Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre Takes Shape in Al Ain What Keeps Us Moving

An ITP Business Publication NOVEMBER 2011 / VOLUME 5 / ISSUE 11

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

INSIGHT FEATURE Uncovering the latest Exploring the many trends in regional benefits of Building education Information design Modelling

ROUGH DIAMOND

Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre takes shape in Al Ain What keeps us moving.

The TWIN elevator system at ThyssenKrupp’s headquarters building Dreischeibenhaus in Dusseldorf (Germany):2 cabs, 1 shaft, 0 crowds. | Accept no Limits. NOVEMBER | CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2011 VOLUME 5 ISSUE 11 4 FRONT 8 Top stories in the world of architecture including PROJECTS Foster + Partner’s Kuwait A round up of the latest airport and a Dubai-esque project news from MENA ski slope in Sweden and the rest of the world 14 16 THE BIG PICTURE ANALYSIS Dubai’s Grosvenor House Speakers at the World towers are at their best when Architecture Congress call the lights come on for site speciﬁ c design 22 24 OPINION COVER STORY Hisham Youssef asserts that On site at the SZ Desert clients should understand Learning Centre, which is and support architects taking shape in Al Ain

34 40 INTERVIEW Murat Tabanlioglu describes INSIGHT the latest projects to emerge Discovering the ever- from his Turkish ﬁ rm’s expanding possibilities intrepid portfolio of Building Information 48 Modelling software FEATURE 58 MEA explores the latest trends and challenges when CASE STUDIES designing schools for the Maysan Residences by dwp, Middle East region MZ Architect’s Lagos design and LEED Gold-rated Mirdif 76 City Centre CULTURE 80 Cool products, clever ideas, and some of the latest gadgets THE LAST WORD in the design world Muhannad Sh. Assam, managing director for BEAD Architects & Designers

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Pearls for the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre (page 24) FOSTER REVEALS DESIGN FOR KUWAIT AIRPORT

UK architecture giant unveils designs for major airport redevelopment

1,200M Foster + Partners has unveiled its The new terminal will help the building LENGTH OF EACH driving the project are design for Kuwait International will handle 13m become the world’s DEPARTURE equally impressive.” Airport, a major hub with a yearly per year. fi rst terminal to GATE WING The canopy extends to capacity of 13 million passengers. achieve LEED Gold. shade a large entrance plaza The fi rm’s passenger terminal Mouzhan Majidi, chief and is supported by tapering design comprises three symmetri- executive of Foster + Partners, com- concrete columns which are said to cal wings of departure gates, each mented: “The scale of the airport be inspired by the traditional dhow extending 1,200 metres from a shows Kuwait’s great foresight in sailing boats. 25-metre-high central space. recognising the benefi ts of strategic The terminal is located to enable Sustainable measures, such as investment in future infrastruc- future expansion to accommodate up roof-mounted photovoltaic panels, ture. The environmental ambitions to 50 million passengers a year.

4 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com NOVEMBER | FRONT

New schools planned in Abuu Dhabi’s Future Length of boulevard in Schools plan Nigeria’s Eko Atlantic (page 48) City (page 62)

Sweden to trump SkiSki DubaiD b i DESIGNMENA.COM This month’s top stories on the online home with 700m indoor slope of Middle East Architect • Winners for 2011 Commercial Interior De- Plans have been revealed for a 700m The resort will also contain a sign Awards announced indoor ski slope in Sweden which will 3.5km cross-country skiing tunnel, • 25 essential iPad apps for interior design surpass the 400m Ski Dubai. a biathlon area, ice hockey and ﬁ gure students Located outside Stockholm, the skating rinks, and a snow park for • In Pictures: Commercial Interior Design 2 70,000m Skipark 360° has been snowboarders. Awards winners designed by Berg Arkitektkontor, the Skipark 360° is a reaction to • Only 10% of ME construction professionals local branch of CF Moller Architects. reduced snowfall in Sweden, which is using BIM, says expert threatening the skiing industry. • Head for Heights Construction is due to start in 2013 or 2014 and will be completed within WEIRD PROJECT OF THE MONTH two years. Although there are around 30 indoor slopes around the world, with several in Europe, the most famous is arguably Ski Dubai, located in Mall of Sweden has experienced low snowfall. the Emirates. Turkish tower lauded by RIBA

BNKR Arquitectura has designed an ‘earth- A 21-storey residential tower in Istan- scraper’ to get around the height restriction bul, designed by Turkish architecture in the historic centre of Mexico City. The ﬁ rm Tabanlioglu, was among the 13 inverted pyramid contains a central void to winners of the RIBA International feed light to the underground storeys. Awards 2011. DATASTREAM The project, called Loft Gardens, was described by the RIBA judges AEDAS MIDDLE EAST - PROJECTS BY REGION as “an extreme demonstration of elegance and restraint within a subtly 6% modiﬁ ed typology”. KSA Another Middle East building to 18% QATAR be recognised was Foster + Partner’s 47% Masdar Institute in Abu Dhabi, a ABU DHABI centrepiece of the zero-carbon city. 29% DUBAI Inaugurated in 2005, the RIBA In- ternational Awards honour outstand- ing buildings outside the UK.

www.designmena.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 5 FRONT | NOVEMBER

60 SECOND INTERVIEW DR HANAN M. TALEB, FACULTY MEMBER, PEOPLE BRITISH UNIVERSITY IN Norman Foster pays DUBAI (BUID) tribute to Steve Jobs Why is it important to have enducation on sustainability? Education for sustainability has Norman Foster paid tribute to Apple’s become an essential tool for Steve Jobs, who died last month, citing him achieving sustainable develop- as “an inspiration and role model”. ment and has been adopted in a Foster + Partners is working for Apple number of countries throughout on its new campus in Cupertino, California the world. (pictured). Completion is slated for 2015. In a statement, Foster said: “We were What role can universities play? greatly privileged to know Steve as a per- They need to equip higher son, as a friend and in every way so much education graduates, who more than a client. Steve was an inspiration are likely to occupy future management Stuart Rough takes the hot seat. and a role model. and leadership “He encouraged us to develop new ways roles, with knowl- New chairman for of looking at design to refl ect his unique edge and skill Broadway Malyan ability to weave backwards and forwards sets that help between brand strategy and the minutiae of them in making UK-based fi rm Broadway Malyan has ap- the tiniest of internal fi ttings. informed-deci- pointed director Stuart Rough as chairman “For him no detail was small in its sig- sions. and added new staff to its Shanghai offi ce. nifi cance and he would be simultaneously Rough has led award-winning retail and questioning the headlines of our project Which universities workplace projects in China, Southeast together whilst he delved into its fi ne print.” off er courses on Asia and Europe, including the BASF, Sony Foster continued: “He was the ultimate sustainable architecture? I conducted a survey a few and Roche headquarter buildings. perfectionist and demanded of himself as months ago and it was shocking He said: “As part of the practice’s senior he demanded of others. We are better as in- to fi nd a lack of courses devoted management team I will focus on develop- dividuals and certainly wiser as architects to sustainable architecture, with ing the global reach of our 15-strong net- through the experience of the last two years the exception of the Masters work of bases from São Paulo to Shanghai, and more of working for him...he was one of course on Sustainable Design enhancing the unrivalled diversity of our the truly great designers and mentors.” of Built Environment from BUiD. 500+ sector experts, increasing our distinc- However, other universities have tive client focus, with 80% of 2010 income launched sustainability cur- from repeat business, and widening our ricula, such as KAUST and King portfolio of world-class projects.” Saud University in Saudi Arabia, The move will see director Melvin Davis, and the UAE’s Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, who has come to the end of his tenure as United Arab Emirates University chairman, relocate to the practice’s Shang- and the University of Sharjah. hai offi ce from 2012. Foster designed the new Apple campus.

The energy effi ciency of a The competition It has been an incredible supertall building is in Qatar is huge, achievement to turn a small superior to the and that has driven desert city state equivalent down some of the into a global number of low- actual commercial tourism brand. rise buildings.” attractiveness We are going Adrian Smith, co- of it.” to see Dubai founder of AS+GG, Eamonn become more justiﬁ es his well- Kerr, MD, mature.” known specialism in Sweett Simon Crispe, Atkins cloud-piercing Group structures commercial director

6 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com Cultural center - Nouméa (New Caledonia - Pacific Ocean) Architect : Renzo Piano

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MENA PROJECT SNAPSHOT

1 2 3 ABU DHABI QATAR DUBAI UAE Pavilion on Saadiyat Construction starts on Nature-focused Al Barari nears completion $1.65bn Doha Festival City completes phase one villas

Abu Dhabi’s dune-like UAE Pavilion, Construction work has started on the Al Barari, a low-density development designed by Foster + Partners, will QR6bn ($1.65bn) Doha Festival City in Dubai that embraces nature, has be completed in time to host an art retail destination which is slated for announced the completion of its 189 event in mid November. The pavilion completion in the fourth quarter of phase one villas. Around 80% of Al has been relocated to Saadiyat island 2014. IKEA, part of the Al-Futtaim Barari’s land is dedicated to open after hosting the UAE’s national Group, will be developed under the green space, making it the region’s exhibition at the World Expo 2010 in ﬁ rst phase of construction and the lowest density development. The Shanghai. Reconstructed by TDIC 32,000m2 store is set for completion project contains 14 kilometres of and commissioned by the National in Q4 2012, with the remaining ele- naturally ﬁ ltered lakes, freshwater Media Council, the structure will ments of Doha Festival City due for streams, cascades and waterways and now act as a cultural venue. delivery two years later. six botanical themed gardens.

8 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com TECHNICAL MIDDLE EAST | ADVERTISMENT FEATURE Strong year for Technal Middle East Technal Middle East (TME) reports strong performance this year, having achieved good results and on targets for the fi nancial year in the fi rst half of 2011. The Bahrain-based company, which is the regional offi ce for Technal, a leading international architectural aluminium systems supplier, continues to build on the strength of the French brand that was created more than 50 years ago. Over the past year, TME has redoubled eff orts to achieve its sales targets and despite the global credit crunch, has continued to invest in reinforcing its organisation, its logistics facilities, and its support teams in the region. “Despite the global economic downturn over Technal is a leading supplier of architectural aluminium. the past couple of years, TME is enjoying another good year in 2011,” says Hesham Kameshki, certifi cations for a number of its engineered centre (R&D) is further enhancing this high-tech marketing and business development manager solutions, including a blast-proof aluminium product with additional innovative features and of TME. “This is thanks to our constant eff orts façade and window applications from a specialist versatile design concepts, according to Kameshki. to provide the most suitable cost-eff ective UK-based blast testing facility centre. One such Technal brand entered the Gulf markets engineering solutions at competitive prices.” blast-proof application that was developed to some 33 years ago as the fi rst international TME’s eff orts in the region are backed by fulfi l ‘security’ requirements has been supplied architectural aluminium system to be introduced the constant drive for innovation by its parent and installed on a landmark institutional project in the region. It has been active in the Gulf company in France, which continues to develop in Kuwait and will be followed by another such since 1978 serving all GCC markets from the products that anticipate future market needs and project in Bahrain. Bahrain headquarters, with regional offi ces in trends, to meet various architectural aluminium Also tested at and certifi ed by one of the most Dubai (UAE) and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), a strong requirements in both residential and commercial renowned test centres in the region is another network of ‘metal builders’ commonly known buildings construction. specialised development to its Géode MX system as aluminium fabricators, dedicated technical Technal has developed a range of high-tech for a fi re-rated aluminium façade application and sales teams and a logistics team with central systems with cutting-edge designs for casement designed to enhance ‘safety’ in all commercial and distribution warehouse located in Bahrain. From windows and doors as well as a new concept residential buildings. The system has already been this central warehouse, TME delivers its products for sliders, both with thermal insulation options. supplied to the housing complex project for male to all the GCC countries (described as local These include Luméal sliders and patio-doors; and female students for Qatar Foundation. markets) and Yemen, Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, Soléal casement windows and entrance doors; Another major success for the company was Libya and Egypt (as export markets). Notéal, a versatile range of casement and having its new-concept unitised façade system Kameshki concludes: “We will continue to suspended sliding shutters used for the external supplied and installed in some landmarks across capitalise on our achievements and sustain our building envelope; and Sunéal aluminium sun the region, including the United Tower, which is business growth. shading systems. currently the tallest tower in Jeddah. We have a long- “These new concept products aim to “The United Tower is a striking project because term commitment revolutionise the architectural aluminium of its 100% glass elevations, where no aluminium to our customers segment. They off er global and ideal solutions profi les are externally visible. For the project, and markets and that are cost eff ective and ensure high we have developed a custom-designed unitised are confi dent that performance,” Kameshki says. façade system with a unique glass replacement our eff orts will earn In addition, at the end of 2010 and early this feature,” he says. rich dividends in all year, TME successfully tested and acquired Technal’s brand research and development markets.”

www.designmena.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 9 FRONT | NOVEMBER

GLOBAL PROJECT SNAPSHOT

1 2 3 CHINA CHINA SOUTH KOREA SOM to redevelop 2km Beijing’s tallest building Cinema boasts world’s Nanjing waterfront breaks ground largest cantilevered roof

SOM has won a competition for a A groundbreaking ceremony took A newly opened cinema complex in large scale redevelopment of Nan- place for Beijing’s tallest building, the Busan, South Korea, contains the jing’s Yangtze riverfront, a forgotten 510m China Zun developed by CITIC largest cantilevered roof in the world. two-kilometre stretch in the historic Group. The 108-story tower will The roof of the building has a free Chinese city. The development, by dwarf the nearby China World Trade span of 85 metres and a surface of Beijing-based MCC Real Estate Center Tower 3, a 330-meter-tall 60 x 120 metres. Designed by Coop Co. LTD, is located between a river building that is currently the tallest in Himmelb(l)au and Wolf D. Prix, the levee and the old city wall. Phase One Beijing. Inspired by Zun, an ancient complex contains 60,000m2 of per- will revitalise the Dama Road and Chinese wine vessel, the tower will formance, event, food and adminis- Tianbaoli area and establish a new serve as both an offi ce building and a trative spaces and has a capacity of up framework of urban blocks. tourist destination. to 6,800 visitors.

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GLOBAL PROJECT SNAPSHOT

4 5 6 MALAYSIA UNITED KINGDOM CHINA Broadway Malyan delivers Southend pier develop- German ﬁ rm bags China Media Village plan ment receives green light ﬁ nancial centre

The concept master plan for GCD Planning permission has been grant- German architecture fi rm Gerkan, Media Village in Medini, Malaysia, ed for a striking cultural centre at the Marg and Partners (gmp) has been has been delivered by Broadway end of the UK’s historic Southend commissioned to design a ten-tower Malyan. The scheme will support the Pier, the world’s longest pleasure pier complex for a fi nancial centre in Nan- new Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia at 2,158m. The 364m2 centre was jing, China. Located on a 80,000m2 Studios, a US$130 million fi lm and designed by Scandinavian fi rm White site, the towers have an above ground television production facility project Arkitekter and UK-based Sprunt fl oor space of 500,000m2. The which is expected to create over and features a wave-shaped roof built masses are arranged in an outer ring 3,000 jobs. The architect recently from triangular panels. The building of seven 120 to 200 metre high towers completed the concept masterplan for includes an artists’ studio and a café and an inner ring of three 130 to 150 the wider Medini project. and dining area. metre high buildings.

12 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com

FRONT | NOVEMBER

14 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com NOVEMBER | FRONT

THE BIG PICTURE Grosvenor House, Dubai

This night shot in Dubai Marina, taken by ITP staff photographer Lester Ali, captures the Grosvenor House towers at their very best. The twin tower complex contains a hotel, which was ﬁ nished in 2005, and a newly-completed residential building that opened earlier this year. Ali remarked that architectural photographers should focus on the best or most interesting feature of a building. In the case of Grosvenor House, the most intriguing facet is most certainly the striking blue lights that sandwich each tower.

www.designmena.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 15 NEWS ANALYSIS | ARCHITECTURE CONGRESS GEARED TO THE GULF

ANALYSIS

Speakers at World Architecture Congress call for site-speciﬁ c design

16 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com ARCHITECTURE CONGRESS | NEWS ANALYSIS

his year’s Cityscape Global in Dubai was no- T table for a markedly lower attendance than previous editions, and this was refl ected in the conference hall. However, the two- day forum still managed to attract a small number of vociferous professionals that were keen to keep their fi ngers on the pulse. One of the event’s highlights was the afternoon of the 28th September, which featured presentations and discussions led by experts on Dubai and Qatar. The fi rst speaker was Rashad Bukhash, director of Architectural Heritage Department, Dubai Munici- pality, who talked about the emirate’s architecture in a presentation entitled ‘Dubai: Evaluating the city’s current architectural situation’. Bukhash commented: “I think Dubai went a little bit too fast and hundreds of towers went up on Sheikh Zayed Road and in the Marina. From 2004 to 2008 I was director of the Projects Department and I was going crazy. At one point I remember we had more than 300 projects, just for the Municipality. “Some good buildings emerged between 2000 and 2008, like the Emirates Towers, but we also got a lot of glass towers that don’t have much the architecture rather than coming Jumeirah are quality contemporary Allies & Morrison relation to the climate or the identity up with the design in a week. Now ar- interpretations of the vernacular, but is working on the of the area.” chitects can sit down, think about the added that the latter has “too many 35 ha Musheireb Bukhash added that the situation project and come up with something wind towers”. project in Qatar has improved in the wake of the fi nan- suitable to the place.” Following Bukhash’s presentation, (bottom right). cial crisis. “The economic problems According to Bukhash, the Munici- Tim Makower, partner for architec- in 2008 slowed the process down and pality seeks buildings that “preserves ture fi rm Allies and Morrison, gave a I think that was a good thing for the the identity of Dubai and is in har- talk on ‘Qatar: Escalating expansion architecture of the whole Gulf.” mony with the climate of the region”. and beyond 2022’. Makower’s fi rm He continued: “Architects need Bukhash believes that the Al Maha is behind the upcoming US$5.5bn several months to study and analyse Desert Resort and the Madinat Musheireb scheme. He stated:

Some good buildings emerged between 2000 and 2008, like the Emirates Towers, but we also got a lot of glass towers that don’t have much relation to the climate or the identity of the area.” Rashad Bukhash, director of Architectural Heritage Department, Dubai Municipality

www.designmena.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 17 NEWS ANALYSIS | ARCHITECTUREBUILDING TALL CONGRESS

Thyssenkrupp AG headquarters, Essen Many of Dubai’s towers are not tailored to the regional climate.

=DEHHO+DOOō6WDQG4 21 – 24 November 2011 225 SKYSCRAPERS IN “Qatar needs a sense of belonging. We DUBAI (EMPORIS) Great Architecture, are speeding up history. It is a natural process that happened in the 19th century. But it is very dangerous if there is no acknowl- 3HUIHFW)LUH3URWHFWLRQ edgment of human character.” Makower added: “Qatar needs to create the appropriate infra- Architectural masterpieces deserve structure for 2022. I think that the event is a great catalyst and the best fire protection with fire and motivator, but it’s not what it’s all about. smoke-tight doors made by Hörmann. “Honestly I hope it isn’t escalating expansion - I hope there is a Available in steel and aluminium, very measured expansion within the available resources.” T30/60/90 with a consistent design with According to Makower, the challenges include reducing pollu- matching doors. Flush-fitting STS steel tion and the use of carbon fuels and water while acknowledging the doors are also ideal for architectural distinct facets of the country. solutions of the highest quality. Flush-fitting He continued: “If our work is not rooted [in the locale] then it may STS steel doors not stand the test of time, whether that’s pre or post 2022.” Makower praised the ambition of the country’s upcoming metro system. “There is an extraordinary metro project underway in Qatar which is most impressive. The Dubai Metro is a splendid achieve- Doors for Home and Industry ment but the ambition of the Qatar system is at a wider level - it involves linking the causeway to Bahrain.” The presentations by Makower and Bukhash were closed by conference chairman Dr John Alexander Smith, Professor of Architec- For more information, please contact: ture and Interior Design, American University in Dubai. Hörmann Middle East “Which proposals are uniquely belonging to Qatar or Dubai? This is a serious question. If you cannot ﬁ nd the solution and persuade 3KRQHō)D[ōZZZKRUPDQQDH your clients then you’re actually failing,” concluded Smith.

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It’s not all doom and gloom for UAE museums

GOT A or me, the recent news moderate impact on the delivery visited as part of this month’s cover COMMENT? about the delays to the time line of the museums.” story. While I was expecting a mod- If you have any museums on Saadiyat is- More positively, the UAE has two est pavilion in the sand, I was blown comments to Fland are disappointing to landmark cultural projects that are away by the scale of the project and make on this say the least. Like many expats, one much closer to delivery. it’s monumental concrete form. month’s issue, of the things I miss about my home The fi rst is Foster + Partners’ Designed by Austrian fi rm please e-mail country is the plethora of cultural in- UAE Pavilion, which is also located CAP, the building twists out of the oliver. stitutions, and I am eagerly awaiting on Saadiyat island. The glowing surrounding desert like a giant ephgrave the likes of Frank Gehry’s Guggen- sand dune-like building featured at mushroom, with a spiraling circula- @itp.com heim and Jean Nouvel’s Louvre. the 2010 Shanghai Expo has been tion route that’s not unlike Frank Although not cancelled, the fl ag- reconstructed in time to host this Lloyd Wright’s classic Guggenheim ship projects will be delayed beyond month’s Abu Dhabi Art show. museum in New York. their 2013-14 completion dates, Reconstructed under the instruc- Not only is it a stunning piece of according to a statement from the tion of TDIC, the building is the architectural sculpture, it is a lesson developer Tourism Development and developer’s fi rst project to achieve a in sustainability. The complex is one Investment Company (TDIC). Two Pearl Rating for Estidama. of the pilot projects for Estidama and The developer did not give a new The second cultural project is is the only building in the emirate date for completion, but said “this the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning to achieve a Five Pearl rating in the necessary review will only have a Centre in Al Ain, a scheme that I design stage. This rating was attained through The Desert its careful orientation, water saving Learning Centre techniques, and use of solar heating in Al Ain is due and photovoltaics. for completion I have no doubt that the building in 2012. will be one of the Emirates’ architectural treasures when it opens next year, and will be a major attraction for the sleepy town of Al Ain. However, the success of the project as a cultural venue will rely on the quality of its contents. As a tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed, the project is a cross between a museum and a science centre and will contain exhibits on the UAE’s wildlife and cultural life. I have no doubt that the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Yet the mere fact that a stunning centre will be one of the Emirates’ architectural treasures building is taking shape in the desert means that it’s not all doom and when it opens next year.” gloom for museums and cultural projects in the UAE.

20 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com *HEHULW0RQROLWK 3LHFHRI DUW

*HEHULW0RQROLWKFRPELQHVSURYHQTXDOLW\ZLWKSXUHGHVLJQ7KHFLVWHUQLVFOHYHUO\FRQFHDOHGEHKLQGJODVV FUHDWLQJDVPRRWKVWUHDPOLQHGDQGDWWUDFWLYHRYHUDOOORRN7KHLQQRYDWLYH*HEHULW0RQROLWKFDQEHXVHG LQFRPELQDWLRQZLWKDOOVWDQGDUG:&FHUDPLFXQLWV1RWRQO\GRHVLWVWDQGRXWZLWKLWVSXULVWDHVWKHWLFDQGKLJK IXQFWLRQDOLW\EXWLWVGHVLJQKDVDOVRZRQQXPHURXVDZDUGVDOORYHUWKHZRUOG)LQGRXWPRUHDERXW*HEHULW 0RQROLWKDWǦ ZZZJHEHULWDH COMMENT | HISHAM YOUSSEF HELPING HAND OPINION Clients need to trust and support architects

Hisham Youssef rchitects are the ring Thirdly, I’d like to highlight the AIA, is project masters of the design need for architect control. Where director at Aarena. They are profes- work is being executed away from Gensler and a sionally trained to make the design architect’s base of prac- founding board a client’s vision a reality. tice, an associate design team is often member of They listen, they lead, they create, brought on board. the American coordinate and ultimately ensure a This team may not share the same Institute of dream is realised. And eventually, a understanding or vision of the design Architects’ Middle project’s success is evaluated based architect, which may often lead to East Chapter. on the architect’s ability to deliver compromises in the realisation of a well executed project that reﬂ ects the design. However, an educated the client’s primary vision. client, who believes in the mission An architect’s ability to execute, of the design architect, can set the however, is dependent on several fac- project direction by ensuring that the tors. We all know that architects are architect remains the leader of the expected to deliver on time and on project execution. budget, so I will not dwell on these Last but not least is the manner obvious basics. of project execution. Contractors, However, there are other factors driven primarily by cost, may not that are often overlooked, or not have the best interest of the project given suffi cient importance, which Great buildings, such as SOM’s Rolex at heart. are equally crucial for a successful Tower, are driven by savvy clients. A smart client who heeds his project execution. architect’s advice would go a long The ﬁ rst of these is a clear client pieces of the project. This can fail way to stay the course of the design brief. Often a client is not clear on with a change in project direction and vision of the project. With larger what they want and hence the archi- by the client at advanced stages, or and more complex projects being tect does not have a clear direction unreasonably tight deadlines. executed, this is often not such an for its work. This leads to misun- The less sophisticated the market, easy and clear cut task. derstandings, dissatisfaction and in the more this is likely to happen. It’s So where do we go from here? some circumstances, legal action. worth noting that the Middle East There’s no simple answer. As the Another crucial factor is the tight region is slowly maturing in this re- leaders and professional advisers, we coordination of consultant deliver- gard, by comparison to other emerg- must remain true to our oath and the ables. Coordination is about bringing ing and rapidly developing regions, mission we set out on. together the diff erent trades and most notably China and India. We all know that the best projects have strong clients who understand We all know that the best projects have the role of an architect, and provide strong clients who understand the role of the necessary support and leadership to ensure the successful realisation an architect and provide support.” of their vision. This is not only the case in the Middle East; this is uni- versal throught the world.

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To decode this ﬂ ashcode, you need to download MOBILETAG application on your smartphone app store. COVER STORY | DESERT LEARNING CENTRE WALK ON THE wildside The twisting form of the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre has started to take shape in the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort. Oliver Ephgrave visits the site

24 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com DESERT LEARNING CENTRE | COVER STORY

www.designmena.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 25 COVER STORY | DESERT LEARNING CENTRE

urrently best known for its abundance of round- C abouts, the sleepy UAE town of Al Ain will soon be synonymous with a stunning piece of sustainable architecture. As well as being the fi rst building to achieve a fi ve pearl rating at the design phase of Estidama, the monumental structure certainly exudes the elusive wow factor, even as a construction site. Located in the middle of the vast Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort (AWPR), the building seems to grow out of the ground like a giant mushroom. This eff ect will be accentuated further once the grey concrete is fully con- cealed by the sand-coloured cladding, which is made up of diamond-shaped marble panels. The structure in now complete, although delivery is not expected until August 2012. A cross between a museum and a science centre, the scheme is a tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed and will contain interactive displays about the UAE’s wildlife and culture. While some the digital renderings suggest a modest pavilion in the sand, the project is truly grand in scale with a huge 29.4m cantilever over the entrance and a vast centrepiece volume. Concept and detailed design was provided by Austrian fi rm Chalabi Architect & Partners. The architect’s circulation strategy features a shallow ramp spiralling around a central space akin to Frank Lloyd 236MWH Wright’s Guggen- ENERGY GENERATED The structure heim in New York. BY THE PVS of the Sheikh “The route won’t PER YEAR Zayed Desert feel like a slope - it’s a Centre is now continuous journey full complete. of exhibits. The journey culminated in a great view of the upcoming safari park and the Jebel Hafeet mountain,” adds Bassam Al Otaibi, director project management at AWPR. The visitor route also spirals down around a funnel-like inverted courtyard space which will be fi lled

26 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com DESERT LEARNING CENTRE | COVER STORY

with water to evoke the tradition falaj irrigation. “This system is used extensively in Al Ain. The water will also refl ect off the walls,” says Al Otaibi. Structurally, the cantilever proved to be a one of the project’s biggest challenges, according to Al Otaibi. “It’s a triangular cantilever - we call it a mushroom type. It takes the weight of three storeys above, and this was a challenge,” he says. Despite its heavyweight construction, the building is fi lled with light thanks to large openings and diamond-shaped windows. Al Obtaibi adds: “One of the Estidama requirements is lots of windows to and it’s one of the most sustainable measures to cut consumption by Photovoltaics maximise on daylight. They also give projects in the whole country,” says 40%. The roof is covered in photovol- are mounted on the building its architectural shape. Humaid Al-Hammadi, associate taics which will generate 236MWh the roof of the We will use double glazing to reduce planner for the Abu Dhabi Urban a year and shave 17% off the energy centre. heat loss.” Planning Council (UPC), who was usage. A 1100m2 solar farm generates Acquiring fi ve pearls with Esti- also present on the site tour. hot water for a Korean-built absorp- dama is no mean feat. “The centre is Accordingly the building will tion chiller - a fi rst for the UAE - that one of the pilot projects for Estidama contain a wealth of energy saving requires no additional power.

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www.designmena.com | 06.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 27 COVER STORY | DESERT LEARNING CENTRE

The design, by CAP, is notable for its diamond-shaped openings.

1,100M2 TOTAL AREA OF THE and local materials Al Obtaibi explains that LED lights include vacuum SOLAR FARM were used wherever are used for their energy effi ciency toilets - as used in possible, such as marble while all lights are controlled by a aeroplanes - as well as from Oman. Sea transpor- BMS system. Other measures include high effi ciency appli- tation is used for all non-UAE an earth heat exchanger that reduces ances. Rainwater is collected in materials. A sophisticated waste the ground air temperature by 10 de- underground tanks while grey water management system requires that all grees and cold water cooling coils that recycling will save 12m3 per day. waste is segregated. are embedded in the concrete slabs. Trees and plants are irrigated using The building’s impressive list Water savings are also a crucial treated seawater. of features includes a 200-seat consideration for Estidama and Materials were chosen in line with auditorium, an educational library, several techniques are utilised. These Estidama, such as renewable wood, and a cafeteria with an open terrace overlooking the safari park. “From this view you can’t see any signs of the The centre is one of the pilot projects for Estidama and it’s the city. It is surrounded by the local one of the most sustainable projects in the whole country” ghaf trees - we are manually watering them so they appear as green and lush Humaid Al-Hammadi, associate planner Abu Dhabi UPC as possible. The roof steps down to an area that can be used for special

28 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com FOAMGLAS® Insulation

Tapered roof (for all ﬂat roofs and terraces) Just a few yards from the national soccer stadium, the Arzanah Sports Medical Center is prominently located within a new mixed-use community in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The project set out to design a sustainable building which responded to this very public site while balancing the need for a calming, healing environment and a facility organized to provide an integrated multi-disciplinary healthcare facility to serve the community and region. The new LEED Gold designed, 78-bed medical centre will form part of the US$6 billion Arzanah development near Zayed Stadium on Abu Dhabi Island. As thermal insulation the consultant came to the decision to use FOAMGLAS® cellular glass insulation for the roof and some wall application. FOAMGLAS® is produced by Pittsburgh Corning and is free of any harmful blowing agent. It’s well known for it’s extreme durability and highest resistance to any kind of moisture. Due to the 66 % recycling content and use of only renewable energy in it’s production FOAMGLAS gets the highest credits in all environmental ratings and is supported with LEED and Estidama credits. The high compressive strength without creeping and deforming makes it the perfect solution especially in roof areas with garden and terraces.

7 Arzanah Medical Complex, Abu Dhabi 6 4 5 Client Mubadala Development Company 3 Consultant HDP Overseas Limited, HDR Location Abu Dhabi, UAE Under construction ﬁnishing December 2011 2 Build-up 1 Concrete roof deck 4 Two layers of bituminous 1 2 Primer coat waterprooﬁng membranes 3 FOAMGLAS® TAPERED slabs 5 Separating / protective layer (160 ~ 240 mm), laid in hot 6 Gravel bitumen 7 Paving

Highest durability and ecology provides best sustainablilty. Web: www.foamglas.ae Email: [email protected] Dubai ofﬁce Tel: +9714 434 7140 Doha ofﬁce Tel: +974 465 5360 FEATURE | DESERT LEARNING CENTRE

One of the Estidama requirements is lots of windows to maximise on daylight. They also give the building its architectural shape.”

Bassam Al Otaibi, director project management at AWPR.

events. All in all, I’m convinced that this project will be one of the UAE’s landmark buildings when completed,” added Al Obtaibi. UPC’s Humaid Al-Hammadi agrees: “Many people are waiting for this project to be ﬁ nished. It’s the subject of national pride. The UPC Estidama team is very proud of the building and we always refer to it in our presentations. It’s a crucial part of the 2030 plan to make Abu Dhabi a sustainable city.” Al-Hammadi adds that the UPC Estidama team has been intimately involved with the design soon after 200 the pilot programme NUMBER OF SEATS IN was initiated. He The lower levels THE CENTRE’S continues: “We were will contain AUDITORIUM regularly consulted pools of water and held workshop ses- (right). sions with key members of the design team to ensure a seamless design rating application and assessment process. The involvement of the Estidama team from the conceptual development review process proved to be invaluable in agreeing sustainable pathways.” By achieving the highest Pearl Rating, Al-Hammadi believes that

30 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 06.11 | www.designmena.com

FEATURE | DESERT LEARNING CENTRE

the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learn- BUILDING CREDITS ing Centre will be the catalyst for all upcoming sustainability- Client Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort driven projects. Architect Chalabi Architect & Partners “It will prove incredibly rel- Main contractor ED Zublin AG evant to our region given that the MEP works IC Consulenten Estidama Pearl Rating System is a programme tailor-made to Architectural Energy Commissioning and Estidama review tackle the needs of the region Corporation (AEC) services from the environmental, eco- Concept, detailed design and construction nomic, cultural and social AldrichPears Associates administration (interpretive elements) perspectives,” he concludes.

A terrace (below) boasts a sweeping view of Jebel Hafeet.

32 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com

INTERVIEW | MURAT TABANLIOGLU

34 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com MURAT TABANLIOGLU | INTERVIEW

DESIGN

THE INTERVIEW

With new projects in Libya, Kazakhstan and Equatorial Guinea, Tabanlioglu is a Middle East firm that likes to work outside of its comfort zone

he portfolio of Tabanlio- the awards were announced, and surrounding woodland. Tabanlioglu glu is perhaps atypical it seemed that the co-founder and comments that constructing in Equa- T for a Middle East fi rm. partner was disappointed not to have torial Guinea was not easy. “We had Instead of the usual picked up a prize. He started by pas- to bring all the necessary materials splattering of schemes in the oil rich sionately describing the merits of the from Turkey by ship or plane. It was Gulf states, the projects are primarily Izmir project. a diff erent experience and we had to located in the fi rm’s native country “It’s an open air retail scheme that’s work closely with the contractors.” of Turkey and a handful of unusual - not in a typical shopping box. It has According to Tabanlioglu, the and perhaps daunting - destinations the same shops as you fi nd in many challenges were compounded by the such as Tripoli, Astana and Malabo, places, but the environment is diff er- client’s short timeframe of seven Equatorial Guinea. ent. The roof protects against the sun months in order to host the sum- Despite the lack of built projects in and rain, but it allows in breezes and mit. He continues: “The president of the Gulf, the fi rm has not been short you can see the sea and the moun- Equatorial Guinea liked our Tripoli of attention due to a very successful tains. This is a project for the site - it Congress Centre and wanted some- year in the regional awards. In 2010, merges the inside with the outside.” thing similar. We decided to make it Tabanlioglu won Architect of the Year The second project that was up more African. It’s very important to at the Middle East Architect Awards, for a Cityscape award was a conven- relate a building to the site.” while its Tripoli Congress Centre was tion centre for the African country The fi rm’s Tripoli project has so lauded at the Cityscape Awards. of Equatorial Guinea. Located in the far remained unscathed during the At this year’s Cityscape Awards in capital city of Malabo, the conference recent turmoil in Libya. Perhaps September, the fi rm was shortlisted centre was completed in time for the surprisingly, Tabanlioglu observed for the Asmacati Shopping & Meeting African Union Summit in June 2011 the emergence of a structured plan- Point in Izmir, Turkey and the Sipopo – a meeting of 53 leaders from across ning system under Gaddifi ’s regime. Congress Center in Malabo, Equato- the continent. “When we built the project in Tripoli rial Guinea. The design features a glass box I saw a very organised system that Middle East Architect caught up clad with a tactile aluminium shad- wasn’t there many years ago. Libya with Murat Tabanlioglu the day after ing system that is inspired by the had very good planning offi ces that

“When we built the project in Tripoli I saw a very organised system that wasn’t there many years ago. Libya had very good planning offi ces that have similarities to Europe.

www.designmena.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 35 INTERVIEW | MURAT TABANLIOGLU

have similarities to Europe. I hope they stay with the same system.” Another unusual market that Ta- banlioglu has tapped into is Kazakh- stan. In conjunction with Foster + Partners, the fi rm worked on the 77m high pyramid, the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Astana. More recently, in June 2011, the practice completed the Astana Arena. Tabanlioglu comments: “The client requested a football stadium. How- ever, Kazakhstan does not have many big football games so we suggested to make the stadium into a multipur- pose arena that can be used for other functions such as large gatherings, concerts and other sporting events. It’s not a typical football stadium. We added a roof because the city’s climate is extreme - it can be plus 40 in the summer and minus 40 in winter. In one night it can change 15 degrees.” In addition to those projects penned by the Turkish fi rm, As- tana contains many other grandiose schemes such as BIG’s National Li- brary of Astana and the deconstruc- “The countries in North Africa stadia and facilities are used for a few Murat tivist Kazakhstan Central Concert have had their problems but they are weeks and then left empty as they do Tabanlioglu is Hall. Tabanlioglu compares the city’s now more democratic. This will be not think about the future. The same co-founder and penchant for showcase projects to refl ected in the architecture - there is in London - they are making this partner of the Dubai, and adds: “Astana is a very will be more projects for the people.” huge Olympics Village.” Turkish fi rm. modern city, but like Dubai, it’s not a Tabanlioglu also believes that his Regarding Qatar’s hosting of the typical city. The population of Astana home country is buoyant and adds: 2022 World Cup, he remarks: “Every is around one million. It’s the capital, “Turkey is a good market - it is plays architect and construction fi rm wants but it’s not on the sea. If you don’t the role of a bridge between Europe to be in Qatar right now. Qatar has have business, there’s no reason to be and Asia. Istanbul and other cities many stadium plans for the World in Astana.” remain very stable.” Cup, but these projects are for the When it comes to Dubai itself, the He pointed out that the country is moment, not for the future. company is working on the concept in the running for the 2020 Olympics. “Cairo has 15 million people and for a new project, although Tabanlio- “It could be good for the city,” he says. there is more of a need for better glu is unable to disclose the details. “Barcelona is an example of how city buildings. In Qatar you can build a He refers back to North Africa: can change for the better. The plan- very nice, shiny building but what will “Egypt and Libya are very diff erent ning didn’t stop after the Olympics.” happen afterwards? I think it is more markets to Dubai and Qatar. The Gulf Yet he also notes the danger of important to build in the countries has more showcase projects. ‘white elephant’ buildings. “Often the that need real architecture.”

For the African project we had to bring all the materials from Turkey by ship or plane. It was a diff erent experience and we had to work closely with the contractors.”

36 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com MURAT TABANLIOGLU | INTERVIEW

PORTFOLIO:

Murat Tabanilioglu Lawson ©Ian

TRIPOLI CONGRESS CENTER Tripoli, Libya (completed) Surrounded by woodland, the rectangular two-storey ‘block’ is nested in a metal envelope that opens up to the external landscape with a wide portico that deﬁ nes the main entrance. ASTANA ARENA Astana, Kazakhstan (completed) Intended to be a symbol of the new capital of Kazakhstan, the Astana Arena’s retractable roof can be closed in the harsh winter to protect the players and spectators.

www.constructionweekonline.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 37 INTERVIEW | MURAT TABANLIOGLU

SIPOPO CONGRESS CENTER ASMAÇATI SHOPPING AND MEETING POINT Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (completed) Izmir, Turkey (completed) Situated next to the ocean and surrounded by trees, the Located in the largest city of the Aegean Coast of Turkey, the Sipopo Congress Center is nested in a semi-transparent metal semi-open shopping facility is designed to ﬁ t the al fresco envelope which protects from the interiors from the harsh rays lifestyle of Izmir. The roof features a semi-covered space yet allows in the optimum amount of daylight. created by a metal mesh that is inspired by leaves and ivy.

38 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11 .11 | www.designmena.com

FEATURE | BIM MODEL OF PROGRESS

MEA discovers the ever-expanding possibilities of Building Information Modelling

40 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com BIM | FEATURE

users to follow the automotive industry by creating a prototype on your computer before doing it for real on the site - you can see all the problem- large-scale housing scheme on the atic areas in advance and solve them shores of Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, earlier, before they incur a cost.” close to Bahrain. The judges noted She added that there is a common that the project demonstrated a fully misconception on the role of BIM. n the age of pods, pads and integrated use of BIM throughout all “Most people think that you just tweets, it’s hardly surprising design phases and disciplines. use BIM to understand your design I that the technology boom has Dr Ahmed Elkady, associate direc- better and make 3D drawings for pre- spread to the world of architec- tor, adds: “We’ve been using software sentations, but this is not true. Your ture. The addition of a Building In- for a long time but three years ago we model should be smart and contain formation Modelling (BIM) category decided to switch to Revit. There are construction information. Previously, to this year’s Middle East Architect so many advantages.” architects used to create 3D models Awards is indicative of the impact Diyane Koseoglu, Middle East for presentation purposes. With BIM, of Revit by Autodesk, Graphisoft’s sales manager for specialist con- you can deﬁ ne the materials you are ArchiCAD and other BIM software. sultant BIMES, elaborates on the using, such as brick and glass, as well The award went to NAGA Architects fundamental beneﬁ ts of the software. as the U-values for energy analysis and Engineers, whose Dubai offi ce “The manufacturing industry has a and project management information fully embraced BIM in 2008. waste factor of 26% while the ratio in such as completion dates. All of this NAGA was lauded for its work the construction industry is 57%, ac- information can be extracted from on the Sawari Residences project, a cording to McGraw Hill. BIM allows the model.

www.designmena.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 41 FEATURE | BIM

BIM was used throughout all design stages of NAGA’s Sawari Residences, KSA.

25% RATIO OF MIDDLE “Once you have EAST INDUSTRY created the model, all THAT USES BIM of the drawings will be generated automatically and you can create sections and elevations. It really minimises the amount of manual drafting work. And if you make a design change, it will be up- dated on all the documentation.” Koseoglu states that BIM aids the coordination between diff erent disciplines, such as architecture, structures and MEP. “In many on site then you will suff er extra costs tion of the fi les involved carrying the companies, the diff erent departments and project delays.” whole project from one computer have their own sets of drawings for She adds that the technology is to the main server, then back to the the same project, and it’s quite likely constantly being improved, with computer. The problem with BIM that they don’t match. In BIM you many recent innovations. “Now there is that the fi le sizes are huge. When can have all the parts on the same is a ‘shell’ tool to create freeform consultants are busy then they will model, with diff erent fi lters to view designs - it can be used for modelling not synchronise every day - it will the diff erent disciplines. You can ask a building in which it’s diffi cult to be a weekly process. This means the the software to detect collisions - if defi ne what is a wall, a slab or a roof.” design changes were not be seen by a pipe is going through a structural Another recent improvement is a the other team members. wall then it will notify you. It’s very system called a BIM server, which “Graphisoft recently developed easy for a human eye to miss details, helps to counter the issue of large Delta Server to overcome this prob- and a typical project may have 3,000 fi les sizes. Koseoglu continues: “With lem. This server is intelligent enough clashes. If you discover these clashes the old technology , the synchronisa- to see a project by element, not as a fi le. When you make a change - for We see a lot of people that have BIM tools but they are not instance you add new chairs - it only carries the relevant information, so actually using them extensively and extracting information. it reduces the data transfer size from BIM goes a lot further than just doing a 3D building.” 100MB to 10-20KB. The whole process has become much faster.” Daniel Pinheiro, general manager BIMES ME Koseoglu also points out the recent development of a free app which al-

42 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com

FEATURE | BIM

lows users to import a simpliﬁ ed BIM model onto an iPad or iPhone. “There was a huge demand for such a device and everybody is blown away. Now people are going round the site check- ing everything with their phones.” According to a 2010 Middle East BIM Report, by buildingSMART, the percentage of construction professionals using BIM was found to be 49% in the USA, 36% in Western Europe and 25% in the Middle East. Yet Daniel Pinheiro, general manager BIMES ME, believes that 10% is a more realistic ﬁ gure for the region. He adds that even fewer are properly utilising the 3D software. “We see a lot of people that have BIM tools, such as Revit and ArchiCAD, but they are not actually using them extensively and extracting information. They might use them for NAGA Architects the conceptual design and then carry made the switch on with the traditional 2D process. to BIM in 2008. BIM goes a lot further than just doing a 3D building,” he comments. The UAE is the most advanced GCC nation in terms of BIM awareness, according to Koseoglu. “In the UAE, there aren’t many people that

The switch to BIM is very hard - companies have to be committed. Most engineers and architects are not trained in BIM and it is a challenge to train everyone.” Dr Ahmed Elkady, associate director, NAGA Architects and Engineers

44 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com BIM | FEATURE

are unaware of BIM, but when you Many companies want to go to places like Kuwait, Qatar and avoid this - they don’t Oman it’s still a secret,” she says. know if the engineer When asked about the reason for will continue working 49% the slow uptake of BIM in the region, with them for the PERCENTAGE OF USA Pinheiro replies: “In the Middle East, next fi ve years. They INDUSTRY THAT the lack of BIM skills is an issue, as can’t feel the return in USES BIM is the large scale of the projects. The investment.” software is not really conducive to NAGA’s Elkady concedes big project fi les and people become that the migration is not plain sail- frustrated with the tools.” ing. “The switch to BIM is very hard Koseoglu agrees: “In this region, - companies have to be committed. the main issue is the availability of Most engineers and architects are not skilled users. For instance, if you’re trained in BIM and it is a challenge searching for an engineer with BIM to train everyone. The norm is Auto- knowledge then you won’t receive CAD - people don’t want to change.” many CVs, and you will struggle to Yet he insists that the move was the a great decision to go for BIM. It was fi nd any experts.” correct decision and adds: “We use diffi cult, due to the lack of expertise, Advantages A big obstacle for Gulf companies BIM throughout the whole design but it was an investment. Our man- of BIM include is the investment in BIM training. process. We are trying to push it to agement felt that the future is BIM improved Koseoglu explains: “Many individu- the limit and we’re discovering new and I believe that’s the case. We had coordination als come from regions where BIM is things all the time.” to put the obstacles aside. We now between not common. Companies that want to Majid Hamid Saleh, senior struc- consider ourselves to be a pioneer of disciplines.

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www.designmena.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 45 ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE | PHILIPS Case study Aramex, Dubai Location Aramex, Dubai Logistics City, Dubai Philips Lighting Customized TMX204 with occupancy sensor, Smartform TBS460 with LuxSense, Fugato Compact with PLR lamp

Background solutions for thisproject, entitled ‘A LEED Gold Aramex is a leading global provider of Certifi ed’. The challenge was to provide a simple comprehensive logistics and transport yet smart lighting solution that would meet solutions, with over 29 years of experience the application requirements and consume delivering customized solution across more 40% less energy than that stipulated by the than 54 countries and 307 locations. Apart ASHRAE standards. The project also required from investing in education and youth luminaire-based stand-alone lighting controls for empowerment, entrepreneurship, community occupancy detection in the warehouse area and develop ment, sports and emergency daylight optimization in the offi ces. relief, Aramex continuously focuses on the environment. Therefore Aramex has adopted The solution sustainable business practices as an integral The key to the solution lay in an intelligent part of its business model. Because logistics selection and customization of standard and transportation has a huge environmental luminaires, which would not only match the impact, the company is com mitted to project’s stringent energy requirements but decreasing its carbon footprint, optimizing also satisfy the application parameters. For the power consumption, and raising awareness lighting controls Philips customized the standard among other activities. LEED certifi cation has TMX204 luminaire with an occupancy sensor played an important role in helping them to in the warehouse area to provide the ideal achieve this, especially in warehouses. Aramex scenario: light when and where it is needed. The understands the importance of warehousing Smartform TBS460 luminaires in within the wider supply chain, and the the offi ce spaces were factory fi tted with environmental footprint of those facilities. So Luxsense controllers, which save energy the company has invested in cutting-edge green by automatically regulating the luminaire in technology to ensure that customers’ storage accordance with the level of daylight available. requirements and inventory management needs are met while at the same time ensuring that its Benefits carbon footprint is minimized. Hussein Wehbe, Country Manager for Dubai & Northern Emirates of Aramex, is delighted with The challenge this energy-effi cient lighting solution supplied Driven by the desire to achieve the above by Philips, which included smart integration of objectives, Aramex wanted to make its key daylight and occupancy control. “Sustainable Dubai Logistics City facility more energy business practices form an integral part of effi cient in order to meet the LEED criteria. Aramex’s business model and daily operations. Lighting therefore became a key element in With its pedigree in developing energy-effi cient the process. As a company renowned for its products, Philips was the natural choice to energy-effi cient solutions, Philips emerged supply the lighting solution for our key Dubai as the ideal partner to provide the lighting Logistics City facility.”

46 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com PHILIPS | ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

“Help your city save costs and the environment.” (City of Lyon, France)

By simply refurbishing the Guillotière’s bridge with Philips CitySoul luminaires including CosmoPolis lamps and gear, the city of Lyon saved more than 50% energy and reduced their CO 2 emissions. So, choosing responsible lighting has never been easier. It’s a simple switch.

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 47 FEATURE | EDUCATION DESIGN BUILT FOR

With a number of big budget facilities springing up across the Gulf, MEA explores the latest trends in school design

48 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com Light for Liveable Cities

A sustainable city will increasingly use a few well-chosen landmarks to represent the city view. Lighting such icons is an integral responsibility, so that they compete in terms of design and not brightness in the urban nocturnal scene. Discover more scenarios for sustainable city lighting at: www.we-ef.com/en/liveablecities

SCIENTECHNIC SCIENTECHNIC FLC280 Projector Abu Dhabi (UAE) Dubai (UAE) Sky Tower Tel + 971 2 650 78 35 Tel + 971 4 266 60 00 Auckland (NZ) Fax +971 2 671 89 87 Fax +971 4 266 61 76 Architect: Craig Craig Moller Architects www.scientechnic.com www.scientechnic.com FEATURE | EDUCATION DESIGN

The ‘oasis’ in Al as well as Doha College, which has its Future Schools programme is the school. The project has achieved Bateen School. shortlisted fi ve top UK based fi rms fantastic. It is producing phenomenal a Three Pearl Rating with Estidama including Broadway Malyan. Mean- buildings designed by the likes of and it’s a real success story for the while Saudi Arabia, with its huge and Broadway Malyan and Dewan Archi- Middle East region.” growing population, has pledged to tects & Engineers.” Broadway Malyan has designed build a whopping 10,000 schools. Sammon reels off an enviable list a further six ADEC schools that are According to the CEO of Sam- of features in the Abu Dhabi West due to open this academic year. The mon Group, a specialist education School. “The facility is designed by schools account for a total of 7,000 consultant and contractor behind Broadway Malyan and I think it’s student places and 120,000m2 of new fi ve ADEC schools, the quality of the quite astonishing. fl oor space. UAE’s education buildings have taken “It contains 45 classrooms, four Director Ian Apsley remarks: “The a huge leap forward. art rooms, four science labs, a library completion of the schools marks a key Micael Sammon comments: “The and a 500-seat auditorium. It also has milestone for education in the region. vision of ADEC is world class and 300 solar panels that help to power They create a new breed of spatial

Schools can be operational challenges, but this the case in a lot of buildings with diff erent uses, such as hospitals.” Ammar Al Assam, executive director, Dewan

50 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com The Ofﬁce Exhibition Show something new

Take the opportunity to show something new at The Office Exhibition . You’ll find thousands of architects, designers and project managers visiting the show to find the latest in design, innovation and best practice.

Book your stand now Contact Tim Wilson, Project Manager t: +971 4 438 0355 e: [email protected]

15 - 17 May 2012 Dubai World Trade Centre theofﬁceexhibition.com

Organised by Co-located with Knowledge partner FEATURE | EDUCATION DESIGN

and learning environments in Abu Dhabi’s schools and blend international best design practice with contemporary sustainable principles, and the result is testament to the practice’s successful approach to integrated place-making in the wider Middle East region.” Breakout spaces are a key consideration in a school project, according to Sammon. “Children have to be stimulated and people in the West don’t always realise that. In this climate, outdoor spaces can prove to be a challenge.” Sammon describes how Abu Dhabi West School contains an ‘eco court’ with an inventive ‘living wall’ - essentially a vertical garden that is attached to the structure. Children can also help in the upkeep of plants in a meshed cone in the centre of the courtyard space. Al Bateen Secondary School, designed by Dewan for Aldar Acad- CLASSROOMS emies, also contains a IN ABU DHABI stunning al-fresco break- WEST SCHOOL out area which is dubbed the ‘oasis’. Ammar Al Assam, executive director, Dewan, says: “The oasis is an educational courtyard that is meant to be the source of rejuvenation for the school in a desert. Its internal features help to make the learning area more interactive and experimental. “It has low benches, bean bags as well as IT wireless and multimedia. It’s not a classroom environment, but a place where you can learn. The teaching environment is important. The breakout area has bean bags and is used for storytelling.” Sammon notes that the climate can limit the type of outdoor space that is provided. “It’s challenging to provide the outdoor classroom environment in a hot climate like GCC. It’s even harder for those schools that don’t have government funding.” For those without huge budgets,

52 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com EDUCATION DESIGN | FEATURE

Abu Dhabi West School (far left and bottom); Al Bateen School (left).

www.designmena.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 53 FEATURE | EDUCATION DESIGN

Sammon Group has devised an ing. “In the West, there is a drive for ing opening and closing time. In the aff ordable ‘smart school’ that can an extensive use of light, and in places case of Al Bateen School, there are be built anywhere in the world.Sam- like the UK you need solar gain. Over multiple entrances for the diff erent mon adds: “Not everyone can spend here, we have to protect against it. age groups so that the streets are not AED150m on a school so we have de- You can’t have kids sitting in the sun.” overloaded with cars. veloped the Sammon Smart School, Dewan’s Al Assam adds that colour He adds that the segregation which is IT compatible and low cost. choice is extremely important and between the diff erent age groups can We can provide a 16 classroom school that “a tremendous amount of work present diffi culties. “Schools can be in 18 weeks, anywhere in the world. and studies have gone into explor- operational challenges, but this the He cites Saudi Arabia ing the impact of colour in case in a lot of buildings with diff erent as one market in need schools”. Sammon adds uses, such as hospitals.” of low-cost options. that the trend in the Sammon notes that segregation “We have started to West is to use bright is more extreme in the Middle East, build three proto- STUDENT SPACES BY colours. particularly Saudi Arabia, with the type schools in Saudi BROADWAY Al Assam states required separation of genders. MALYAN FOR ADEC Arabia. It’s following that security needs Globally, there is now an appetite Abu Dhabi’s lead and has attention, especially for architects to design school proj- moved education to the front when younger children ects, according to Sammon. “There’s of its priorities, but it needs expertise. are involved, and Al a real opportunity for architects,” The country has committed to build Bateen School contains barriers and he comments. “Nobody will ask an 10,0000 schools.” systems to determine the adults that architect to build a school project and According to Sammon, one of the are admitted. then not pay them. Schools are com- key challenges in school design is He also points out that traffi c is a missioned by good clients which are allowing the right amount of daylight- challenge in any school project dur- often visionary.”

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54 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com EDUCATION DESIGN | FEATURE

There’s a real opportunity for architects. Nobody will ask an architect to build a school project and then not pay them. They are commissioned by good clients which are often visionary.” Micael Sammon, CEO of Sammon Group

Aside from the fi nancial draw, Sammon states that school design is no longer viewed as ‘boring’ by architecture fi rms and that he is no longer “a closet school builder”. “We now have some of the best architects in the world designing schools. It wasn’t the case at all before. Previously they might have a school or two hidden in their portfolio. Now architects are proud to show their achievements in education.” Al Bateen A recent example of quality school School (top); design is the UK’s Evelyn Grace Abu Dhabi West Academy, by Iraq-born Zaha Hadid. School (left and Last month, the Brixton school won bottom). the 2011 RIBA Stirling Prize. Sammon cites the GEMs World Academy in Dubai as a great example of school design in the region. “It has a very futuristic approach and it’s a fantastic eff ort for future generations.” He concludes that, when it comes to education design, function is far more important than form. “Creating a spaceship-like building is one thing but it’s better to build one that fi ts the function. We need to focus on that rather than just the architecture, and also make sure it is future proofed.”

www.designmena.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 55 Education Seminar Education , from Marble Institute of America , from Marble Institute of America INUING EDUCATION. EDUCATION. INUING UAE Dubai, September 2011, 29. UAE Dubai, September 2011, 28. IDCEC Marble & Granite” “Natural Stone: 3256259 The presentation is certified through the “MARBLE INSTITUTE of America” and is certified for an APPROVED COURSE for ARCHITECT CONT certified speakers. and trained through held be will Seminar The RegisterTo please fax to 00971 4 3256259 Day: ] [ Wednesday, ] [ Thursday, [ ] till 3:00 p.m. p.m. 5:00 [ ] we are interested have to the offered Education Seminar “Natural Stone:Marble & Granite” for our Employees in ourCompany: Office. Please contact our office under the attached letter showing our contact details fix to date and timing: Phone: Homepage: Certificate After successful participation on the Seminar part: I Introduction Stone Time: [ ] p.m. a.m. till 1:00 11:00 Introduction Stone II Introduction Stone you will receive a certificate for continuing your education. your continuing MOB ILE NO.: 50 4574281 00971 FAX NO.: 00971 4 00971 FAX NO.: “Natural “Natural . Airport Free Zone Airport Free EA 4 Building: 530 Office: DUBA I, UAE Middle East Middle Project Development Manager Development Project Att: Hani Hankir Hani Att: LUNDHS Middle East Branch East Middle LUNDHS Introduction Stone II Introduction Stone Applications, Properties, & Testing Materials Reference Stone, Introduction Companiesinvited which are working on main and targeted projects in GCC-Region. the Introduction Stone I Introduction Stone NaturalWhat is Stone Stone?, types, Quarrying, Fabrication and Finishes Topics for the Seminar: Please do not hesitate contact to us for any kind of reason under the below shown contact details. are We looking forward welcome to you to Seminar. Education Exclusive our registration confirmation and a location map. Introduction LUNDHS About the Company, Production, Areas of use fro Granite, Reference GCC Material Variation, Types of Surface For this exclusive Seminar, there are only selected Architects & Because of the big interest we have decided arrange to the seminar during the same time of the Cityscape Global 2011 in Dubai. Stone: Marble & Granite” which will be organized and leaded through our LUNDHS Middle East, Dubai Branch Office and which is an approved Education course through the Marble Institute of America. We wouldWe like get to your attention for our Education Seminar The in the held Dubai be International will Seminar Convention and Exhibition Centre, Dubai, UAE. Participants this to seminar will receive a The participation for these companies is cost is of companies free these participationThe for

Allegro Larvik photo: Morten Rakke MAYSAN CASE STUDY CASE STUDY CASE CASE STUDY CASE

| MAYSAN RESIDENCES | |

RESIDENCES

Architect: dwp Location: Abu Dhabi MAYSAN RESIDENCES MAYSAN

CASE STUDY INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMATIC STUDIES DIPLOMATIC OF INSTITUTE

THE PROJECT THE SITE Currently in the design develop- Occupying a total area of 152m by ment phase, Maysan Residences is 50m between the Reem and Canal a pair of striking residential tower Boulevards, the two towers are buildings in the Al Najmat district located next to a large public park. of Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. The The orientation from southeast to towers contain a total of 337 units northwest provided the architects and have an expected completion with an opportunity to create an date of 2013. Designed by dwp attractive street frontage towards for developed Aabar, the the marina. project aims to achieve The upper tower levels overlook 337 a 2 Pearl Rating with the canal and Marina Bay, while the Estidama. The roof lower levels look towards the public TOTAL NUMBER structure contains solar parkland and proposed waterway. OF APARTMENT technology while the Each unit offers a different view due UNITS tower forms are devised to to the amorphous and irregular form minimise heat gain. of the towers.

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70/74 K R

THEO WORK DOHA TWIN

THE WORK This billowing twin tower project in | TOWERSTOWERS Qatar was designed by GHD Global THE W THE WORK | |

THE and is designed to meet the client’s Architect:Archite target net ﬂoor area ratio of 398%. GHD Global Pty Overall water consumption will be Ltd reduced by 40% though the use of T UPDATE

C 398%398% Location: native plantation, water reducing JE

PROJECT UPDATE TARGETTARGET NET FLFLOOROOOR Lusail, Qatar ﬁxtures, storm water re-use and WORK O AREA RATIORATIO grey water treatment strategies. The PROJECT UPDATE PROJECT PR PROJECT UPDATE building also aims to produce 5% of its energy from renewable sources, such as photovoltaics.

AINO MINA This two million m2 cocommu-mmu- nity scheme, whichh won both the DUBIOTECH This US$25m complex was the Architect: Residential Project and Sustain- RESEARCH ﬁrst research facility to be com- Aedas able Project of the Year at the LABORATORY pleted in DuBiotech, a huge freezone Location: Middle East Architect Awards, will dedicated to the life science industry. 2M Kandahar, provide over 2000 homes. Situated Architect: Architect HDR was also responsible 2 METRES Afghanistan in Kandahar, the site gently slopes HDR for the masterplan, as well as a head- and has a backdrop of mountains. A Location: quarters building which is under TOTAL AREA OF wide central park runs through the Dubai construction. A common require- AEDAS’ SCHEME masterplan and links the retail area ment for DuBiotech facilities is the at the southern end with the Friday achievement of LEED certiﬁcation; mosque at the northern end. the research laboratory received Silver status at the end of 2010.

INSTITUTE OF Winner of Institutional & Cultural RENAISSANCE DIPLOMATIC Project of the Year, this scheme Designed by New York-based archi- TOWER STUDIES will provide Saudi’s Ministry of tecture ﬁrm FXFOWLE, Renais- Foreign Affairs (MOFA) with a 185 sance Tower is the headquarters Architect: new 46,000m2 building to house METRES Architect: for a construction and development Henning facilities for the Institute of Diplo- FXFOWLE company in Istanbul. With sustain- Location: ability well and truly on the agenda, Larsen/ Buro matic Studies and Consular Affairs EXPECTED HEIGHT OF THE RENAISSANCE Istanbul, Turkey the tower has an ambitious target of Happold Department. Located in Riyadh the TOWER LEED Platinum - the highest rank Location: building contains an auditorium, in the international rating system. Riyadh, KSA lecture halls, library, classrooms, Standing at 185 metres, Renaissance offices, a large hall for visa applicants Tower will be the tallest building on and office space. the Asian side of Istanbul.

FERRARI Winner of the Hospitality & Leisure SOWWAH Pitching for LEED Silver status, WORLD ABU Project of the Year, Ferrari World SQUARE Sowwah Square will provide the DHABI Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest in- 200,000 new headquarters for the Abu Dhabi door theme park. Designed by Benoy 290,000 2 2 Architect: Securities Exchange and comprises METRES Architect: for Aldar Properties, the project fea- METRES Goettsch four office towers overlooking Benoy tures over 20 rides and attractions water. The complex contains over TOTAL SURFACE AREA TOTAL AREA OF Partners Location: Yas including the world’s fastest roll- 2 OF THE ROOF OFFICE SPACE Location: 290,000m of office space and in- Island, Abu ercoaster. The total surface area of Abu Dhabi tegrates two levels of retail and two 2 Dhabi the colossal red roof is 200,000m , parking structures. The centerpiece while the perimeter of the building of the development’s ﬁrst phase is is 2,200m2. The highest point of the the business centre, which includes a structure is 45 metres. 22,670m2 stock exchange building.

70 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com 72 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com LIKE WANT NEED

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www.designmena.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 57 MAYSAN CASE STUDY CASE CASE STUDY CASE | |

RESIDENCES Architect: dwp Location: Abu Dhabi MAYSAN RESIDENCES MAYSAN

CASE STUDY INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMATIC STUDIES

THE PROJECT Currently in the design development phase, Maysan Residences is a pair of striking residential tower buildings in the Al Najmat district of Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. The towers contain a total of 337 units and have an expected completion date of 2013. Designed by dwp for developed Aabar, the project aims to achieve 337 a 2 Pearl Rating with Estidama. The roof TOTAL NUMBER structure contains solar OF APARTMENT technology while the UNITS tower forms are devised to minimise heat gain.

58 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com CASE STUDY

| MAYSAN RESIDENCES

THE SITE Occupying a total area of 152m by 50m between the Reem and Canal Boulevards, the two towers are located next to a large public park. The orientation from southeast to northwest provided the architects with an opportunity to create an attractive street frontage towards the marina. The upper tower levels overlook the canal and Marina Bay, while the lower levels look towards the public parkland and proposed waterway. Each unit off ers a diff erent view due to the amorphous and irregular form of the towers.

www.designmena.com | 10.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 59 66,000M2 CASE STUDY CASE |

GROSS FLOOR AREA OF MAYSAN RESIDENCES MAYSAN RESIDENCES MAYSAN

THE CONCEPT The scheme - with its shaded roof gardens sheltered by deep overhangs - draws inspiration from the landscape of nearby Al Ain, which contains green oases, dramatic rock overhangs and mountain plateaus. Floor plates are designed in two typical confi gurations for each tower, with fi ve slab profi le variations gen- erating the desired facade eff ect. The intermediate duplex fl oors contain larger outdoor spaces to provide a lush green eff ect.

THE DETAILS By curving the cantilevered slab edges and louver system, prevailing breezes are guided past the building volume. These features will assist in reducing glare and solar heat gain into the interior spaces and reduce overall energy consumption. Ancillary spaces are arranged around the central core. The allow the building services to run ef- ﬁ ciently throughout the tower while maximising lighting and views in the living rooms and bedrooms.

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THE PROJECT This ambitious new city in Nigeria responds to coastal erosion and aims to relieve pressure on the con- gested city of Lagos, with a population of 15.5 million. Estimates of urban use predict that Eko Atlantic City will be home to a quarter of a million people. Eko Atlantic De- velopers appointed MZ Architects as the urban planner for the new city. The Lebanon headquartered ﬁ rm - with offi ces in Abu Dhabi and Qatar - will also be responsible for architectural, engineering and construction management of a number of towers in the scheme.

62 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com CASE STUDY

| ECO ATLANTIC CITY ATLANTIC | ECO

THE SITE Eko Atlantic City is being constructed on reclaimed land just off shore from Victoria Island. The wall will protect the coastline of Lagos, particularly the areas of Bar Beach on Vic- 15.5M toria Island, which CURRENT was prone to ﬂ ooding. POPULATION In August 2011, the OF LAGOS wall had reached around 2.5km in length and will extend 8.5km when complete. Sand is being dredged from the ocean in order to raise the land level of the lagoon.

www.designmena.com | 06.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 63 THE CONCEPT The urban developers wanted to move away from the overcrowded African city. Accordingly the CASE STUDY CASE |

scheme envisions clean open spaces, congestion-free roads and a modern waterfront development. Each district has been designed with distinct features, but all will contain a mixture of residential, business, commercial and leisure to avoid

ECO ATLANTIC CITY neighbourhoods becoming lifeless and empty at night.

THE DETAILS A major feature of the Busi- ness District - the ﬁ rst phase to be developed - will be a central boulevard stretching two kilometres in length with a width of around 60 metres. The 2KM boulevard is inspired LENGTH OF by the world’s grand CENTRAL A problem in many African cities is streets such as New BOULEVARD the unreliability of power. In con- York’s Fifth Avenue trast, the new city will have its own and the Champs Élysées in integrated power system, which is Paris, France. Extensive transport not reliant on erratic generators. links from Lagos and Victoria Each district will also be served by Island will bring around 150,000 modern drainage, sewage treatment people into work each day. and water supply facilities.

64 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com

CASE STUDY CASE CASE STUDY CASE | |

SOWWAH SQUARE SOWWAH MIRDIF CITY CENTRE

THE PROJECT Runner up in the sustainable design category at last month’s Middle East Architect Awards, Mirdif City Centre is the ﬁ rst LEED Gold mall in the Middle East. The AED3bn complex opened in March 2010 and achieved its green certiﬁ cation in May 2011. At the peak of construction, 22 cranes and 10,000 workers were on site. Developed byMajid Al Futtaim Properties, the project features a GFA of 300,000m2, with 450 shops and parking for over 7,000 cars. Hyder was the lead consultant and engineer of record, taking over the concept design by RTKL.

66 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com MIRDIF CITY CENTRE CITY MIRDIF

| CENTRE CASE STUDY Location: Dubai Architect: Hyder Consulting/ RTKL CASE STUDY

THE SITE As the mall is designed to engage with the community, the main elevation faces Mirdif rather AED3BN than Emirates Road. VALUE OF MIRDIF A landscape piazza CITY CENTRE acts as a meeting point, and entrances are well lit with energy effi cient lighting to improve security. Environmental management aspects of the site were controlled by the contractors as part of the LEED certiﬁ cation. Sand bags were used to control dust, roads were cleaned every day and netting was put on excess sand.

www.designmena.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 67 THE CONCEPT RTKL’s design speciﬁ ed a strong use of natural light and sustainable materials and around 20% of the CASE STUDY CASE | total energy consumption was saved through design initiatives. Arabic wind towers were used as feature points at all corners of the building. “We selected materials with a high recyclable content, sourced

SOWWAH SQUARE SOWWAH from sustainable sources, and have championed a market-leading 50% of the construction waste not going to landfi ll,” said Majid Al Futtaim vice-president, project management, Jonathan Emery. 10,000 PEAK NUMBER OF WORKERS ON SITE THE DETAILS Solar effi cient glass was specifi ed to minimise heat gain while the roof features the use of high albedo paints to refl ect sunlight. The project also utilises non-potable water for irrigation, from Dubai Municipality, and water effi cient fi xtures.

According to Hyder, one of the main challenges was the addition of an extra storey to the building halfway through construction, while continuing with ongoing works. This alteration was needed to accommodate a Fitness First gym and a community centre.

68 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com

THE WORK | THE

PROJECT UPDATE WORK

PROJECT UPDATE

AINO MINA This two million m2 community scheme, which won both the Architect: Residential Project and Sustain- Aedas able Project of the Year at the Location: Middle East Architect Awards, will 2M Kandahar, provide over 2000 homes. Situated 2 METRES Afghanistan in Kandahar, the site gently slopes and has a backdrop of mountains. A TOTAL AREA OF wide central park runs through the AEDAS’ SCHEME masterplan and links the retail area at the southern end with the Friday mosque at the northern end.

INSTITUTE OF Winner of Institutional & Cultural DIPLOMATIC Project of the Year, this scheme STUDIES will provide Saudi’s Ministry of Foreign Aff airs (MOFA) with a Architect: new 46,000m2 building to house Henning facilities for the Institute of Diplo- Larsen/ Buro matic Studies and Consular Aff airs Happold Department. Located in Riyadh the Location: building contains an auditorium, Riyadh, KSA lecture halls, library, classrooms, offi ces, a large hall for visa applicants and offi ce space.

FERRARI Winner of the Hospitality & Leisure WORLD ABU Project of the Year, Ferrari World 200,000 DHABI Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest in- 2 door theme park. Designed by Benoy METRES Architect: for Aldar Properties, the project fea- TOTAL SURFACE AREA Benoy tures over 20 rides and attractions Location: Yas including the world’s fastest roll- OF THE ROOF Island, Abu ercoaster. The total surface area of Dhabi the colossal red roof is 200,000m2, while the perimeter of the building is 2,200m2. The highest point of the structure is 45 metres.

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www.intersecexpo.com DOHA TWIN This billowing twin tower project in TOWERS Qatar was designed by GHD Global THE WORK |

and is designed to meet the client’s Architect: target net ﬂ oor area ratio of 398%. GHD Global Pty Overall water consumption will be Ltd reduced by 40% though the use of 398% Location: native plantation, water reducing TARGET NET FLOOR Lusail, Qatar ﬁ xtures, storm water re-use and AREA RATIO grey water treatment strategies. The PROJECT UPDATE building also aims to produce 5% of its energy from renewable sources, such as photovoltaics.

DUBIOTECH This US$25m complex was the RESEARCH ﬁ rst research facility to be com- LABORATORY pleted in DuBiotech, a huge freezone dedicated to the life science industry. Architect: Architect HDR was also responsible HDR for the masterplan, as well as a head- Location: quarters building which is under Dubai construction. A common require- ment for DuBiotech facilities is the achievement of LEED certiﬁ cation; the research laboratory received Silver status at the end of 2010.

RENAISSANCE Designed by New York-based archi- TOWER tecture ﬁ rm FXFOWLE, Renais- 185 sance Tower is the headquarters Architect: for a construction and development METRES FXFOWLE company in Istanbul. With sustain- EXPECTED HEIGHT OF Location: ability well and truly on the agenda, THE RENAISSANCE Istanbul, Turkey the tower has an ambitious target of TOWER LEED Platinum - the highest rank in the international rating system. Standing at 185 metres, Renaissance Tower will be the tallest building on the Asian side of Istanbul.

SOWWAH Pitching for LEED Silver status, SQUARE Sowwah Square will provide the new headquarters for the Abu Dhabi 290,000 Architect: 2 Securities Exchange and comprises METRES Goettsch four offi ce towers overlooking Partners water. The complex contains over TOTAL AREA OF Location: 2 OFFICE SPACE 290,000m of offi ce space and in- Abu Dhabi tegrates two levels of retail and two parking structures. The centerpiece of the development’s ﬁ rst phase is the business centre, which includes a 22,670m2 stock exchange building.

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Authority (TRA) commissioned ar- Architect: chitect HDR to design its headquar- HDR ters for both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Location: The Dubai project is located in a Dubai neighbourhood of low rise residential and cultural buildings and is looking to attain LEED Silver Rating. The PROJECT UPDATE facility will be offi cially opened in October 2011 while the Abu Dhabi project will be completed next year.

AL FATTAN Al Fattan House is the third building HOUSE by developer Al Fattan Properties in Dubai Marina. The client wanted to Architect: complement the existing Al Fattan 31,000 DSA Architects residential and hotel towers develop- 2 International ment with a commercial building METRES Location: and chose architects DSA to design the scheme. The striking project is a TOTAL FLOOR AREA Dubai OF THE COMPLEX prominent landmark, despite being dwarfed by the glassy Al Fattan towers and the soaring concrete cityscape of Dubai Marina.

MUSEUM One of the stand-out buildings in the OF BUILT King Abdullah Financial District, ENVIRONMENT the glistening Museum of Built Envi- ronment has been designed by New Architect: York-based ﬁ rm FXFowle. Due to FXFowle the fast-track construction schedule, Location: the architects are currently working King Abdullah on detailed design, while site excava- Financial tion is underway and completion District, is slated for November 2012. The Saudi Arabia museum will focus on education with four sub-categories.

ONE & ONLY This ﬁ ve star hotel on the furthest THE PALM frond of Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah was picked up by DSA International in Architect: DSA 2006, which opted to change most International of the original design. The hotel was Location: ﬁ nally completed in 2010, and has Dubai been operating at 85% capacity since opening. The project has 100 rooms, split between individual villas, mansions and a manor house, and overlooks the Royal Mirage’s other beachfront hotel.

74 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com Pre-register EXPECT BIG & SAVE THINGS THIS YEAR AED 50! AT THE BIG 5

Not only will the 2011 event be the largest construction event ever staged in the Middle East, it will also include:

An additional 7 new product focused sectors Showcase more than 30,000 new, sustainable and innovative products More than 100+ free to attend product showcases & educational seminars Dedicated sustainable products zone & world-class Green Build Congress 21 – 24 November 2011 Dubai International Exhibition & Commissioned report on ‘New Technologies Utilised in the GCC Market’ Convention Centre (Research value: $20,000) www.thebig5.ae/arc4

Register free of charge online at www.thebig5.ae/arc4 Quote the promotion code ‘arc4’ when registering online CULTURE | LIKE WANT NEED 76 NEED WANT LIKE CULTURE Joongho Choi BACHAG CHAIR and be comfortable. comfortable. be and to be structurally sound, user-friendly diff of images contrasting show to wanted he He said fashion. and furniture of style match and amix create to meant itwas Choi, to According ahandbag. over one’s like shoulder carried be can which aluminum, and wood from made Chair Bachag the designed has Choi Joongho designer FURNITURE

In an explosion of colours, Korean Korean ofcolours, explosion an In erent expressions. It was designed designed It was expressions. erent MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT EAST MIDDLE

| 11.11

| www.designmena.com architects in the early twentieth century. century. twentieth early the in architects by rejected was that century, eighteenth the in of design discipline ofthe formation the during important was that concept a taste, It investigates design. of interior ﬁ the in practices critical emerging and Weinthal brings together new theories and Merwood-Salisbury by Kleinman, book the design, interior and architecture and Lois Weinthal Lois and Kent Kleinman, Joanna Merwood-Salisbury TASTEAFTER BOOK While ‘taste’ is subjective in in subjective is ‘taste’ While eld LIKE WANT NEED

LIGHTING CYMBIDIUM CHANDELIER Jeremy Cole

The classical beauty of the ﬂ ower | CULTURE from the orchid family, the Cymbidium, is captured in a contemporary style that pushes the capabilities of bone china to its limits. In the latest Jeremy Cole collection, the artisan explored the relationship between ceramics and light, and started to understand and work with bone china. His designs are inspired by the ﬂ ora of New Zealand.

BATHROOM KOHLER NUMI Kohler

Carpet tile fi rm InterfaceFLOR has released an iPad app specifi cally for the EMEAI region, where users can search its entire product portfolio of carpet tiles or browse by colour, category or latest products. Users can view high quality tile images, product details, and visualise room sets through the gallery and fl oor designer tool. Additional features include a media function to access videos, the ability to download related documents, while tiles can be added to the ‘favourites’ tab to easily order samples.

www.designmena.com | 11.11 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 77

Silver Sponsors

THE MOST INTERACTIVE, HANDS-ON SHOWCASE OF PLANT MACHINERY AND VEHICLES IN THE MIDDLE EAST

PMV Live is the brand new event concept which offers a unique mix of products, technology, machinery, live demonstrations for anyone involved in the Plant, DRIVING AN INDUSTRY Machinery and Vehicles sector. 21-24 November 2011 The outdoor arena will allow exhibitors to demonstrate the full capabilities Dubai International Exhibition & of their machinery and vehicles and give potential buyers the opportunity to Convention Centre H[SHULHQFHWKHSURGXFWðUVWKDQG www.pmvlive.com/arc1

PMV Live is the relaunch of The Big 5 PMV and will be co-located alongside The Big 5, the Middle East’s largest international building and construction show.

Don’t miss this opportunity to exhibit or sponsor at the region’s most talked about event of the year. To enquire further please contact: Scan the QR code with Nathan Waugh on +971 (0) 4 438 0355 or [email protected] your smart phone & register LAST WORD | MUHANNAD SH. ASSAM

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STUDIO Group Art Editor Daniel Prescott Art Editor Simon Cobon Senior Designer Christopher Howlett

PHOTOGRAPHY Chief Photographer Jovana Obradovic Senior Photographers Isidora Bojovic, Efraim Evidor Staff Photographers Lester Ali, George Dipin, Juliet Dunne, Murrindie Frew, Lyubov Galushko, Verko Ignjatovic, Shruti Jagdeesh, Stanislav Kuzmin, DESERT DESIGNS Mosh Lafuente, Ruel Pableo, Rajesh Raghav PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION Group Production & Distribution Director Kyle Smith THE LAST WORD Deputy Production Manager Matthew Grant Production Coordinator Nelly Pereira Distribution Manager Karima Ashwell Muhannad Sh. Assam, managing director for Abu Dhabi Distribution Executive Nada Al Alami CIRCULATION based BEAD Architects & Designers, discusses the Head of Database & Circulation Gaurav Gulati

many opportunities in the Middle East MARKETING Head of Marketing Daniel Fewtrell Marketing Manager Annie Chinoy BEAD is working on three very interesting projects at this time - ITP DIGITAL these include a ﬁ ve-star hotel located in central Doha, a VVIP palace complex in Director Peter Conmy Internet Applications Manager Mohammed Affan Saudi Arabia and a big hospitality and cultural district in Baghdad. Web Designer Meghna Rao

ITP GROUP In Abu Dhabi, the project I wish to see completed is Kaleidoscope Towers Chairman Andrew Neil Managing Director Robert Serafin Finance Director Toby Jay Spencer-Davies within the Danet Abu Dhabi development. I am sure this project, once ﬁ nished, will Board of Directors K M Jamieson, Mike Bayman, be a landmark within the urban setting of East Abu Dhabi. 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. The most enjoyable aspect of working in the UAE Please contact [email protected] for further details or visit www.itpimages.com is the fact that we practice in a free and professional environment which enables P r i n t e d by E m i r a t e s P r i n t i n g P re s s L . L .C . D u b a i unlimited information sharing and wide exposure to the global world of design. Subscribe online at www.itp.com/subscriptions Audited by: BPA Worldwide Average Qualified Circulation: 5,153 (January - June 2011)

One of the biggest challenges in the Middle East is a moral obligation. Cover image SOM | Hedrich Blessing ©Nick Merrick We need to respect the architecture as a profession, design with a conscience, and T h e p u b l i s h e r s r e g r e t t h a t t h e y c a n n o t a c c e p t l i a b i l i t y f o r e r r o r o r o m i s s i o n s contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the publishers. realise projects which satisfy basic living requirements. 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. T h e o w n e r s h i p o f t r a d e m a r k s i s a c k n o w l e d g e d . N o p a r t o f t h i s p u b l i c a t i o n The other main challenge is commercial and related to the economic crises. 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 I think that the lack of sustainable ﬂ ow of assignments has consequently forced publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. architects to commercialise the profession.

A building I admire is Bab Al Shams Resort in Dubai. Published by and © 2011 ITP Business Publishing, a division of the ITP I believe the designer, GAJ, has demonstrated a great responsibility and respect for Publishing Group Ltd. Registered in the B.V.I. under Company number 1402846. the local architecture and environment.

80 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 11.11 | www.designmena.com