Middle East Architect | May 2012

NEWS, DATA, ANALYSIS AND STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FOR ARCHITECTS IN THE GCC

MAY 2012 / VOLUME 6 / ISSUE 05An ITP Business Publication

BUILDING FOCUSInside Woods Bagot’s new tower in Abu Dhabi’s Capital Centre

CASE STUDYThe Galleries office complex in Downtown Jebel Ali by Burt Hill

MEA quizzes Albert Speer on Qatar 2022 and his practice’s famous arena designs

STADIUM SUPREMO

Fastest dry time

The Dyson Airblade™ hand dryer dries hands in just 10 seconds.

Lowest environmental impact

It generates 72% less carbon emissions than paper towels.1

Most hygienic

HEPA filter captures 99.9% of bacteria from the air drying hands.

The fastest, most hygienic hand dryer. Now available in the Middle East.

For more information please visit www.dysonairblade.com/middleeast1. Source: T. Montalbo, J. Gregory, R. Kirchain. Life Cycle Assessment of Hand Drying Systems. A Dyson commissioned study, 2011.

MAY | CONTENTS

www.designmena.com | 05.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 1

4FRONT

This month’s top stories including a report from the

CW Qatar conference 6

12THE BIG PICTURE

Lester Ali captures New York’s soaring One World

Trade Center 14ANALYSISQatar has a futuristic mega-mall in the pipeline, but is there real demand?

20OPINION

Georgina Chakar asks whether Doha is putting its

money where its mouth is 22COVER STORYMEA meets Albert Speer, the frontman behind most of the 2022 World Cup stadiums

30BUILDING FOCUS

60CULTURECool products, clever ideas, and some of the latest gadgets in the design world

44CASE STUDIESBurt Hill’s The Galleries, a student scheme for Abu Dhabi and P&T’s Baku tower

56

Inside International Tower, Woods Bagot’s commercial

scheme for Abu Dhabi

THE WORKA detailed reference section

covering the projects MEA has featured recently

PROJECTSA round up of the latest project news from MENA and the rest of the world

MAY 2012 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 05

64LAST WORD

Nigel Craddock, design manager for Stride Treglown

on client education

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 05.12 | www.designmena.com

FRONT | MAY

2

QATAR STADIUMS ‘NOT ROCKET SCIENCE’Construction Week Qatar conference throws up architectural debate

A heated discussion on the challenges of Qatar’s World Cup stadiums took place during last month’s Construc-tion Week Qatar conference in Doha.

‘Building Towards 2022’, held in the Grand Hyatt Doha, featured a panel discussion on architectural challenges involved in hosting the event, including the use of cooling technology and retractable roofs to deal with the scorching summer heat.

Ivar Krasinski, design director for STR-Edge, said that the technologies are well within Qatar’s capabilities.

“Retractable roofs have been around for decades. We have already seen sustainable cooling technologies – that’s coming from engineers. These are not rocket science technologies – Qatar is more than qualifi ed to deliver them. I’m confi dent it can pull it off .”

Yet Phil Dalglish, regional director for Buro Happold, remarked that a test stadium is required. “It is critical that a prototype has to be established somewhere along the line.”

El Hefny (top left);

Krasinski (bottom

left); Dalglish (far

right).

Another panelist, Tariq El Hefny, project

director of Khalifa Sta-dium Development called for

new stadiums to be more interactive with the surroundings.

Dalglish concluded that the user experience is more important. “With the exception of the Bird’s Nest, no one remembers the stadiums from past events. It is the experience that is going to make this World Cup great. The key is ensuring that the attendees and athletes get the right experience.”

1964Year that Albert

Speer formed his company

(page 24)

t td dy ))

12NUMBER OF

STADIUMS FOR QATAR 2022

MAY | FRONT


• Futuristic tower in honour of Sheikh Zayed

revealed at Cityscape

• 25 essential iPad apps for interior design

students

• Light bulb with 20-year lifespan goes on

sale in USA

• Sowwah Square design pedestrian-friendly

• RW Armstrong starts work on acclaimed

projects in Abu Dhabi

Global giant Atkins has provided an update on trading for the year ended 31 March 2012, which indicated the strength of the Middle East market.

A statement from the company said: ”The group’s operations in the Middle East and energy have contin-ued to enjoy strong market conditions and have ended the year trading in line with our expectations.”

The update was in advance of the group’s preliminary results an-nouncement on 14 June 2012.

It added: “Overall, the group has traded well through its fourth quarter and expects to report results for the year ended 31 March 2012 in line

Atkins fl ags ‘strong market conditions’ in region

Mayor of Sydney blasts ‘clumsy’ Dubai architectureThe Lord Mayor of Sydney has la-belled a planned design in her city as a “clumsy Dubai-style hotel”.

The comment, by Clover Moore, referred to plans for a second Sydney casino and a six-star 350-room hotel in Barangaroo, a new CBD in the city.

WEIRD PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Designers Victor Kopeikin and Pavlo Zabotin have come up with a radical idea for combating tsunamis, which uses residential skyscrapers as a defensive shield. The project proposes self-sup-porting residential units located in the sea which form a single closed defensive chain.

DESIGNMENA.COM

DATASTREAM

Clover Moore, Lord Mayor of Sydney.

Atkin’s BurJ Al Arab.

4,000Expected total occupancy of International

Tower (page 32)

28

of Sydney blasts

Number of storeys in Baku’s

AzerEnerji HQ (page 52)

151

with market expectations.”Net funds were reported to be

around $194 million as at 31 March 2012 and “Atkins’ fi nancial position remains strong”.

Atkins was behind several Middle East’s icons including Burj Al Arab and Bahrain World Trade Centre.

Moore’s attack came after New South Wales premier Barry O’Farrell branded the project the “sort of tourism-related investment we want”.

The scheme would sit in the middle of the 22ha site at Barangaroo Cen-tral, supposedly reserved for civic, educational and recreational uses with building heights capped at 30m.

Last year construction work began on the US$5.4bn Barangaroo by Rog-ers Stirks Harbour + Partners.

The scheme previously attracted a negative Dubai comparison, with ar-chitect Philip Thalis labelling Roger’s 213m hotel “the worst of Dubai ‘look at me’ architecture”.

BU

ILD

ING

S O

VE

R 3

00

M

BU

ILD

ING

S O

VE

R 1

50M

BU

ILD

ING

S O

VE

R 2

00

M

60

13UAE SKYSCRAPERS (DATA FROM CTBUH)

Imag

e: G

etty

Imag

e: G

etty


FRONT | MAY

4

US-based architecture and design fi rm RNL has announced the addition of Ala Hason as MENA regional director.

Hason was previously director of international development for Fentress Architects and also worked for the Denver offi ce of international giant Gensler.

“Ala’s experience, spanning the Middle East and Northern Africa to China and the United States, is an enormous asset to the fi rm and to the fi rm’s clients,” commented Joshua Gould, chairman and CEO of RNL.

“His familiarity with the region, includ-ing seven years in Kuwait will further our goals of delivering world class-design to clients throughout the MENA region.”

Hason added that he is looking forward to delivering “true sustainable development, which respects the heritage and the cultural values of the area”.

Iraq-born architect Zaha Hadid picked up an award from the UK’s Architects’ Journal (AJ) for her outstanding contribution to the status of women in architecture.

Hadid became the winner of the Jane Drew Prize after the AJ Women in Archi-tecture judging panel came to the unani-mous decision.

The judging panel included Lord Richard Rogers and Martha Thorne, chief executive of the Pritzker Prize.

The judges said: “Hadid has broken the glass ceiling more than anyone and is prac-tically a household name. Her achievement is remarkable.”

Hadid was the fi rst woman to be awarded the Pritzker Prize and will be the fi rst recipient of the revived Jane Drew Prize.

PEOPLE

RNL appoints MENA regional director

Hadid helps female architect status

The best placed are those who think witha global perspective...it will certainly be one of the greatest World Cups ever seen.”Dan Meis, senior principal, Populous

Dubai is not dead. If you speak to any fi t-out contractor, they are absolutely fl at-out. We are looking to take advantage.”Campbell Gray, Middle East MD, Faithful + Gould

I will the most important consideration is to make it a

multi-purpose venue. I think the days are gone when you just build a racing circuit.”

Richard Cregan, chief executive offi cer of Abu

Dhabi’s Yas Marina

60 SECOND INTERVIEWGEOFFREY BATZEL, DIREC-TOR, PLANNING & URBAN DEVELOPMENT, KEO

What are the risks/rewards involved with doing business in Qatar? The risks are companies eager to join this massive undertak-ing investing beyond their means, and overextending themselves by taking on too much work. Another risk is under delivering and loss of professional reputation. The rewards are the creation or expansion of com-panies who will gain world class experi-ence that can be used elsewhere.

Qatar’s success important to the GCC?A successful 2022 World Cup will do great things for the region’s global image, demonstrating once again that GCC members are capable of undertaking the most ambitious and complex of projects; and in this case, hosting the most prestigious single-sport athletic event in the world. Qatar is stepping forward as a regional leader in many diff erent ways. This will make Qatar and the GCC a new tourist attraction for genera-tions to come. If successful, this will be a major feat in the young history of the GCC.

creation creationecom-commgain gari-

gs sglobalrating oncegt nmembers arebbe rs

Hason worked in Kuwait for seven years.

Zaha Hadid in the spotlight again.

v

wb

TECHNAL MMIDDDLELE EAST - T P.P O. O. Box: 21848, Manama, Bahrain - T: +973 1722 22 5777 - F: +973 1721721 7799 - E:E technal@tecechnah l.com.m.m.bh bh bh - W: www.technal-me.comManama Bahrain T: +973 1722 5777 F: +973 172172 7799 E: technal@tete

YYour regional servvvicicices ppprooovivividededer, Teccchnhh al Middle East is aaa ‘o‘oone-stop’, cost effectctive world-class archchitittececectural aluminium fafafaçaçaçades,

skylights, sunshadesss, wiww ndowowws,s,s, ddoorsss, , , office partitititions, bbalalusu trades, bullet && bblast proof sysysstetetemss ssolutions facilillitititataa or. WhWhWhenee

it comes to listening tooo oour cusustototomemm rs’ rererequq irements, weww ddeleliviver on our promise e time aandndn time agaiain,n ourr dddedededicated experrrt t t

planners, analysts and enggginini eers aaarerere ooon handndn whether yououou aaarere aa sspep cifier or the endd-u-u-user to help you throroouugh your aluminium

architectural needs & challengngnges.

For gguuuaaaranteed services, rreliabilityy aand custommmeeer satisfaction – it iiss TECHNALL®®


FRONT | MAY

6

3KUWAITKuwaiti projects to top $274bn in 2012Kuwait will see 267 projects worth $274bn begin this year, a new report reveals. Driving the growth in projects is the fast-paced population rises, robust economy and surging oil prices, the business intelligence fi rm CPH World Media has said. Accord-ing to the report, the Kuwaiti govern-ment is expected to invest $3bn into the building industry in the coming fi ve years, while the value of private projects is expected to top $8bn.

2QATARBroadway Malyan wins fl agship projectBroadway Malyan will design and manage the delivery of the headquar-ters and a presentation centre for Seef Lusail, a huge waterfront district in the north of Doha. The presentation centre contains an interactive display of the project, as well as a model of Doha with future projects planned for the city and an F&B outlet. The design team will deliver architecture, landscape and interior design ser-vices for the presentation centre.

1QATARWork starts on World Cup training complexConstruction has started on a com-plex designed by Perkins Eastman which will serve as a permanent home for football team Lekhwiya Club and a training site during the 2022 World Cup. The fi rst phase will be com-pleted by August 2012 and includes a 10,000-spectator stadium, practice facilities and training fi elds. The second phase will include a 12,004m2 75-key hotel, mosque and a multi-sport arena.

2

MENA PROJECT SNAPSHOT

1

3

Anti-reflective glass

Decorative glass

Fire-resistant glazing

Solar architecture

lighting solutions

Fiber optic and LED

The future of individual architecturestarts with SCHOTT today

SCHOTT is one of the worldwide leading manufacturers of high-quality architectural glass. Our products provide protection against noise, heat and fire alike. Together with our clients we develop individual solutions that match the demands of tomorrow’s buildings – on five continents and in between.

To find out more about our forward-looking innovations, visit www.schott.com/architecture

UAE Sales Offi ce:SCHOTT Middle East FZE

PO Box 17480, Jebel Ali Free Zone,Dubai, UAE

Tel: +971 (0)4887--2571Fax: +971 (0)4887--2578

[email protected]

www.schott.com/middleeast

FRONT | MAY

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 05.12 | www.designmena.com8

MENA PROJECT SNAPSHOT

3ABU DHABI

RW Armstrong has started con-struction on projects including the UAE Presidential Palace and the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Since establishing its regional headquar-ters in Abu Dhabi in 2006, the fi rm’s project portfolio includes Sorouh Sun & Sky Towers on Al Reem Island which was completed in 2011, the new Abu Dhabi Accountability Authority headquarters and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.

2EGYPTLandmark PPP healthcare scheme for EgyptThe design contract for Egypt’s fi rst healthcare project to use the PPP procurement model has been won by Scottish architectural fi rm Keppie Design. The project includes new 200-bed and 223-bed specialist facil-ity, and a pediatric and emergency fa-cility at the existing Smouha Hospital complex. The team includes Egyptian fi rms Detac Construction, The Arab Academy and Bareeq Capital, as well as the UK’s G4s and Siemens.

1OMANReal Madrid architect designs Bank Sohar HQSpanish fi rm Estudio Lamela, the architect behind the remodeling of Real Madrid’s legendary Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, has been ap-pointed by Bank Sohar to construct its new head offi ce in Muscat. The building comes complete with an internal oasis traversed by three internal bridges, hanging gardens and sea views. The HQ project, budgeted at $43.2m, occupies a 36,000m2 site in Airport Heights, Seeb.

RW Armstrong starts workon fl agship projects

2 3

Better protect your hotel revenue with a multi-focused security system

Hotel solutions backed by proven security experience Your hotel security system must be ready for anything. Threats range from the extreme of terrorism to the every day of theft and mechanical failure. Schneider Electric™ has provided solutions for major airports, casinos, and embassies, all requiring the highest level of security. We have taken this experience and combined it with our established hotel expertise to deliver solutions that create the hotel-wide infrastructure necessary to fully protect you from every kind of threat — all without intruding upon guests.

The most comprehensive hotel security solution availableIntelligent hotel security from Schneider Electric is easy to use and enables hoteliers to be more proactive than ever before. In fact, our solutions significantly decrease training time for staff. We integrate security with other hotel systems and provide a single, user-friendly dashboard that enables real-time monitoring of people, property, data, assets, power, heating, cooling, and your network environment. In addition, Schneider Electric solutions feature advanced analytics with instant fault notification and escalation that help you effectively spot potential issues and quickly act accordingly. This drives business continuity. Our solutions provide emergency lighting, access control, intrusion detection, fire safety, and video surveillance to round out security coverage. If an incident does happen, the system maintains a full audit trail of relevant information you can easily access. Plus, this solution decreases your total cost of ownership over the long term.

From theft and vandalism to fire safety and system continuity — your hotel is protected with a Schneider Electric security solution

Video surveillance with advanced analytics

Sophisticated access control and intrusion detection

Continuity of service of the electrical supply

Effective lighting in high-risk areas such as parking lots

Highlights of a Schneider Electric security solution:

Industry-leading technologiesFor access control, intrusion detection, lighting, and fire safety.

Video surveillanceNetwork-based security solutions which allow for real-time monitoring and faster reaction to incidents.

User-friendly dashboardSee and manage your entire hotel — from security threats to potential faults in equipment rooms.

Reporting An automatic audit trail of all security issues including video surveillance and alerts.

Lower costsLower costs for installation and operations due to integration.

Find out how to improve hotel security for FREE and stand a chance to WIN an iPad 2! Visit www.SEreply.com Key Code 17819p

©2012 Schneider Electric. All Rights Reserved. Schneider Electric is a trademark owned by Schneider Electric Industries SAS or its affiliated companies. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Schneider Electric Saudi Arabia, PO Box 89249 Riyadh 11682 • 998-4715_SA-GB_B

Middle_East_Architect_SA_17819p.indd 1 2012-04-18 15:04:45


FRONT | MAY

10

GLOBAL PROJECT SNAPSHOT

1 2

3

3CHINAWoods Bagot wins airline mega schemeWoods Bagot has won the compe-tition to design China Southern Airport City, a 400ha mixed-use district to support China Southern Airlines. Located on the Liuxi River in Guangzhou, the new district will contain two wing-shaped parcels bisected by a highway. A central precinct contains Southern Airlines University, an executive complex with offi ces, a fi ve-star hotel and VIP club overlooking an expansive lake.

2CANADATwisted tower planned for VancouverA team comprising Buro Happold and Danish architect BIG has proposed a 49-storey twisted tower for Vancou-ver which will contain 600 residential units. Commissioned by Canadian developer Westbank, the project will aim for LEED Gold certifi cation. The tower is situated on a nine-story podium base with housing as well as commercial and retail space. It bears a strong resemblance to Dubai’s twisting Infi nity Tower by SOM.

1NORTHERN IRELANDWorld’s largest Titanic attraction opensTitanic Belfast, the world’s largest attraction dedicated to the famous sunken ship, opened its doors last week in the capital of Northern Ireland. Located on the site where Titanic was designed and built, the attraction’s six fl oors feature nine gal-leries dedicated to experiences within the ship. Designed by Todd Architects and CivicArts, the complex is also Ireland’s largest tourism project covering 14,000m2 in area.


FRONT | MAY

12

FRONT | MAY

THE BIG PICTURE One World Trade CenterThis dusk shot by ITP photographer Lester Ali captures One World Trade Center, the replacement for the destroyed twin towers in New York. Designed by David Childs of SOM, Manhattan’s new skyscraper will soon top out at 104 storeys. A lofty height of 541m will be achieved through a large antenna. Once open in early 2014 it will be the tallest building in the West-ern Hemisphere.

NEWS ANALYSIS | MALLS

ANALYSIS

RETAIL THERAPYWith yet another megamall receiving approval, MEA discovers

whether there is real demand for more retail space in Qatar

Barwa

Commercial

Avenue (right)

and Gharafa mall

(below).

L usail Municipality’s recent approval of Marina Mall will add yet another high profi le scheme to Qatar’s

retail arsenal. Designed by archi-tecture fi rm HOK, the complex is a striking space-age design that aims to push the boundaries.

But while Marina Mall revels in its futurism, many of Qatar’s pipeline malls are rooted in traditional Ara-bian architecture.

Local fi rm Arab Engineering Bureau (AEB) is behind several historically-fl avoured malls that are under construction in Qatar.

These include Gharafa mall, a two-storey shopping arcade in Doha inspired by traditional souks and Arabian architecture, with pergolas, wind towers and decorative arches.


The fi rm has designed a large mall for Al Merqab, one of the oldest and most famous shopping streets in the centre of Doha. It contains cinemas, food courts, department stores, as well as offi ce space.

AEB’s managing director, Ibrahim Mohamed Al Jaidah, adds: “Retail

theming has been quite a trend of late in the region as it allows the design of a mall which avoids the more indus-trial looking buildings that have been built in the past.

“With the design, the beautiful Arabesque style was utilised while integrating curtain walls to avoid the

MALLS | NEWS ANALYSIS

15www.designmena.com | 05.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

façade becoming too solid. Internally, the concept was also carried through, creating tent-shaped tensile struc-tures to cover the main atriums.”

AEB has also designed a Lulu hy-permarket in Al Khor, a coastal city in the north of Qatar, which plays on the fort aesthetic.

Furthermore, the fi rm is part of the team behind the $1.37bn Doha Festival City, one of the largest de-velopments to get underway in Qatar since the country was awarded the right to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup in December 2010.

The scheme will include a 32,000m2 IKEA store, which will be developed in the fi rst phase of construction, set for completion in Q4 2012. The remaining elements of Doha Festival City are due for deliv-ery two years later.

Another huge complex with extensive retail components is Barwa Commercial Avenue which is due for completion in June this year.

The mixed-use development will off er about 600 shops and show-rooms and 150,000m2 of offi ce space spread along 8km. It will also contain around 800 luxury residential units in one- to three-bedroom fl oor plans

The Habtoor Leighton Group con-fi rmed in October that it has begun work on the fi rst phase of the North Gate Mall project in Doha, valued at $290 million.

Phase 1 covers a total built-up area of around 375,000m2, with a podium comprising two levels of carpark, a three-level mall and six, fi ve-level offi ce buildings. The project is due for completion in March 2014.

One mega mall that already opened its doors is the $348m luxury Lagoona Mall. The high-end scheme in West Bay opened to shoppers in February this year, following several delays in construction. It contains 18 restaurants, 160 retail stores and a 13,000m2 department store.

Meanwhile HOK’s Marina Mall will have a 60,000m2 Gross Lettable Area (GLA) with cinemas, restau-rants, spas and a hypermarket.

Barry Hughes, vice president Lon-don for HOK, is one of the key fi gures

Retail theming has been quite a trend of late in the region as it avoids an industrial looking building.”Ibrahim Mohamed Al Jaidah, managing director, AEB

behind the design. With 20 years’ experience in mall design, Hughes has worked on Dubai Festival City, Westfi eld in London and several US shopping malls.

Hughes believes that Qatar shop-pers will gravitate to the best malls. “I think there is certainly a demand for better malls. If you go to any city in the world and have two shops on

The $1.37bn

Doha Festival

City (top).


NEWS ANALYSIS | MALLS

opposite corners of the street, the one that has the better ambiance will be more successful. We really want to build the mall with the best experi-ence in Doha.”

Mat Green, head of research and consultancy UAE for CBRE Middle East, agrees that bigger and better malls can win customers. “As seen from markets like Dubai, larger destination malls have the ability to cannibalise the market and take away share from other smaller or aging centres,” he says.

When asked whether there is enough population to support the new malls in Qatar, Hughes replies: “Only time will tell. Doha is trying to create a city for the future. It is trying to manage growth and manage the cultural and commercial aspects.”

CBRE’s Green is similarly positive, and adds: “The future performance of the retail market will of course rely heavily on the country’s ability to sustain solid population growth in the coming years.

If a mall off ers a valuable public realm then it is a valid place to spend time. It is a big, complex organism with lots of factors that aff ect the design.”Barry Hughes, HOK

HOK’s futuristic

Marina Mall

(top right) and

AEB’s Lulu

Hypermarket in

Al Khor.

“However, with close to 20% GDP growth during 2011 and forecasts of around 6% for this year, the economy is certainly doing its bit to help.

“The tourism sector is also expanding rapidly and that could be-come a major driver of retail demand, although at this stage the market remains business and not leisure led.”

Hughes believes that any develop-ment in the region involves some degree of risk. “There is an element of risk for any commercial developer.

“Time will tell whether these ex-periments in the Middle East will be successful. I am fascinated by Qatar. We have an opportunity to create a new place on a grand scale.”

Currently retail demand in Doha remains “very strong” according to Green, with most developments at, or close to, 100% occupancy.

However, he continues: “With signifi cant new retail supply set to be handed over during the next fi ve years there is a risk of future oversup-ply. For now we expect to see the established malls continue to perform very well, although some new market entrants may initially struggle to achieve high occupancy rates.

“Qatar is expanding rapidly and will need to continue to achieve

strong growth if it is to keep pace with the current level of construction.”

Hughes believes that in many coun-tries, malls aren’t taken seriously as a piece of urban fabric. He continues: “In the Middle East, you have places where you live and work but there is a third place where you spend a lot of your time. This traditionally would have been the souk.

“If a mall off ers a wonderful public realm then it is a valid place to spend time. At HOK we take the shopping mall seriously. It is a big, complex organism with lots of factors that infl uence the design.”

Green agrees that malls can be im-portant recreational areas, especially the large destination malls. “These malls have become increasingly pop-ular across the region with consumers able to shop and spend leisure time in a single location,” he says.

“By creating entertainment centres and major leisure attractions, devel-opers are able to increase the dwell time of shoppers and driven up foot-fall and retail sales. The malls have become the new social centres and are increasingly popular among the rapidly growing young population.”

Hughes believes that the malls in Dubai can off er valuable lessons for


MALLS | NEWS ANALYSIS

Hörmann offers architects a unique selection of fire-rated and smoke-tight doors in numerous versions, surfaces and colours. Be it sheet steel, tubular frame or automatic sliding doors: Hörmann’s sustainably produced brand quality stands for the highest level of security and reliability.

Europe’s largest fire protection programme

Sustainably produced: multi-function doors from Hörmann

Fire and smoke-protection box frame parts

EPD MultifunktionstürenEnvironmental Product Declaration nach DIN ISO 14025 und prEN 15804

DeklarationsnummerEPD-MT-0.1

November 2010

Multifunktionstüren (Firmen-EPD)

Hörmann KG Freisen

For more information, please contact:

Hörmann Middle East

developers and designers. “If you took certain elements from the dif-ferent malls in Dubai you would probably have the best mall in the world. There are some amazing projects in Dubai; I am fascinated when I visit.”

Scale is an important consideration with malls, according to Hughes. “In Dubai, the scale of the malls are more gracious than in other places. On occasion they feel empty whereas at peak times they feel about right. Achieving that balance is a challenge. You need a sense of intimacy without feeling too small.”

He adds that malls are becoming increasingly international in fl avour. “With my job, I travel all over the world.

“It is interesting but also depressing to see how small the world is becoming. The mall is becoming more global and homogenous.”

Yet he stresses that the key is creating a product that stands out from the pack. “The next opportunity for designers is to create something diff erent. Malls are machines for selling goods and services. The key is making it a positive experience; if you create a better place then people will come.”


COMMENT | EDITOR’S LETTER

18

The defence of Dubai’s architecture from a Sydney reader suggests Moore’s comment was misjudged.”

EDITOR’S LETTER

DEFENDING DUBAIWas Sydney’s Lord Mayor off the mark?

GOT A

COMMENT?

If you have any

comments to

make on this

month’s issue,

please e-mail

oliver.

ephgrave

@itp.com

Infi nity Tower.Last month, the Lord Mayor

of Sydney, Clover Moore, raised eyebrows in the Middle East by labelling

an Australian development as “a clumsy Dubai-style” hotel.

Moore’s attack was in response to plans for a second Sydney casino and a six-star 350-room hotel in Barangaroo, a new CBD underway in Sydney.

It was not the fi rst time that Dubai has attracted negative criticism from Down Under. Last year, architect Philip Thalis labelled Richard Rog-er’s hotel in Barangaroo “the worst of Dubai ‘look at me’ architecture”.

A few weeks ago, we published a story about Moore’s comments on designMENA.com and construc-tionweekonline.com. It attracted several thousand page impressions, as well as many comments from our online readers.

Tariq from Abu Dhabi posted: “It is a pity that a political fi gure has to denigrate others to bring attention to her particular subjective viewpoint. The comment made was unneces-sary and only serves to damage international relations.”

Other readers leapt to the defence of Dubai’s buildings and labelled Sydney’s architecture as ‘boring’. Elmer Fabros from Saudi Arabia

commented: “Dubai architecture is not clumsy. In fact, it is fascinat-ing, as they have unlimited funds to experiment and produce fantastic designs. For other areas, they have limited funds, thus produce only standard, boring designs and are jealous of Dubai.”

However, one commenter on designMENA.com sympathised with Moore, stating: “It is really true that most of the so called modern towers of Dubai which were built in the last few years are perfect ex-amples of ‘look at me’ architecture.

“They looked like everyone involved was too hungry for fame and attention during the real estate

boom here. Surprisingly, most of these non-architectural towers were designed by some of the world’s top architectural fi rms.”

Perhaps surprisingly, Sydney professional Mick Dundee posted: “Most Sydney buildings are boring, built-to-a-price boxes. I have worked in Sydney and Dubai and know which buildings I prefer to both work on and look at.”

The passionate defence of Dubai’s architecture from a Sydney reader suggests Moore’s comment was perhaps misjudged.

Granted, Dubai contains build-ings that could be termed ‘clumsy’, but this trait is not confi ned to the Emirates or the Middle East. For example, my home city of London contains countless post-war con-crete monstrosities that sit next to historic buildings, such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.

Other modern buildings in London could be termed boring, due to conservative restrictions and mindsets. This mindset was evident in the rejection of Daniel Libeskind’s 1997 proposed extension to the Vic-toria & Albert Museum - a project that would have set the architecture world alight at the time.

Architects in Dubai and the GCC are certainly freer in many respects. Projects such as the 828m-high Burj Khalifa and the twisting Infi nity Tower push the possibilities of archi-tecture and engineering. One thing is for certain: Dubai’s architecture is certainly not boring.


Doha is becoming a desti-nation of interest from diff erent perspectives. Potential jobseekers see

opportunities to settle there, while a minority visit as tourists.

Perhaps all visitors, specifi cally those who have stayed in Dubai can’t avoid the comparison between two cities. Why? Because Doha, with its current developments, gives the im-pression that it is following the trend of its Gulf neighbour.

For example, the skyline of West Bay is made of exceptionally interest-ing and sculptural buildings, but look-ing from the perspective of the short term visitor, the area may remind us of Dubai Marina.

Furthermore, the large areas of low density developments, predominantly villas and other areas with blocks no higher than four or fi ve levels, have a

Groundbreaking buildings are initiating new technologies and challenge existing structural solutions.”

OPINION

lot of similarities with housing in the Emirates. Doha certainly ‘rings a bell’, yet is diff erent and recognisable.

Tightly linked with the develop-ment of Doha and Qatar as a whole are components that cannot be seen as clearly as the physical elements of the environment. The most essential is the population, currently estimated at 1.77 million, where the Qataris comprise the minority in their own country, at 459,000 people.

Going deeper into the statistics, over 94% of the working population are not nationals, with many em-ployed in the construction industry - the largest of all statistical groupings with around 45% of the workforce.

The question is, who will absorb the towers of West Bay, The Pearl Qa-tar, the upcoming Lusail - the future home of 200,000 residents - and the other new developments?

The absorption may go slower at the present time due to the current situation in the Gulf region and the world as a whole. However, the stra-tegic planning of the State of Qatar by its Planning Council is said to be looking far in advance for the current and future generations.

Since Doha won the rights to host the FIFA 2022, the world is talking about the construction of the stadi-ums and the associated structures. Inside Qatar there are ongoing and planned developments that seem to be stronger investments for the future of the country; investments that will obviously secure long-term operation and prosperity, such as the Ras Laff an LNG Port Expansion. Located 80km north of Doha it aims to be the largest port for natural gas.

The rapid growth in air traffi c resulting from the country’s economic development will be addressed by the ongoing construction of the New Doha International Airport.

Groundbreaking buildings with interesting water themes and curved roofs are not only creating sensational architecture, but also initiate new technologies and challenge existing structural solutions.

The Museum of Islamic Arts in Doha by famous architect IM Pei is yet another investment for the future that the government obviously strongly believed in. Sitting within a 150 ha park this building is a piece of art justifying every riyal invested in it.

Is Qatar putting the money where its mouth is? Looking at Doha, the proof is in the pudding.

Is Qatar putting its money where its mouth is?

THE RIYAL DEAL

Georgina

Chakar is an

Australian

architect and a

Master of Urban

Planning. She

works in Abu

Dhabi.

Doha’s West Bay.

COMMENT | GEORGINA CHAKAR

Engineer of your creative visionArmstrong’s Atelier team of multi-talented, versatile experts experienced in pioneering

ceiling and wall solutions is committed to providing intelligent, effi cient, cost-effective

tailored solutions to meet revolutionary, state-of-the art interior project designs.

Discover the newly-launched Armstrong Atelier team, as well as a dynamic new Atelier

website.

www.armstrong-atelier.eu

To decode this fl ashcode,

you need to download a mobile

application on your smartphone

app store.

Northern Kentucky University, Student Union Armstrong Dubai showroom


“I think it was important that you can see emotion in our stadiums. They are Qatari stadiums - they have something to do with the culture of the people.

E ven at the age of 77, Pro-fessor Albert Speer is not thinking about giving up his passion. The founder

of Albert Speer and Partners (AS&P) was in Doha to give the keynote speech at the Construction Week Qatar conference: Building Towards 2022. Despite a grueling day in the spotlight, Speer was spritely, good-humoured, and eager to talk at length about his background and his fi rm’s key role in Qatar’s World Cup plans.

“The idea of retiring is not going to happen any time soon,” he remarks. “I do a little bit to stay healthy - I exer-cise every morning, in the gym or the pool, and I have a personal trainer. As long as I feel I can infl uence and bring ideas and creativity to the offi ce I would like to stay.”

Speer says that he wasn’t particu-larly inspired to be an architect, but fell into the profession due to family tradition. “It was less about inspira-tion and more of a necessity. After the war I was stammering a lot - I couldn’t really speak. I left school and did a carpenter’s apprenticeship.

“Then I went to the technical school in Munich and studied archi-

tecture for fi ve years. I followed the tradition in the family - my grandfa-ther and my father were architects.

“I wanted to do urban planning in the future, but these possibilities were not given at that time in German technical schools. Munich is one of the most beautiful cities but I got a job in Frankfurt. In the 60s it was a very grey and unattractive city.”

Speer explains that he received his big break by pitching for work in his spare time. “Over the weekend and at night I started to do competi-tions. The fi rst two or three I lost but eventually I won an international competition for the development of the settlement in Ludwigshafen.

“My boss was very supportive as he saw it was a good opportunity for me. So I started a one-man offi ce. That was in 1964. Now the company has grown to about 120 people in German and 30 people in Shanghai.”

Despite winning its most presti-gious job in Qatar and having several projects in Saudi Arabia, Speer is uncertain about opening an offi ce in the Middle East. “If we continue to do just consultant work there is no ne-cessity to open an offi ce here. I prefer

that all the people are in Frankfurt as we have very good connections. But if we are invited to do a stadium or two then we have to have an offi ce.”

He explains that his fi rm’s involve-ment in the Qatar stadiums was unex-pected. “We developed a new fi eld of activity in doing bid books for large sporting events. Every year there is a sports fair in a city, in connec-tion with the International Olympic Committee. We decided to display our Olympic competitions in a small booth at the sports fair in Canada.

“Members of the Qatari govern-ment visited us and later we got an email saying ‘please come to Qatar, we would like to talk to you’. We were chosen and we did a good job.

“They wanted to have a very per-sonal contact and didn’t want to have one of the big players. I was not in the negotiations - the next generation did that. I think this was the right strat-egy as the Qataris are 35-40 years old. The client’s aim was to have the best bid book given to FIFA and this is what we, together with our partners including Arup and Nusli, managed to do. This is not the only reason for winning, but it played a part.”

STADIUMSUPREMO

THE INTERVIEW

Oliver Ephgrave and Oscar Wendel talk to Professor Albert Speer of AS&P, one of the main frontmen behind Qatar’s stunning arena designs

ALBERT SPEER | COVER STORY


He also adds that the “emotion” in the bid book was a crucial quality. “I think it was important that you can see emotion in our stadiums. They are Qatari stadiums - they have something to do with the culture of the people.

“They are not just technical, which could be built in Moscow or Berlin. They were mainly done by a female architect in our offi ce. I’m very proud that these prototype Islamic stadiums were such a success.”

Speer is optimistic that the emotion of the renderings can be replicated in the fi nal products. “We are part of the team and we hopefully will be part of the execution team too. You can never say they will defi nitely build them as designed. There are so many infl uences.

“But the decision making people on the bidding committee and the execution committee are the same people and I am very convinced that they stick to the concept. Because it is a winning concept.”

Speer says his favourite designs are Al-Khor stadium, which resembles a sea shell and the Al-Wakra stadium due to its location in the city centre and integration with leisure, shopping and social facilities such as play-grounds and swimming pools.

“Al Wakrah stadium is part of the city centre and this is very feasible economically. All the car parking spaces for the stadium can be used in the evening, not just once a week.”

Speer adds that good city stadiums can benefi t the community. “In Ger-many, for a long time people thought that a stadium has to be far out in the middle of nowhere because of noise and litter. This changed completely.

“It is tied into the stadium design. If it’s more attractive and people can bring their children, if it’s open for women, and interesting to stay there because you have restaurants and playgrounds and a place of worship, then people are not just spending one and a half hours there, but fi ve hours.”

He cites his company’s Allianz Arena in Munich, completed in 2005, as a good example of a city centre stadium. “A stadium can be a com-munity meeting point. Our Allianz Arena in Munich is a good example, with all the facilities, restaurants and playgrounds. It’s not only the match itself, it’s the lifestyle.”

When it comes to other success-ful city stadiums, he points to the Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid and London’s new Olympic stadium. Speer was less positive about China’s Bird’s Nest stadium.

“The Bird’s Nest is incomparable. The Chinese wanted something spectacular but it is not sustainable. They have used steel to an amount that is incredible. It’s an icon, but it’s not used much,” he remarks.

AS&P is working on several proj-ects in China, including large master planning schemes. As an urban plan-ner, he believes that the masterplan is a viable model for the Middle East, if it is executed correctly.

“It depends what is the context of a masterplan - it is no solution if it is trying to solve all problems. It has to be fl exible for future developments. Things can change in terms of the market and the population.”

He says that maintenance is criti-cal. “Cairo has Sadat City, which was started 25 years ago. It is a pure catas-trophe, because parts are built, parts are empty and others are run-down. In many countries in the region, maintenance is not known.”

Commenting on AS&P’s cur-rent Middle East projects he says: “We are doing a lot of work in Saudi Arabia. We have done the Diplomatic Quarter in Riyadh, which is still one of the best urban developments in the Arab world. We have designed and engineered the King Abdullah Road which is about 25kms long.

“We are doing a very nice building in the centre of Riyadh - a huge crimi-nal court project. It will be fi nished at the beginning of next year. We are working on a masterplan for 2032 for

Albert Speer

was in Doha

to present

the keynote

speech at the

Construction

Week Qatar

conference.


The critical challenge for Qatar is not the

stadiums, it’s the infrastructure. To

build a rail system of 100km in seven years

is really very hard.”



Alexandria. It is very complicated because of the change in the gov-ernment. We are now waiting for decisions. Qatar is much faster.”

According to Speer, the greatest challenge for Qatar’s World Cup delivery is not the stadiums. “A stadium can be built in two and a half or three years. The critical part is infrastructure. To build a rail system of 100km in seven years is really very hard.

“It’s not a question of construction – it’s the planning and coor-dination and the permissions. You can’t have construction sites in Doha everywhere. The people will explode. The plans have been re-duced to 100km, which I think is feasible, but it is a huge challenge.”

He off ers further words of caution: “The biggest errors in huge projects are done at the beginning because nobody thinks about the alternatives of what is going to happen. I was told this by my former teacher, a famous Swiss architect called Jakob Maurer.”

When asked whether he received any architectural advice from his father or grandfather, Speer slowly shakes his head. He makes no mention of his father, but speaks admiringly about his grandfather. “My grandfather made enough money when he was 50 years old and stopped working as an architect. He built himself a villa in the cool area behind Heidelberg castle and lived until his mid 80s. He was a very strong man. Many of his buildings that were not destroyed in the war are protected buildings.”

Coming from a long line of Albert Speers, with both his father and grandfather bearing the same name, he reveals that this trend is very unlikely to continue. “I have no children. My brothers and sisters have eight or nine children altogether, but there are no more Alberts. I think there were enough.”

TREND-CONFORMING. STRAIGHTFORWARD. INDISPENSABLE. THE NEW ZOOM®

With ZOOM® we don’t just offer you high product quality and the latest trend orientated decors – but also a wide range of helpful services. The everyday resource. → www.egger.com

Dubai Office · Business Village B · Office 506 · Port Saeed Deira Dubai · U.A.E. · P.O. Box 113085 · t +971 556 578 373

Doha Office · Gate 185 · Street 3 · Industrial Area · Doha · QatarP.O. Box 5187 · t +974 4460 4104



QATAR WORLD CUP STADIUMS AS&P’s delivery for the World Cup in 2022

includes the design of eight of the 12 stadiums.

One of Albert Speer’s favourite designs is the

Al-Khor stadium with a seashell motif (below).

The fl exible roof the permanent lower tier

seats 25,500 and the modular upper tier seats

19,830. It off ers spectators a direct view of the

Gulf from their seats and will be located in a

new sports and recreation zone. Speer’s other

favourite design is Al-Wakrah stadium, (above)

which is located in the centre of the city and

linkswith leisure, shopping and social facilities

such as playgrounds and swimming pools.

PORTFOLIO:Albert Speer


ALLIANZ ARENA, MUNICHThis pioneering stadium was completed in 2005 and provides

the home for FC Bayern Munich and TSV 1860 München. On

19 May it will stage the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final.

AS&P worked on the stadium along with Swiss architecture

fi rm Herzog & de Meuron. The arena facade is constructed

from 2,874 ETFE-foil air panels that are infl ated with dry air.

It is lit up in diff erent colours depending on the team that is

playing - red for Bayern Munich, blue for 1860 Munich and

white for the German national team and neutral events.

27www.designmena.com | 05.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

CRIMINAL COURT COMPLEX, RIYADHCurrently under construction and scheduled for an early 2013

completion, this striking 44.4m-high criminal court complex

completes a set of public institutions with the intention of

breathing new life into the centre of the Saudi capital. A

wraparound strip of light at the base is said to form a natural

barrier, creating a feeling of security and emphasising the

raised status of the building. Footbridges bring the visitor

to the conically-shaped entrances along the main axes. The

facade features the region’s typical coarse chalky sandstone

panels. Narrow slits with window elements are strongly

recessed, minimising the exposure of the rooms to the heat

outside and accentuating the facade’s sculptural appearance.


28 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 05.12 | www.designmena.com

SITE VISIT | INTERNATIONAL TOWERSITE VISIT | INTERNATIONAL TOWER


SITE VISIT | INTERNATIONAL TOWER

The fi n-tastic

facade of

International

Tower in Abu

Dhabi.

4,000EXPECTED TOTAL

OCCUPANCY


W ith its rectilinear plan and absence of curves, twists and roof-top or-

naments, International Tower seems like a rather ordinary commercial tower from a distance. Yet when the measured vertical rhythms on the facades come into view, it’s appar-ent that the building was carefully conceived and delivered.

Developed by Sino Gulf and designed by Woods Bagot, the build-ing is the fi rst offi ce complex to be launched in ADNEC’s huge Capital Centre which adjoins the exhibition centre. The ‘international’ moniker was chosen for a very good reason, ac-cording to SinoGulf’s fund manager, David Cockerton.

Standing in the airy triple-height lobby, Cockerton remarks: “Most people that come here haven’t seen anything quite like this in Abu Dhabi. A lot of the global occupiers arrive and say ‘this is exactly what I see around the world’. That was precisely what we were aiming for in terms of the concept.

“What we wanted was a very sen-sible, regular, fl exible Grade-A com-mercial building that global occupiers can recognise. It doesn’t have lots of architectural attributes like curves and little corners that you can’t use.”

He continues: “I’d call it a smart and sensible building. A global oc-cupier can come in without any real issues. There aren’t lots of columns, so they can roll out the normal fi t-out that they have all around the world. That’s pretty powerful.”

Woods Bagot principal Karim Ben-kirane, who was also present on the tour, adds: “I think the name Interna-tional Tower has a fantastic synergy with the design brief. The way they procured the design team was in an international competition. They were trying to replicate an international brand and standard here.”

When it comes to the lobby space, Benkirane remarks: “We created a

Oliver E

phg

rave visits Wo

od

s Bag

ot’s International Tower, a new

ly com

pleted

com

mercial

build

ing in A

bu D

habi’s C

apital C

entre that lives up to its g

lobal m

oniker




32

The northern

facade

uses the same

design language.

ceremonial entrance which needs to align with the businesses that are go-ing to be here. The fi nishes needed to align with that design aspiration.”

According to Benkirane, the fi nishes include black glass, timber veneer, a ceiling which utilises the same language as the external fi ns, as well as stainless steel mullions and limestone fl ooring. “It's fairly magnifi cent,” adds Cockerton.

Benkirane continues: “Taking on the international standards also meant that the building has to be commercially viable. Net to gross was incredibly important to the client. This was helped by placing the core on the eastern side of the building, which allows a continuous fl oor plate.

“Another benefi t was that the side core eliminates the eastern aspect of the building, which is one of the harsher solar orientations, to help reduce energy consumption.

“The western aspect on the build-ing has got the large vertical fi ns which tries to limit some of that solar gain. The sun is very low on the west so the vertical fi ns help to cut out the light. Horizontal fi ns would only work on southern facades.”

He points out that the fi ns have be-come the most recognisable aspect of the tower, with the distinctive ripple forming the logo for the marketing collateral. “It’s fantastic that the branding of the building has taken on that idea,” adds Benkirane.

“From a diff erent aspect they look like they are changing. They’re inspired by the shifting sands as the wind blows through the desert. They were originally glass but they became more solid which is a little stronger and more powerful.

“They are powder-coated alu-minium, same as the mullions. At the deepest point the fi ns are 1.2m. The edge of the curtain wall takes on the same profi le of the fi ns. Also, there are lights in between the fi ns, so the facade looks spectacular at night.”

Yet the external artistry is not confi ned to one facade. The north side features a curtain wall which “cracks”

to create a canopy. “It protects the entrance but it’s giving you a clear identifi er as to where the entrance is,” adds Benkirane.

He continues: “The rhythms on the north facade are similar to the fi ns. It’s trying to replicate what’s going on in the western facade but not in such a strong way, because it doesn’t have direct sunlight. It’s also there to break up the expansive facade but also give it some verticality.”

Cockerton expects between 3,000 and 4,000 people to be working in the building when it is fully occupied. He adds that there is a 500m2 area allocated for F&B or retail operators. “In spite of the F&B areas in ADNEC,

Most people that come here haven’t seen anything quite like this in Abu Dhabi. A lot of the global occupiers arrive

and say ‘this is exactly what I see around the world’.”David Cockerton, fund manager, SinoGulf

Organised by Co-located with Knowledge partner

The Office ExhibitionInnovation in the spotlight

Visit the largest commercial fit-out and

design exhibition in the Middle East to find the

latest innovations and international trends.

Hundreds of market leading brands and

products will be on display from exhibitors

representing over 20 countries.

15-17 May 2012Dubai World Trade Centre

11.00 –19.00

Register online now

for free fast-track entrywww.theofficeexhibition.com/register

Sponsored by

Supplied by BAFCO – Humanscale Diffrient World Chair

00027_TOE_2012_Visitor_Ad_Middle_East_Architect_205X275mm.ai 4/18/12 5:13:33 PM



I think it’s important we have it here within the building. It needs breakout space for meeting visitors and guests without necessarily taking them into the offi ce space. It also helps to put the building on the map by getting the right operator in there.”

Another unusual quality of the building is the lift strategy, according to Benkirane. “One thing that is unique to the region in a building of this size is that there is a low rise and high rise lifting strategy with destination lifts. This limits the wait-ing times, which takes you back to international standards such as British Council for Offi ces (BCO).”

The building contains 12 lifts in two banks of six, with one half serving levels three to 15 and the other servicing 16 to 26. The high rise lifts travel at a rate of six metres per second. Benkirane describes the clean-lined lift lobby areas as “inof-fensive” as they need to appeal to a wide global audience.

Walking into an open plan shell and core space, one of the immedi-ate qualities is the amount of natural light. “There is no artifi cial light, there is no glare and the depth of light is fantastic. It’s a very comfort-

The main

entrance is

protected by a

canopy.

41,000M2TOTAL NLA

ROLE COMPANY

Funding partner Abu Dhabi National Islamic fi nance

Fund manager Eastgate Capital Group

Development fund industRE

Development and asset managers SinoGulf

Architect Woods Bagot

Project Manager Coff ey

Quantity Surveyor Blair Anderson

Structural & MEP Engineer Aurecon

Main contractor Group 3

MEP contractor Thermo

Enabling words NSCC

Fit-out ISG

BUILDING CREDITS

able environment,” remarks Cockerton.Benkirane adds: “The

depth of the fl oor plate has been correctly engineered in terms of optimum daylighting for the building. It’s not too deep and not too shallow to get too much light or have dark areas. The approach is unique in this region - it’s not about shape or texture, it’s about intelligence in commercial offi ce building.”

The next noticeable factor is the impressive view over Abu Dhabi and the gracious space between develop-ments in Capital Centre. “You notice from the view that the towers are not squashed up close like in other places. People expect the towers to be close together but there is a lot of space,” remarks Cockerton.

“This is the fi rst complete building in the masterplan. We now have the Premier Inn next door that has been handed over. The overall masterplan has 23 towers in total and a number of hotels.”

Commenting on the dimensions of the space, Cockerton adds: “When you add in a raised access fl oor and suspended ceiling, the fl oor to ceiling height is 2.7m. This is an interna-tional standard and not available in all buildings in Abu Dhabi.”

At the time of the visit, 242 workers were on site, primarily to complete a fully-fi tted show fl oor on level 18 in time for Cityscape Abu Dhabi. Benkirane points out that the upper fl oors (16-26) have an extra 50m2 due to the absence of the low-rise lift shaft. The fourth fl oor was also a hive


www.designmena.com | 05.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 35www.designmena.com | 05.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

As well as being

expressive, the

fi ns are used to

limit solar gain.

The approach is unique in this region. It’s not about shape or texture, it’s about intelligence in commercial offi ce building.” Karim Benkirane, principal,

Woods Bagot

36



of activity with fi t-outs on partitioned offi ces. Cockerton adds that this fl oor contains the prayer rooms as well as wide corridors that are “perhaps a little too generous”.

He continues: “The upper levels are primarily built for global occupiers who require spaces up to 1,750m2. Other fl oors, such as this one, are sub-divided between tenants with units as small as 100m2.

We also have a choice between shell and core and fully-fi tted. We’re the only offi ce building in Abu Dhabi with this amount of choice.”

Another key considerable for many global occupiers is sustainability, and Cockerton states that the building ticks all the green boxes.

“Our LEED certifi cation for Shell and Core is in the fi nal stage. They have confi rmed we are in the Silver category and it should be Gold. This is important to us. I think LEED Gold

sends out a very powerful message. LEED Platinum is a little too far.”

He adds: “Global occupiers are per-haps not focusing on it as much as pre-2008, but it is starting to come back. It’s still a check list item and it gives organisations with CSR procedures a lot of comfort. It’s not just a case of ticking the boxes - it also results in reduced running costs.”

Green measures include a grey wa-ter recovery system, low-fl ow nozzles on all taps, the provision of bike racks plus showers on each level, tinted

windows to reduce solar gain and the procurement of locally-sourced and natural materials.

For Cockerton, the green creden-tials are yet another example of how the tower lives up to its name.

“It is built to international stan-dards, with global expertise in what occupiers want.

“We are bringing something that we know works internationally and translating it into the local market. The crucial thing is we have made it locally relevant.”

Workmen were

busy completing

fi t-outs in time

for Cityscape

Abu Dhabi.

29 - 31 MAY 201229 - 31 MAY 2012

JEDDAH CENTRE FOR FORUMS AND EVENTS

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

www.indexksa.comwww.indexksa.com

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is welcoming INDEX for the first time The MENA region’s largest interiors and design exhibition is coming to Jeddah in May 2012! View the best

international furniture, textiles, lighting, kitchen & bathroom and outdoor design products under one roof

over 3 days.

INDEX Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2012 will be an unrivalled showcase of international design excellence for the

Kingdom’s interior designers, architects, fit out contractors, consultants and developers from the interior design

industry community who are working on the country’s most prestigious projects.

Register to visit now at www.indexksa.com

Under the patronage of Sheikh Saleh Abdullah KamelSheikh Saleh Abdullah Kamel

President of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Organised by VenueEndorsed byCo-organised by

00014_Index_KSA_ME_Architect_Magazine_205x275mm.ai 3/15/12 12:31:26 PM

38



Technical drawings supplied by Woods BagotINTERNATIONAL TOWER

The north elevation features

a curtain wall which “cracks” to

create a canopy. The vertical

rhythms break up the expansive

facade while replicating the

fi ns on the western side of the

building in a subtle manner.

NORTH ELEVATION

39


www.designmena.com | 05.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

The core of the building

is located on the eastern

side, which allows for an

uninterrupted fl oor plate,

maximising on leasable space.

PLAN: CORE

The building section illustrates the triple-

height lobby space, the 26 fl oors above ground

and the ample parking space underground.

SECTION

Case study Heathrow Airport Midfield Pier 3 Project

Building type: Terminal 2 Concourse B, London Heathrow Airport

Client: Balfour Beaty

Investor: BAA

Architect: Grimshaw

Location: London, United Kingdom

Heathrow Airport chooses Qbiss One

London Heathrow Airport is the largest and busiest airport in the United Kingdom and more

international passengers pass through it than any other airport in the world. Owned and operated

by BAA Ltd., London Heathrow is continually being developed and expanded as well as existing

areas being refurbished and modernised to meet the growing needs of the modern traveller.

Flying high The Midfield Pier 3 Project on Heathrow’s Terminal 2

follows a long history of Trimo’s involvement in

aviation projects at Heathrow and other UK airports

and highlights the company’s growing expertise

and portfolio in this sector. Forming part of the

£1.5 billion Heathrow East project, the midfield Pier

3 component is a £105 million freestanding building

on the airport’s Eastern Campus and is being

undertaken by contractor Balfour Beatty. Although

freestanding, the midfield pier is an integral part of

the overall modernisation of the terminal.

“The Qbiss One product was selected

as it boasts a modular facade panel

with expressed joints, folded tight

corner details and can be easily

adapted to interface with louvre

systems without express flashings.”

Julian Watt, Associate, Grimshaw

Lead Architects, Grimshaw, specified Trimo’s

exciting and state-of-the art Qbiss One modular

facade system as its combined functionality and no-

compromise aesthetics was important to express

the purpose of the building and the conditions under

which it will be used. The horizontal orientation,

together with the contrasting RAL 7016 and RAL

9006 riser colours, provided a visually striking

appearance. Additionally, the use of Qbiss One with

its optically smooth facade makes an impressive

architectural statement on the landscape.

In total some 1100 m2 of Qbiss One was specified on

the project and was installed by specialist cladding

installers, Lindner Schmidlin. Although on-going, this

particular component of the project was completed

late 2009, with Trimo’s involvement in the overall

Terminal 2 revamp continuing on other areas.

Trimo UK Ltd, UAE Branch office | Level 19, Monarch Office Tower | Office 1907 | One Sheikh Zayed Road | P.O Box 333840 | Dubai, UAEt: +971 4 7050401 | m: +971 505093153 | [email protected] | www.qbiss.eu | www.trimo.org.uk

Pre-Register for FREE to attend the exhibition:

www.cityscapeqatar.com/CSQab

REFLECTING QATAR’S NATIONAL VISION FOR 2030Visit Qatar’s Premier Real Estate Investment and Development Event

Meet leading real estate developers, regional authorities, and service providers and explore the exciting real estate

opportunities supporting Qatar’s 2030 vision.

5000+ participants ~ 100+ exhibitors ~ 3 days of intensive networking and learning ~ Qatar Real Estate Summit ~ Investor

Round Tables ~ Cityscape Awards for Real Estate, Qatar

Pre-Register for FREE at www.cityscapeqatar.com/CSQab to attend the exhibition

23 ~ 25 May 2012Doha Exhibition Centre, Qatar

T. +971 4 336 5161 | F. +971 4 335 1891

E. [email protected]

Silver Sponsor:Scan QR codeto register

Official Media

Partner:

Organised by:Official Business

Publication:

Platinum Sponsors:

Supporting

Associations:

Supported by:


TH

E G

AL

LE

RIE

S |

CA

SE

ST

UD

YT

HE

GA

LL

ER

IES

| C

AS

E S

TU

DY

THE GALLERIESArchitect: Burt HillLocation: Downtown Jebel Ali, Dubai

CASE STUDY

THE PROJECT As the fl agship project for UAE

developer Limitless, the Galleries is a mixed-use scheme in Dubai containing Grade-A offi ce, housing

and retail space. Since last month, all four towers

in the Galleries Offi ces Buildings are open, with 70% of the 800,000m2 space already leased.

Certifi ed LEED Silver, the scheme consists of two

groups of buildings, separat-ed by a 20,000m2 landscaped plaza. The towers rise from a common podium known as The Gallery.

18MHEIGHT OF

LOBBIES SPACES

45

CA

SE

ST

UD

Y | T

HE

GA

LL

ER

IES


THE SITE Located on the edge of Urban

Centre Zone 1 of Downtown Jebel Ali, the Galleries sits next to the Jebel Ali metro station. With green grounds, shaded seating areas, and fi sh ponds, each building has a mini version of the central plaza, for ac-tivities during cooler weather. Bahaa Abouhatab, head of projects, UAE, Limitless, adds: “The original plan was to build a central plaza from the metro to the main building. As Limitless still wanted to encourage use of the metro, they built a shaded walkway leading to the building, which is about 200m.”

46

TH

E G

AL

LE

RIE

S |

CA

SE

ST

UD

Y


THE CONCEPT Abouhatab explains the concept of

the offi ce component. “We are keen on creating a business hub that will serve mostly international compa-nies. However, we did not think of it just as a business building - we thought of it as an environment to

244,000MLEASABLE SPACE

serve the clients throughout the day. It’s not just designed for working, it considers the need for entertaining and taking breaks. In terms of the design itself, it is extremely effi cient – the depth of the fl oor plate

allows natural light throughout the day, reducing the requirements to artifi cially light the offi ces. It is

certainly a Grade-A building, in terms of the way it func-

tions and the quality of materials used.”

THE DETAILS Lobbies are designed with dramat-

ic 18m-high ceilings and with natural materials such as wood panelling and polished granite. An intercon-nected glass and metal façade spans approximately a quarter mile length across the four buildings, creating the eff ect of one horizontal tower.The completed offi ce towers contain water-effi cient toilet cisterns and tap heads that cut water consumption by up to 30%. Energy consumption is reduced as energy effi cient light fi ttings and movement sensors are installed in all lobby areas The high- performance glass façades allow optimal natural light in, but keep heat out.

2

SETTING THE BENCHMARKFOR THE REGION’SARCHITECTURE INDUSTRY

To submit your nominations, or for more information, please visit:www.constructionweekonline.com/meaa

The 5th annual Middle East Architect Awards are an opportunity for the industry to come together for one night to toast exceptional performance in architecture, engineering & design.

NOMINATION DEADLINE:THURSDAY 23rd AUGUST 2012

NOMINATION DEADLINE:THURSDAY 23rd AUGUST 2012

Luke JonesSales Manager, Middle East ArchitectTel: +971 4 444 3713Email: [email protected]

For table bookings and further information please contact:Michelle MeyrickEvents ManagerTel: +971 4 444 3328Email: [email protected]

Yazan RahmanSales Director, Construction Group Tel: +971 4 444 3351Email: [email protected]

For sponsorship enquiries please contact:

For nomination enquiries please contact:Oliver EphgraveEditorTel: +971 4 444 3303Email: [email protected]

TUESDAY 23RDOCTOBER, 2012

THE WESTIN, DUBAI

Gold SponsorPlatinum Sponsor Category Sponsor

TH

E V

ER

TIC

AL

OA

SIS

| C

AS

E S

TU

DY


TH

E V

ER

TIC

AL

OA

SIS

| C

AS

E S

TU

DY

THE VERTICAL

OASISArchitect: Aaron Marriott and

Clarissa WenbornLocation: Abu Dhabi

CASE STUDY

49

CA

SE

ST

UD

Y | T

HE

VE

RT

ICA

L OA

SIS


THE PROJECT This eco tower for Abu Dhabi was

designed as part of a Master’s course at the University of Nottingham’s

Department of Architecture and Built Environment.

Each year the studio promotes high-rise designs that respond to the city’s climate, culture and context, tasking students to generate new ideas. The project Vertical

Oasis, by Aaron Marriott and Cla-rissa Wenborn, recreates the oasis at height on Abu Dhabi Corniche, adjacent to the ADIA Tower.

THE CONCEPT The students’ design was a re-

sponse to the lack of potable water in the UAE, and the reliance on desali-nation. To solve this, inspiration was drawn from the oasis, a traditional source of life for the region providing settlement, water, trade and shade from the harsh arid sun. The design consists of a series of stacked ‘oasis villages’ shaded by an outer perfo-rated facade which wraps around the building like a veil. Each village includes its own green community space, irrigated by an extensive water recycling system.

49NUMBER OF STOREYS

IN THE TOWER


TH

E V

ER

TIC

AL

OA

SIS

| C

AS

E S

TU

DY THE DETAILS

Grey water from showers, hand basins, kitchen sinks and dishwash-ers is fed to the oasis space. Here it is cleaned through a series of fi lters within the fl oor plate and then passed through the open planting area where it is further fi ltered by a fi ne gravel whilst simultaneously irrigating the plants. Surplus water cascades down the building, through the various inter-connected oasis levels and is collected in a basement tank. Rather than hiding the grey water recycling, the whole process is exposed and celebrated as a key part of the architecture and experience of the building.

TRIPLE-HEIGHT UNITS

180

Internally the lush planting and water recreate the environmental benefi ts of the ‘oasis eff ect’ – warm

air enters the building and is cooled by the exposed

water, while greenery provides additional shade. The oases cre-ate a continuous eco-corridor up the build-

ing and act as a home for birds and insects. The

density of openings in the facade is designed to provide more shade on the ‘hot’ sides of the tower, with more openings to the north and areas with good views. Openings are also reduced for private spaces.

52

AZ

ER

EN

ER

JI H

Q |

CA

SE

ST

UD

Y


AZ

ER

EN

ER

JI H

Q |

CA

SE

ST

UD

Y

THE PROJECT This 28-storey tower complex is the HQ for AzerEnerji, the state provider of power for Azerbaijan. P&T was tasked to design a building that is highly secure and functional, which refl ects the technology used in Azer-baijan’s new grid. It is capped with a triple-high space for the company president. The ground fl oor holds a museum for the founder of Azerbai-jan, an assembly room, a canteen and a dispatch room where the entire grid of the country is monitored.

53

CA

SE

ST

UD

Y | A

ZE

RE

NE

RJI H

Q

AZERENERJI HQArchitect: P&T Architects and Engineers

Location: Baku, Azerbaijan

CASE STUDY


28 NUMBER OF STOREYS

IN THE TOWER

The building is located on a promi-nent site on Hydar Alieyev Prospect, leading from the international airport to the city centre. With the prominent position and dramatic core lighting, the tower was envisaged as a landmark for the country. A dramatic entrance is created by lifting up the central mass on a 1.4m high base, with a ceremonial staircase.

THE SITE

54

AZ

ER

EN

ER

JI H

Q |

CA

SE

ST

UD

Y


THE DETAILSA VRV room in the facade on each fl oor handles the AC rather than a central system typically installed on the roof. According to Frantzen, the system will save approximately 30% energy, since water is pumped hori-zontally rather than up and down. The capital cost is roughly the same for both systems. At the top of the tower, the president’s offi ce makes full use of the protruded central building mass. This triple height space contains an offi ce on the lower level fl anked by a boardroom and a private lounge, while a balcony with trees is level with the roof terrace and is used for functions.

THE CONCEPTP&T director Stephan Frantzen explains the concept. “We used the tension characterising electricity in a simple way by slicing the building into three elements and tilting the middle portion slightly. The govern-ment connection is expressed by a serene and effi cient design. It is clean and simple, not gimmicky, boring or running the risk of becoming out of date. Government buildings do not need to be boring even though they are monumental and expresses importance and authority.”

30%ENERGY SAVINGS

OFFERED BY THE VRV SYSTEM

Your industry doesn't stand still,

so why should your knowledge?

BREAKING NEWS | ANALYSIS | COMMENT

F O R T H E M I D D L E E A S T C O N S T R U C T I O N I N D U S T R Y

For advertising enquiries, please contact: Yazan Rahman, Tel: +971 4 444 3351

E-mail: [email protected]

VISITwww.constructionweekonline.com for more information

56

PR

OJE

CT

UP

DA

TE

| T

HE

WO

RK

THEWORKPROJECT UPDATE


XEROX EMIRATES HQ

Architects: AK Design/ Adel Almojil Consulting EngineersLocation: Dubai

Designed by UAE-based AK De-sign and Adel Almojil Consulting Engineers, this clean-lined complex serves as a showcase for the Xerox brand in the Middle East. It contains a customer showroom, offi ces, work-shops, support centres and train-ing facilities. The large open-plan areas encourage transparency and interaction between departments. The Xerox complex was completed in late 2011.

MARINA MALL

Architect: HOKLocation: Lusail, Qatar

Designed by HOK, this futuristic retail complex for Qatar’s mammoth Lusail development contains fi ve interconnected retail ‘islands’ with water running through the centre. Smaller outlying pods will house ad-ditional retail, exhibition and enter-tainment space, such as a skate park and children’s play area. It is aiming for the top ranking in Qatar’s green building index and was recently granted planning permission.

KUWAIT CULTURAL CENTRE

Architect: BDPLocation: Sabah Al-Ahmad City, Kuwait

BDP has been appointed by the Public Authority of Housing Welfare to design a landmark cultural centre in Sabah Al Ahmad, a new city for 2,500 people in the Kuwaiti desert. According to the architect, the centre will off er an “inspirational home for a wide range of cultural activities” and includes a gallery, museum, theatre, screening room, conference centre and children’s theatre.

2,500 ESTIMATED

POPULATION OF SABAH AL-AHMAD

CITY

5193M2 GROSS FLOOR

AREA


TH

E W

OR

K | P

RO

JEC

T U

PD

AT

E

AL HAMRA TOWER

Architect: Skidmore, Owings & MerrillLocation: Kuwait City, Kuwait

Designed by US giant SOM, Al Hamra Tower is a sculpted concrete skyscraper in Kuwait, valued at US$950m. The commercial complex contains offi ces, a health club, rooftop restaurant and a high-end shopping mall with an IMAX cinema complex and food court. Standing at 412m, it claims numerous height-based records such as tallest building in Kuwait, tallest ‘sculptural’ tower and tallest stone-clad structure.

412M TOTAL HEIGHT OF

THE TOWER

ETIHAD TOWERS

Architect: Design by Innovation (DBI)Location: Abu Dhabi

Completed in November 2011, this mixed-use project in Abu Dhabi comprises fi ve towers, plus an inter-connecting podium, developed by Sheikh Suroor Projects Department (SSPD). It includes the 585-key Jumeirah Etihad Towers Hotel. The project contains three residential buildings, housing 885 apartments, a commercial offi ce tower, a shopping mall, restaurants and cafes and the UAE’s largest banqueting hall.

AMAF HEADQUARTER BUILDING

Architect: LacasaLocation: Dubai

Lacasa won fi rst prize in a competi-tion design for the headquarters of Islamic foundation, Awqaf & Minor-ity Aff airs Foundation (AMAF). Accordingly the design language of the, so far, unrealised project uses Islamic patterns and motifs. Symbolism was used in the materials and their relation to the masses to refl ect the entity. Functioning as an offi ce complex, the building designed to provide fl exible spaces that can be divided per the tenant’s request.

JAMESON HOUSE

Architect: Foster + PartnersLocation: Vancouver, Canada

Jameson House is a new 35-storey mixed-use tower in the Canadian city of Vancouver and includes the fi rst residential development to be completed by Foster + Partners in North America. Finished at the end of last year, the building is already almost fully occupied, according to the architect. The development com-prises 11 storeys of offi ces and shops, topped by 23 storeys of apartments.

US$1BN TOTAL VALUE OF

PROJECT

33,000M2 TOTAL GROSS AREA


PR

OJE

CT

UP

DA

TE

| T

HE

WO

RK

TOZEUR RESORT

Architect: GAJLocation: Tozeur, Tunisia

Runner-up in the Hospitality & Leisure category at the 2011 Middle East Architect Awards, this boutique 63-key resort in Tunisia comprises a destination spa, a banqueting and conference centre and a cultural vil-lage. Other facilities in GAJ’s Tozeur Resort include local craft studios, retail outlets, restaurants, nightclubs as well as an Arabian Nights outdoor dining experience and an outdoor amphitheatre.

AL MIZHAR VILLA

Architect: AK DesignLocation: Dubai

Designed by UAE-based AK Design, Al Mizhar Villa is a contemporary play on the traditional courtyard houses of the Gulf region. The con-straints of the long, narrow site led to the form of two ‘living tubes’ sliding past each other to create a central landscaped courtyard. The northern tube contains family-oriented func-tions while the bedrooms are housed in the southern tube and accessed via a fully-glazed gallery. Both tubes are anchored by a central living room.

7M COST OF THE VILLA

SARAYA BANDAR JISSAH

Architect: GAJLocation: Oman

Designed by GAJ, Saraya Bandar Jissah is a luxury resort and com-munity nestled within a sheltered bay where mountains meet the Gulf of Oman. Residential units and rec-reational facilities are located within the valleys while two luxury hotels sit adjacent to the beach. With views of a lagoon system, wadis and moun-tains, the housing units are oriented to follow the contours and minimise impact on the landscape.

SIDRA VILLAGE

Architect: Allies & MorrisonLocation: Doha, Qatar

This walled community on the out-skirts of Doha will provide 1,165 fl ats for the nursing staff of the new Sidra hospital, as part of the Education City development. The scheme will contain a small mosque, community and leisure facilities, restaurants and cafes. Developed by Mazaya for end-user Qatar Foundation, Sidra Village is integrated within the existing street pattern.

1,165 NUMBER OF FLATS

IN THE VILLAGE

CU

LTU

RE

| LI

KE

WA

NT

NE

ED

60

CU

LTU

RE

| LI

KE

WA

NT

NE

ED

LIKEWANTNEED

CULTURE

BOOKWRITING ABOUT ARCHITECTURE

Alexandra Lange

This handbook, by Alexandra Lange, is a complete guide to writing eff ectively and critically about the contemporary city. It uses works by some of the best architecture critics of the 20th century to explain successful methods for approaching architectural criticism. Each chapter opens with a reprint of a historically signifi cant essay, and is organised around specifi c typologies such as skyscrapers, museums and parks.


LIGHTINGAQUAREA

Preciosa

Part of lighting fi rm Preciosa’s Lightness collection, the design of the fi xture Aquarea by designer Lucie Sokolova was inspired by jellyfi sh hovering in the ocean. Glass jellyfi sh made of mouth-blown crystal, decorated with optical patterns, bubbles and green lustre contrast sharply with other glass jellyfi sh that are formed from machine-cut chandelier trimmings. It is equipped with three types of light sources, including optical fi bres.


CU

LTU

RE

| LI

KE

WA

NT

NE

ED

MATERIALCRYSTAL TITANIUM Architectural Titanium

The finish of Crystal Titanium is an intrinsic part of the metal, not just a surface finish. Developed by Architectural Titanium, it is produced by physically growing the titanium crystals in a controlled vacuum chamber. Through this process, the titanium’s natural crystal structure begins to enlarge and re-orientate.

ACCESSORIESKOHLER STEREOSTIK

StereoStik is an audio product from Kohler that further enhances the bathroom’s role as a relaxing experience. An audio add-on system that is easily installed to existing mirrored cabinets, the StereoStik is designed to work with Kohler’s 26-inch tall, surface-mounted mirrored cabinets. The panel module mounts on either side of the mirrored cabinet, allowing for fl exibility in installation and easy access for users. Its features include an AM/FM radio with antenna and an auxiliary input jack with a cable for connecting to an MP3 player.

To honour these objects, and celebrate the inspiration they generate, Commercial Interior Design will select the most inspirational 100 for the 2nd annual CID’s One Hundred Objects of Desire.

CID’s One Hundred Objects of Desire will be revealed at a private party, held at a local gallery in Dubai on Wednesday 30th May and attended by an invitation-only guest list of interior designers,

industrial designers and the purveyors of our objects of desire.

Sponsorship and advertising packages are available for a select few, so to find out more contact one of our team today.

SPONSORSHIP ENQUIRIES

Teri Clarke, Sales Manager, Tel: +971 4 444 3679, Email: [email protected]

EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES

Jenny Eagle, Editor, Tel: +971 4 444 3363, Email: [email protected]

From lamps to lighting installations, book shelves to balustrades, furniture to floors, and the spaces interior designers create, CID’s One Hundred Objects of Desire is a celebration of all things inspirational.

DESIRE100O B J E C T S O F

085

n amazingly modular fi xture, the Bubble Chandelier by Charles of Paris also has a matching fl oor lamp and other endless possible adaptations.

Composed of stainless steel or silver glass bubbles attached to each other in infi nte

permutations, it is glamorous and playful, futuristic and art deco. Dress it up or dress it

down like another good staple of your wardrobe. The Bubble Chandelier by Charles of

Paris is a shimmering lighting fi xture that adds a sense of Parisian chic to any room.

BUBBLECHANDELIERCharles Loomis2010

ou don’t need to be in Venice to bring Murano glass to your home. Murano House in London has launched a collection of handles to decorate cabinets,

drawers and doors infusing the glass inside the design.

There are four types of Murano Scolpisce La Maniglia in colours including amethyst, black

silver, black gold, white gold and white silver. They are manufactured by interiors and

product designer Simon House and Italian glass designer Simone Piccoli.

MURANO HANDLESSimon House andSimone Piccoli2011

036

f the makers of the Rubik's Cube teamed up with FIFA to design a lighting fi xture, then they may have come up with something like this.

Actually designed by QisDesign,

the Crystal Light is an LED fi xture

which allows you to assemble

the ‘crystals’ into any form you

want. Each crystal is connected

by a magnet and the light can be

changed via remote control. The

interactive element is possible

thanks to the low temperature of

the LED.

THE CRYSTALLIGHTQisDesign2010

8

088

hey say it'sinspired by coral, we say it looks likea bit like a giant dandelion. Either way, this lamp by

Qis Design is certainly unique and eye-catching.Thanks to a special light diff usio

the light emitted by the LED bulb

is evenly distributed on the edge

of each diff user. There are six

colours to choose from to suit

diff erent environments, and the

light is available in table, ceiling

and fl oor models.

CORALLIGHTQisDesign2010

027027

haron Marston creates dramatic lighting features with fi bre optic fi laments using material from a range of industries including fi ne bone china, hand-blown glass and woven polymers. Her London based studio has won international acclaim for its chandeliers and vibrant

backdrops and works across a range of industries including art, fashion and product design.

She combines traditional techniques with contemporary design with projects from private

residences to international large-scale features in the commercial and hospitality sectors.

MARSTONCHANDELIERSSharon Marston1997-2011

LAST WORD | NIGEL CRADDOCK


Nigel Craddock, design manager for Stride Treglown, on regional masterplanning and client education

THE LAST WORD

THE BIG PICTURE

Registered at Dubai Media CityPO Box 500024, Dubai, UAETel: 00 971 4 444 3000Fax: 00 971 4 444 3030Web: www.itp.comOffices in Dubai & London

ITP BUSINESS PUBLISHING

CEO Walid AkawiManaging Director Neil DaviesManaging Director ITP Business Karam AwadDeputy Managing Director Matthew SouthwellEditorial Director David Ingham

EDITORIAL

Senior Group Editor Stuart Matthews Editor Oliver Ephgrave Tel: +971 4 444 3303 email: [email protected] Devina Divecha Tel: +971 4 444 3502 email: [email protected]

ADVERTISING

Sales Director, Construction Group Yazan RahmanTel: +971 4 444 3351 email: [email protected] Manager Luke JonesTel: +971 4 444 3715 email: [email protected] Development Manager, Saudi Arabia Rabih NaderiTel: +966 1 2068697 email: [email protected]

STUDIO

Group Art Editor Daniel PrescottSenior Designer Christopher Howlett

PHOTOGRAPHY

Chief Photographer Jovana ObradovicSenior Photographers Isidora Bojovic, Efraim EvidorStaff Photographers Lester Ali, George Dipin,Juliet Dunne, Murrindie Frew, Lyubov Galushko,Verko Ignjatovic, Shruti Jagdeesh, Stanislav Kuzmin,Mosh Lafuente, Ruel Pableo, Rajesh Raghav

PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION

Group Production & Distribution Director Kyle Smith Deputy Production Manager Matthew GrantProduction Coordinator Nelly PereiraDistribution Manager Karima AshwellDistribution Executive Nada Al Alami

CIRCULATION

Head of Database & Circulation Gaurav Gulati

MARKETING

Head of Marketing Daniel FewtrellMarketing Manager Michelle Meyrick

ITP DIGITAL

Director Peter Conmy Internet Applications Manager Mohammed Affan Web Designer Meghna Rao

ITP GROUP

Chairman Andrew NeilManaging Director Robert SerafinFinance Director Toby Jay Spencer-DaviesBoard of Directors K M Jamieson, Mike Bayman,Walid Akawi, Neil Davies, Rob Corder, Mary Serafin

Circulation Customer Service Tel: +971 4 444 3000

Certain images in this issue are available for purchase.Please contact [email protected] for further detailsor visit www.itpimages.com

Printed by Atlas Printing Press L.L.C. Dubai

Subscribe online at www.itp.com/subscriptions

Audited by: BPA WorldwideAverage Qualified Circulation5,132 (July – Dec 2011)

Cover image Spine Mosque, Palm Jumeirah

The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on information contained in this publication which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the reader’s particular circumstances.

The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.

Published by and © 2012 ITP Business Publishing, a division of the ITP Publishing Group Ltd. Registered in the B.V.I. under Company number 1402846.

There is an obsession with masterplanning in the regionThe main disadvantage is that you end up with a piecemeal, half-baked project in the event of cancellations. Urban framework plans off er a more fl exible, organic model.

Historically there has been an awful lot of mistrust in this market. Now is the time to build personal relationships between clients and architects.

In theory, there should be more time in the planning stage for buildings. It is not a speculative-driven frenzy like it was. I think we’ve learnt a lot in the last

fi ve years.

We were trying to churn out concept designs in a week-and-a-half for a 50-storey tower, which was absolutely ridiculous.

Now things are more normal, and we should have more time to sit down and educate the client.

Clients can employ international architects with global knowledge. They have the perfect opportunity to get world class buildings.

I think that legislation will help to create greener buildings in the UAE.It will put more pressure on architects to innovate and educate the client if they

are not aware of simple things, such as exploiting external circulation and passive natural ventilation.

HIGH AESTHETIC TOTAL WALL SOLUTION.

Qbiss One, The cost-effective solution for your facades an ideal alternative to

Aluminium rainscreens. Combining total functionality and aesthetics it is the natural

choice for all architectural building applications.

Qbiss One the Full facade

solution including curved

radius panels.

Prefabricated rounded corners

- no cuts, folds or welds. Giving

the highest levels of aesthetics.

Qbiss One the full through wall solution, offering excellent insulation

values, the highest levels of airtightness and exceptional levels of

flatness. The true alternative to Aluminium Rainscreens.

Alu

min

ium

Rai

nsc

reen

s

Qb

iss

On

e F

acad

e S

yste

m

Trimo UK Ltd, UAE Branch officeLevel 19, Monarch Office Tower | Office 1907 | One Sheikh Zayed Road | P.O Box 333840 | Dubai, UAEt: +971 4 7050401 | m: +971 505093153 | [email protected] | www.qbiss.eu | www.trimo.org.uk

Qbiss One on McLaren Production Centre, GB | Architect: Foster + Partners

P&T GROUPARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS LTD

MASTER PLANMIXED USEHOSPITALITYRESIDENTIALOFFICESRETAILEDUCATION HEALTHCARE

Hong Kong HQ

Dubai

Abu Dhabi

RiyadhAjmanRas Al Khaimah

Beijing

Shanghai

Singapore

Bangkok

Hanoi

Macau

www.p-t-group.com

Tel: (971) 4 358 6803

Tel: (971) 2 650 6003

E-mail:[email protected]

E-mail:[email protected]

Since 1868

Middle East Architect | May 2012

Documents

Transcript of Middle East Architect | May 2012