Middle East Architect | July 2012

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

JULY 2012 / VOLUME 06 / ISSUE 07An ITP Business Publication

CASE STUDYDoha’s classic Al Hitmi complex

gets a new residential section

FEATURESounding out the latest trends

in regional acoustic design

DEEP PURPLEMubadala’s colourful campus for UAE University in Al Ain

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 07.12 | www.designmena.com

FRONT | JULY

2

QATAR ‘GHERKIN’ NAMED REGION’S BEST TOWER

TOP STORYBurj Qatar in Doha by Jean Nouvel was named best tall building in the Middle East and Africa at the annual awards of the Council on Tall Build-ings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH).

Al Bahar Towers in Abu Dhabi was also honoured, picking up CTBUH’s fi rst Innovation Award for its intel-ligent solar skin.

Nouvel’s cylindrical tower is similar in form to Foster + Partners’ 30 St Mary Axe in London, dubbed ‘the gherkin’.

Unlike Foster’s building, the façade of Burj Qatar is constructed of multi-layered patterns which mimic traditional Islamic sun screens.

Richard Cook, awards committee chairman and founding partner of Cook + Fox Architects, commented: “The skin of the building is a beauti-ful expression of the local culture, connecting this very modern tower with ancient Islamic designs.”

Meanwhile, Aedas’ twin-tower project for Abu Dhabi Investment

Burj Qatar (left);

Al Bahar Towers

(right).

Student capacity of UAE University (Page 20)

Council was praised for its computer-controlled

‘mashrabiya’ façade which responds to the sun.

Peter Oborn, Aedas deputy chair-man and project director, said: “We’re delighted that the Al Bahar Towers has been recognised, particularly as it refl ects the Emirates’ commitment to innovation and sustainability.”

The 25-storey project is on course for completion this summer, with the mashrabiya currently being commis-sioned, according to Oborn.

Aedas’ Abu Dhabi towers also honoured at 2012 CTBUH Awards so honoured at 2012 CTBUH Awards

25STOREYS IN AL

BAHAR TOWERS

17,000

Aedas’ Abu Dhahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh bi towers

JULY | FRONT

www.designmena.com | 07.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 3

This month’s top stories• Qatar ‘gherkin’ named Middle East’s best

tower

• Aedas’ Abu Dhabi towers win Innovation

Award

• 25 essential iPad apps for interior design

students

• Dolum launches the Aluna bed

• Pictures: Best tall buildings of 2012

• Top 5: Audacious stadium designs

A contemporary eco-friendly mosque, designed by a graduating architecture student from ALHOSN Univerity, has been approved by the General Authority of Islamic Aff airs and Endowments in Abu Dhabi.

The proposal, by Suhail Moham-

Local fi rm GAJ Architects has been appointed as concept and full service consultants for Emaar’s housing project in The Views, Dubai. The Panorama development, overlook-ing the fairways of the Emirates Golf Course, will contain four buildings at 15 fl oors, with 224 apartments.

GAJ’s consultant services on the project include architecture, interior design, structure, MEP and land-scape. It was reported to almost sell out within three hours of opening.

Jason Lloyd Taverner, GAJ partner and lead design consultant, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this landmark project which signals

GAJ wins contract for new Emaar housing project

Student’s eco mosque in Abu Dhabi gets approved

med Suleiman, received a Five Pearl Rating under Estidama and incorpo-rates a mosque and Islamic centre on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island.

It is to be made from eco-friendly building materials and partly illumi-nated by natural lighting.

Prof. Abdul Rahim Sabouni, vice chancellor and CEO, ALHOSN University, said: “[Suleiman’s] unique design refl ects the bright future of Islamic architecture in the UAE. ALHOSN University is very proud of him and extends its full support for the transformation of his project from the drawing board to reality.”

WEIRD PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Danish collective pinkcloud shared its fu-turistic vision of Shanghai which scraps the horizontal cityscape in favour of the vertical. Entitled ‘fl ip/city’, the project reorganises footprints of the existing urban landscape.

Units in the new section of Doha’s landmark Hitmi complex (Page 38)

i

n n

8)

Cost per unit of acoustic retrofi t (Page 30)

DESIGNMENA.COM

DATASTREAMLOCATION OF TALLEST TELECOM TOWERS

The design received a Five Pearl Rating.

Panorama, the Views, Dubai.

84 US$11,000

the re-emergence of the residential property sector in Dubai.”

Described by Emaar as “both styl-ish yet functional” it’s arranged in the shape of an unfi nished ‘W’, with the majority of apartments to enjoy a golf course and Marina skyline view.

19 (53%)ASIA

11 (31%)EUROPE

2 (5%)MIDDLE EAST

2 (5%)NORTH AMERICA

2 (5%)OCEANA

(Data from CTBUH)


FRONT | JULY

4

Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid was made into a dame in Queen Elizabeth’s Birthday Honours list.

Dame Zaha, designer of the Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi, was awarded the title for her services to architecture. She said: “I have met the Queen on several occasions, in Istanbul and here in London, but of course this is quite a diff erent matter and I am sure one will be nervous.”

Now one of the world’s most famous architects, Hadid won the Pritzker Prize in 2004 as well as the Stirling Prize in 2010 and 2011.

She is also behind the Aquatic Centre, one of the major venues for this year’s Olympic Games in London.

Dame is the female equivalent of knight-hood in the British honours system.

Former Aecom healthcare principal Randy Edwards has joined HDR Architecture as vice president and healthcare principal for the Middle East.

Working out of HDR’s Dubai offi ce, Ed-wards joins with more than 30 years experi-ence in the healthcare and higher education industries. Prior to Aecom, he was the man-aging director of Ellerbe Becket’s Middle East, Asian and European markets.

His portfolio includes the King Fahd Specialty Hospital masterplan and King Khalid Medical City in Dammam, KSA, as well as the University Hospital and Ameri-can Hospital in Dubai.

“Having lived in Dubai for more than four years, Randy brings a unique understand-ing of the local culture, business climate and infrastructure needs of the region,” said Ahmad Soueid, HDR senior vice president and director of development, Middle East.

PEOPLE

Zaha Hadid made a dame by Queen Elizabeth

Ex-Aecom chief joins HDR Middle East

The historic and cultural value of Downtown Doha is nothing compared to what we have at Al-Balad in Jeddah.”Dr Ziad Aazam, director of projects at ABAM

Reducing heat islands can signifi cantly lower cooling

costs, through avoiding the use of dark , non-refl ective surfaces for parking, roofs, walkways and other hardscapes.”

Samer Al Hamdan,senior architect , LEED AP

BD+C, PMDC

Using BIM is a massive advantage. The

integration of BIM will also help to change the mentality of both the

offi ce and site worker.”David Crowder, head of MEP, Atkins

60 SECOND INTERVIEWAMMAR AL ASSAM,EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR,DEWAN

How is business for Dewan? The last year was very good for us and we have a much more diverse portfolio. We have projects in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Qatar, but Iraq and Saudi are particularly busy.

What projects are you working on in Iraq and Saudi?In Iraq, we’re working on the Basra Governorate HQ and a 5-star hotel in Basra for the Ministry of Sports & Youth. We are providing the structural urban plan for Qadisiya province in collaboration with Aecom. We will start design work on a 20-storey tower with hotel and residential components in Dammam, KSA and designed a 150m tower in Dammam for Al-Abdulkarim Holding.

Is work picking up in Dubai? Dubai was quiet for a few years but in the last six to nine months we have had more requests. Old faces are coming back and large developers are calling us.

ernorate HQHtoear hotel or ry yy

a a

onom. We Wmesign work onwge

Hadid gets title for services to architecture.

Healthcare specialist Randy Edwards.


FRONT | JULY

6

3TURKEYMinimalist stone mosque proposed for Istanbul

This simple yet daring mosque design by Emre Arolat Architects is proposed for a site outside Istanbul. It is located in a prairie landscape sepa-rated from surrounding houses by a busy highway. Stone stairs follow the natural slope and the thin reinforced concrete slab spans over six metres to form the canopy. Its interior contains slits along the Qiblah wall allowing daylight to fi lter in.

2ABU DHABIWorld’s highest penthouse bridge in place

Abu Dhabi-based developer Sorouh has completed the world’s high-est penthouse bridge structure for Gate Towers, at a height of 245m. The fourth and fi nal section was lifted to sit at the top of the 65-storey residential development on Shams Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island. The com-pleted structure is now built across all three towers and is cantilevered 25m beyond the last tower.

1ABU DHABIAbu Dhabi Corniche set for major revamp

London-based Markus Jatsch Part-ners won a contract with Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council to re-devel-op 4km of beachfront along the Cor-niche. This involves turning existing promenade, beach and parkland into multi-use and fl exible space, it was reported in The Architects’ Journal. Amenities will include restaurants, beach clubs, sports areas, snack bars, sports facilities and children’s areas.

1

2

MENA PROJECT SNAPSHOT

3

2

JULY | FRONT


1

2

3

1POLANDEuro 2012 stadium wins two awards

Poland’s National Stadium in Warsaw, a key venue for the 2012 European Football Championship, picked up two prizes at the World Stadium Congress held in Doha. Designed by gmp and Skidata, it won ‘Best multi-functional stadium design’ and ‘Innovative technology in design’. An honourary award for outstanding contribution to sporting development in Qatar went to the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee.

2DENMARK3XN and Arup to design Copenhagen Arena

A team comprising 3XN, HKS Archi-tects, Arup, ME Engineers and Planit has won the design competition for the new Copenhagen Arena. Expected to be completed in late 2015, the design features a semi-transparent yellow terracotta and glass façade. The glass between the terracotta fi ns is said to make the building appear open and ac-cessible, while the foyer areas receive natural light.

3FAROE ISLANDSHenning Larsen wins Faroe Islands megaproject

Henning Larsen Architects has won the competition to develop a 150,000m2 complex comprising a cultural house, museum, residences, offi ces and shops. Situated in Faroe Islands’ second largest city, Klaksvík, the proposal is based on a star-shaped structure where the centre of the star constitutes the new city square. The city’s municipality will prepare a district plan for its development.

2

GLOBAL PROJECT SNAPSHOT

1 3

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 07.12 | www.designmena.com8

CPD MODULE

METAL CEILINGSThis CPD module takes a look at the design, specifi cation, integration and performance of suspended metal ceilings across the Middle East. It is sponsored by SAS International

Acoustic

Performance Data.

C eilings are an element that is often underval-ued by the occupants of a building however

they play an important role in their comfort. Meeting occupant demands for a modern offi ce environment requires consideration to be given to acoustics and space fl exibility. Low maintenance costs and product durability are factors that also need to be addressed, while architects and clients will be looking for the

optimum aesthetic fi nish. Suspended ceilings are tradition-

ally installed to provide acoustic comfort and service integration. The choice of tile provides the desired acoustic performance. Metal ceiling tiles are supplied with factory-formed apertures for luminaires and other services, reducing on-site waste and installation time. Engineered systems can also ensure that product quality is signifi cantly better. Working closely with project teams and coordinating

service options, prefabrication can lead to on-site cost savings.

There are a number of diff erent design and performance options that need to be considered when specify-ing a ceiling including:

MATERIAL TYPE: A range of diff erent ceiling materials are avail-able on the market including mineral wool, gypsum and metal. In addi-tion to meeting the requirements of LEED and Estidama, the long-term environmental benefi ts of metal meet the sustainability demands of modern projects. With a 25-year life cycle and minimal on-going maintenance, metal provides the durability that clients want.

It is specifi ed on numerous con-struction projects for its performance and, unlike other materials, it has a closed life cycle loop, as it can be recycled into new steel. With 40% recycled content, steel is the most recycled material globally.

Off ering signifi cant value to the cli-ent there are no disposal costs at end of life with a retained residual value contributing toward future refurbish-ment.

Steel can be used for applications such as cladding, soffi ts and ceilings especially in locations where humid-ity and proximity to the sea must be considered. Steel is being supplied to


CPD MODULE

projects in the region because of its durable and versatile qualities which off er a cost-eff ective and sustainable solution. It can withstand weathering and applied with a powder paint coat-ing is guaranteed for 40 years.

The leading suspended ceiling manufacturers are able to provide full ISO 14025 Environmental Product Declarations for their ceiling systems.

ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE (Figure 1): The versatility of metal provides unrivalled acoustic proper-ties while maintaining a continuous aesthetic appearance. A number of diff erent acoustic backing materials can be used with perforated metal panels, providing acoustic attenu-ation of up to 49dB and acoustic absorption of 0.90 .

To provide the ideal levels of occupant comfort it is important to ensure the correct acoustic perfor-mance is specifi ed and installed, on many projects this will include a mix of sound absorbing tiles in open plan spaces and sound attenuation tiles for modular offi ces.

Sound Absorption (Fig 2): Acoustic absorption is a measure of

the ability of a surface to absorb sound, minimising the amount of refl ected sound back into a space. High performing acoustic pads installed in the rear of a perforated metal tile can overcome this refl ected noise within an environment. Tested under BS EN ISO 11654 the results are reported in three diff erent ways as:• Sound Absorption Rating: A single fi gure rating, quoted as , based upon octave frequency bands, ranging from 0.0 for total refl ection, to 1.0 for total absorption.• Sound Absorption Class (Figure 3):There are fi ve categories of sound absorption ranging from Class A to Class E, with Class A off ering the higher level of sound absorption. Sound Absorption Class can be roughly equated to the value of .• NRC – Noise Reduction Coeffi cientA more traditional method of defi ning sound absorption is Noise Reduction Coeffi cient (NRC), which is an arithmetic average of octave band absorption over a limited frequency range.

Sound Attenuation / Insulation (Fig 4): Acoustic attenuation is used to describe the reduction in sound between two spaces separated by a dividing element, for example a wall or partition between two rooms.

Figure 2

Figure 3


CPD MODULE

tiles are not limited to a fi xed number of wash cycles and can be cleaned regularly. With a 25 year product life guarantee the costs associated with metal tiles are signifi cantly lower.

TYPE OF METAL CEILING SYSTEMS: When designing for any project, diff erent options can aff ect the aesthetic fi nish of a suspended ceiling, complementing and refl ecting other architectural features. It is not necessary to take a ‘best-fi t’ solution, each ceiling is diff erent and requires a tailored approach, projects and buildings are not always square, demands from users vary and have to be taken into account.

The majority of ceiling systems either have a concealed or exposed grid. Exposed grids can be fl ush with the ceiling plane or recessed, tiles can be modular or manufactured to planning modules. Concealed grids can produce a monolithic ceiling plane.Clip-in Tiles (Figure 5): With ease of cleaning and secure ceiling voids, SAS System 150 clip-in tiles are ideal for hygienic environments and public spaces where void security is a requirement. Tiles, available in 600 x 600mm or 1200 x 300mm, are supported by a concealed suspension grid and can be demounted from the grid or hinged downwards. As upward pressure can be applied, strict cleaning schedules, including deep steam cleans, can be adhered to. Lay-in Tiles (Figure 6): Traditional modular lay-in tiles, SAS System 130, can be customised by utilising diff ering grid options. Tiles are generally provided in 600mm x 600mm cassette form complete with acoustic fl eece and pad. The range of grid options includes traditional tee grid to fl ush aluminium fi nishes, with tiles laid directly in. Providing fl exibility for locating partitioning a linear thread form allows partitioning heads to be fi xed without causing any

damage to the ceiling plane. Linear and Tartan Grid Tiles (Figure 7): Off ering the facility to manufacture tiles in millimetre increments and mega panels, sizes up to 1500 x 1500mm, SAS System 330 provides functionality and outstanding performance with a range of cost eff ective design options.

This system is ideal for offi ces - both new and refurbishments - due to their ability to meet any building’s grid size. To meet design requirements the supporting profi le and tiles can be provided in a range of shapes to allow waveform or radial designs to be created.Bespoke Ceilings: Building and ceiling design is not limited to square and rectangular; radial, vaulted and

even waveform ceiling design can be accommodated. Bespoke ceilings can provide a visually eff ective ceiling design while maximising space.

WORKING WITH A MANUFACTURERUnderstanding that all projects are unique, many manufacturers ensure solutions provide for the long-term whilst meeting environmental credentials and off ering greater design fl exibility. If architects and contractors work closely with manufacturers like SAS International it is easier to ensure their design and performance specifi cations are met.

QUESTIONS 1) What is the typical product life guarantee you would associate with a metal ceiling tile?a) 5 yearsb) 25 yearsc) 10 years

2) What dB level of acoustic attenuation can you achieve with a metal ceiling tile?a) 32dBb) 49dBc) 66dB

3) What is the optimum acoustic open free area for perforated metal tiles?a) 15% - 22%b) 2% - 65%c) 30% - 41%

4) How long can the polyester powder paint nish be guaranteed for?a) 5 yearsb) 25 yearsc) 40 years

5) What is the average global recycled content gure for steel?a) 60%b) 40%c) 20%

Having read this CPD module and made use of the references, you should be ready to

select the correct answer to each question below.

Your answers to this CPD module should be sent via email to Kirsty Bird, CIOB. [email protected]


NEWS ANALYSIS | ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE

ANALYSIS

Traditional

architecture

provides an

insight into life in

a city during any

period.

Amidst the gleam-ing towers and shiny façades lining the busy cities of the Middle

East lie pockets of traditional archi-tecture which evoke memories of days long gone. And if some people have their way, those days will return.

With the region seeing a resur-gence in restoring properties and

districts to their former glory, the Architectural Heritage department of Dubai Municipality is certainly playing its part.

Eng. Rashad Bukhash, director of the Architectural Heritage Depart-ment, opines that architecture is the “mirror of history”.

He adds: “Starting with the pyra-mids, the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall

of China, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, architecture has been the mirror of civilisations for more than 8,000 to 9,000 years.”

This is why he believes architectur-al heritage conservation is important, both internationally and locally. Traditional architecture is not just about stones and buildings, he says, rather it aids in interpretation of the

Cities across the Middle East are moving back to their architectural roots, proving that old is defi nitely gold.

Devina Divecha and Gerhard Hope weigh in


ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE | NEWS ANALYSIS

social, economic and political life of the city at the time.

The Architectural Heritage Department was founded in 1991, and in the last 21 years has restored 170 structures in Dubai, along with prestigious projects in other emirates like Al Bidiya Mosque in Fujairah and the Ajman Fort. Other restored projects include watch towers,

mosques, souqs, houses and schools. In many cases, the buildings have been restored for their original use. With the rest, the department has converted them into museums, restaurants, boutique hotels, galleries and offi ce spaces. It has completed restoring 54 houses in Bastakiya and 60 in Shindagha, with another 60 to be fi nished in the latter area in the next fi ve years.

Similarly, the historic district of Jeddah presents an opportunity to become a lasting legacy for Saudi Arabia, akin to Msheireb Properties’ Downtown Doha project in Qatar.

A consequence of the Arab Spring has been a renewed interest in cultur-al heritage and attempts to preserve it, according to Dr Ziad Aazam, direc-tor of projects at Al-Balad Al-Ameen Development & Urban Regeneration Company (ABAM). Dr Aazam is also a part-time consultant at the Jeddah Development & Urban Regeneration Company (JDURC).

Despite UNESCO’s rejection of Saudi Arabia’s application to have Al-Balad declared a World Heritage Site, Dr Aazam is forging ahead to have the area preserved as a historic legacy. He is being aided in these eff orts by Mo-hammed Shukri, who runs a private architectural consultancy.

“It is not about concrete and dol-lars; it is about what is equally impor-tant in the Arab world today, people and places, which is what construc-tion is really about,” says Dr Aazam.

The methods of construction in decades gone by were diff erent, but perhaps better suited to the climate of the region. Bearing this in mind, contemporary architects can learn a lot of useful techniques from tradi-

“Traditional buildings can stay for 100 or 200 years easily with a little bit of maintenance, but many modern buildings...cannot resist the hot and humid climate.Rashad Bukhash, director, Architectural Heritage Department, Dubai

tional architecture in the Middle East region, according to Bukhash.

He added the ‘green architecture’, propagated by municipalities nowa-days and by Masdar in Abu Dhabi, is present in buildings that existed 50 years ago. “We have a very harsh, hot and humid climate; I believe that tra-ditional architecture suited 90% of the climate in various ways,” he adds.

He points to the use of porous coral stones, which worked as an insulated wall to provide a cooler space inter-nally. Another cooling material is mud bricks, especially used in Hatta and the inner regions of the UAE. Gypsum, according to Bukhash, is a better option than concrete or rein-forced iron, as the latter can rust in 30 or 40 years.

“Traditional buildings can stay for 100 or 200 years easily with a little bit of maintenance, but many modern buildings, especially those built in 1960s or 70s, will have to be demol-ished because they cannot resist the hot and humid climate,” he adds.

Rashad Bukhash,

Architectural

Heritage

Department

(below).


NEWS ANALYSIS | ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE

The same principles are echoed in Al-Balad. Shukri comments: “You did not have air-conditioning, so it was very hot in summer. But they survived living out in the elements, so you have an added value from the green side — how they adapted to the environment.” Shukri says the principle of rainwater harvesting was common at this time. “We can learn from such examples, which show that Al-Balad is still liv-ing, and is not a ghost town.”

Dr Aazam said the Jeddah Heart Group has adopted a distinct ap-proach to the restoration of Al-Balad.

“If you notice this hotel, it has mashrabiya or Arabic screens

over the windows. This school of thought, of transferring heritage culture into the modern so it becomes symbolic, is not our school. Our aim is to integrate and progress. We must always feel linked to the past, and looking to the future.”

Shukri says there is some ongo-ing debate on the best approach to preserve Al-Balad.

“Are the existing, crumbling struc-tures valuable or not? Do you leave everything as it is, or do you make up your mind to reuse it?”

The local building materials at the time were coral stone, mud from the sea and active lime used for plaster-ing, with wood from local sources for framing. “This is as simple as it gets here in terms of components. However, these are very sustainable elements,” he remarks.

Such has been the quality of the construction that many of the build-ings have been standing intact for 200 years — although UNESCO did state that the area was “neglected” rather than of historic value.

Commenting on the construction methods used at the time, Shukri says the wall widths were wide to provide deep insulation inside the building. Most of the elevations were open for deeper air penetration into the build-ing. Recesses were carved out of the walls, which not only made for storage space, but also turned the walls into structural columns by reducing their load-bearing weight.

It is not about concrete and dollars; it is about what is equally important in the Arab world today, people and

places, which is what construction is really about.”Dr Ziad Aazam, director of projects, ABAM

Earlier methods

of architecture

suited the harsh

local climate.

170 RESTORATIONS BY DUBAI’S HERITAGE

DEPT


ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE | NEWS ANALYSIS

In terms of restoration, Shukri says the best method is to reuse the existing wooden framing, take out the walls, rebuild these, and then return them to the structure. The key is to use local materials and knowledge, which will also provide training and up-skilling opportunities for locals.

This view is echoed by Bukhash who says, according to UNESCO and international laws, architects are instructed to keep the build-ings as is and use the traditional materials in conservation.

He also points to the concept of the wind tower, which helped bring air into enclosed spaces. “I’m not saying we should go back to that [form of architecture] — now we have electricity, but we have to develop ideas,” he adds. Bukhash mentions Arizona, USA, which has a similar climate. “There they have developed some kind of wind towers, but that is much more established through universities, municipalities, and ministries of housing.”

The Architectural Heritage Department, with the aim of spread-ing awareness on the issue, has set up the International Architectur-al Conservation and Exhibition, with the third edition to take place on December 17-19, 2012 in Dubai. The theme is ‘Architectural Conservation: Present and Future’.

The fi ve main topics it will cover include: policies, strategies and decision making in historic environment; economics of conserva-tion and sustainable environment; cultural development and aware-ness; management of cultural heritage in historic areas; and project implementation and practical aspects of urban conservation.

In addition, students from local and international universities will be participating in the event. Local universities slated to attend include American University in Dubai (AUD), American University of Sharjah (AUS), UAE University and Sharjah University.

Bukhash says: “It’s a very good participation, and many experts on conservation will be there. HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, chief of the General Authority for Tourism and Antiqui-ties in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is attending.”

“We have sent an invitation to Prince Charles of Britain, to Queen Rania of Jordan, and Sheikha Mai Bint Mohammed Al Khalifa from the Ministry of Culture,” he adds.

The growing trend of regeneration was summed up by Eng. Issa M. Al Mohannadi, CEO of Msheireb Properties: “I suspect Gulf states will look back to the hearts of their cities, and eventually all capitals of the region will start to regenerate their downtowns.”

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COMMENT | EDITOR’S LETTER

16

Does the selection of an established tower suggest a lack of quality, newly completed tall buildings?

EDITOR’S LETTER

TOWER POWERDid Burj Qatar deserve to win its CTBUH award?

GOT A

COMMENT?

If you have any

comments to

make on this

month’s issue,

please e-mail

oliver.

ephgrave

@itp.com

Burj Qatar (left); Al Hamra TowerLast month, Jean Nouvel’s

Burj Qatar was crowned the best tall building in the Middle East and Africa

by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). Yet did Nouvel’s 232m-high tower deserve to be lauded at the annual awards?

The facade is certainly among the region’s best. By taking the mashrabiya screen as inspiration, Frenchman Nouvel has created a skin that is both spectacular, unique and rooted in its context.

However, in terms of the form, it is nothing new. We saw the cylindrical ‘gherkin’ shape way back in 2004 with Foster’s 30 St Mary’s Axe in the centre of London.

The following year Nouvel himself celebrated the opening of the 144m-high Torre Agbar, in Barcelona, which is a more elegant version of Foster’s icon.

Burj Qatar seems like a taller replica of the Barcelona tower with a more localised facade. The project in Spain would defi nitely have served as a good warm up for Nouvel’s team.

A question mark surrounds the reason why the tower was honoured in 2012. It has long been a feature on Doha’s skyline and was completed in 2010 according to several data websites, including Emporis.

Past winners of the award include Bahrain Trade Centre, Burj Khalifa and The Index by Foster + Partners, indicating a steady delivery of qual-ity tall buildings in the region.

Burj Qatar managed to tick CTBUH’s boxes to qualify for 2012, perhaps due to occupancy levels. But does the selection of an established tower suggest a lack of quality, newly completed towers?

In the case of Dubai, this may be true. Several towers in Dubai Marina have been completed and handed over yet the standout build-ing, Infi nity Tower by SOM, is still several months away from fi nishing.In January this year, Abu Dhabi’s

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, by DBI, picked up an award for ‘World’s Leading New Hotel’ in the World Travel Awards. Yet the glassy fi ve-tower project is perhaps not special enough to win the CTBUH award.

A tower that should have been a contender is Capital Gate in Abu Dhabi. Like Burj Qatar, Capital Gate has been topped out for a number of years, but was only launched rela-tively recently. From certain angles Capital Gate is utterly beguiling, yet when the tilt is not apparent it loses much of its appeal.

For me, the most exciting new tower to be completed in the Middle East is SOM’s Al Hamra Tower. The tallest stone-clad structure on earth is both elegantly sculpted and unlike any other building.

Looking at London’s ‘gherkin’ and Barcelona’s Torre Agbar, the same could not be said for Burj Qatar.

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Five years after the start of the economic crisis, there is one question at the centre of concern for all

industries: what have we learned?It appears that many issues the

construction industry was facing have been analysed during the time of the recession and treasured for the future. Let’s look at the high dynamics of construction itself that became a platform for creating other issues.

The speed of construction in the UAE and in the wider region before 2007 was fostering the concept of constructing sustainable buildings, while at the same time construction was faster than the implementation of the science of the sustainability.

The necessity of performing a full feasibility study is now needed more than ever, as the time when every-thing was feasible is far behind us.

The use of local building materials will widen the activities in the construction industry; it will control the prices and will

certainly create new jobs.”

OPINION

Practicality versus luxury, due to the consumers’ uphill movement to personal and social recovery, should become priority. Accordingly, know-ing your current consumers better, and the satisfaction of the end user trapped in circumstances created by the latest economic downturn, is a step forward to the success of the construction industry.

The introduction of innovations not only in the multiple reusable/re-cyclable materials, but in technology specifi c for the construction industry, leading to even larger globalisation, is becoming essential. The more time and resources the consultancy/construction companies engage in the research and innovations, the more competitive they become.

We are still facing mis-coordina-tion between departments within the same organisation. For instance,

while the design department is pro-ducing the documentation for tender in one format, the procurement is asking for another. The process of the adjustment and the agreement is long or endless.

The massive import of fi nal build-ing materials needs to be analysed, with a push towards local production. The cheaper services still are, and have always been, available in the UAE and in the wider region. The use of local building materials will widen the activities in the construction industry; it will control the prices and will certainly create new jobs.

The recent economic turmoil left a mess behind it and at the same time created a platform for learning les-sons. And each recession is diff erent, appearing in a specifi c time and set of circumstances. Has the most recent downturn been utilised by the con-struction companies to better prepare for new challenges?

Are the governments helping the construction industry, including the private sector, to overcome the crises and take a strong direction? Being present in the UAE and the GCC region, we witness governments that are well focused on the recovery of their countries.

The major programmes such as the construction of Emirati housing, schools, hospitals, energy supply fa-cilities, as well as the development of infrastructure in the UAE and wider region, will keep the construction in-dustry alive until the recession is over. When will this happen? Well, that is the million dollar question.

What has the industry learned in the last fi ve years?

FRESH THINKING

Georgina

Chakar is an

Australian

architect and a

Master of Urban

Planning. She

works in Abu

Dhabi.

The construction of social infrastruc-ture, such as schools, is keeping the industry afl oat.

COMMENT | GEORGINA CHAKAR

a rc h i t e c t u re . g e o m e t r i c a . c o m

Our modular process makes your building a snap.


SITE VISIT | UAE UNIVERSITY

With a new male campus set to welcome students in September, Oliver Ephgrave visits the stunning UAE University in Al Ain

CAMPUS OF COLOUR

UAE UNIVERSITY | SITE VISIT




22

A purpose-built univer-sity from scratch, de-signed and documented in a period of eight

months conjures up images of drab boxy buildings lining clinical grid streets, yet UAE University’s new campus in Al Ain couldn’t be further from this. With its shaded canopies, narrow alleyways, open courtyards and water features, it somehow feels like a charming old city, albeit one with ultra-contemporary buildings.

“Our design brief was to create a contemporary university that would rival the leading education infra-structure projects around the world,” says Greg Howlett, director of Australia-based Cox Architecture.

Cox was behind the detailed masterplan, concept design, design development and documentation, while Woods Bagot created the initial masterplan concept.

The progressive Western-style buildings are used for a very traditional form of education, with

strictly enforced gender segregation. While the female campus opened last year, along with the landmark Crescent Building, the male campus is preparing to welcome students for the new semester in September.

The university’s shared facilities required sophis-ticated plan-ning in order

The centrepiece

Crescent

Building.

to maintain segregation. Howlett explains: “The laboratories required a lot of planning so the buildings could operate at the same time with both male and female students, but without cross-over.

“We have separate entrances for males and females, so the build-

ings can be separated through the middle of the buildings or level changes. There are

US$544MILLION

VALUE OF CAMPUS

@

SHOWCASE YOUR PRODUCTIN FRONT OF 50,000 BUYERS



24

some fairly advanced management systems in place.

“Similarly, the library is designed to have both male and female stu-dents in separate areas. The segrega-tion system is very sophisticated and designed with subtle security, that isn’t ‘in your face’.”

Thankfully, two electric vehicles were on hand to escort us around the huge 100Ha campus, a welcome alternative to walking several kilo-metres in the scorching heat.

Cruising along, the quality of the built environment is immediately apparent. Quite remarkably, each building and courtyard has its own identity. The open spaces veer from the intimate to the open, surrounded by carefully-designed colleges with expressive facades.

Howlett comments: “We didn’t want the buildings to be identical. We used common colours and ma-terials but each building has its own character. They are quite diff erent but they all sit comfortably together.

I think that is the great success of the overall campus.”

A similarly diverse approach was adopted with the external circula-tion, according to Howlett. “You get very confi ned spaces opening into courtyards and diff erent squares. Some of them are covered in their entirety, while others are more land-scaped with planting. The external spaces are being used, contrary to previous predictions. We thought it was very important to utilise them.”

He elaborates on the arrangement of the campus: “The user experi-ences the university through a series of primary axial circulation move-ments, landmark vista stops, framed views and places of congregation. A central connective formal spine seg-regates the male and female campus.

“Wayfi nding was an important aspect - there are markers to make it easier to navigate around. We added some tower elements and diff erent colour schemes. We have used quite bright colours throughout.”

The variety in design was partly due to the involvement of diff er-ent offi ces. “We delivered diff erent buildings out of diff erent branches - Sydney, Melbourne, Perth. This meant that the buildings had a diff er-ence as well as a sameness.”

Howlett says the time diff erence between the UAE and Australia actually aided the delivery of the project in the client’s tight pro-gramme schedule.

“We used the time zones to our advantage. We’d have a meeting here with Mubadala in the afternoon and download to Sydney and by the next morning we would have the draw-ings ready.”

However, he concedes the process would have been even smoother if BIM was utilised. “It would have helped, no doubt about it. To have a 3D model you can work on in real time, particularly when working in diff erent offi ces on the single model, would have been great. But BIM was not really prevalent at the time we started designing.”

“In terms of construc-tion, we used a lot of precast. We did look at blockwork for the female residential - concrete

Our design brief was to create a contemporary university that would rival the leading education infrastructure

projects around the world.”Greg Howlett, director for Cox Architecture

The campus

is fi lled with

colourful

colleges.

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“ Imagining a hotel takes a lot of creativity and innovation, taking into consideration all the while the constraints of the standards in force ”

Organised by

frame and blockwork infi ll - but we found that the contractors were very keen to use precast.”

The vehicles eventually arrive at the campus’ standout centrepiece, the aptly-named Crescent Building which houses all of the university administration.

Howlett describes the design of the eye-catching structure. “Some of the facade panels are for vision while others are just cladding.

“The glass panels add colour to the interiors of some of the offi ces. If you look at the Crescent

Building in plan it is actually quite slim, but it is generous with space. The corridor tapers as you get further down the building and the volumes become smaller.

“I’d say the geometry was quite demanding - it con-tains two diff erent radii that converge while the cambered walls meet at a single point. 300,000M2

NET AREA OF CAMPUS



26

The Sharia

Law faculty

(right);

Crescent

Building

(below).

It’s probably my favourite part of the campus, partly because it was done out of my offi ce in Perth.”

Howlett believes one of the reasons that Cox was selected was due to its experience with the harsh Australian climate. “We are accustomed to dealing with passive

environmental design, such as shad-ing on windows.”

He continues: “It was extraordi-nary to do a project of this nature. Compared to other universities around the world, this is extremely substantial and we had to build it from scratch.

“The programme was challenging to say the least. I must say I didn’t think it was achievable.

“Essentially we used most of our resources, delivered through three diff erent offi ces. We also worked with a local partner Cansult, which is part of the Aecom Group. They had

8 MONTHS

DESIGN AND

DOCUMENTATION

TIMEFRAME

the experience dealing with the local authorities and they assisted us with the documentation.”

Given the scale of the project, and its tight delivery timeframe, the fact that it retains a human quality is testament to the skilful and carefully crafted design.

What’s more, it seems that the campus is appreciated by those that have to use it every day. After inadvertently eavesdropping on our conversation, the driver of one of the vehicles turns to Howlett and says: “You designed the campus sir? Wow, amazing work.”


FEATURE | ACOUSTIC DESIGN

Oliver Ephgrave looks at the latest trends and techniques

in regional acoustic design

ACOUSTIC DESIGN | FEATURE

www.designmena.com | 07.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 31www.designmena.com | 07.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 31

It’s fair to say that the acoustics of a building will probably not be the fi rst thing on the agenda for most clients and architects.

But how important is the way a build-ing deals with sound? According to Mark Scaife, associate for acoustics, WSP Environment and Energy, the acoustic performance of a space goes hand-in-hand with the perceived quality. He opines: “If a building looks stunning, but you can hear what the neighbours are say-ing, people will very soon tire of the appearance. That said, it is vital that the design is both architecturally and acoustically pleasing.”

Andrew Jackson, director at metal ceiling supplier SAS International, believes acoustics are becom-ing more integral in commercial environments. “Occupant comfort, particularly acoustics, is becoming more important in the design and performance of offi ces. Productivity of staff is directly aff ected if this issue is not considered at an early design stage,” he says.

Jason Hird, technical manager for wall and ceiling supplier Saint-Gobain Gyproc, off ers advice on how to improve a building’s acoustic performance. “Both internal and external sound transmission should be considered and the requirements for each individual space taken into account when planning the building design,” he remarks.

“Sensible measures, such as separating quiet and

noisy activities and the careful speci-fi cation of doors, windows and duct-work systems, will

help to reduce the demands on sound

insulation. Continuing partitions to the underside

of the structural soffi t and the use of plasterboard suspended ceilings to both sides of the partition will reduce fl anking transmission.”

US$11,000COST PER UNIT OF ACOUSTIC

RETROFIT


It’s often the case that acousticians are employed too late or not for the entire design and construction, so that they are

prevented from adding their true value.”Mark Scaife, WSP Environment and Energy

Mark Scaife,

associate for

acoustics, WSP

Environment and

Energy (right).

Hird continues: “Air tightness is essential, and while most junctions will be sealed using standard jointing techniques, any gaps or other small air paths should be sealed using a proprietary sealant.”

When asked about the most chal-lenging type of building to deal with acoustically, Scaife highlights hotels. “They are problematic because they often contain confl icting uses in close proximity such as nightclubs and fi ne dining. It is then necessary to provide separating elements (wall and fl oors) with very high levels of sound insula-tion which can aff ect the structural loads and space planning.”

Scaife also states that schools are a big challenge in terms of acoustics. “Studies have shown that schools lo-cated in areas of high noise levels have students that suff er long term learning impairment. Therefore without proper consideration to acoustics, we could be impacting future generations.

“It is also important to consider that the majority of research into speech in-telligibility which the acoustic criteria for schools is based on teacher and stu-dent sharing a common fi rst language. Certainly in the multicultural societies in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, this is often not the case and designers should consider improving the performances. This is certainly an area requiring further research.”

UAE-based Dewan Architects and Engineers was behind the design of the huge Al Bateen Secondary School in Abu Dhabi, a project which posed many acoustic challenges. Nida’a Al Gailani, senior projects manager, ex-

ACOUSTIC DESIGN | FEATURE


plains: “Rooms or spaces of diff erent functions require diff erent acousti-cal treatments, such as classrooms, lecture rooms, music rooms and performance halls.”

She continues: “A high degree of speech intelligibility in learning spaces needs to be achieved. With good classroom acoustics, learning is easier and less fatiguing for students and teachers.”

According to Al Gailani, the correct amount of reverbera-tion is crucial for class-rooms. She continues: “The larger the room, the longer it will take for refl ected sound to die away quickly. Excessive reverberation can reduce the understanding of spoken words. Conversely, too much sound-absorbing treatment, especially in dedicated lecture rooms, can reduce benefi cial early sound refl ections causing speech levels from a talker to fall off rapidly with distance.”

Lecture halls and seminar rooms also required a considered sound ab-sorption solution. “In teaching spaces with ceiling heights greater than three metres, an increased amount of sound-absorbing material was needed to achieve the recommended level,” says Al Gailani.

“The acoustical mineral ceiling was distributed uniformly to enhance refl ections to and from the back of the room, as well as back and forth, thus promoting good speech communica-tion,” she adds.

Other acoustic tricks included the use of carpets to muffl e impact sound. In rooms without carpet, Neoprene chair leg tips were used to help reduce shuffl ing noises.

Al Gailani points to the multi-purpose hall as the main acoustic challenge, due to its various func-tions. The result was a “comfortable balance between sound absorption and refl ection providing a favourable noise distribution pattern”.

Parallel surfaces were avoided to prevent the sound from slamming back and forth. “This annoying condi-tion is referred to as standing wave or fl utter echo,” she explains.

Meanwhile, the rear and back stage walls were treated with an absorptive material to control refl ections. “If these refl ections are not prevented, the sound will refl ect off the back wall and return to the people on stage, which would be very distracting for the audience and the presenters,” states Al Gailani.

When it comes to the common mis-takes made in acoustic design in the Middle East, WSP’s Scaife remarks: “It’s often the case that acousticians are employed too late or not for the entire design and construction, so that they are prevented from adding

their true value. Misunderstand-ing the diff erence between common acoustic ratings for materials is also common and this can lead to expen-sive mistakes.”

He explains that the confusion surrounds ratings such as Rw, the Weighted Sound Reduction Index which is measured in an acoustic laboratory, and DnTw , the equivalent value measured on-site.

Scaife warns that retrofi tting acoustic design is extremely costly. He comments: “A study in the UK found that improving sound insula-tion in residential dwellings cost, on average, almost US$11,000 per dwelling if inappropriate materials are specifi ed.”

“If you multiply that by the number of apartments in a typical tower

Al Bateen

Secondary

School in Abu

Dhabi provided

several acoustic

challenges

for Dewan

Architects &

Engineers.

1,500CAPACITY OF

AL BATEEN

SCHOOL


FEATURE | ACOUSTIC DESIGN

34

Jason Hird,

technical

manager,

Gyproc (far left);

performance

hall at Al Bateen

Secondary

School.

venient to address sound insulation problems, and it

is therefore prudent to ensure that appropriate sound insulation mea-sures and detailing are incorporated at the design stage.”

Although acoustics may have been neglected by many Middle East developers in the past, Scaife believes the situation is changing.

“Acoustics is becoming more im-portant to developers in the Middle East and this is being picked up in the numerous Green Building codes around the Gulf. Estidama (Abu Dhabi), QSAS (Qatar) and DEWA Green Building Regulations (Dubai) have all seen fi t to include acoustic performance as a measure of building and community quality.”

block or rooms in a hotel, the costs can soon mount up. Employing an acoustician early will add value to the project, while employing an acoustician late will add cost.”

Gyproc’s Hird also points to the expense of retrofi tting acoustics. “Once a building has been completed it can be very expensive and incon-

AED150MVALUE OF PROJECT

The ASI Group offers a single-source solution for washroom acces-sories, toilet partitions,

lockers and other storage products. These products, used in many high-profile projects around the world including Doha Rugby Football Cen-tre in Qatar and Seagas (Damietta) Natural Gas Complex in Egypt, have earned the trust of architects, de-signers, building owners, facility managers and construction profes-sionals. With headquarters in Yon-kers, N.Y. and manufacturing facili-ties across the U.S., the company’s representatives are strategically located around the globe to best serve customers’ needs.

In 2010, the ASI Group teamed up with the Sanipex Group, a mar-ket leading sup-plier of qual-ity bathrooms, tiles and plumbing materials headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates that con-ducts business in over 20 countries across three continents, expanding its presence in the Middle East.

Our mission at ASI Group is to make our customers successful by providing value that exceeds price and an excellent service experi-ence. We do this by providing su-perior design, the broadest range

For more information, visit www.asigroup.us or contact the Sanipex Group at +971 4 330 7771.

ASI Group earns architects’ trustADVERTORIAL

of quality products in the industry, and state-of-the-art manufactur-ing to ensure that we have whatever our customers need, whenever they need it.

ACOUSTIC DESIGN | PRODUCTS


SILENT-DB 20, GEBERITThe Geberit Silent-db20 drainage

system comes with sound insulation

already installed. Mineral-fi lled plastic

increases the weight of the pipes and

fi ttings and reduces natural vibrations.

Additional sound insulation ribs in

the impact zones help reduce noise

development. System pipe brackets

for wall fastening decouple the system

acoustically from the wall or ceiling

and prevent sound transmission. It

was used in the fi ve-star St. Regis

Hotel Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi.

PERFORATED METAL CEILING, SAS INTERNATIONALSAS International’s perforated metal ceilings off er a high

level of acoustic performance and a lifespan in excess of

25 years, with only very basic maintenance. The system

incorporates perforations in the surface area with the

inclusion of acoustic pads, which alleviates reverberation

time in the space. It was used in a number of buildings at

King Saud University, Riyadh.

PARTITION SYSTEM, GYPROC SAINT-GOBAINAs a supplier of gypsum-based lightweight partition and lining

systems, Gyroc provides a wide choice of performance levels, from

the ‘GypWall CLASSIC’ internal partition systems, ideal for residential

and offi ce developments, up to the highest performing ‘GypWall

AUDIO’ partitions off ering up to Rw 80dB performance for multi-

screen cinemas and exceptionally sensitive acoustic environments.

NOISE BUSTINGMEA picks a selection of acoustic products

SETTING THE BENCHMARKFOR THE REGION’SARCHITECTURE INDUSTRY

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

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

NOMINATION DEADLINE:THURSDAY 23rd AUGUST 2012

NOMINATION DEADLINE:THURSDAY 23rd AUGUST 2012

Andrew ParkesAdvertising Director, Construction GroupTel: +971 4 444 3570Email: [email protected]

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

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

For sponsorship enquiries please contact:

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

TUESDAY 23RDOCTOBER, 2012

THE WESTIN, DUBAI

Gold SponsorPlatinum Sponsor Category Sponsor


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PARK HYATT ABU DHABI

Architect:

Perkins

Eastman

Location: Abu

Dhabi

The first hotel project completed on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, as well as the first Park Hyatt-branded property in the UAE capital, the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas opened its doors in November 2011. Designed by Perkins Eastman, the 306-key 45,000m2 resort is oriented towards the sea, with private villas that line a boardwalk and private beach. The energy-efficient design meets LEED Certified standards.

WATER DISCUS HOTEL

Designer:

Deep Ocean

Technology

Location:

Various,

including Dubai

This daring concept for an under-water hotel was conceived by Polish company Deep Ocean Technology (DOT). Drydocks World, the ship-building arm of Dubai World, signed a deal to become the exclusive main contractor for the hotel concept in the Middle East. Named Water Discus Hotel, the design envisages an ‘ultimate leisure facility’ with a structure that is partly above water and the rest submerged underneath.

TITANIC BELFAST

Lead

consultant:

Todd Architects

Location:

Belfast,

Northern

Ireland

This $140m cultural scheme is a strikingly modern homage to the Titanic, located on the site where the ill-fated ship was designed and built. It is the world’s largest ever Titanic-themed visitor attraction and North-ern Ireland’s largest tourism project. The building contains nine galleries documenting the Titanic, as well as the maritime history of the city, and a 1,000-seat banqueting suite.

Designed by UAE-based AK De-sign and Adel Almojil Consulting Engineers, this clean-lined complex serves as a showcase for the Xerox brand in the Middle East. It contains a customer showroom, offices, workshops, support centres and training facilities. Large, open-plan areas encourage interaction between departments. The building was completed in late 2011.

3,000 ALUMINIUM SHARDS

IN THE FACADE

As the flagship project for UAE developer Limitless, the Galleries is a mixed-use scheme in Downtown Jebel Ali containing Grade-A office space, housing and retail space. Since last month, all four towers in the Galleries Offices Buildings are now open, with 70% of the 800,000m2 space already leased. Certified LEED Silver, it consists of two groups of four buildings, separated by a landscaped plaza.

This eco tower for Abu Dhabi was designed as part of a master’s course at the University of Nottingham’s ar-chitecture department. The project, called the Vertical Oasis, was created by students Aaron Marriott and Cla-rissa Wenborn. As suggested by the name, the project aimed to recreate the oasis in the sky, for a site on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, adjacent to the ADIA Tower. It features a series of stacked villages shaded by an outer perforated facade.

This tower complex is the head-quarters for AzerEnerji, the state provider of power for the whole of Azerbaijan. P&T was tasked with producing a building that is highly secure and functional, which also the advanced technology used in Azerbaijan’s new infrastructure grid. The 28-storey tower is capped with a triple-high lounge space for the com-pany president, with views across Baku and the Caspian Sea.

306NUMBER OF ROOMS

AND SUITES

XEROX EMIRATES HQ

Architects:

AK Design/

Adel Almojil

Consulting

Engineers

Location: Dubai

5,193M2 GROSS FLOOR

AREA

AZERENERJI HQ

Location: Baku,

Azerbaijan

Architect: P&T

Architects and

Engineers

28NUMBER OF STOREYS IN THE TOWER

THE VERTICAL OASIS

Architect:

Aaron Marriott

and Clarissa

Wenborn,

University of

Nottingham

Location: Abu

Dhabi

THE GALLERIES

Architect:

Burt Hill

Location:

Downtown

Jebel Ali, Dubai

18M HEIGHT OF

LOBBY SPACES

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AL HITMIRESIDENTIAL

www.designmena.com | 07.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

THE PROJECT Completed in April 2012, the new

residential section is the final piece of the jigsaw for Doha’s distinc-tive Al Hitmi complex, designed by Norr Group Consultants. With a built up area of 27,743m2, the 15-storey tower accommodates a total of 84 units and sits behind the older seven-storey office section, completed in 2010.

By arranging six units on each level, Norr was able to design apartments ranging between two and three bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms. The optimised glazing design provides the living rooms and bedrooms with ample natural light and views over the Corniche.

THE SITE Located on a prime waterfront

site along the Doha Corniche, the Al Hitmi complex overlooks IM Pei’s Museum of Modern Art.

With its striking, futuristic form, the complex has long been a landmark for central Doha. The sculptural design is composed of solid granite masses sliced by a dra-matic sky-lit glazed atrium that faces towards the water.

The atrium dissects the office building and folds vertically up through the residential tower. This internal space, suggestive of a ravine or gorge between massive rock forms, is clad in high performance glass that allows natural light into the buildings while reflecting the sun’s heat.

Location: Doha, Qatar

Architect: Norr Group Consultants

CASE STUDY


15STOREYS IN

RESIDENTIAL SECTION

The first hotel project completed on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, as

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ACCESSORIESVIPER

Hans Sandgren Jakobsen

A flexible screen wall designed by Hans Sandgren Jakobsen and manufactured by Fritz Hansen, the Viper is 300cms long and can be extended. The oval tubes are individually hinged, and the screen wall has black-grey synthetic end plugs in both ends. It is pivotally connected by dropped turnable stainless steel hinges which are mounted and dismantled manually. Conveniently, Viper can be rolled up into a compact cylinder if a more open space is suddenly required by the user.

APPARCHITIZER

Architizer LLC

The iPad app for Architizer, the online source for new architecture, showcases tens of thousands of buildings with huge pictures, all in a constantly updated stream. Every week, hundreds of new buildings are added to the website by the architects who design them, which are then reflected in the app. Its features include a matrix of the best projects on Architizer, updated in real time. It can also display projects based on categories selected by the user.

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FURNISHINGLOVE ME LOVE ME NOT

John Vogel

John Vogel’s inspiration comes from the natural world and the exploration of organic forms. He designed the Love Me Love Me Not table in collaboration with Justin Plunkett, and these delicate side tables are available individually or as a set of eight making up a full flower. The sculpted form of the base unfurls to reveal a surface like a floating leaf or petal.

WALLCOVERINGSDOT WALL TILES

Studio/Nakisci

Designed by Studio/Nakisci (Tamer Nakisci), these wall tiles draw attention to their digitalised and individual composition. The ceramic tiles, in various graphic designs, can be combined in several different ways to create a different environment. The tiles are both simple and striking and resemble a drop falling into water. A handy interactive online programme also allows end users to design their own walls.

ACCESSORIESDITTO

3form

3form has launched Ditto, a decorative and modular space system for any room. The design uses cross-shaped pieces to create 3D effects for partitions, wall claddings or simply as an art piece. It’s easy to put together, and is a do-it-yourself kit that allows users to click together into the desired shapes. Ditto is made from 3form Varia Ecoresin with 40% pre-consumer recycled content, and comes in a box.

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 07.12 | www.designmena.co54

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 07.12 | www.desi3838/46CASE

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AL HITMIRESIDENTIAL

Location: Doha, QatarArchitect: Norr Group Consultants

CASE STUDY


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THE PROJECT Completed in April 2012, the new

residential section is the fi nal piece of the jigsaw for Doha’s distinc-tive Al Hitmi complex, designed by Norr Group Consultants. With a built up area of 27,743m2, the 15-storey tower accommodates a total of 84 units and sits behind the older seven-storey offi ce section, completed in 2010.

By arranging six units on each level, Norr was able to design apartments ranging between two and three bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms. The optimised glazing design provides the living rooms and bedrooms with ample natural light and views over the Corniche.

THE SITE Located on a prime waterfront

site along the Doha Corniche, the Al Hitmi complex overlooks IM Pei’s Museum of Modern Art.

With its striking, futuristic form, the complex has long been a landmark for central Doha. The sculptural design is composed of solid granite masses sliced by a dra-matic sky-lit glazed atrium that faces towards the water.

The atrium dissects the offi ce building and folds vertically up through the residential tower. This internal space, suggestive of a ravine or gorge between massive rock forms, is clad in high performance glass that allows natural light into the buildings while refl ecting the sun’s heat.

15STOREYS IN

RESIDENTIAL SECTION


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director and vice president, said that the building is intended to be abstract, despite its residential and commercial nature. “We felt that this unique development along the water should be monumental and abstract rather than typically build-ing like.”

He continued: “We went to great lengths to create a sculptural mass-ing and façade texture evocative of natural geological forms.” As a re-sult, the buildings are clad in a skin of polished and honed black granite interspersed with grey-tinted glaz-ing that creates a monumental and scale-less exterior for the project.

THE DETAILS A distinctive characteristic of

the residential section is the three landscape atrium levels, each four storeys high, off ering enclosed pas-sive gardens for the residents. In addition, a roof garden has been de-

84 NUMBER OF

RESIDENTIAL

UNITS

signed as a passive leisure space with water features integrated within hard and soft landscape areas.Three pan-oramic elevators provide views of

the atrium spaces and of the Doha harbour beyond. Facilities in the

residential tower also include a roof top fi tness centre, an

open pool terrace and two levels of basement parking for 107 cars.

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AL-ABDULKARIM TOWERArchitect: Dewan Architects & EngineersLocation: Dammam, Saudi Arabia

CASE STUDY


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THE PROJECT UAE-based Dewan Architects

& Engineers has been awarded a contract to design and supervise the construction of a 150m-tall tower in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, for building material supplier Al-Abdulkarim Holding.

Ammar Al Assam, executive director, Dewan, said: “The client liked the simple volumes based on straight lines and transparency. One component is tilted, and this creates great spaces internally.”

THE DETAILS Dewan’s design features double-

height glass cladding to demarcate the client’s 27 offi ce fl oors from the remaining lower offi ces which are to be leased to other fi rms. Completion is scheduled for 2014.

Al Assam, added: “Every offi ce fl oor will have its own feel due to the tilt. We are 90% through the design and we are due to start on site in four months.”

150MHEIGHT OF THE TOWER


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DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA AND PARKLocation: Seoul, South KoreaArchitect: Zaha Hadid Architects and Samoo Architects & Engineers

CASE STUDY

THE PROJECT Dongdaemun Design Plaza project

(DDPP) is a major cultural facility under construction in the heart of Seoul. The main client is the Seoul

Metropolitan Government, which chose a team with Zaha

Hadid Architects and local fi rm Samoo Architects & Engineers. The 85,000m2 scheme will create a learn-

ing resource for designers and the public, with a design

museum, library and educational facilities, while the 30,000m2 De-sign Park off ers an oasis within the dense urban setting.

$33M TOTAL BUDGET

FOR DDPP

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THE SITE The project is under construction

at the site of the former Dongda-emun Stadium, which had to be demolished. The form revolves around the ancient city wall, which is the central element of the design, creating a continuous landscape that physically links the park and plaza together.

“A fundamental aim of the scheme is to bring delight and inspiration to the people of Seoul by establishing a cultural hub in the centre of one of the busiest and most historic districts of the city,” said Hadid at the project launch.

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THE CONCEPT According to Hadid, the amor-

phous language of the design acts as a catalyst by promoting fl uid thinking and interaction across all the design disciplines, while also encouraging the greatest degree of 50,000

DOUBLE-CURVED EXTERIOR PANELS

interaction between the activities of the plaza and the public.

The design integrates the park and plaza seam-lessly as one landscape element. The park

reinterprets elements of traditional Korean garden design with refl ecting

pools, lotus ponds, pebble beds and bamboo groves, and no

single feature dominating the perspective.

THE DETAILS BIM was used extensively from the

planning stage, which proved crucial in dealing with the exterior’s 50,000 double-curved aluminium panels varying in colour, perforations and light location.

The panels cover 38% of the ex-terior skin, or 10,900m2. Titanium, chosen as the fi nishing material for the surface of the structure, had to be changed to aluminium due to budgetary constraints.

The size of the aluminium panels to be used was also perceived as a problem, due to the concern that the 50cm x 80cm-sized surfaces would be diffi cult to be smoothly expressed into curved surfaces.

www.constructionweekonline.com/conferences

5TH NOVEMBER 2012THE WESTIN, ABU DHABI

A B U D H A B I

This one day forum brings the whole spectrum of the construction, real estate and FM sectors together for an open discussion alongside

government representatives to promote sustainability initiatives in the Middle East

MEDIA PARTNERS HOSTED BY:

GOLD SPONSORS FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

YAZAN RAHMANSALES [email protected]: +971 4 444 3351

CARLO MENEZESSPONSORSHIP SALES MANAGER, [email protected]: +971 4 444 3306

Case study Vialia High-Speed Train Station

Building type: Vialia high-speed train station in Albacete

Investor: Adif

Architect: Metrica Tip Arquitectura

Location: Albacete, Spain

High Speed Rail Train Station goes Qbiss One

The new train station Vialia, with a total budget of 48 million Euros, has been built with a high level

of demand in terms of quality and safety and therefore presented as a major challenge for the

Spanish railway engineering.

On Track Having already been involved in the regeneration and

development of the city of Albecete, Trimo, was excited

to be a part of this important high speed rail station

as its features will become a benchmark in terms of

architectural and high-speed rail infrastructure in

Europe. Project architect Roberto Robuffo, from

Metric Tip Architecture specified Qbiss One for

the building’s facade with more than 5000 m2 of

vertical and horizontal modular elements used and

integrated with decorative aluminium profiles to

project dynamism and colour to the main facade.

“Because of the use, size and location of

Vialia Albacete Station, located in the

heart of the city of Albacete, we needed

an industrialized façade system that

did not project an industrial image. The

Qbiss One modular façade elements

provide technical quality with an image

of simplicity and elegance that makes

it an ideal material even for prestige

buildings.”

Robuffo Roberto, The Architect

The new AVE station in Albacete is more than a train

station; it is a building that attracts the attention

of visitors for its elegant facade and unique

combination of bold colours and colour profiles,

while providing the perfect solution in building

efficiency and architecture. The simple construction

of the Qbiss One element addresses the building

envelope in an instant and optimizes the execution

time on site.

“The important thing is what can’t be seen. Its design

is clearly visible, but if people knew about the thermal

insulation, acoustics, fire resistance and easy

assembly everybody would want it. This project has

been one of the most important in Spain during

2010 and Trimo’s Qbiss One system has been the

perfect “shop-window” where all the travellers would

meet. Trimo has had the privilege to coat this large

and prestigious project in the city with an incredible

beauty and elegance.” Javier Jiménez Navarrete,

Director Trimo Ibérica

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

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THEWORKPROJECT UPDATE


PARK HYATT ABU DHABI

Architect:

Perkins

Eastman

Location: Abu

Dhabi

The fi rst hotel project completed on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island, as well as the fi rst Park Hyatt-branded property in the UAE capital, the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas opened its doors in November 2011. Designed by Perkins Eastman, the 306-key 45,000m2 resort is oriented towards the sea, with private villas that line a boardwalk and private beach. The energy-effi cient design meets LEED Certifi ed standards.

WATER DISCUS HOTEL

Designer:

Deep Ocean

Technology

Location:

Various,

including Dubai

This daring concept for an under-water hotel was conceived by Polish company Deep Ocean Technology (DOT). Drydocks World, the ship-building arm of Dubai World, signed a deal to become the exclusive main contractor for the hotel concept in the Middle East. Named Water Discus Hotel, the design envisages an ‘ultimate leisure facility’ with a structure that is partly above water and the rest submerged underneath.

TITANIC BELFAST

Lead

consultant:

Todd Architects

Location:

Belfast,

Northern

Ireland

This $140m cultural scheme is a strikingly modern homage to the Titanic, located on the site where the ill-fated ship was designed and built. It is the world’s largest ever Titanic-themed visitor attraction and North-ern Ireland’s largest tourism project. The building contains nine galleries documenting the Titanic, as well as the maritime history of the city, and a 1,000-seat banqueting suite.

3,000 ALUMINIUM SHARDS

IN THE FACADE

306NUMBER OF ROOMS

AND SUITES


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

As the fl agship project for UAE developer Limitless, the Galleries is a mixed-use scheme in Downtown Jebel Ali containing Grade-A offi ce space, housing and retail space. Since last month, all four towers in the Galleries Offi ces Buildings are now open, with 70% of the 800,000m2 space already leased. Certifi ed LEED Silver, it consists of two groups of four buildings, separated by a landscaped plaza.

This eco tower for Abu Dhabi was designed as part of a master’s course at the University of Nottingham’s ar-chitecture department. The project, called the Vertical Oasis, was created by students Aaron Marriott and Cla-rissa Wenborn. As suggested by the name, the project aimed to recreate the oasis in the sky, for a site on the Abu Dhabi Corniche, adjacent to the ADIA Tower. It features a series of stacked villages shaded by an outer perforated facade.

This tower complex is the head-quarters for AzerEnerji, the state provider of power for the whole of Azerbaijan. P&T was tasked with producing a building that is highly secure and functional, which also the advanced technology used in Azerbaijan’s new infrastructure grid. The 28-storey tower is capped with a triple-high lounge space for the com-pany president, with views across Baku and the Caspian Sea.

XEROX EMIRATES HQ

Architects:

AK Design/

Adel Almojil

Consulting

Engineers

Location: Dubai

5,193M2 GROSS FLOOR

AREA

AZERENERJI HQ

Location: Baku,

Azerbaijan

Architect: P&T

Architects and

Engineers

28NUMBER OF STOREYS IN THE TOWER

THE VERTICAL OASIS

Architect:

Aaron Marriott

and Clarissa

Wenborn,

University of

Nottingham

Location: Abu

Dhabi

THE GALLERIES

Architect:

Burt Hill

Location:

Downtown

Jebel Ali, Dubai

18M HEIGHT OF

LOBBY SPACES

52 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 07.12 | www.designmena.com

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

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

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

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

AMAF HEADQUARTER BUILDING

Architect: LacasaLocation: Dubai

ETIHAD TOWERS

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

US$1BN TOTAL VALUE OF

PROJECT

KUWAIT CULTURAL CENTRE

Architect: BDPLocation: Sabah Al-Ahmad City, Kuwait

2,500 ESTIMATED

POPULATION OF SABAH AL-AHMAD

CITY

MARINA MALL

Architect: HOKLocation: Lusail, Qatar


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

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

SARAYA BANDAR JISSAH

Architect: GAJLocation: Oman

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

SIDRA VILLAGE

Architect: Allies & MorrisonLocation: Doha, Qatar

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

1,165 NUMBER OF FLATS

IN THE VILLAGE

AL HAMRA TOWER

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

412M TOTAL HEIGHT OF

THE TOWER

JAMESON HOUSE

Architect: Foster + PartnersLocation: Vancouver, Canada

33,000M2 TOTAL GROSS AREA


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LIKEWANTNEEDCULTURE

FURNISHINGLOVE ME LOVE ME NOT

John Vogel

John Vogel’s inspiration comes from the natural world and the exploration of organic forms. He designed the Love Me Love Me Not table in collaboration with Justin Plunkett, and these delicate side tables are available individually or as a set of eight making up a full fl ower. The sculpted form of the base unfurls to reveal a surface like a fl oating leaf or petal.

WALLCOVERINGSDOT WALL TILES

Studio/Nakisci

Designed by Studio/Nakisci (Tamer Nakisci), these wall tiles draw attention to their digitalised and individual composition. The ceramic tiles, in various graphic designs, can be combined in several diff erent ways to create a diff erent environment. The tiles are both simple and striking and resemble a drop falling into water. A handy interactive online programme also allows end users to design their own walls.


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ACCESSORIESVIPER

Hans Sandgren Jakobsen

A fl exible screen wall designed by Hans Sandgren Jakobsen and manufactured by Fritz Hansen, the Viper is 300cms long and can be extended. The oval tubes are individually hinged, and the screen wall has black-grey synthetic end plugs in both ends. It is pivotally connected by dropped turnable stainless steel hinges which are mounted and dismantled manually. Conveniently, Viper can be rolled up into a compact cylinder if a more open space is suddenly required by the user.

APPARCHITIZER

Architizer LLC

The iPad app for Architizer, the online source for new architecture, showcases tens of thousands of buildings with huge pictures, all in a constantly updated stream. Every week, hundreds of new buildings are added to the website by the architects who design them, which are then reflected in the app. Its features include a matrix of the best projects on Architizer, updated in real time. It can also display projects based on categories selected by the user.

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ACCESSORIESDITTO

3form

3form has launched Ditto, a decorative and modular space system for any room. The design uses cross-shaped pieces to create 3D eff ects for partitions, wall claddings or simply as an art piece. It’s easy to put together, and is a do-it-yourself kit that allows users to click together into the desired shapes. Ditto is made from 3form Varia Ecoresin with 40% pre-consumer recycled content, and comes in a box.

LAST WORD | RASHID BUKHASH


Rashad Bukhash, director of Dubai’s Architecture Heritage Department, on the emirate’s buildings

THE LAST WORD

TURN BACK TIME

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Today’s architects should learn the direction of the winds and the direction of the sun.

Architects and masons before memorised it by heart. Nowadays architects don’t know where north is.

In Dubai there is a mix of architects coming from diff erent parts of the world. Many don’t know anything about the culture of the area or the climate - they just

bring some architecture from their own countries and try to do it here.

Architecture should refl ect the identity of the place itself. If you go to Sheikh Zayed Road, you don’t know whether you’re in New York, London or Tokyo.

Most of these towers are designed in a way that you can’t even open the windows.

In Shindagha and Bastakiya it’s diffi cult to bring the local people to live in these houses.

That’s why we made these two areas cultural, historical and touristic areas with museums, restaurants, boutique hotels, galleries, some offi ce buildings and non-

profi t organisations.

We are trying to increase awareness so that Dubai will have an identity. So when people look at Madinat Jumeirah they will know that this is the

architecture of the region and of the city.

HIGH AESTHETIC TOTAL WALL SOLUTION.

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

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

choice for all architectural building applications.

Qbiss One the Full facade

solution including curved

radius panels.

Prefabricated rounded corners

- no cuts, folds or welds. Giving

the highest levels of aesthetics.

Qbiss One the full through wall solution, offering excellent insulation

values, the highest levels of airtightness and exceptional levels of

flatness. The true alternative to Aluminium Rainscreens.

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

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

Broadway Malyan Ltd,Al Mamoura Building

Intersection of 4th & 15th StreetBlock A, Al Muroor District,

PO Box 53670Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

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Documents

Middle East Architect | July 2012