consultancy. Operating throughout Europe, the Middle East and India, TÜV SÜD Dunbar Boardman is part of TÜV SÜD, one of the world’s leading technical service providers, which has more than 24,000 employees located across over 1,000 locations. He has 20 years’ experience in mechanical engineering, including 17 years in the façade access industry. During this time, he has designed and delivered façade access strategies and systems for major developments within the UK, Europe and the Middle East, including high-rise residential and commercial office developments, retail centres, refurbishment projects, hotels, hospitals and historic buildings.
A manufacturer will usually offer a 10- to 12year guarantee that is assured by the specialist façade contractor, which totally depends on the façade material used. However, warranties are conditional and include a long list of exclusions for things like a lack of or insufficient direct handson access, negligence, wear and tear, failure to handle, and faulty installation.
Any failure in a façade’s material could thus prove to be very costly for the building owner if everything that could affect warranty validity is not fully considered. For example, if building owners refuse to follow the warranty contract’s provisions, the warranty will not cover faults or damage. This will very certainly include a need that the façade system be capable of delivering maintenance personnel safely and efficiently.
Inefficient access, for example the strategies that depends on extended reach and wash poles, may not fully comply with warranty terms. As a result, it is critical to establish direct hands-on access possibilities at early stages of design process, so that cleaning and maintenance techniques can be completely integrated into the overall build programme.
To comply with the manufacturer’s warranty terms, façade contractors will specify the cleaning regime and frequency. This data should then be made available to the façade access specialist early in the design process to help them in the selection of the most appropriate types of façade access equipment. All cleaning schedules and frequencies should be documented and made available to the façade contractor and manufacturer upon request.
As all glazing systems are subject to some degradation over time, periodic inspection and maintenance works should be performed on a regular basis. The nature of the glazing material, its levels of exposure, and the location of the structure will determine the frequency of maintenance and inspection.
However, unfortunately buildings are sometimes designed with little or no thought and maintenance crews find themselves having to work around poor planning decisions. For example, on an internally glazed structure, it is fairly common to discover that the glass cannot be moved into the finished building due to inside components, defeating the purpose of having internal glazing in the first place.
The impact of the exterior environment should also be addressed during the development of
the façade access plan. While this is beyond the control of the building owner or maintenance organisation, it can nullify warranties.
Potential defects caused by the environment must therefore be factored in, and they can be minimised if efficient maintenance strategies are considered early on. Tall buildings, for example, are more vulnerable than low-rise buildings, because to their direct exposure to rain and ultraviolet radiation, which causes a greater rate and intensity of deterioration.
Some part of a façade’s integrity is likely to fail over the course of a building’s existence, which is when the warranty comes into play. The façade access designer must evaluate a variety of interconnected variables via pre-construction reports to guarantee that façade warranties are maintained. All the interested parties that includes the building owner, cleaning company, cladding manufacturer, and structural engineer, should be involved in the process.
About the Author:
Alan George Architect, Orange Design Group
Alan George is a practicing architect with close to a decade of professional experience in the built environment. With multiple projects across the GCC, he specialises in contemporary design and advocates a sustainable approach to construction. As an avid sketcher and educator, Alan also believes in a holisitic approach to architecture and design, rather than linear.
In the region, the use of natural stone has become prevalent in most architectural designs. Over the last decade, this has become increasingly popular for outdoor use. Designers working towards contextual architecture, find that its use is multipronged. In addition to a thermal mass, stone cladding does provide many other attributes, making it ideal for external use.
Natural stone comes in many forms, sizes and textures. Not to mention, its regular “irregularity” gives a richer look and feel to the material, as compared to a flat acrylic. Thicknesses and porosity can be varied as well, depending on use. Finally, natural stone can be sourced locally or within a very small travel distance given the region. This allows the material to have a relatively low, carbon footprint.
Stone cladding has been widely embraced in classical architecture design, however, there is a rising number of use-cases within contemporary architecture as well. With its popularity, many designers are now educating themselves on the various nuances and properties of natural stone. These are the top 4 factors when deciding what finish to pick.
Much like most designs in nature, the stone is perfectly imperfect. Most natural stones are formed with voids, nooks, and crannies. It is brilliant! If you are after a textured, surface with contrast. However, it can be quite porous and easily stained. If needed, these voids can be ‘filled’ with material to color match. When done correctly, the naked eye cannot tell the difference. In addition, a filled surface can be then be sealed with an epoxy finish and/or polished. This treatment makes it ideal for external cladding, where the stone is exposed to the elements of humidity, heat, etc.
This is an industry term given to the ‘vein’ like, naturally occurring, and markings across slabs of stone. Whilst there are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ veins, no two slabs are ever ‘the same vein.’ Therefore, it is critical to ‘visually select’ slabs that match your aesthetic. What you see in a brochure is not always what you will get.
If possible, it always recommended to ‘physically’, be able to select your slabs or stone block from
the quarry directly. This allows designers to select the veins best suited for their design intent. Also, with a physical visit, the stone can be observed under natural light conditions. A white marble, for example, would have multiple variations in color at different times of the day.
As an end product, stone slabs are sometimes sealed with a transparent finish, often making them stain resistant. This is known as the glossy finish. A glossy finish does catch a lot of reflections and can be quite bling-bling, even for the most humble of stones. A honed finish is normally achieved by sanding down, or shaving off, a thin layer of the stone surface. This exposes, a mild texture with a matte finish.
Again, there is not a right or wrong selection. It is purely reliant on the design intent. A honed finish may best reflect a calm, private, residential space. A glossy finish of the same stone may best reflect a high-end, hospitality space. Feel free to mix and match. It is even possible to have a mix of both finishes with a clean interface joint.
Much like a glossy or honed finish, the bushhammered finish is quite self-explanatory. The stone slab or cut piece is hammered by a spherical or ‘bush’ shaped bit and/or custom planar routes. However, the result is a smooth, bumpy, textured, matte finish. Depending on the stone, the result can resemble a leather texture, to the touch. The use cases remain the same for this finish. The finish is best suited for projects that would be within contact with the end-user.
With all the finishes above, the final point to consider is illumination. When it comes to regular glazed façades, illumination is not always critical as glass can have internal/ambient light seep through its transparency. However, this does not apply to stone. Therefore, external lighting for stone façades is key. Many finishes of the same material react differently under the same light. For example, a travertine glossy/filled/finish may have high reflectance with a minimal 10W lighting fixture. The same fixture, however, may be completely unseen on a honed, basalt finish. This will cause the design intent to be completely lost as soon as the sun goes down.
Individually, each factor can take the looks, of a natural stone from ‘It is fine?” to “It is good!”. However, a combination of the factors, takes it from good, to great! If you have ever walked into space or seen a building and been in awe of the stone finish, that is the secret. There have always been industry standards that have predetermined certain finishes for certain types of projects/uses. However, we are now seeing those standards being challenged as well.
Designers can now feel free to try out a combination of finishes and stones to best reflect their design intent. As long as the selection can last in external environments, anything is possible. Some of the best projects to do these have been the ones that have broken away from the norm. So given the experimental age that we are in, it is best to keep any open and ‘informed’ mind, when it comes to stone selection.
So the next time, as a designer, you may want to use the following combinations to see better results with your natural stone façades.
• “Do you have a honed, unfilled finish in slabs?”
• “Do you have a glossy, filled finish in 60x60 tiles?”
• “Do you have a sample with better veins?”
• “Does this come in a bush-hammered finish?”
• “Can this surface be sealed and/or polished?”
• “Does the color fade under extreme weather?”
While there are MANY more technical attributes to natural stone, such as thickness, weight, scoring, and many more? The above should set you in the right direction of discovering your own palette. Do not afraid to challenge the norm and keep exploring your options. Happy stoning!
About the Author:
Johny Isaac Resident Architect, RSP Architects Planners & Engineers
Johny Isaac is a Resident Architect/Sr. Architect with close to twenty years of experience in architectural design and execution of wide range of commercial, institutional, residential, health care and hospitality projects in UAE and India, from conceptualization stage to onsite completion. He is progressive and proactive professional always collaborating with project stakeholders to find qualitative and innovative solutions. He is a team player and has led team during design and site supervision stages of various projects.
The key function of the building envelope is to reciprocate with the surrounding environment. Achieving energy plus building, a zero net energy building or even ultra-low energy building is an achievement by itself and progressive contribution towards sustainable built up environment. Apt design of building envelope as per surrounding environment facilitates to conserve or generate energy and hence contributes positively towards overall energy conservation and sustainability of the building. When we reciprocate the interior environment with the exterior we make conscious attempt to get the best of passive solar orientation, natural ventilation, day lighting, preferential views, protection from external environment/ organisms/ noise and the likes in addition to the aesthetic preferences. Façade screening design plays a vital role in achieving all these objectives in addition to energy conservation and sustainability.
UAE is an emerging market with strong leadership where the entire nation is inspired by innovation and aspiration to reach the zenith. The climate of UAE is a desert climate with mild winters, hot and sunny summers, and very hot during times with high humidity. The rainy days are less and are usually concentrated during winter. Further, UAE being amongst the safest countries in the world has comparatively less security threats. Although an Islamic nation, UAE is proud of its diversity welcoming expatriates from over 200 nations. The built-up environment and so the façade should take into consideration these climatic factors and local factors. Screen-façade can facilitate to integrate these climatic, cultural, and aesthetic factors into the design.
There are several types of screen-façade that have been predominantly used in building architecture. Double skin façade is one such screen-façade system which basically comprises of two layers of glass façade separated by a gap where shading system is quite often installed.
The three types of double skin façade systems, i.e., buffer system, extract -air system, and the twin-face system helps to insulate against extreme temperatures, noise, and wind. As the name suggests and visible in figure-A below, in the buffer system the air is allowed to flow from the lower end of the cavity to a higher level by stack effect where the hot air rises and escapes, and usually is integrated with HVAC design. In the extract air system (Figure-B below) the HVAC is integrated to ensure that the air is extracted in the air gap and fresh air is supplied into the building continually. Unlike the buffer and extract-air systems, in a twin system, the external glass wall also has openings to allow natural ventilation into the building and the hot air is released upwards. When the gaps between the glass façades are increased they form an atrium. On the contrary, they may be divided/ compartmentalised at every level for fire protection or noise reduction between various levels as per design requirements and considerations. Although the basic concept of double-skin façade was explored by famous architect Le Corbusier at the beginning of the 20th century which involved the cavity spaces that he called mur neutralisant (neutralising wall) having heating/ cooling air pipes. His idea of neutralising the wall was to provide a barrier by blowing warm air into the cavity in winter and hot air in summer. After several studies and implementation
in buildings, it is now evident that these kind of double-skin systems are complex, involves integration with an HVAC system, and quantifying energy conservation is very intricate. The double glazed-skin façade where the glazed façade forms the outer skin has its own shortcomings. The initial cost is very high, it uses a lot of extra spaces and involves complex design integrated with HVAC system, and hence this system is seldom used in UAE although has prospects for future research and development in regards to energy conservation and sustainability.
The significance of Screen-Façade for a desert hot and sunny climate such as UAE can hardly be exaggerated. There are a number of ways façade elements can be used as passive aspects of design to mitigate impacts due to harsh climate. Sun is a major source to generate energy, provide natural light and heat during winter. However, the same sunlight in summer
can cause excessive heat and glare that leads to human discomfort and hence wastage of energy consumed by HVAC systems in cooling. Figure D shows different shading devices such as solar panels, vegetation, perforated façade, deep balcony, and light shelves, curtain/ blinds and various types of building envelope that can be utilised to generate and conserve energy. These shading devices when operated automatically like in intelligent building systems operated manually, or placed appropriately can prove to be very efficient in promoting efficient sun control, natural ventilation, daylighting, thermal/ acoustic barrier, weather-tight building envelope in addition to the visually spectacular building. The double-skin façade as mentioned above had its own shortcomings and post-recession (after 2008), the Architects/ Designers in UAE had to be more innovative to generate and conserve energy and adapt to the usage of cost-effective principles. Passive solar design strategies
by reducing the usage of active mechanical systems and to enhance human comfort levels naturally became a matter of utmost concern. To achieve this few of the innovative screen-façade strategies employed by building projects in UAE and elsewhere are briefly mentioned below:
Screen-façade on the hot southern hemisphere
• Building-integrated solar façade and led lights
• Climate adaptive building shell
• Façade greening
• Manually/ mechanically operable screenfaçade/ retractable roofs
Solar radiation injects a substantial amount of heat energy into the building surfaces. When the building envelopes heats further part of it gets transferred to the building interior and hence the demand for cooling load increases. External glazing transfers a considerable amount of heat energy into the building interior as well. Hence perforated screening similar to the one designed by RSP for Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE reduces heat gain inside the building, reduces solar glare, provides enhanced diffused daylight in addition to its architectural marvel.
Passive solar strategy accounts not just for solar control but also for solar gain. Masdar Institute in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi is the first building of its kind to be powered entirely by renewable solar energy. One example of a building-integrated solar façade is the UAE pavilion facing Al Wasl Plaza in the Dubai Expo site. This has been designed to suggest the falcon wings in flight. Photovoltaic cells are integrated into the design of wings. Similar Building integrated photovoltaic cells and solar-powered digital façade screen are gaining popularity nowadays. Similarly, such façade-screens used in Dubai Expo 2020 site do not only function like a building envelope but also generates solar energy providing smart solutions that can be used as a model for smart and sustainable communities in the future.
Climate adaptive building shell similar to the AlBahr Towers, Abu Dhabi is a building that attempts to adapt according to climatic conditions. This screen-façade of this tower is a solar-responsive dynamic screen that reduces the solar gain into the building. The cocoon visible from a distance is Arabic Screen similar to those of the traditional mashrabiya.
Façade greening is yet another innovative concept of cost-effective screen-façade taking the vegetation to the advantage of human comfort for people living in a built-up environment. In addition to providing thermal/ acoustic barriers plants also assist to reduce urban heat island effect, provide oxygen and filter the dust from entering buildings.
Manually or mechanically operable screen-façade gives inhabitants of a building to take full benefit of nature whether it is passive solar energy or wind/ air-circulation tailored to meet the comfort requirements of individuals in the specific building based on specific climatic conditions. For example the Apple store façade at Dubai Mall uses carbon fiber tubular element making a dense mashrabiya
like patterned operable shading, each of the 18 operable wings, measuring 37.5 feet tall and 10’ wide opening the exterior terrace areas to view the majestic Dubai fountains during night. During the day time these operable wings provide solar protection for the glazed solar façade of the Apple store.
Screen-façade in the form of mashrabiya has been part of Arabic culture since the middle ages and was primarily for privacy. The function of mashrabiya and the likes have evolved since then to a modern application as sustainable and culturally appropriate material essentially for solar protection. Since UAE is located in a hot and sunny desert climate it is only natural that UAE focuses not only on sun control measures but also to utilise solar energy in an innovative manner with the screen-façade. With the advent of new computer-aided technologies, it is only natural for screen-façades in UAE also to evolve and develop innovative methods, to generate and conserve energy through the majestic manifestations of smart façade solutions. UAE, a place where minds are stimulated to strive for excellence, and the sky is never the limit.
Façade lighting alters the appearance of a cityscape, draws attention, and attracts big crowds of tourists. It increases revenue and improves reputation. It also provides an economic incentive for investors to gentrify real estate and increase property utilisation, making it more appealing to them.
Façade lighting also adds cultural value to a building.
Façade lighting is a modern instrument that may be utilised to improve the appearance of a cityscape or a business building. Façade lighting fulfils both functional and aesthetic needs, generates new urban areas, and gives buildings a distinct appearance at night. Façade lighting attracts attention from afar, making it easier for passers-by to locate themselves.
There is a lot more to learn about façade lighting. We interviewed a few façade lighting experts and presented their thoughts in this cover story to know more about effective façade lighting, the benefits, trends, its future, and so on.
Erin Slaviero, Senior Lighting Designer, Nulty Lighting believes that façade lighting is key to any architecture project because it is the first impression of a building. It can be the difference between highlighting a beautiful piece of architecture or it disappearing into the skyline. Façade lighting should be used to highlight but not overpower the architecture; to complement and showcase it at its best at night-time.
Aijaz Nakhawa, Principal Lighting Designer (Technical), Light Touch PLD LLC says, the nightlife in cities across the world is very vibrant and active as people venture out more often than before. This is encouraged by well-lit outdoor spaces that ensure safety and security. It gives the built environment the opportunity to flaunt its beautiful architecture at night. Façade lighting helps in bring out the character of the surrounding buildings. Façade elements selectively illuminated in the appropriate colour provide a unique outlook to each building’s architecture. This aspect is not fully realised during the daytime.
He adds, well-illuminated façades within a precinct collectively help increase footfall which, in turn, help improve local business. Façade lighting also helps in reinforcing the cultural identity of the place.
According to Sanjiv AV, A Lighting Expert, modern architecture includes façade lighting as it helps highlight the building and equally enhance the special features of the same. It also adds to the visual appeal of the building to stand out amongst other buildings in the vicinity or if standing alone, a visual treat and welcome from afar, including security. A well-lit façade of a building attracts visitors and employees equally.
Erin explains that there are many ways to creatively light a façade however it usually depends on a number of factors and checkpoints such as:
• What is the shape and form of the structure?
• What are the materials and colours?
• Does coloured light give added value?
• Where are the locations and viewing angles? Is it seen from close up or far away?
• Are there restrictions in mounting locations, such as, heritage buildings or space within a plot for pole floodlights?
• What are the architectural details to be considered such as façade glazing systems and mounting details?
• Are there any standards that need to adhere to?
• Is advertising a driving factor?
She adds, upon review of this criteria, design methods can be considered
singularly or in combination, such as uplighting, downlighting, floodlighting, lines of light, wall lighting or even pixel dots or gobo projections.
According to Sanjiv, most popular is the uniform wall wash, however, since it is less attractive various accents can be used by way of using a combination of downlights, up lights and accents to give a 3D effect.
Highlighting vertical columns using recessed uplighters, use of linear strips along with the different floors of a fully glazed façade, having the glazed façade as a media wall are various other façade lighting solutions which include the use of lighting controls.
• Choose a good and reputable manufacturer for façade and outdoor lighting products
• Ensure that they are with proper IP Rating, IK Rating and can withstand the Middle Eastern summer temperatures
• Connectors and drivers to be IP Rated
• Cabling for power and data to be planned in advance
• Ensure Controls and Programs can be upgraded as and when necessary
• Since installation is outdoor, same cannot be removed for repairs and replacements frequently as it will be an expensive affair
• As such the quality of the LED chips and the components used in the LED drivers to be manufactured by a reputed and well-known manufacturer.
Checkpoints of Façade Lighting
• Obtain project brief from client/architect.
• Consider location, orientation, and vantage points for viewing the building.
• Review façade materials.
• Identify the architectural elements to be highlighted.
• Suggest appropriate lighting techniques.
• Minimise glare to pedestrians and residents in and around the building.
• Review access for installation and maintenance of luminaires.
• Minimise light spill into the sky or adjacent property.
• Consider lighting control strategy.
• Optimise budget for supply and installation of luminaires.
Aijaz Nakhawa, Principal Lighting Designer (Technical), Light Touch PLD LLC
• Most manufacturers offer 5 Year warranty, make sure that the replacement/repairs will be available for a similar luminaire with similar colour temperatures otherwise in case of replacement/repair it may look odd when lit as it will not match the existing luminaires.
• Ensure good lighting design using the selected luminaires
• Ensure luminaires are manufactured by the manufacturer and not outsourced and labeled.
According to Erin, material can completely change how and why a façade may be lit. Textured finishes or solid structures create a great canvas for lighting designers as this allows the light to reflect off the surface to create an evening effect. Elements with reflective properties such as glazing or mirrors make these materials difficult to light, with façade lighting usually relying on the light itself rather than the effect on the surface of the material.
Aijaz says it is well-known fact that we see an object or surface when light, reflected from that object/surface, reaches our eyes. The luminance or brightness and colour of the surface depends on the amount and wavelength of light reflected from the surface. Light coloured surfaces reflect more light than dark surfaces and thus appear brighter. Therefore, illuminating light coloured
materials of the façade gives a better impact with comparatively less amount of light than dark surfaces.
Textures also play an important role in the apparent brightness of the façade lighting. Rough/matt surfaces scatter light better than smooth glossy surfaces. Thus, building façade painted in light colour matt finish façade will appear brighter and more consistently illuminated than that façade with glossy finish especially when they are uplit. Hence, the colour and texture of the façade materials affect the selection of power, lumen output, location, aiming angle of luminaires.
Sanjiv opines, based on the texture of the material used on the façade, the design should be planned by the architects in order to enhance the same. The smoothness or roughness of the façade, the glaze of the glass, etc. should be considered as each will have a different lighting scheme and solution.
“We are seeing more projects in big cities requesting dynamic lighting as a way to draw attention to a specific façade. This means that rather than using a basic on/off system powered
by a time clock or daylight sensor, more complex lighting control systems are being implemented as well as sophisticated video systems that would map videos to the entire façades or sections of it”, says Erin.
Sanjiv explains, these days lighting is recognised as an art and is controlled using various lighting control systems in combination with LED lighting.
One can have static or dynamic colour changing schemes as well as media solutions which are mainly used on glass / flat façades.
The lighting controls can be programmed accordingly for the days of the week, weekends, seasons and for special occasions and it will attract the general public by creating an aura of celebration, for example Burj Khalifa, Dubai.
The lighting controls can be programmed and uploaded on cloud platforms and can be controlled and monitored at the site or remotely.
Erin believes, LED luminaires are getting more and more efficient and are allowing for better control of the beam itself. This includes the design of the fixtures with an increased amount
of in ground fixtures with easy adjustability on site. With spill light being a continuing issue for façade lighting, allowing for adjustability of fixtures and beams reduces the amount of unused light. Increased efficiencies also allow the reduction of the actual luminaires allowing us to use lighting fixtures in areas where it was impossible to mount a couple of years ago.
Aijaz says, since the advent of LED as a viable source of illumination, it has evolved in size, efficacy and endurance. The colour rendering properties are also improving giving CRI of upto 98. Manufacturers are able to provide LED chips of different size, colour and CRI. Similarly, the lens and reflectors are also being developed by various manufacturers. Flexible sheets with various light distribution characteristics are also available. This helps luminaire manufacturer developed luminaires that were not possible with conventional light sources.
Aijaz adds, for example, a reduction has been seen in the size of linear luminaires with narrow beam light distribution due to development in the lens technology. The Kalypso luminaire by LED Linear is one such example. This luminaire is only 25mmx25mm cross-section size, yet quiet powerful. It is available with 10deg, 30deg light beam distribution and is suitable for outdoor installation.
The design of luminaires has evolved from multiple single chip+lens units to single multi chip LED with single efficient optics lens has improved the quality of the beam. This has particularly helped the colour changing floodlights which can now provide colour changing effects without any unwanted colour striations.
Bluetooth/Wifi control for indoor lighting is an emerging trend which could soon be applied to façade lighting to minimise the control wiring and simplify installation.
Sanjiv believes that the LED lighting is evolving with new designs and luminaires with narrow beam angles, longer throw of light and can be used in the tiniest of space which enables better control of light and light spill enhancing the quality of the overall lighting design and visual impact.
In combination of RGB and Tunable White LED’s along with DALI / DMX programable drivers there is a The dynamic shift from the existing lighting solutions and it has become a Lighting Programmer’s dream to create challenging designs using the available software’s, programs and delight their customer.
Like Wi-Fi, Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) is emerging and the smart LED’s will start transmitting data.
Very soon the light sources will be a communication tool for receiving and sending information that will enhance human life in the long run similar to the revolution which came in with the internet and smartphones.
Erin mentions, “along with dynamic façades, façade lighting for marketing is something that we are seeing from time to time as a request from clients. Despite being an avenue for revenue, this is usually considered on a selective basis to ensure the advertisements don’t overtake the effect of lighting the façade itself.”
Aijaz explains, a hotel or corporate office building can be easily identified if illuminated in its corporate colours. Logos may not be visible from a certain location but the colour can be cost-effectively applied on all sides of the building or its roof canopy. Such buildings can easily be recognised from a long distance. For example, the roof canopy of Ibis hotel was illuminated in the corporate red colour which helps it distinguish from the adjacent Novotel hotel.
He adds media façade lighting is another lighting option, especially for commercial buildings. In case this building houses more than one
Burj Khalifa, UAE
company office, the media façade can be used to project corporate colours, company logos, and videos of these companies. The owner can charge the companies for the advertisement and thus generate additional revenue from the façade lighting. People occupying these buildings will be happy to identify with a well-lit building.
According to Sanjiv, using the façade as a Media Wall is a concept that has been there for a long time (Times Square NY), however with the enhanced smart LED’s, available controls and programs same can be used to incorporate and share messages to the general public just by making the necessary changes through a laptop. This saves valuable time. Real-Time Multimedia messages, images, news broadcast, advertisements, national emergency, etc. can be shared with general public through these façade lighting solutions.
Erin says, LEED, Mostadam, Estidama and Dark Sky are the main regulations that can be seen in a recurrence of within our façade projects. The main requirement of these is not just power and efficiencies in luminaires, but also the reduction of light pollution. Light pollution reduction, including the elimination of uplighting, creates a completely different aesthetic due to design restrictions. We always clarify at the start of the project this minimal lighting solution is something that the client is after as well as an overall reduction in energy consumption, as this is a driving factor in the current Middle East.
Sanjiv agrees with Erin. He says, for façade and outdoor lighting, the architects and consultants take into consideration of the existing norms of various countries in the Middle East and one notable factor is the Dark Sky Regulation which is now being implemented. Nocturnal creatures have equal rights as humans to live on this planet and it is up to us to protect them and their wellbeing.
Aijaz’s opinions are different. He says, there is no dedicated standards or norms developed for the Middle East region only, although it is high time that standards pertaining to this region must be developed through research on the
lighting preferences of local people. Until then, illumination criteria recommended under CIBSE SLL and IESNA lighting handbooks are referred for initial guidance. ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1 are followed for façade lighting power density under the Green Building regulation in Dubai. Control of light pollution is also imperative under this new regulation.
Further, the developers such as Emaar, Majid Al Futtaim, Nakheel in Dubai, and hotel operators also stipulate façade & outdoor lighting requirements under their corporate brand standards. These are followed while designing hotels, shopping malls, etc.
“We will see a movement towards more interactive dynamic façade lighting, with lighting reacting to surroundings, occupancies or other elements within a building to create a living piece of architecture rather than a static building” notes Erin.
Aijaz notes, a great emphasis is being put on the sustainability of the environment. Steps are being taken to minimise light pollution which affects the surrounding flora and fauna. Façade lighting is one of the main contributors to light pollution. As the regulation to control lighting pollution gets tighter façade lighting design will come under increasing scrutiny. Therefore, ways of more effectively illuminating the buildings with the minimal light spill and light trespass would be increasingly enforced by local municipal authorities. Accordingly, floodlighting or grazing uplighting which was a normal trend of illuminating building façades is giving way to building integrated lighting. This is supported by the development of miniaturised LED light sources that can easily blend with building architecture.
Sanjiv is very optimistic about the future of façade lighting. He sees a bright future for façade lighting as it is playing an important role in a building. Projects, be it small, big, government, private or public, old or new, modern with glazed glass or as artistically built like the Taj Mahal, adds a feature to the city. Upcoming hotels are competing with each other to attract customers and examples can be seen on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.
Rida Mokdad General Manager, Debbas
Façade lighting is used to highlight architectural lines, textures, and focus points. However, from dusk till dawn, lighting and shadows can be used creatively to alter a building’s architectural identity. Lighting can also provide the building’s owner with a platform for interactive communication. Yet, the most important aspect of façade lighting is its contribution to a skyline.
Could you please brief our readers on the methods of façade lighting?
When it comes to designing a façade lighting scheme, it is of utmost importance to involve a lighting consultant. In Dubai, we are lucky to have a large number of creative lighting design studios that excel at bringing buildings to life. What I can share, as an integrator, is the variety of solutions available to lighting consultants:
• Architectural luminaries offering colour, control, and output. With these tools, designers are able
to use light to wash surfaces, graze them to reveal texture, contour volumes, or surgically highlight architectural features.
• Media façade solutions, offering dynamic renders of creative or commercial content.
What is the impact of façade material on lighting?
The façade material will define the kinds of tools a lighting designer will use when proposing a scheme. The use of stone, timber, or concrete will define the type of luminaire as well as the kind
of optic needed to highlight or tone down the material used. Some materials impose limitations that require outward thinking: imagine a glasscladded façade that cannot be lit with luminaires aiming the light at it. Instead, designers will consider what we refer to as direct-view systems or luminaires installed on the façade with their aperture aimed outwards.
What are the latest trends in lighting systems & lighting controls?
Media façade systems are quite sought after as
control possibilities are endless. The ability to turn a façade into a communication tool is both aesthetically pleasing and commercially viable. We recently supplied and installed a custom-built media façade system on the Abu Dhabi Global Market Square. The apparatus has been used to mark the UAE’s national day, to ring in the new year, and most recently to show solidarity with the People of India as they battle hard to beat the pandemic. As for lighting controls, the need today is for energy efficiency, preservation, and maintenance. Our capability to embed a wide
range of sensors in our solutions gives the owner or operator of a building the ability to reduce cost while offering more pertinent lighting based on the use of spaces, the flow of people, and the need for lighting in correlation with the time of day or night. Well-controlled lighting has been proven to have health benefits and impact productivity.
What are the latest technologies in LED lighting? If you break it down, the LED or Light Emitting Diode is an electronic component powered by electric current. This, in essence, is makes the LED a light source with endless possibilities. The quality of light, its ever increasing output, and efficacy as well as its integrability with digital systems makes the LED an intelligent light source
capable of emitting and receiving data. Today, the LED is at the center of systems integration.
Brief our readers on use of façade lighting as a marketing factor.
Billboard advertising principles apply to media façades but with better advertising real estate and most importantly with highly dynamic content. The choice of pixel density offers increased viewpoints which in turn maximises the reach. Burj Khalifa has demonstrated that using façade lighting to promote content and share information is truly valuable.
What are the future trends & technologies in façade lighting?
Interactive content is the future of façade lighting. Having people share home-made content or take part in live-fed activations will become the norm.
I remember a media façade system on a large plaza in Seoul where people were approached to play a game of Tetris showing on the building!
What are the standards, local norms & regulations for outdoor / façade lighting in the Middle East?
Standards vary from market to market. What is important to note is the current global call for
the reduction of light pollution which is harmful to the environment and our own health. The progress in optical control as well as lighting controls gives our community the ability to put together schemes that reduce light pollution and protect dark skies, while preserving the potential for creativity.
“Automation Plays a Big Role in Architectural Hardware Industry as the Demand for Smart Home Technology has been Increasing”
Ahmet Astal Vice President, Yale Middle East
Ahmet Astal is currently the Vice President of Yale Middle East. He has been a part of the ASSA ABLOY Group for 8 years and has an overall experience of 22 years in the industry. He has been instrumental in leading the Yale Middle East division to newer heights of growth.
In an exclusive interview with Window & Façade Magazine, Ahmet Astal briefed about Yale, the products they are offer in the market, so on…
Please brief our readers about the journey of Yale in the Middle East?
Yale is an ASSA ABLOY Group brand which represents the residential application side of the group worldwide. Yale started its journey in the Middle East with Lebanon in 1940, and today is present all across the Middle East countries through some of the region’s top distributors, and resellers.
Could you please tell us about some of your clients or the projects in which your products have been used?
As a brand operating in the region, we have partnered with some of the biggest companies including telecom providers like Etisalat, and retail stores like ACE Hardware in UAE, and SACO in Saudi Arabia. We also continue to expand our reach with top brands in the e-commerce space like Amazon and Noon. In the B2B space, we cater to direct requirements of companies like Saudi Aramco.
Catering to the demands of the changing times, we have integrated with service providers like Operto, who use our products while deploying their application to their short-term rental
business clients. The Yale Access app and Operto together facilitate property management by allowing owners and property managers to control their door remotely, from anywhere. They can see who’s coming and when, grant virtual guest keys, and check whether the door is open or closed. They can grant keyless entry for their guests who will love the flexibility of self-check-in.
What are the advantages Yale has over its competitors?
Yale is the global leader in home security, and is a brand built on trust. We have a long history dating back 180 years of product innovation, and have been the leaders in the industry securing people’s homes and their loved ones.
Whilst the world has seen a seismic shift in both technology and the way we live our lives, customers’ connection to their homes and the need to feel secure has never been stronger and they continue to look to brands they trust to inspire this. Yale has been earning that trust for generations and continues to do so by giving customers the peace of mind in the quality of its products and by developing new products that enhance their daily lives.
For years, customers have placed their trust in our mechanical locks and more recently our digital door locks have opened up a new world of access and freedom. Our latest innovations including Linus® smart door lock, smart cabinet lock and delivery box, and integrations with trusted consumer brands like Philips Hue, give more convenience and control to everyday life.
Trust has always been a key brand value for Yale and today, more than ever, our ambition is to enable customers to feel secure in their homes and have the freedom to live their daily lives. Secondly, I would like to say that Yale Middle East has a very wide range of products that caters to markets’ needs - needs that differ from country to country. We constantly work towards finding what our consumers need and offering them the best solutions.
One of our core values is innovation - we’re constantly innovating to serve the consumer better. This is done through constant research and development.
How is the access control smart home market in
the region and how do you see the future? The smart lock market globally is growing at a rapid pace and is expected to reach USD 4.43 billion by the end of 2027. We see a similar trend in the Middle East region, with demand growing every year.
As the market evolves, the demand for integration and cross platform compatible products will grow.
We recently became a part of the connectivity ecosystem - a partnership between Schneider Electric, Somfy, Danfoss and now the ASSA ABLOY group, which we at Yale, are a part of. As the leading residential brand in ASSA ABLOY, this partnership will give us an opportunity to enhance our products and continue to enable safe, secure and convenient access to homes all around the world.
With a combined vision of offering simple, safe and seamless solutions to homes across the globe, the partnership aims to deliver a superior value proposition to homeowners, combining expertise in comprehensive solutions to bring connectivity to the next level in this increasingly digital age.
For occupants, property developers and managers, this means that having an even smarter home ecosystem that combines smart access with features like energy saving, heating and blind management has become a reality.
Thanks to interoperability of products, it will be entirely possible for a Yale Smart Lock to work with other solutions and create different scenarios which will simplify lives of consumers, while offering them a seamless experience.
As partners in the Connectivity Ecosystem, we are putting our expertise and data at the service of solutions to help consumers feel safer and more comfortable at home. We are also addressing specific touchpoints like door handles, access code panels and door entry systems, which with the newest Yale Smart Locks a completely touch free solution is possible.
The pandemic has affected all the industries
and business. How has it’s impact been on your business and how are you coping up with the situation?
Yes, the pandemic has changed our lives and how we live, but the demand for our products is intact and growing. What we see as a change is the realignment of demand from different sales channels. For example, we’ve seen a steadier increase in sales through our e-commerce channels as compared to the retail stores. As the consumers’ preferences have also evolved from in-store shopping to online, we have also quickly adapted to these changing demands and re-aligned our strategy to be able to cater to this growing demand.
Automation plays a big role in the architectural hardware industry as the demand for smart home technology has been increasing. In the last few years, most of the concerns related to smart home technology have been addressed and benefits of
this technology have been realized. Like other features that create value in a home, smart home technology can increase interest and demand for a property, and when properly designed and installed, can add real value. Since much of this technology can be more expensive to install once the property is complete, more contractors are realising the value of including them at the time of construction. A home with professionally installed, complete smart home features will likely have a higher perceived value than one with a series of DIY installed, individual features.
Not only this, but in terms of security, preventive surveillance is also growing in demand as it is targeted at early risk detection which can recognize new threats and be monitored in real time.
What are the major opportunities for your business in the Middle East?
We are very well established in the Middle East region, we have been here for more than 8 decades and we have only seen an increase in demand ever since. At present, the region and the demand for both smart and mechanical products
is growing. We have a lot of new projects coming up - with the biggest contractors in KSA and UAE, specially those who are taking the lead to implement smart cities - Yale will be contributing to such projects.
What are your goals and plans for the next 4-5 years?
As a brand, we plan to continue to evolve, catering to the ever-changing demands of our consumers, and as Yale Middle East we plan to introduce more new products and grow our customer base in the region.
Anything else you would like to add?
Yale is producing the best when it comes to product durability. Additionally, integration is a very important part of our smart products as it allows our consumers to access our smart devices through other smart home applications. The integrations for the group are lead and managed by the headquarters who work closely with some of the biggest names in the industry. We are trying to make our consumers’ lives simpler by engaging with other partners to make our devices accessible through other applications.
“Sustainable Architecture is Nothing But Sensible Architecture”
Piyusha Bokil Design Partner, EXS Design
About the Author:
Piyusha Bokil is the design partner at EXS Design, founder of EXS coach me. Small apartments to multiuse towers, villas to masterplans, clinics to large hospitals, cafes to resorts, saloons to wellness centers, offices to commercial towers - she has more than a decade of experience as project lead across all scales. Her project stories generally start with a strong concept & multi-level thought process involving solutions that create something meaningful-functionally & aesthetically. Each detail is then a contribution to making the final product a manifestation of the enhanced original idea. Educating people about what architects, designers do has also always been a part of her passion & she pursues it through design coaching alongside leading creative projects in Middle East & India.
Tell us about your practice and design approach?
At EXS, our design solutions are well-formed after churning of ideas which target positive outcome for everyone involved. Our concepts are firmly rooted in principles of Context, Clarity & Creativity. We do not believe in following trends, instead, we first focus on expectations & then deliver above and beyond the same with timeless creativity. Out of the box solutions are then just a byproduct of our thought & work process.
We have a track record of nil to single revision on the design as we understand our client requirements very well & then deliver solutions. Explaining our design principles further:
Context: The site, client aspirations, financial viability all form an integrated context of a project. We strive to get a clear context at the initial stage. Steps involve study of: site opportunities, zoning, financial requirements, functional requirements, expected project outcome, and geography
analysis. The summary of these forms a strong foundation on which the project can be further designed, thus, maximising the benefits for our clients.
Clarity: This signifies our way of thinking and planning. It is this quality which makes our projects stand out in the competitive field of design. The stage involves clear space planning with which we drive projects irrespective of their size. We achieve this clarity through numerous iterations, possibilities & contextual requirements. The outcome is a well laid out plan optimising space to the maximum. Our projects are known to give excellent returns on space because of this sieving process to attain clarity.
Creativity: Lastly, the associated imagery is created with great care & fluent design language. The outcome of first two aspects are extruded in thinking & formation to attain designed spaces which are unique to each project, but with a global appeal. We do not believe in following trends,
instead, we first focus on expectations & then deliver above & beyond the same with timeless creativity. Out of the box solutions are then just a byproduct of these processes which gradually culminate together.
What are the milestones you have achieved to date?
Over more than a decade, I have collected varied design stories to share and achievements to cherish & build on. I have been a point person on many successful built forms defining a citySmall apartments to multi use towers, villas to masterplans, clinics to large hospitals, cafes to resorts, saloons to wellness centers, offices to commercial towers.
I believe every project is a story waiting to be told and our life stories become intertwined with it. We grow with the initiatives we take, inspire others through our failures & successes, and learn by demonstrating something to others. The size and shape of the design does not matter, the journey is always enjoyable.
I would say my early milestone was the gold medal from Pune University in architecture. It is always encouraging to prove meritorious in a field you are passionate about. The very next year I received the NDTV national level award for exploratory project focusing on selflearning spaces with a design inspired by fractal geometry.
As I started working with Plural, our designed projects were shortlisted at the MENA region healthcare awards and I received much appreciation from the management for my design sensibilities. Four years later, I got an offer to work with one of the most renowned architecture and design firms in Dubai and head their masterplan & residential projects as project lead with well-known developers.
One of my initial projects-Wellness center in Al Ain was nominated for the next landmark competition in Italy.
It was just a month before pandemic hit UAE,
I decided to take the plunge as Design partner with EXS Design. Being passionate about design education, I founded EXS Coach me to ensure foundational design knowledge for all.
I can proudly say, since the past year, EXS has seen rapid growth in their portfolio across various all design verticals-residential, Commercial, F&B, Healthcare, Wellness with excellent client portfolio & testimonials.
In short, my achievements can be summarized:
• National level NDTV award in for exploratory science center design
• University gold medalist in architecture
• Track record to nil revision on the design since we analyse & understand client requirements very well.
• Excellent client testimonials & word of mouth as both-design coaching & design service
• Design coaching testimonial video: https:// youtu.be/rK06pJN_NFs
What inspired you to become an architect? My love for the built form sparked during visits to design studios back home, in India. My grandparents stayed in Solapur and there was a small architect’s studio opposite to their place. During school holidays, I used to spend time there and see various structures being built from paper to site. It was a very immersive and
exciting experience as a child. I knew then that I wanted to be an architect and contribute with my knowledge in creating better spaces for all.
Could you please talk about your projects featuring very innovative and different kinds of façade and fenestration designs (in the Middle East)?
Architecture being the collaborative profession it is, façade and design are not removed from each
other. Careful façade design is integral to careful design. Every project we design, we strive to make it relevant to its site.
One of the recent ones which I can share is House of shade and shadow in Abu Dhabi. This client approached us with a request - “we want a house which holds our traditional grounds but is modern at the same time. A home many generations can use!
At the same time, we want our children to be able to enjoy it but would like to keep an eye on them.” The site based in Abu Dhabi was a corner one. We decided to plan the access away from the hustle bustle of the main road.
We were mindful of the challenges a future expansion project involves-mainly the lack of
co-relation between the old and new. To solve this, we came up with a grid and rotated it diagonal to maximize the plot utility. As simple as it may sound, the grid started becoming too restrictive and we overlayed another one. And voila! We were now close to the perfect outdoor open space proportion!
All throughout, we kept in mind the key visual connectivity with kids the parents required. An overlooking balcony from master bedroom kept an eye on the kids’ room balcony below, while, another balcony from the master suite overlooked the shaded C-shaped courtyard.
Sustainable design is ingrained in our philosophy and we planned the pool & entrance feature strategically to have light, cooling breeze throughout the house with a large ‘jaali’ element.
This house was, thus, envisioned as ‘a canvas for living’. With settings aiding in highlighting large identity elements and avoiding visual clutter, this home was designed to ‘grow’ along with the people living in it.
As an architect what sustainability means to you?
For me, sustainable architecture is nothing but sensible architecture. Nothing less, nothing more than that.
How do you go about choosing the material of the façade and cladding?
Our design process is very intuitive. It is not a straight line but a circle process where we imagine complete life cycle of a building or design. Selection of façade materials is an important milestone which can make or break the design. We look at aesthetics, of course, but also focus on technical aspects like the weather resistance, maintenance feasibility, installation process and availability. Ultimately, we generally assemble all the façade materials together to freeze the material selections.
According to you, where is the architectural segment is heading in the Middle East?
With the residential sector gaining traction due to the pandemic, varied personal choices have resulted in a healthy competition of ideas in the Middle East. Sustainability had always been a buzz word, but I can see that more number of people are now trying to understand the real value of design along with it. Older materials are now being explored with modern ways. This will result in newer possibilities for our design sector. The Expo happening in October will increase trade and associated industries like hospitality, transport, residential and even offices will see a major demand for design.
What are the major challenges in the
architectural segment in the Middle East? Meeting financial and aesthetic expectations while keeping in-line with the rapid growth timeline are one of the major challenges for architects. Designing a structure and building a structure are becoming two different activities and they shouldn’t be seen that way. Educating the client of good practices is of paramount importance to safeguard quality in the region.
What opportunities do you see for the architects in the region?
Architecture is an all-encompassing field. Requiring talent & skill of many aspects like interior design, landscaping, décor, building services, MEP, structure, way finding, waste management, lighting design, project management, history, geography, urban design and even psychology to name a few. Thus, qualified architects have a lot of room to explore & specialize in their area of interest.
What are your views on the future façade and fenestration technologies as well as materials? Being sensitive to the geography and addressing world issues would be a logical criteria for a successful fenestration technology. I would say achieving a good aesthetics is lesser of our troubles here. More R&D should be done on noninvasive, productive technologies while drawing inspirations from vernacular materials.
What is your advice for young and upcoming architects?
There is an imbalance in current ratio of newcomers to jobs in our field. This is resulting in lesser to nil paying employment opportunities. However, I would advise new
comers to train themselves well before entering into practice. This will safeguard their skills as well as prospective projects. Understand how you can help and what your strengths are before pursuing design career in a certain direction.
Raj Patel, AIA Architecture Design Director, Principal, Gensler
About the Author:
Raj leads Gensler’s architecture design studio in the Middle East. Raj’s experience across different cultures influences his design approach as he weaves together traditional and modern architecture into contemporary designs, relevant to their cultural and contextual settings. A passionate designer, Raj enjoys collaborating with teams, mentoring young architects, and understanding cultural influences that impact how buildings are used. A perennial figure in the list of Top 40 Most Powerful Architects in the Middle East by Middle East Architect magazine, Raj’s professional thoroughness combined with his creative talent and leadership ability has made him an award-winning architect with a portfolio that includes many esteemed projects. Raj also frequently speaks at conferences and events with an aim to engage in conversations that influence design trends. He is a registered American Architect with a Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Architecture from Yale University.
Located adjacent to the eastern gate to the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, Gensler’s design for a new mixed-use development captures the essence of the neighbourhood and the spirit of the city.
As the world’s largest architecture and design firm, Gensler designs mixed-use districts and retail centers to act as vibrant social hubs that connect people and experiences and breathe new life into cities. Gensler’s designers create next-generation mixed-use and shopping destinations that are amenity- and service-rich, leverage technology, promote culture, and offer recreational activities. Gensler integrates the crafting of places and shared experiences to create new, elevated hybrid spaces that create an authentic sense of community.
Diplomatic Quarter is a vibrant community comprising of all the foreign diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia along with a large residential area
and shopping malls. Its distinctive character within the city has emerged under the patronage of King Salam who was governor of Riyadh for more than half a century. He believed blending contemporary design with local cultural features inherits the city’s rich culture and history.
The award-winning concept for the project is inspired by natural strata formations prevalent in the rugged landscape that surrounds Riyadh. Reminiscent of these mystical formations that have been formed by water and wind through time, our design creates six free-standing curvilinear forms that appear to be shaped by the movement of pedestrians, wind, and views flowing into the central pedestrian spine. The openness of the project speaks to the new vitality of the city and the aspirations of its citizens.
Unique among design firms, Gensler works with a cross-section of the world’s economy.
This access provides us insights into the issues driving change across markets. To help businesses navigate the impact of industry trends on the built environment, our publications and thought leaders explore how design turns client challenges into competitive advantages.
The entertainment cluster houses a variety of programs including Retail, Food & Beverage, Cinema, Bowling, and Office. One level of basement parking connects to the ground plane by escalators and lifts. The ground level is designed as a free-flowing, vibrant courtyard that opens outwards in every direction that invites passive movement of wind and shade from the exterior. Water features, shading elements, hard and soft landscape create an intimate space that hosts naturally shaded outdoor seating areas, event spaces, and community gathering areas.
“A return to and celebration of the pedestrian nature of our urban fabric, the curvilinear forms of the building entice breezes from the northwest for cooling as well as pedestrian movement into the main open central space. This inner courtyard is lined with F+B and highend retail blending the essence of high street shopping, Italian piazzas, and Arab hospitality into a uniquely memorable experience.” –Raj Patel, AIA, Architecture Design Director, Principal
The façades take their cue from the character of Diplomatic Quarter. The influence of Salamani architecture reveals itself in our contemporary design with a refined palate of elements and shapes such as triangles and narrow vertical slits. The exterior cladding comprises natural terracotta panels which are richly colored to match the traditional stone façades of the
surrounding neighborhood. The façade surface begins as a relatively flat surface on the façades facing the road but transforms into undulating strata bands in the central courtyard space. This undulation and subtle variety of colors throughout the façade promotes continual visual movement throughout the project.
If the past year has taught us anything, it is how our society and world economy are interconnected. Gensler sharpened our focus with the convergence
of the pandemic and our social, governance, and environmental challenges. Today, building owners, developers, and investors are recognising the potential consequences and risks from climate change, as they mobilise to address the negative impacts of the built environment on climate change. Yet these risks can also present an economic opportunity as the marketplace begins to seek out investment in long-term climate action strategies. Because of the rising costs associated with the destructive impact of hotter temperatures, rising seas, and increasingly severe weather, expectations for how buildings perform are shifting.
Sustainability has been the key driver as Gensler has designed a public space for the future. Gensler has returned to basic passive design principles such as building orientation and limiting the amount of fenestration rather than the continual burden of mechanical systems to cool overheated spaces. Integration of green areas and water features such as water fountains, planters for cooling, and occupant comfort is one such example. The buildings have been shaped to draw air thru the development for cooling as well as providing shade to the ground floor areas. Restaurants have been placed in those locations to allow the use of the outdoor space by protecting it from the direct
rays of the sun, designing a central pedestrian plaza (courtyard) embraced and shaded by the surrounding buildings. Utilising local plants such as palm trees and embracing the site’s natural slopes through design and connecting all levels seamlessly to avoid intrusion to the site nature serves as an example of the combination of a well-conceived design and sustainable design thinking that drives this future development to achieve our sustainability aspirations.
The new outdoor mixed-use development challenges the traditional enclosed spaces which are devoid of connecting to the surrounding environment and use extensive energy to cool large atrium spaces. Access to fresh air, energy conservation, connection to nature, and weaving into our urban fabric are some of the key design drivers of the development. The result of responding to this challenge is a shift towards implementing sustainability measures such as reduction in energy for cooling large
Fact File
Project Name: Unified Real Estate
Development Diplomatic Quarter Mall
Location: Riyadh, K.S.A.
Client: Unified Real Estate Development
Architect: Gensler
Other Consultants: VERO Design Studio (Landscape) + WSP (Engineers) + Delta Lighting Solutions (Lighting) + Compass (Cost)
Materials used for facade & fenestration: The exterior cladding comprises of natural terracotta panels which are richly colored to match the traditional stone facades of the surrounding neighborhood. The façade surface begins as a relatively flat surface on the facades facing the road but transform into undulating strata bands in the central courtyard space. This undulation and subtle variety of colors throughout the façade promotes continual visual movement throughout the project.
Commencement Date & Estimated
Completion Date: 7 Nov 2020 to estimated completion 2022
Size: 38,000 SM of site area; 75,400 SM of total built-up area
volumes of atrium space, a physical connection to our outdoor environment, and connecting open spaces to the surrounding urban fabric of the city to encourage movement. The whole development utilises efficient LED lighting and local stone
from Riyadh has been used as the main façade component accounting for 60% of building exterior envelope to promote regional materials and reduce embodied carbon associated with material transportation.
“Working with Gensler has been one of the best, the smoothest and valuable experience we ever have over the past 50 projects build by Unified Real Estate. The continuous efforts leading the project to the best operational and architectural outcome is impressive which done in a squeezed time frame which still meets the original time frame, despite the changes we asked them to do.” - Emran Yousef Abdulgani, Chief Technical Services Officer at Unified Real Estate Development
The project has won the recognition of Retail Project of the Year - Highly Commended at the Architecture Leaders Awards 2021 held in Dubai in March 2021.
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain, the global leaders in fireresistant glass solutions, together with Forster Profile Systems, global leaders in specialist steel fenestration solutions, are pleased to announce the recent successful development of their new firerated, slim-line structural glazed curtain wall system. Both Vetrotech Saint-Gobain & Forster Profile Systems have their headquarters in Switzerland (Basel & Arbon respectively), with regional offices spread across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions. All of their fire-rated systems are tested and certified to the highest international standards, such as BS, EN, NFPA, ANSI, ASTM.
Traditionally, fire-rated façades utilize the stick method of construction, with mullion/transom spigots, dry-glazing gaskets, pressure plates, and external snap-on capping to hold the fire-resistant glass in place. However, while architects often look for a clean, un-cluttered appearance, which can only be achieved using structural silicone glazed systems, they also demand a seamless interface between fire-rated and non-fire rated structural glazing, either on the interior or on the exterior of a building.
The Slimline All-Glass Fire-Rated building façade system has achieved a fire rating of EI60 according to the European standard EN1364-1 at the Thomas BellWright testing laboratory in Dubai, and certification is in process. The EI 60 rating means that this system will resist the passage of fire for 60 minutes, while also preventing excessive heat penetration for the same duration, making this solution ideal for both fire containment and safe evacuation of the occupants in the building. This is achieved via a special intumescent interlayer within the glass unit that foams up when subjected to the heat of the fire.
This wet glazing solution is ideal for both internal and external applications, where a fire rating is required, and the design intent is for a clean, flush,
seamless appearance. Vetrotech and Forster are already working on several exciting projects around the world, where their new fire-rated structural glazed façade system will provide a solution the stakeholders did not think was possible previously.
Thomas Bell-Wright International Consultants is a world-renowned centre for the testing of building construction systems and products, based in Dubai.
For more information, contact: Gopikrishnangopi.tm@saint-gobain.com or David Mills - david. mills@forster.ch or Abhishek Chhabra - abhishek. chhabra@bell-wright.com
Saudi Arabia’s real estate company Dar Al Arkan is planning to build the first 3D-printed home this year in the region.
The 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) technology will help reducing the construction time to half and will aid in the economic diversification of the country in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
The company is introducing the new technology in collaboration with the Denmark’s Construction of
Buildings on Demand (COBOD), a 3D construction printer manufacturing company.
The first house is expected to be ready by the fourth quarter of this year at Dal Al Arkan’s Shams Ar Riyadh project, which is a mix of commercial and residential units spanning more than 5 million square meters.
Shams Ar Riyadh, spanning more than 5 million square meters comprises both commercial and residential units.
Arada - a real estate developer has been awarded two contracts for the $2.2 bn (AED 8 bn) Masaar community in the Al Juwaiza’a district of New Sharjah in the UAE.
The 19 million square foot project, which began construction in January, will have 4,000 villas and townhouses spread over eight gated communities.
Parsons Overseas, an engineering firm, was awarded the first contract for infrastructure design and supervision services at the Masaar project.
Parsons will manage all aspects of infrastructure delivery for the project. This includes roads, water, power and drainage, while ensuring full integration with the overall master plan.
ASGC Construction won the contract to build the Masaar Experience Centre.
The Masaar Experience Centre will be designed to provide glimpse of what life in the community will be when it is complete, to visitors and future residents.
It features a minimal design language that reflects Masaar’s architecture while the transparency of the façade creates a dialogue between the building’s interior spaces and the lush green landscape.
The company plans to start construction on the centre with immediate effect, with completion expected in six months.
Chapman Taylor - an UK-headquartered global architects and masterplanners has been appointed by UCC Holding to develop the design for the façade of a new private hospital in Doha, Qatar.
The hospital will be a 95,000 sqm facility in the Al Qutaifiya district, close to Lusail, Katara and The Pearl Qatar.
The design of the hospital responds to the waterside context with a sleek and contemporary
façade which integrates LED technology to produce the effect of water flowing across its centre. The bright exterior reflects the luxury hospitality healthcare on offer at the facility, exuding a sense of tranquility and wellbeing. The construction of the hospital is expected to be completed by end of 2022.
AGC Obeikan Glass became the first glass manufacturer in the Middle East getting its double silver magnetron coated glass products Cradle to Cradle CertifiedTM at the Bronze level. Products which fall under this certification are Stopray Vision, Stopray Ace and Stopray Titanium range, manufactured in Yanbu plant, Saudi Arabia.
The Cradle to Cradle Certified™ products program is the world’s most advanced multi-stakeholder standard for designing and making products for the circular economy. It is an approach which evaluates a product’s overall sustainability across its entire life cycle. It expands the definition of design quality to include positive effects on economic, ecological and social health. To obtain certification, the product must meet strict standards in five categories related to health and
environmental protection. These categories are Material Health, Material Reutilization, Renewable Energy & Carbon Management, Water Stewardship and Social Fairness. Product recieves achievement level – Basic, Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinumin each of these five categories and the lowest achievement level represents the product’s overal mark.
AGC Obeikan magnetron coated double silver glass products Stopray Vision-40T, Stopray Vision51T, Stopray Vision-72T, Stopray Titanium—34T and Stopray Ace-30T obtained Platinum level in Material Health, Gold level in Water Stewardship, Silver level in Material Reutilization and Social Fairness, and Bronze level in Renewable Energy & Carbon Management, thus achieving overal certification at Bronze level.
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