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Cover Story
FACE TO FACE
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Abdulmajid Karanouh
International Director and Head of Interdisciplinary Design & Innovation, Drees & Sommer
About the Author:
Abdulmajid Karanouh with a background in Architecture (BSc), Computation (MSc), Engineering (MSc), and Design Communication (Ph.D.), has developed over the past 20 years from a passionate specialist in complex architecture into an inter-disciplinary design lead in the built environment. His journey includes working on some of the largest masterplans in the world and on many record-breaking and award-winning projects involving high-profile organisations in Europe, the Middle East, and South-East Asia. He is especially focused on developing context-considerate integrated urban solutions and innovative building systems using BIM-augmented algorithmic thinking and computation. He currently heads the Interdisciplinary Design & Innovation group at Drees & Sommer. In an interaction with Window & Façade Magazine, Abdulmajid Karanouh spoke about his journey, shared his views on the current situation of architectural segment in post-pandemic, etc. Here are the excerpts…
Tell us about your practice and design approach?
Drees & Sommer was born in Stuttgart over 50 years ago as a project management consultancy firm. Since then, the firm has grown into the largest all-around German consultancy group in the Built Environment with over 40 offices across the globe, covering over 70 disciplines and sectors, offering 360 degrees total integrated urban and building solutions.
Our Interdisciplinary Design & Research (IDR) group is responsible for developing strategies to bridge gaps and establish synergies between various disciplines within Drees & Sommer on one hand, and between Drees & Sommer and other stakeholders and disciplines in the industry on the other. In that respect, our design approach is based upon the principles of interdisciplinary – as opposed to streamlining multidisciplinary – where we try to involve and integrate key representatives from various stakeholders across the industry from very early project vision stages, as opposed to working in silos in a sequential fashion. IDR comprises of a highly diverse and talented group of specialists from various backgrounds including entrepreneurial business consultation, project management, master planning and architecture, building physics and engineering, environmental and sustainable design, digitisation and BIM, constructability, operability and facility management, whole lifecycle simulation and cost modelling among others. We use computation and algorithmic thinking to customise digital parametric tools to build links between different disciplines and project elements to design, simulate, analyse, validate, optimise, and communicate the physical buildup, and related technical and financial performance of any given project.
What inspired you to become an architect?
As a child, I have always been fascinated by how the universe works and how things take form, colour, and function. This fascination, perhaps inspired my early passion for drawing and building physical models. I especially wanted to become an aeronautic or automotive design-engineer as I spent most of my time at home in my early teenage years designing and building physical models of aircrafts and vehicles. However, I grew up in a country where no such industry or field of study was available. Therefore, I chose the closest field of study that I could find that combines visionary design and applied sciences like engineering and construction; architectural engineering. However, as soon as I had the chance to travel and work in Europe, I took every opportunity to study and specialise in high-tech to bring me closer to my original passion. It is one of the reasons that drive my passion for blending architecture with technology.
Dubai Metro, Dubai, UAE Project by: Aedas
Please tell us about your projects featuring very innovative and different kinds of façade and fenestration designs.
Perhaps people in the industry know me best for having co-authored the competition-winning scheme of the Al-Bahr Towers and spearheading the design team from concept to realisation and operation from 2007 till 2015. The main stand-out feature of the building is its computerised dynamic façade that adapts to the movement of the sun. However, earlier in my career, I have also been fortunate enough to have been involved in some very exciting projects indeed. This includes the Turning Torso for Santiago Calatrava in 2005, known for being the first twisted tower - and subsequently the first twisted unitised façade - in the world, and
the Dubai Metro by Aedas which was known for being the largest geometrically complex building in the world at the time it as built in 2009. After the completion of the Al-Bahr Towers, I have also been fortunate to work on many exciting projects for the likes of Grimshaw Architects, Foster & Partners, BIG, MVRDV, and especially Zaha Hadid Architects including the North Souks in Central Beirut District known for its unique diagrid structural envelope comprising of hundreds of diamond-like GRCframed glass units that never repeat in size and shape. Recently, however, I have been working on many exciting projects as part of the KSA Vision 2030, including Neom Mountain by Lava Architects, which is highly futuristic and ambitious indeed from an architectural and performance standpoint.
Could you please tell us about the latest façade and cladding technologies and materials available in the UAE market and those you used in your project?
Besides the dynamic system of the Al-Bahr Towers, composite materials and structures have been some of the most exciting façade technologies that I have been working on recently in the UAE. This includes the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal by BDP Architects, where Carbon Fibre was used for the first time as supporting structure for the building envelope, earning its best innovation award by CFK Valley in Stade, Germany in 2015. Composites have since been used on several different iconic projects, including Zaha Hadid Architects’ Bee’ah HQ in Sharjah.
What are the key factors to consider while designing and installing fenestration?
More than I can list in the context of this interview, unfortunately. In a nutshell, however, it is all about being considerate to all disciplines
North Souks, Beirut, Lebanon Project by: Zaha Hadid Architects
Bee’ah HQ, Sharjah, UAE Project by: Zaha Hadid Architects
and stakeholders involved in the process and striking a balance between them; it is very important to understand the dynamic context of the project and driving parameters including budget and timeline, the environment, the industry, and supply chain capabilities before jumping into designing anything. That being said, fundamental understanding of building physics and knowing how to blend engineering, constructability, operability, and economy with architecture to create viable solutions that are aesthetically pleasing yet performance is a key and a hard-earned skill indeed to the success of any building envelope.
Could you please brief on the technological benefits of the well-managed façades?
If building envelopes are properly designed, fabricated, installed, and managed, the benefits can be endless and invaluable indeed. It can improve the overall performance of the building from an environmental, economic, and user-comfort standpoint, including extending the whole lifecycle of the building. Smart building envelopes can be designed to interact with occupants to improve performance and comfort and to interact with the surrounding public for communication and education.
What are your views on the future façade and fenestration technologies as well as materials?
While I am an advocate of technology, I am also a higher advocate of a contextual approach to design; I would like to see more genuine exploration and development of indigenous materials and solutions as opposed to importing solutions en masse from abroad which are neither entirely suitable nor sustainable for the industry in the Middle East. In a nutshell, I would really like to see the making of solutions that embrace the environment - as opposed to defying it - to provide more sustainable and comfortable habitats.
How do you go about choosing the material of the façade and cladding?
By understanding and taking into consideration the project context first as described earlier, then explore how we can maximise the use of local materials and the local supply
The Turning Torso, Malmo, Sweden Project designed by Santiago Calatrava
chain as early as feasibility studies, and then striking a balance between project stakeholders’ aspirations, budget, and delivery timeframe.
What are the challenges the architectural segment is facing due to this Covid-19 situation?
I would say the limited interaction and even more so limited resources. While online platforms have obviously helped a lot to keep people connected and communicating with one another, it is not quite as effective as being present on the ground physically, especially when interactions like sketching over the same board/drawing, feeling samples and materials, examining site conditions and mock-ups, etc. is much needed to make critical and informed decisions. Lower fees and lower number of projects combined means that architects have to manage with even fewer resources than before.
Has this pandemic affected your business? How are you dealing with this situation?
It has imposed many limitations as described above. It has also slowed down projects and decision making a lot. However, we try to keep communicating as much as we can daily with each other as a team and with our clients via online platforms. Recently, we have been allowed to gradually resume working from our office, but face to face interaction with our clients is still very limited.
As a well-known architect, what sustainability means to you and how do you ensure the sustainability aspects of your projects?
Sustainability - as the terms itself suggests - is about ensuring the healthy continuation of life on our planet. As an architect and design specialist, as much as I would like for many things to be done differently and as passionate as I am in pursuing in what I believe them to be the “right” things to do, I also have to accept that I am not alone on any given job and therefore I cannot control everything; I do the best I can from my position and within the available opportunities and resources. That being said, we always need to try to adapt and develop to maximise those opportunities and resources and therefore maximising the value of our services.
What is your advice for young and upcoming architects?
While being hungry and passionate for practice is highly commended and a must for success, patience and even more hunger and passion for knowledge and practical learning is even more important earlier in your career to avoid facing too many disappointments too early to a point you lose motivation too soon; whatever you have been told or taught at school is only a drop in the ocean of the what you can learn from practice; always keep an open mind for new ideas and new opportunities; best things may happen to you when you least expect them.
Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, Abu Dhabi, UAE Project by: BDP Architects
Barajas Airport, Madrid, Spain Project by: Richard Rogers
INDUSTRY SPEAKS
George Philip
Deputy Vice President - Strategic Projects, the Middle East, dormakaba
George Philip is a senior management professional with over 2 decades of global experience in access solutions. He is a mechanical engineer by profession, with an MBA from Mumbai University, AMP from Harvard Business School, and completed the Executive Program in Artificial Intelligence from Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is also a member of NFPA. Currently, he is the Deputy Vice President (Strategic Projects) for the Middle East region in dormakaba. In a conversation with Window & Façade Magazine, George Philip talks about dormakaba’s journey, their product range, and the technologies and innovations they have brought to deal with the COVID situation. Excerpts…
Please brief us on the history and objective behind the formation of your company.
dormakaba is the result of a great merger of two giants in the industry, in September 2015. Dorma and Kaba bring together what belongs together. There are parallels between our companies’ histories that combine and complement each other seamlessly. Innovation has always been a key component of how both Dorma and Kaba do the business. At dormakaba, we multiplied our shared value by pooling our resources and sharing our experiences. Together, we strive to be an innovation leader in our industry. We will continue to invest in innovation, always to create genuine added value for our customers through our smart access and security solutions.
Please highlight briefly about your products.
Our product clusters are grouped into Door Hardware - enduring, stylish door system solutions for more convenience, easy installation, and reliable functions from a single source; Entrance Systems - automated access solutions for userfriendly building access. Electronic Access and Data - electronic access control and workforce management for efficient administration, security and data collection; Lodging Systems - hotel locking and access management for holiday residences for reliable, convenient and efficient protection; Safe Locks - security locks for the optimum protection of valuables, information or hazardous substances from unauthorised access; Interior Glass Systems - system solutions in glass
Image 1: dormakaba’s offerings
for a wide variety of requirements in buildings moveable walls; Flexible and Efficient Partition Solutions - for customised use of space in hotels, conference centers, studios, and other facilities; Mechanical Key Systems - 0ptimum security thanks to flexible assignment of access rights for best control, lower costs and enhanced convenience. Service - customised service and maintenance for the sustained function of all our product clusters.
Could you please tell us about your manufacturing facility and capacity?
We have major production plants in Europe, Singapore, Malaysia, China, and North and South America, and Australia. While the capacity remains confidential, to give you a flavour of our leadership in the market, we crossed a major milestone - 100 millionth door closer, way back in 2010.
What are the advantages dormakaba has over its competitors?
dormakaba is well-known to be the one-stop-shop with a broad offering of products, solutions, and services for secure access to buildings. A single source for all your needs is critical while serving customers. Our focus on innovation, leadership and digital transformation with more than 2,000 patents and a dedicated digitisation strategy connecting customers, products, and our company for connecting services has helped us retain leadership in the market.
What role is automatipn playing in the door industry in the Middle East?
I would categorise automation with other interdependent trends like Information technology. We are in the big data era. Couple this with the fact that processing power and data storage are becoming almost free, networks and the cloud will provide global access and on-demand services, social media and cybersecurity will be the gamechangers. All this is related to our offerings - Are our products accessible through cloud solutions? Are they secure that you have peace of mind? Can processed data help you make decisions in your business?
Image 2: dormakaba digital
In conjunction with Information technologies, new manufacturing, and automation technologies such as additive manufacturing (3D printing) and robotics have helped us to improve our productivity and reduce supply chain constraints.
All this forms a part of what we call dormakaba digital - connected customers and partners, connected products, and connected companies.
What are your views on the future façade and fenestration technologies as well as materials?
The envelope of a building is the only protection against the external environment. Yet we want the façade to be ‘live’ either by being a screen or to ‘breathe’ by opening during favourable weather conditions and closing during harsh conditions. All this puts challenges for material and performance of every component, from the glass on the façade, to the revolving doors at the entrance. We as a manufacturer must think innovatively to manage expectations. Products that can withstand wind loads (like our swing door operators, and revolving doors), managing a delicate balance of safety and security at entrances (like our access control and escape route systems), flexible entrances (like our HSW sliding folding systems), are all a part of the conversation we have, during design stage with architects, to the delivery stage when we install our products.
Name a few of your latest prestigious products and the innovations you made?
In 2018, global media company Thomson Reuters announced the Top 100 Global Technology Leaders - dormakaba was the only company from our industry in the list to be identified as the tech industry’s most operationally sound and financially successful organisations. This crown comes with responsibilities. Some of the stars that brought us to that elite group are:
Atrium Flex Revolving door (a breakthrough in design with technology): The world’s first revolving door driven with electromagnetic direct propulsion technology, clean, minimalist, all glass transparent design, eliminating floor pits, and an optional illuminated halo, to bring a smile to designers.
Skyfold: Creating flexible spaces with vertical folding acoustic operable walls that almost
KTV Atrium Flex
magically comes down from the ceiling that creates ‘wow’ moments for the customers.
Kaba Star Cross: Trust the Swiss when it comes to precision technology - A cross-shaped, movable element in the key provides increased protection against illegal copying, 3 D printing, and further enhances your security.
These products are just the tip of the iceberg in a basket of innovations that we keep bringing into the market every year.
Tell us about the major projects in which your products have been used.
Honestly, it would be difficult not to find our
products in any building in the region. From the Burj Khalifa, the recently executed EXPO 2020 Pavilions, Dubai and Riyadh Metros, to all airports in the region is just a glimpse of how we have been a significant part of the landscape.
What is the current situation of your industry when the world is facing this COVID-19 challenge?
Our industry is no different from others, in terms of how it has affected the market in these challenging times. While net sales and profitability have declined in the last quarter, comprehensive crisis management was implemented. The focus went to the health and safety of employees, maintaining supply chains, and liquidity.
What practices should be adopted by the industry to overcome these challenges and deal with the after-effects of this pandemic?
A very relevant question. One major reason for the pandemic to spread is by touching people or surfaces. We launched a ‘Touch to Touchless’ campaign and supported many of the customers to convert their manual doors into automatic doors. This is evident from the fact that you do not have to touch any door when you enter Dubai Mall or Mirdiff City Centre. This is just an example, and we are converting many more. We also launched “The Safe Entry Tower”, which can scan your temperature, check for a face mask, and automatically dispense sanitizer before entry in a building. This can also be coupled to automatic doors with the optional crowd counting options to limit social distancing and closing doors when the number reaches the prescribed limits. We also have products for the retail sector that offers flexible shop fronts to expand existing space to maintain social distancing.
What are the major opportunities for your business in the Middle East?
Shifting trends from mechanical to electromechanical, shifting to digital solutions, offering solutions than stand-alone products, and most importantly, taking ownership of the product for its lifetime with comprehensive service would be the criteria that will be game-changers in the industry. How each company will manage this will separate the men from the boys.
What are your goals and plans for the next 4-5 years?
Working with customers and influencers like architects, designers, and facility management companies to demonstrate how technologies can make their buildings more smart and secure, has been our objective that remains unchanged. What we are striving for is to be agile, during these pandemic times. Each employee is encouraged to act as an entrepreneur, giving one of our corporate values’ Customer First’ even more life.
Anything else you would like to add?
A nice adage from a recent article I read - Times are changing - ‘build to last’ is changing to ‘build to adapt’. Last but not the least, Stay Safe.
Safe Entry Tower
Retrofit of Ibis Hotel Revolving Door with the Flex Direct Drive
When a product has performed well throughout its lifetime, what would you expect, from the sustainability point of view? The components used must be recyclable, reusable, and not contributing to an increase in the carbon footprint.
What if you dream of the impossible - completely giving new life to the product, saving of capital expenditure, and introduce cutting edge modern technology? Too good to be true, right?
Ibis Hotel in World Trade Centre was a part of the new look of the Dubai Convention Centre, which along with new concourse between Halls 1 and 2, Convention Tower, and Novotel Hotel, welcomed 15,000 delegates to the first-ever IMF/World Bank meeting in 2003. Hundreds and thousands have since then passed through the KTV 4 revolving door of Ibis Hotel. Powered by the old horse, the MS7 drive, it was one of the well-tested drive systems of its generation. In discussions with our dormakaba service team, for extending the life of the revolving door, dormakaba introduced the KT FLEX Direct Retrofit Kit. Unlike replacement of motors, gearboxes and other conventional ways to increase the life of the revolving door, the customer was impressed with the proposed new electromagnetic direct drive. This gearless power transmission is based on magnetic technology – proven tens of thousands of times. Low wear, low noise direct drive, provides soft movement and protects the equipment’s mechanical components. Additionally, with an extremely narrow height, it
Quick Facts
Project Name: Ibis Hotel Location: Dubai World Trade Centre Client: DWTC Commencement Date: The Ibis Hotel is a part of the DWTC complex, which started with the Sheikh Rashid Tower, which was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1979. This was extended over the years to many Exhibition Halls, Concourse, Ibis Hotel and Novotel Hotel. Architect: RMJM
can be accommodated in a 100 mm canopy, and – of a cause - all other conventional canopies which average 300 mm in height. dormakaba’s service team successfully injected new life into the existing 17-year-old revolving door, by retrofitting this drive into the door.
Putting sustainability as the priority, this cuttingedge new technology was first deployed for retrofits and standard canopy revolving doors. Later, using its inherent advantage as a compact drive (we informally call it the ‘Pizza‘ due to its unbelievably small size), we introduced it as the new KTV ATRIUM FLEX, which is a designer’s pride, with an elegant glass canopy and the compact drive on top. With a tiny overall height of just 5 cm, this drive unit is specifically designed for overhead mounting, offering for the first time the twin benefits of effortless ceiling installation and glass canopy elegance in revolving doors. The cute light ring around the drive, adds a touch of class to the product.
Its elegance and design secured the “If Design Award” in 2016.
