GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON

ARCHITECTURE

03- Dubai College

- Cranleigh Abu Dhabi

- Ladybird Early Learning Centre

- Gems International School

- Gems Metropole

- Sunmarke School

- The Arcadia School’s primary campus

- Emirates International School

- ISG School

- Citizens School

Education 38

Profile01

07

05

06

04

- Al Seef

- Muscat Bay

- Sharm El Sheikh Development

- Kingdom City Masterplan

- Gate Village

- Sharjah Art Foundation

- Federal National Council building

- Dubai Islamic Bank

- Westgate Development

- Dubai Creek Golf Club

- Dubai Creek Yacht Club

- Dubai Sports City

- Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium

- U-Concept

Masterplanning and Mixed-use

Commercial

Sports and Leisure

136

110

121

04- Hotel & Serviced Apartments

- Mysk Al Mouj

- Vida Creek Harbour

- Gulf Hotel

- Doubletree by Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh

- Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Mall of the Emirates

- Shaza Salalah

- The Chedi Al Bait Sharjah

- Bab Al Shams

- Arabian Court Residences and Spa - The One&Only Royal Mirage

- The Jetty Lounge

- Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa Hotel

- Ritz Carlton Marrakech

- Four Star Hotel

- The Chedi Khorfakkan

Hospitality 74

02- Serenia Residences

- DMC Residential Tower

- Plot A69

- Damac Serviced Apartments Tower

- Panorama at The Views

- The Hills

- Residential Development

- Lake Apartments

- South Beach Holiday Homes

- Dubai Creek Villas

Residential 10

Godwin Austen JohnsonArchitects

01The Dubai Creek Golf Clubhouse was the first building in Dubai whose physical status is matched by its status as a local emblem - so much so it features on the 20 dirham note.

Arguably, it was GAJ who set in motion a countrywide trend in the UAE to incorporate traditional Islamic themes into modern architecture. Bab Al Shams and the Arabian Courtyard, Residence and Spa at The One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel remain a testament to this.

Brian’s approach to design is still embraced by the team at GAJ today and continues to attract new business opportunities

from across the region. It stems from a fundamental belief that architecture should not only be contextually relevant but also rooted firmly in principles of sustainability.

GAJ is committed to the belief that the quality of the built environment is an essential part of the economic and cultural fabric of society in which the very best architecture plays a central and intrinsic role.

As a fully integrated design practice we provide expertise in the associated disciplines of architecture, interior design, specialist lighting, and MEP.

GAJ is one of the largest and longest-established UK architectural and design practices in the UAE. Throughout our history, which spans 30 years, we have created some of Dubai’s most iconic buildings and have helped define the emirate as we know it today.

An award-winning and multi-disciplinary architecture practice, we have specific expertise in hotel and hospitality, residential and commercial, education, sport and leisure design.

GAJ originally started in the UK in 1989 as Godwin Austen Johnson. However our lineage of partnerships harks back to

1847 with a corporate archive of landmark British architecture throughout the industrial and modern ages.

In 1991 Principal and Managing Partner Brian Johnson opened the GAJ headquarters in Dubai. He had been practising in the emirate since 1975 and saw exciting opportunities to contribute to the development of a new world city.

With nearly 40 years of regional experience to his name Brian’s influence on modern Middle Eastern architecture has been pervasive. GAJ’s body of work comprises some of Dubai’s most recognisable and prized buildings.

W H O W E A R E

S P O R T S A N D L E I S U R E M A S T E R P L A N N I N GC O M M E R C I A LH O S P I TA L I T Y E D U C AT I O N R E S I D E N T I A L

W H AT W E D O

We create experiences, not just buildings.

A R C H I T E C T U R E

Headquartered in Dubai since 1991, we have been responsible for creating some of the Emirates’ most iconic buildings and spaces. Over the years we have attracted an international team from 22 countries, made up of more than 160 architects, designers, technicians and business support, all of who work towards achieving our ethos.

We work closely with our clients to achieve a detailed and thorough understanding of key areas such as history, society, culture, technology and functionality of the projects. We also pride ourselves on forming and maintaining strong and respectful relationships with subcontractors, all of whom have a common goal to meet, exceed and deliver on our client’s vision.

An award winning and multi-disciplinary firm, GAJ has particular expertise in hotel and resort, residential and commercial, education, sport and leisure design as well as master planning, mixed use, public sector, institutional and cultural projects.

GAJ is committed to the belief that the quality of the built environment is an essential part of the economic and cultural fabric of society, in which the very best architecture plays a central and intrinsic role.

S H A R J A H A R T F O U N D AT I O N

S H A R J A H A R T F O U N D AT I O N

S H A R J A H A R T F O U N D AT I O N

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O U R PA R T N E R S

R E S I D E N T I A L02

SERENIA RESIDENCESDubai, UAE

Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the Serenia Residences explores the full potential of this Palm crescent site creating a signature resort identity of the development.

The creation of a continuous flow of form and space provides both a stimulating physical and a visual experience as residents and guests move in and around the project.

The interiors embrace these surroundings, in both open planning and materials, whilst still reflecting the vibrant modern city on its doorstep. Aiming to strike a balance between creative expression and functional performance through innovative design and technical excellence the result is a distinctive architectural solution that closely responds to the programmatic needs and aesthetical aspirations of the owners and client.

The Serenia identity is a fusion of natural elements, a vivid reflection of the environment in which it is situated, and a true beachfront living experience.

DMC RESIDENTIAL TOWER

GAJ was appointed by Deyaar Development PJSC to design a residential tower on plot R9 within the Dubai Maritime City Development. Plot R9 is a high rise plot located along the waterfront of the Harbour Residences District. The tower contains just over 500 apartments over 55 floors and is massed along the waterfront, taking advantage of the views of the harbour and of the city beyond. The building form was generated as a response to specific site conditions, such as maximising sea views from as many angles as possible, providing views to all apartments, those at the front with a view of the marina and those at the back with views of the rest of the developments and the podium below.

The front and back facades are treated differently, based on the sun path analysis that was been carried out in order to minimise energy consumption and maximise shading. The façade employs a balanced mix of glass and solid panels, which give the building a layered façade. Balconies are provided to some of the larger apartments and penthouses are located at the top of each tower element.

Dubai, UAE

PLOT A69Dubai, UAE

In line with the developer’s vision the site was intended to provide a retail centre for the surrounding residential and hotel projects as well as a terminus for both land and sea public transport networks connecting to the public beach.

Spread over two levels and capitalising on the beach view the building has been designed using a concept of openness. This also avoids the ‘black box’ scenario often found with mall design with their large expanses of blank walls and service entrances. Steel and louver colonnades provide shade for coffee shops and cafes at the ground floor level adjacent to the beach plaza.

Plot A69 retail centre is located on the western shore of Crescent A on the newly constructed Palm Jebel Ali Island in a district known as the ‘central hub’.

DAMAC SERVICED APARTMENTS TOWERDubai, UAE

Damac Properties appointed GAJ as lead consultant to develop the Concept Design for a serviced apartments development in Jumeirah Village Triangle. Located at the entrance to JVC, the plot is in a very prominent location affording uninterrupted views from JVC across Dubai to the sea. The 31 storey tower has an overall GFA of 37,500 sqm and accommodates just over 650 apartments of varying sizes from studio to five bedrooms. The building form has been generated as a response to specific site conditions attempting to maximise sea views from as many angles as possible.

The shift in geometry on the front elevation is a direct response to key distant views, and also helps to create an interesting building massing. The tower is supported on V shaped columns which articulate the main drop off area and entrances to both the serviced apartments and the shopping centre on the ground and first floors.

PANORAMAAT THE VIEWSDubai, UAE

Generous balconies and rooftop terraces add to the comfortable and relaxing lifestyle that awaits residents. Other features include floor-to-ceiling picture windows in the living rooms and bedrooms, state-of-the-art kitchens and elegantly accented bathrooms.

Among other features are an elegant foyer that assures a welcoming ambience, and amenities including a gymnasium, a soft play area for the little ones, game room for teenagers and adults, an infinity pool and dedicated children’s pool.

THE HILLS

The site has two major attributes which make it an ideal location for this stunning residential development. Firstly it is located adjacent the immensely popular Emaar Greens area and within the Emirates Living - Meadows and Springs area and, secondly, the development benefits from the highly regarded Emaar address.

In order to capitalise on this unique location, the buildings have been orientated to ensure that the vast majority of apartments enjoy the spectacular views over the adjacent Emirates Golf Course. A large variety of planning configurations have been explored to ensure that the present layout optimises the opportunity to afford excellent views to the greatest number of units.

One of the significant hallmarks of this development is the attention and care afforded to ensuring first class amenities that evoke the quality and atmosphere associated with more stylish up-market developments.

Dubai, UAE

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTDubai, UAE

LAKE APARTMENTSDubai, UAE

SOUTH BEACH HOLIDAY HOMESDubai, UAE

DUBAI CREEK VILLASDubai, UAE

There may only be two variations to the design but through clever detailing and orientation there appear to be more variations than this. The first villa type allowed for a courtyard the kitchen and living room creating a protected and private living area away from the front of the house. It also has a large covered terraced area looking out over the pool at the front of the house which is directly accessible from both living and dining areas.

The second unit has a more conventional compact design with both living and dining areas facing directly on to the pool. A large shade structure cov-ers the width of the house.

Within the overall masterplan there are two types of location which are known as The Creek View Units and The Golf Course View Units. There are also a handful of units that have easy access to the Dubai Creek Yacht Club.

E D U C A T I O N03

DUBAI COLLEGEDubai, UAE

Godwin Austen Johnson have been responsible for the complete design of this Secondary School, comprising classrooms, specialist laboratories, swimming pool, lecture theatre, multipurpose hall, design technology centre, and associated external works. Later phases of development completed include a state-of-the-art 900 seat auditorium, new reception building and sixth form extensions to the existing college.

GAJ has been involved with the continuing growth and development of the college since its inauguration in 1979.

CRANLEIGH ABU DHABI

Built across seven hectares Cranleigh is a beautifully appointed, spacious state of the art school with open green spaces and extensive facilities. The campus layout mirrors the idea of a village green and the enveloping protection of the community with the buildings strategically positioned to allow the best views and to optimise the prevailing wind direction. Although the buildings are separate, there is a seamless integration between the senior and junior school with both sharing facilities.

Spacious, light and airy this is a thoroughly modern establishment designed to emulate the highly respected Cranleigh in the UK. This heritage is reflected in the graphics and underlying main palette of quality finishes. Oak and joinery with modern detailing are combined with a restrained palette of royal and traditional colours. In addition, each department has its own branding and entrance, akin to a corporate identity

Facilities, which comprise a senior school, junior school, sports complex, specialist arts and technology centre as well as a dance studio and dedicated music rooms, aim to translate the school into a community which combines the best of British education with a strong senses of place.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

LADYBIRDEARLY LEARNING CENTRE

From the outset both the design team and client agreed that the major inspiration for the design of the Ladybird Early Learning Centre should inspire young minds through the creative use of natural light, views, internal and external spatial sequences. In keeping with this, and the LEED Gold aspiration, the team created a simple contemporary structure that responds to the site and environment in a holistic and low tech approach

All classrooms facing onto the courtyard have large glazed screens that open onto shaded play decks that further blurs the distinction between inside and out.

This interior landscape was designed to enable pupils to learn by discovery and exploration. Internal streets with road markings and roundabouts, and even a duck pond, are punctuated with houses between each open classrooms to represent an exterior landscape.

The houses double as bathrooms, storage and washing facilities for both children and adults. Each of the age groups is represented by a different colour of ladybird to delineate departments.

Dubai, UAE

Located on a challenging triangular plot with limited access, the design for this 4,200 pupil, 23,000 sqm school led to an innovative solution that not only responds to the site constraints but also the climate and curriculum requirements.

Central courtyards between classroom clusters serve as learning and activity spaces, giving students the chance to experience education rather than limiting their learning to formal classrooms. Traditional classrooms are seen as multi-functional teaching space that students and teachers are given a new flexibility which can be re-defined and re-formulated to meet the teaching requirement.

Most classrooms are laid out on a north and east orientation to minimise solar heat gains and provide a diffused light. In addition to this all classrooms have exposure to internal courtyards to maximise natural day light. The south façade of the KG / primary blocks are treated as a solid wall where classrooms are orientated towards internal courtyards augmented with indirect light through the roof and small vertical openings in the external facade.

GEMSINTERNATIONAL SCHOOLDubai, UAE

Based on an evolution of the standard mid-market design, the brief for this project was to provide an innovative, economical and efficient school, whilst providing the best possible educational spaces for 4,200 students, over 23,000sqm.

Our approach was to ensure a high quality of both internal and external environments that reflect and enhances the user experience for each of the different academic age programmes.

As a general strategy the school has been designed around a series of internal courtyards which introduces greenery and natural light to the interior whilst promoting natural ventilation and easy access to the landscaped courtyards.

A simple palette of external materials were selected to help accentuate the massing which has been carefully modelled to reduce the bulk of the overall development.

GEMS METROPOLEDubai, UAE

SUNMARKE SCHOOLDubai, UAE

The building’s plan takes the form of enclosures reflecting the protective identity of the school whilst also creating a structure that encourages a flexible and efficient use of space. At the centre of the enclosure is a large, multifunctional space; used for sports, teaching, performances, assemblies, and dining. This forms the social heart of the school. The central space is welcoming and visible from all points and provides access to all teaching areas, dispensing with the need for internal corridors.

Classroom clusters are turned inwards towards inner courtyards to reflect the protective nature of the school and ensure students privacy. By forming semi enclosed clusters, diverse range of learning environments are created that are capable of supporting different learning styles and encouraging controlled social activities and interactions. They are interconnected through a fabric of gardens, patios, loggias, and terraces.

Social, cultural and sports play areas have been developed at different levels to separate different school stages while keeping the visual relation between them. The typical horizontal split between floors has been dissolved by creating visual connections between all levels and Spanish steps further enhance this connectivity for both social interactions and by providing steps from which to view the sports areas.

THE ARCADIA SCHOOL’SPRIMARY CAMPUS

Dubai, UAE

Located within Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Triangle, The Arcadia School’s primary campus is a state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility. It has been designed in line with the client’s aspiration to create a school that provides a flexible, open-plan learning environment for pupils.

The design concept focused on creating centralised open zones for its main educational block with the age group classrooms wrapping around the central core of the building. The creation of two external full height courtyards allows natural light to permeate throughout the school as well as enabling visual links from the core of the building out to the periphery corners.

The interiors of The Arcadia School’s primary campus are designed to reflect the high quality and progressive thinking of the education provided within its classrooms and shared facilities. The sculptural entrance hub is the centre of this community with the library, exhibition space and dining providing a large open plan area for flexible learning experiences and functions.

EMIRATESINTERNATIONAL SCHOOLDubai, UAE

On arrival at Emirates International School – Jumeirah visitors encounter the first key spaces of the main entrance, reception area and central atrium. In accordance with the school’s educational philosophy, the design of the daylight-flooded atrium is designed to foster social interaction, while creating an inviting space that can be utilised for activities and gatherings

Key areas such as the main atrium, reception, corridors, breakout spaces and the main library with their natural yet invigorating colour palette, engaging furniture, interactive features and incorporated technology nurture the students’ education and growth as well as communicate activities throughout the school as a whole.

The interior concept for EIS-Jumeirah Primary School draws from the richness of global education paired with the sense of vibrant community and cultural highlights. The concept encompasses the differences shared between the students, the academic staff as well as the wider community.

Forming the ‘heart’ of the school, the atrium with its wide staircase and adjacent airy lobby area aids to engender and enhance a sense of community and shared purpose. Interactive sculptural elements, eye-catching graphics and colored paneling work in accordance with a neutral palette backdrop.

ISG SCHOOLAl Khobar, KSA

The initial key spaces of the ISG school campus immediately communicates the ethos of the school and its aim for excellence. The parents’ café at the main entrance creates a welcoming and immediate contact point for visitors while the cafeteria is designed as a space where mealtimes for students are enjoyable, social and educational moments.

The atrium with its wide interactive staircase aids to engender and enhance a sense of community and shared purpose. Connective spaces and accent walls are combined with a neutral palette backdrop and connecting views to and from the staircase promote interaction and a sense of community in the school.

Transferrable furniture assures flexibility paired with functionality and a bright colour palette together with the use of natural materials create an inviting, sense evoking ambiance and environment for students to inhabit.

The school will accommodate both American and British curriculums within an interconnected series of buildings with shared facilities including sports and underground spaces.

CITIZENS SCHOOL Dubai, UAE

On arrival at the Citizens School visitors encounter the first key spaces of the lobby area comprising of elements that inspire to engage and socialize. Soft seating and the use of natural materials bring a sense of warmth, indoor plants promoting wellness and the connection to the outdoors.

Forming the heart of the school the wide interactive staircase with connecting views encourages interaction and enhances a sense of community and shared purpose. A large skylight in the entrance area is flooded with natural daylight, a theme that is followed throughout the school.

A unique Wellness Centre will be a world-class, ecologically driven facility with a series of indoor and outdoor spaces to promote learning and the library aims to promote an inclusive and collaborative learning environment with its natural light, social interactive space and storytelling zone.

Inspired by the contours of the local Al Qudra lakes and its colourful birds, the Nursery design is a light, neutral space punctuated by pops of vibrancy and whimsical shapes of assorted sizes.

The design of the Foundation learning zone seeks to motivate children to learn and explore stimulating young imaginations with its playful hide and seek exploration zone, private reading nooks and its flexible soft seating elements.

H O S P I T A L I T Y04

HOTEL &SERVICED APARTMENTSDubai Creek Harbour, UAE

MYSK AL MOUJThe Wave Muscat, Oman

The Mysk Al Mouj is located in the heart of The Wave, Muscat development in Oman. One of the primary objectives of the hotel was to assist in the activation of the central plaza district and to serve as a destination point within the development.

The hotel has been positioned as a 4-star internationally branded hotel operated by Shaza Hotels Group, catering primarily to the corporate market visiting the city of Muscat.

The hotel consists of 197 hotel keys, with a mix of Standard rooms, King rooms, Junior and Senior suites with corner marina views, with the provision of long stay apartments on the roof top terrace level. The hotel also includes a number of food and beverage outlets including a bistro and gelataria as well as a selection of meeting rooms and an executive lounge. Recreational facilities include a roof top swimming pool and health club.

VIDA CREEK HARBOUR

Vida Creek Harbour is an upscale hotel that stands at the centre of The Dubai Creek Harbour. Bounded by the Dubai Creek to the west and the Lagoons development to the east and covering an area of 38,500 sqm this new property benefits from an exquisite location advantage in the heart of historic Dubai.

The 276 key hotel is a nine storey building topping a single storey, double height podium that comprises a selection of food and drink outlets including a speciality restaurant, lobby lounge, pool bar and roof bar/restaurant. Complementing the guest rooms and suites are a host of conference and banqueting facilities as well as a gym and outdoor pool terrace. The podium level, fronting the Creek, will be home to a number of retail units and restaurants.

Dubai, UAE

GULF HOTEL

GAJ have been appointed by Gulf Hotels Group to design their first hotel outside of Bahrain. The hotel is to be positioned as an international 5 star business hotel, and is located within the Business Bay masterplan in Dubai.

The hotel will cater primarily to the corporate market, however an element of leisure travellers from the surrounding GCC and local residents are also considered as market generators, particularly on weekends and extended holidays. The accommodation brief included 230 keys with a standard room size of 42 sqm and a standard suite size of 80 sqm, five food and beverage outlets, a ballroom, meeting facilities, executive lounge, health club, spa, external pool deck, and roof terrace.

Business Bay, Dubai, UAE

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON & HILTON GARDEN INN RIYADHRiyadh, KSA

GAJ were appointed by Mawten Hospitality LLC to design a 4 star hotel in Riyadh targeting the mid to upscale corporate business market. The Doubletree by Hilton & Hilton Garden Inn will consist of 260 hotel keys with a further 110 fully serviced suites. Other facilities include a ballroom, extensive meeting facilities, a health club and several restaurants.

As the initial design progressed, it became clear that in order to meet both client aspirations and operator brand standards, the hotel and services suites would need to fall under separate brands. On this basis a concept evolved which created a dual branded hotel development, where the hotel and hotel apartments shared the back of house facilities to maximise efficiency.

From a design perspective it was important that this duality was reflected in the architectural approach. Each hotel needed its own identity while the overall development also needed to read as one.

The final design was based on the two hotel masses interlocked to form a cube. The split between the hotel masses being expressed by a glazed slot, which snakes its way up the building. The façade treatment was the same for both masses, however the colour changed to provide each mass with its own identity.

HILTON GARDEN INNDUBAI, MALL OF THE EMIRATES

Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Mall of the Emirates was a design and build project with GAJ appointed as lead consultant under Laing O’Rourke as the main contractor.

The project site is just over 9,500 sqm in area, with an existing hotel occupying just under half of the site. The Hilton Garden Inn occupies the remainder of the site, and also connects to the existing hotel at basement level.

Design proposals for this hotel were governed by brand guidelines that clearly set out the design parameters for the building’s look and feel. Clear direction was provided on materials, form, massing, composition and feature lighting which we sought to respect whilst also responding to the local context. The end result has been hugely successful setting a new benchmark for Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the Middle East.

Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, UAE

SHAZA SALALAHSalalah, Oman

Taameer Investments appointed GAJ as lead consultant to design their first hotel development in Oman, which is to be operated by Shaza Group. The hotel is to be positioned as an international 5-star luxury hotel, and is located on the beach in Salalah.

The hotel consists of 286 keys, with both standard hotel rooms and suites as well as honeymoon and spa villas. The hotel also includes five food and beverage outlets, a ballroom, meeting facilities, external landscaped pool deck, spa, health club, kids club and executive lounge.As lead consultant GAJ is responsible for all pre-contract services, local authority approvals and is also responsible for closely liaising with the site supervision consultant, due to the fast track nature of the construction programme.

THE CHEDIAL BAIT SHARJAHSharjah, UAE

The brief for this exciting project was to provide a 53 - key boutique resort in the AI Muraijah Area of the Heart of Sharjah heritage project, incorporating existing buildings, which used to be family homes, and providing new buildings. All new buildings were to be designed in accordance with the urban character of the historic fabric of the area to take cognisance of the proposed Heart of Sharjah masterplan 2025.

We were tasked with the redevelopment of five existing historical buildings, - Bait Ibrahim Al Midfa, Bait Eissa Al Midfa, Bait Al Tawawish, Abdullah Mahmood House and the Ibrahim Al Midfa Majlis, as well as creating three new village blocks into a boutique resort. We were instructed to respect the heritage area and buildings and maintain the traditional urban fabric of the old Sharjah city.

The primary aim of the development – from an urban design point of view – was to re-create the intimacy and character of an historic village, with narrow streets, open courtyards and secluded entrance ways and weave these into the guest experience.

BAB AL SHAMSDubai, UAE

Bab Al Shams Hotel is situated in the heart of the desert and nestled in the dunes of Dubai. The hotel was designed with 115 rooms and related facilities of restaurants, desert camp - a traditional outside restaurant, swimming pools, bars and a small spa.

The hotel has been designed in the concept of a village with courtyards, narrow streets and alleyways, covered passages and falaj’s to provide the unique ambience and atmosphere of a traditional village in the Desert. Ornamentation has been kept to a minimum, with the use of timber being restricted to pergolas and chandral poles on the facades. A ‘rough’ self coloured render has been used for the exterior facades, which picks up the colours and textures of the surrounding desert. Thick walls and relatively small openings help with the thermal efficiency of the design, as do the narrow streets and alleys which run between the two storey buildings, ensuring maximum overshadowing.

ARABIAN COURTRESIDENCES AND SPATHE ONE&ONLY ROYAL MIRAGE

Dubai, UAE

The concept behind this project was to try to design the undesignable, and to recreate that uniquely random and natural growth that sets apart the normal definition of architecture from architecture without architects by incorporating a range of different spatial experiences in a way that most modern architectural planning seeks to regularise or, worse, to avoid, by imposing an idea of a formal structure or logic.

It was therefore necessary to avoid the more formal planning that, whilst present in Ottoman and Moghul architecture, is more often balanced by an organic approach in old Arab cities (and indeed in old cities throughout the world). The response of all who have experienced the spaces reinforces the view that the reason why The One&Only Royal Mirage is a success is because it fulfills a genuine need in all people to experience a building which unfolds its secrets to them.

THE JETTY LOUNGEDubai, UAE

Housed in chic Arabian architecture with contemporary interiors, the Jetty Lounge is not a restaurant as such but an elegant beachside bar. It is located at the beach of One&Only Royal Mirage and can be accessed directly from the main parking at The Palace.

The lounge has been designed to be laid back and sophisticated which is achieved through a combination of low sofas and comfy cushions set against a backdrop of the lush gardens of this sophisticated beach resort.

JEBEL ALI GOLFRESORT AND SPA HOTELDubai, UAE

Set in 128 acres of natural landscape, the 5- star Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, a member of ‘The Leading Hotels of the World’, combines leisure options with professional meeting facilities.

Situated within a secluded area of the Jebel Ali Resort, with close proximity to a private beach, the Palm Tree Court & Spa features its own reception, restaurants, entertainment bars and exclusive shops. Each guest suite opens out onto a large balcony or private garden area for a private, peaceful retreat.

RITZ CARLTON MARRAKECHMorocco

Set within a stunning polo facility the Ritz Carlton Marrakech is a unique hospitality concept that marries the luxury of the renowned Ritz Carlton brand with the natural beauty of Morocco. The hotel is elevated at the southern end of the site, overlooking the polo field and with the wide vista of the dramatic Atlas Mountains beyond. Arranged as a series of terraces, all public spaces open out towards the central terraces of the hotel, converging and stepping down towards the field. Guest rooms are accessed via private courtyards.

The team wanted to capture the traditional charm and colonial style of this exotic country which was achieved through a heavily influenced Berber style design that is both modern and practical. The design has been employed to ensure that the hotel complements the natural environment and takes advantage of the exceptional views and allowing for ample natural light.

FOUR STAR HOTEL

This four star hotel is an existing restaurant/entertainment complex located adjacent to The Palms Beach Hotel & Spa on the Al-Bidaa coastal strip. The client’s intent is to develop part of this existing facility and create a new four-star hotel of approximately 200 keys without affecting the operation of existing facilities and tenant occupancy.

The existing development currently occupies four floors including two basement levels, a ground floor and a first floor. A vertical expansion will add a further three more floors.

Salwa, Kuwait

THE CHEDIKHORFAKKAN

Situated on the northern fringe of the town of Khorfakkan, the development is located in a unique and pristine setting at the base of the mountains, within a secluded sandy bay overlooking the ocean.

The Chedi Khorfakkan Resort surrounds a small scenic bay providing scenic views out to sea and back towards Shark Island. The orientation of the bay and beach allows it to be secluded from the external environment.

The hotel encompasses the existing beach and comprises a series of terraced elements connected across the length of the development with landscaped promenades. The hotel suites on the lower levels are designed to have direct access to the beach and the lower promenade whilst the higher level suites are provided with access to the upper promenade via communal lobbies with further stair access to the lower promenade and beach. All suites have sea views with entry to them from the rear.

Sharjah, UAE

C O M M E R C I A L05

GATE VILLAGEDubai, UAE(in association with Hopkins Architects)

This project was a collaboration between GAJ and Hopkins Architects. Hopkins undertook the initial concept design with GAJ then working closely with them to develop the approved concept and then supervise its construction on site.

The Gate Village is a 90,000sqm complex of ten mid-rise buildings ranging from five to ten storeys located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Each of the granite-clad office buildings is unique in both plan form and height which in turn creates a strong and engaging urban setting of shaded streets and courtyards. This simple passive approach to dealing with the hot climatic conditions allows the buildings to be connected by an external podium that supports a mixture of retail spaces, galleries and restaurants.

The height and mass of the buildings is designed to shade the podium streets naturally, as in traditional Arab villages, tempering the harsh climate. The pedestrian streets vary in width and length and open onto larger piazzas. The use of shop canopies gives a human scale.

SHARJAH ART FOUNDATIONSharjah, UAE

As with any museum or art gallery, the exhibition spaces are introverted, offering spaces for contemplation and reflection. The exterior of the individual galleries buildings have been kept relatively blank externally maintaining an impassive dominance over the streets. This reinforces the boundaries of the buildings and thus directs circulation through the site while external courtyard spaces are woven through the streets and buildings providing gathering and breakout spaces. Carefully framed views and openings create glimpses of the open spaces, courtyards and galleries beyond. The development is comprised of six galleries varying in scale and height capable of catering for different display requirements and flexibility within the exhibition spaces.

The majority of the buildings are single storey with higher internal spaces in places creating a varied external skyline. Hidden roof lights bring natural lighting into the deeper spaces, and borrowed light from horizontal openings light the smaller galleries. Public roof terraces and connecting bridges provide an upper level of circulation offering views through the lower streetscape, courtyards and surrounding heritage.

The new galleries for the Sharjah Art Foundation, are located within the ‘Heart of Sharjah’ heritage area taking architectural cues from the historic building footprints, urban fabric and traditional built forms of its surroundings.

FEDERAL NATIONALCOUNCIL BUILDING

The architecture of the Federal National Council’s new home will communicate its increasingly vital role in the lives of all United Arab Emirates citizens. The new Federal National Council building will symbolise the unique identity of the United Arab Emirates: a modern society moving boldly into the future while retaining a strong connection to its history and traditions. The dome structure is a soaring flower-of-the-desert, becoming a proud landmark for public gatherings as well as a model for conservation of the region’s precious resources.

Abu Dhabi, UAE(in association with Ehrlich Architects)

DUBAI ISLAMIC BANKDubai, UAE

GAJ were commissioned by Dubai Islamic Bank to undertake concept design services for their headquarters building, located on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. After a series of workshops it was agreed that GAJ would investigate two options, a tower option and a mid-rise option. Initial massing studies were undertaken by the GAJ team and presented to the DIB Board. It was agreed that a tower would be more appropriate for the proposed site, and we then developed our proposal in more detail.

The façade treatment was developed based on the idea of a cut diamond, which it was felt symbolised some of the attributes that the bank stood for. In particular the idea that a diamond is unbreakable, and completely transparent in its purest form.

GAJ was commissioned by CIFEX World to design a mixed use masterplan in Tripoli, Libya. The brief was to provide a unique and vibrant mixed use destination, where inhabitants could live, work and play. GAJ successfully completed the Concept Design on time and on budget in 2010, however the project was put on hold indefinitely due to the subsequent unrest within the country.

This urban design response for a community in Tripoli, is a street architecture of close knit fabric that references the region’s vernacular and colonial-era precedents. Informed by the Mediterranean climate and traditional local response, the environment created is cooled using cross-ventilation drawn from open-air lattice-screened walkways around courtyards and from sheltered sikkas.

The narrow, arcaded and pedestrian-friendly street environment links together places of varying size and mood set aside for pause and public life: including a restaurant and recreation edged plaza that has civic proportion and presence. Planar, staggered, limestone-clad walls are articulated with deeply recessed, punched openings that, together with a variegated, wrapping mansard roof of bronze sheet metal, reference desert colours and shape an experiential route of shifting perspectives that funnels visitors through to the plaza.

WESTGATE DEVELOPMENTLibya

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DUBAI CREEK GOLF CLUB

The Clubhouse forms the focus of the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club development and faces over the golf course and the adjacent Creek. The clubhouse consists of a Spike Bar, dining area, reception, changing rooms for male and female guests, swimming pool and terraces on various levels with superb views over the Creek and the golf course.

The Dubai Creek Golf Clubhouse is probably the building Godwin Austen Johnson is best known for. Designed to be reminiscent of the dhow sails that ply the waters of the Gulf its strongly iconic form has been immortalised on the 20 Dirham note.

The Dubai Creek Golf Club house was GAJ’s first project in Dubai and started a relationship with the client that spans over 25 years and remains to this day. Following the successful completion of the Golf Club house, GAJ was subsequently appointed to design the Yacht Club and associated boardwalk area. Finally in 2005 GAJ were appointed to develop the overall masterplan and to design and supervise the construction of the Creek Villas. Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club which opened in January 1993 to world acclaim and since then it has been host to numerous tournaments and events, including the Dubai Desert Classic on two occasions.

Its design mirroring the sails of the traditional Arab dhow this structure is one of the most photographed landmarks since it opened in 1993, capturing the essence of Dubai’s seafaring traditions and presenting the perfect fusion of heritage with modernity and style.

Dubai, UAE

DUBAI CREEK YACHT CLUBDubai, UAE

The Dubai Creek Yacht Club is part of the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Development in Dubai, UAE.

The Clubhouse was designed to complement the Golf Clubhouse at the other end of the site. An adjacent marina was created to house members’ yachts and the dining terraces hanging over the Creek are a popular destination in Dubai.

The building has strong nautical allusions in its detailing and the angled façade is reminiscent of the prow of a ship. The three intersecting leaves of the plan-form deliberately create the same impression of a prow, irrespective of the side you approach the building from.

DUBAI SPORTS CITYDubai, UAE

Godwin Austen Johnson were appointed by Dubai Sports City to design the flagship academy buildings to house the Manchester United Football Training Centre, the ICC Cricket Global Academy, FIH Hockey Academy and Bradenton Preparatory Academy, but also housing additional training and club facilities for various other sports in addition to hostel facilities.

GAJ evolved the idea of the use of large bowspring arched concrete structure which provides the headroom needed above the central areas of the indoor pitch and reflects the likely trajectory of the balls at the edges, thus providing a building that is both attractive and exciting architecturally.

The indoor cricket nets also benefit from the same design logic which is then used to accommodate all of the supporting changing room areas, Olympic size indoor swimming pool, gym and café areas.

The design had to take into account the need for large clear span spaces, especially for the full size indoor football pitch, without resulting in a large and ugly shed structure.

SHEIKH ZAYEDCRICKET STADIUMAbu Dhabi, UAE

With 11,500 of the stadium’s seating protected under a cantilever spanning 125m (which is the largest soft crop cantilever in the Middle East), the top of the canopy soars 65m above the cricket ground.

The stadium also includes conference facilities, VIP stadium boxes, and players facilities that are of international standard. Stadium lighting has been designed into the stadium to allow for night time or day matches. Additional facilities also include a bespoke broadcasting facility to provide coverage for international events.

U-CONCEPT

The brief was to provide a high-quality bespoke health club situated on the hypocaust and podium levels in The Gate Village, DIFC in Dubai. The fit-out project was designed to maximise the available natural light into the hypocaust areas and create a dynamic and eye-catching installation at the podium level to achieve the visual impact desired by the client.

This premier boutique health club caters to the overwhelming response by UAE’s fashionable health conscious wanting to lead a healthy lifestyle in exclusive, high standard surroundings.

With its contemporary design this state-of-the art health club provides a host of facilities that includes the latest equipment as well as a comprehensive range of fitness programmes and social spaces.

Dubai, UAE

M A S T E R P L A N N I N GA N D M I X E D - U S E

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AL SEEFDubai, UAE

Located along the shores of Dubai’s iconic Creek the development of Al Seef is an exciting new cultural tourism space that merges the city’s past with its present.

GAJ were responsible for the design of the overall master plan, along with the design and construction supervision of the eastern section (phases 2 and 3) which follows a more traditional style.

For this unique project it was essential that we first appreciated the extent and requirement of preserving and showcasing traditional Emirati architecture and local trades. The challenge was to design the buildings as if they had always been there withstanding the test of time through aging techniques and carefully calculated degradation percentages. Water marks, caulking and bulges in the edges all contribute to achieve this.

The eastern section includes a number of heritage style cluster buildings recreating the memory of old Dubai along the banks of the Dubai Creek and extending the existing historical district of Bastakiya.

The result is a beautifully transformed area that brings to life an important era in Dubai’s fascinating history providing an authentic heritage experience and a stunning leisure, retail and dining location.

Muscat Bay is located on the north east coast of Oman. The site is approximately 25km south east of the capital, Muscat and covers an area of approximately 219 hectares set against a backdrop of rugged mountains, verdant valleys and a curved beach.

The development is an exclusive luxury resort and includes an integrated community, nestled within a sheltered bay where the mountains of Bandar Jissah meet the Gulf of Oman. The resort combines a range of residential typologies and recreational facilities within the valleys, as well as two luxury hotels adjacent to the beach. Central to the resort are the wadis and lagoon with a small stream that meanders through a public park on its journey through the site.

All the buildings have been designed with the intention that the resident or guest can feel connected to the external environment. Stunning views are framed by strong architectural forms. Large windows slide away to connect the interior with the exterior, allowing the spaces to flow together. The interiors are shaded from the sun by deep recesses and mashrabiya screens, without compromising the views. The mountains and the wadi become part of the internal environment.

Muscat, Oman

MUSCAT BAY

SHARM EL SHEIKHDEVELOPMENT

CityStars’ Sharm El Sheikh is a landmark destination in the city of Sharm El Sheikh. CityStars is located on an elevated coastal zone between the Sinai Mountains and the Red Sea with breathtaking views of the Island of Tiran. GAJ were commissioned by CityStars as Lead Consultant for both the design and construction phases.

The concept, in keeping with the crystalline waters of the Red Sea, but without any impact on the marine protected coral reefs, was to create a number of inland lagoons, providing spectacular views for residential properties and an additional 23 km beach zone.

A development of this size requires careful planning, in particular with regards to the overall project phasing and infrastructure design. The project has been divided into six individual phases. Phase one and phase two combined will become the foundation of the resort community with the golf course, shopping centre, hotel resorts and other attractions. Subsequent phases will be built around these centrally located amenities to expand and enhance this unique resort community also providing great flexibility for necessary changes to the overall masterplan to adapt any potential market demand changes. The entire development is set for a 2023 completion date.

Egypt

KINGDOM CITYMASTERPLAN

The Kingdom City project was envisaged as a modern landmark sub-centre in Saudi Arabia. Located on a 530 hectare site north of metropolitan Jeddah along the shores of the Red Sea, the project will have the world’s tallest building as its centerpiece, the Kingdom Tower which is currently under construction. The tower will not only attract foreign investment to the city, but will also be a significant icon both for the city of Jeddah, and for Saudi Arabia.

GAJ won an international competition to design the master plan of this unique community. The design consists of a master-planned community of distinctive neighbourhoods with a commercial core featuring international offices, a first-class retail establishment, unique open spaces and diverse residential communities. The master plan is the end result of a series of studies, analyses and the application of urban design principles reflecting the vision and objectives of the client. Through the collaborative efforts between Jeddah Economic Company and GAJ, the plan will produce a healthy and vibrant community, an integrated urban environment that will fluidly evolve into the primary economic and social heart of the city of Jeddah.

Jeddah, KSA

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United Kingdom[since 1848]

Dubai HQ[since 1991]

Sharjah[since 2008]

Abu Dhabi[since 2009]

GAJ HEADQUARTERS

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