Middle East Architect | October 2012

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

OCTOBER 2012 / VOLUME 06 / ISSUE 10An ITP Business Publication

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SITE VISITGAJ’S EXTENSION TO

PALM TREE COURT

CASE STUDYSAUDI CONFERENCE

CENTRE BY SOM

CLEAN LINESExploring AGi Architects’ modernist beachside chalets in Kuwait City

p2// FRONTEmaar announces super-tall Dubai hotel near Burj Khalifa

p14// ANALYSISHow can the Middle East fully utilise solar power?

INTERVIEWPeter di Sabatino, dean of Sharjah’s College of Architecture,Art and Design/p22

OCTOBER | CONTENTS

www.designmena.com | 10.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 1

2FRONT

Top stories in the world of architecture including Emaar’s

super-tall Dubai hotel 6

12THE BIG PICTURE

Capturing Daniel Libeskind’s bendy tower complex on

Singapore’s waterfront

14ANALYSISWhat needs to happen before the Middle East fully utilises solar energy?

18

22INTERVIEWPeter di Sabatino, dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design at AUS

32SITE VISIT

62CULTUREA snapshot of funky fur-niture, lighting and other accessories in the market

44CASE STUDIESAGi’s Kuwait beach chalet, a new Abu Dhabi tower and a Saudi conference centre

56

GAJ’s stone-walled extension project for the Palm Tree Court resort in Jebel Ali

THE WORKA detailed reference section

covering all the best projects in the world

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

OCTOBER 2012 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 10

64LAST WORD

Karim Benkirane, regional managing principal, Woods

Bagot, on Qatar’s needs

COMMENT Georgina Chakar argues that

modern-day exhibitions are integral to the industry

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.12 | www.designmena.com

FRONT | OCTOBER

2

EMAAR TO BUILD NEW SUPER-TALL DUBAI HOTEL 340m-high tower to be second tallest building in Downtown area

Emaar has launched The Address The BLVD, a 340m-tall hotel and serviced residences located in its fl ag-ship Downtown Dubai.

The 63-storey building will be the second tallest in Downtown Dubai after Burj Khalifa.

Featuring 200 hotel rooms and 542 serviced residences it will be the sixth addition to The Address Hotels + Resorts portfolio. Work is said to commence shortly and is scheduled for completion in early to mid-2015.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director, Emaar Properties, said: “The launch of The Address The BLVD is a strong reiteration of the positive growth trends in Dubai’s real estate sector, led by the signifi cant increase achieved in tourism, hospi-tality, retail and foreign trade.”

He added: “With the Address hotels in Dubai recording average 85 to 90 percent occupancy throughout the year, The Address The BLVD will further complement the city’s hospitality sector growth.”

An image of the

Address hotel,

Downtown Dubai.

The building is already out to tender and all of the serviced apart-ments were sold on the day they were launched, it was reported.

The company said that it released a “signifi cant volume” of studio apart-ments, and a number of the one-, two- and three-bed units, although some (including a number of four-bed apartments) have been held back.

Design details remain scarce at this stage, although the rendering depicts a stepped form similar to the nearby Address Downtown, by Atkins.

650Number of

students at CAAD (page 22)

62 NUMBER OF

STOREYS IN THE ADDRESS THE

BLVD

TOP STORY

OCTOBER | FRONT


• 2012 Commercial Interior Design Awards

winners

• LW Design receives Interior Design Firm

of the Year

• Al Ain Rock Stadium wins LEAF Award

• Emaar launches 340m-tall Dubai hotel

• In Pictures: CID awards 2012 winners

design

• Dubai to build eco mosque

Key players in the region’s interior design industry converged at the Jumeirah Emirates Towers on September 25 for the Commercial Interior Design (CID) Awards.

There were 15 award categories in total, with LW Design picking up four honours, including three of the most prestigious categories.

Founder Lars Waldenstrom was handed the Lifetime Achievement award, the fi rm won Middle East Design Firm of the Year and Pia Sen was named as Interior Designer of the Year, Middle East. The company also won Middle East Interior De-sign of the Year: Outdoor Design for

Commercial Interior Design Awards winners announced

Rock Stadium picks up LEAF Award in LondonMZ Architects’ Rock Stadium in Al Ain won the Best Future Building at the 2012 Emirates Glass LEAF Awards in London.

The Rock Stadium is a planned 40,000-seater stadium built into the side of Jebel Hafeet, near the UAE-Oman border.

The stadium sinks its 200,000m2 structure into the ground, turning the rocky mountain into a feature.

It creatively works with the topog-raphy and relies on a series of emerg-ing planes to mold the space and help create the 40,000 seats.

While developing the idea for the stadium, MZ’s Marwan Zgheib,

WEIRD PROJECT OF THE MONTH

Almere, The Netherlands, has won a bid to host the World Horticultural Expo in 2022 with a pro-posal by MVRDV for a square-shaped peninsula covered in gardens. The 45 ha development will create a new city quarter over a lake with a uni-versity, offi ces, homes and leisure facilities.

DESIGNMENA.COM

DATASTREAM

The 40,000-seater stadium in Al Ain.

The winners of the 15 awards.

THREEUnits in AGi’s Kuwait beach villa complex

(page 44)

24Number of storeys

in Abu Dhabi tower (page 48)

its work on the Monte Carlo Beach Club in Abu Dhabi.

Elsewhere, Laura Bielecki from GAJ won Young Interior Designer of the Year, Middle East, after joining the fi rm late last year.

founder and principal, spent three days with a geologist, stone special-ist, topographer and a cave expert at the site.

Zgheib received the award on Sep-tember 21 at a ceremony in London’s Four Seasons Hotel.

SOMETIMES

sr)

OFTEN

NEVER31.2%

43.8%

HOW OFTEN DO YOU USE DUBAI METRO?(Data: Construction Week Reader’s Poll)

25%

OCTOBE


FRONT | OCTOBER

4

Danish architect Henning Larsen, whose practice has several projects in the Middle East, was honoured with the Praemium Imperiale 2012.

The prize was founded by Japan’s oldest cultural organisation, the Japan Art Asso-ciation, and is presented by the Japanese Imperial Family at a ceremony .

Five categories represent the major arts – Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Music and Theatre/Film.

The prize committee’s citation stated: “Light seems to fall from the ceiling and windows, refl ecting off the fl oors and walls, fi lling the space sublimely; these mi-nutely calculated lighting eff ects are one of the greatest characteristics of Henning Larsen’s architecture.“

Henning Larsen Architects is working on a number of projects in Saudi Arabia, including the King Abdullah Financial District and the Institute of Diplomatic Studies in Riyadh.

PEOPLE

Henning Larsen wins Praemium Imperiale

Hilson Moran Qatar appoints new boss

A lot of problems are coming from the quality of the concrete,

but if you keep it in shutter one day longer it can add ten years of life to a building.”

DR. MAHER TADROS, Professor at the

University of Nebraska

People say that precast has to be square and

rectangular, but glass-fi bre fabric

can be used - stretched to form

elements, and sprayed with resin

to create a mold.”BOB SCOTT, head of structural engineering at Atkins

Larsen’s fi rm is active in the region.

Compared to other super-tall towers with a height of 400m or above, Marina 101 has one of the narrowest structures.”UGUR ANLIATAMER, TAV Construction project manager at Marina 101, Dubai

60 SECOND INTERVIEWLARS WALDENSTROM, FOUNDER, LW DESIGNYou have just won the Lifetime Achievement category at theCommercial Interior Design Awards. How does it feel? To win such an award means everything to me. It is a tribute to the hard work that has been under-taken over the last 35 years here in Dubai. When I fi rst came here, Dubai was unknown and I originally started by working on some projects for Sheikh Mohammed and, since then, the emirate has grown immensely.

What would you say is your greatest achievement? I can’t pinpoint one particular achievement which stands out over the others but if I had to choose something I would say that the Grosvenor House Dubai and Buddha Bar projects stand out. I am proud of each and ev-ery project I’ve worked on over the years.Matt Kitson becomes regional director.

Engineering consultancy Hilson Moran Qatar has appointed British sustainability expert Matt Kitson as regional director.

Kitson’s career, which has been spent with Hilson Moran for over 12 years, includes engineering and sustainability advice on major projects across the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

One of his key projects was the master-plan for North Yas in Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on his appointment, Kitson said: “The Qatar market presents an excit-ing opportunity and Hilson Moran’s ap-proach to design is very much aligned with the Qatar 2030 national vision.

“This is an exceptional career oppor-tunity and I am extremely excited by the prospect of working on what will become some of the world’s truly iconic and sustain-able designs.”

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FRONT | OCTOBER

6

3TURKEY Tsunami-inspired building touted for IstanbulUK fi rm CRAB Studio has designed a disaster prevention and education centre in Istanbul that is inspired by a reaction to a tsunami. CRAB’s design featured in a competition, also entered by California-based Dinkoff Architects and Engineers. CRAB’s building sits with its blades rest-ing into the ground, ready to divide streams of water. Beneath the series of clusters are a collection of shallow pools with indigenous plants.

2ABU DHABIAtkins wins design for $2.1bn communityAbu Dhabi General Services (Musanada) has awarded Atkins a contract to design the infrastructure for a $2.1bn Emirati community in Abu Dhabi, UAE. The North Wathba Urban Development is a 42 km2 social infrastructure scheme that will eventually house a community of 130,000 people. Atkins’ role involves the design and provision of tender documentation for all aspects of the project development .

1TURKEY Tower complex proposed for fi nancial districtSaraiva + Associados has proposed a design for an offi ce project in the Atasehir fi nancial district of Istanbul which allows interaction between the podium and sky-lobby. The base holds the commercial areas while the two offi ce towers rest above, with the rooftop of the podium acting as a public urban square. On the south corner of the square, the water feature contains a sculpture and may be used as an ice rink in the winter.

3

MENA PROJECT SNAPSHOT

1

3

2


FRONT | OCTOBER

8

6DUBAI Deira to build eco mosque for 3,500 worshippersAl Arif Contracting has been awarded the contract for the construction and maintenance of the UAE’s fi rst eco-friendly mosque. An initiative by Awqaf and Minors Aff airs Founda-tion (AMAF) and scheduled for completion in 18 months, the mosque will be located in Bur Saeed area close to the Clock Tower Roundabout in Deira. At 45,000ft2 it will be the largest mosque in Dubai, accommo-dating up to 3,500 worshipers.

4QATARRevolving crystal ball planned for Qatar 2022 A huge spinning crystal ball contain-ing a sports museum and shopping centre has been unveiled for the Qatar 2022 World Cup, reported Inhabitat. The audacious project, ‘Crystal Ball-Light of the Future’, is designed by architects Vedran Pedišić of Sangrad and Erick Velasco Farerre. Resting on a vertical axis and spinning on a spiral path, the crystal ball makes slow revo-lutions around the centre. The exact status of the project is unclear.

5IRAQDewan awarded Basra Culture Centre UAE-based Dewan has won a contract to design the Basra Culture Centre which will form part of a new administrative complex in the Iraq province. The centre will contain areas for fi ne arts exhibitions, meet-ing rooms, conference halls, heritage museums, cinema halls, a theatre, radio and television broadcasting department. The façade is notable for randomly-placed diagonal square-shaped openings.

5

6

4 5

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FRONT | OCTOBER

10

3UKKPF reveals design of new City of London towerKohn Pederson Fox (KPF) has re-leased images of a 35-storey tower in London, commissioned by American insurance fi rm W. R. Berkley. It was reported that construction on the US$795m project should begin in 2013. The 190m-tall building will include 930m2 of retail space as well as 1,100m2 of outdoor public space. It will be situated next to Richard Rogers’ seminal Lloyds building, and close to Foster + Partners’ ‘Gherkin’.

1PERUSwimming pool tower proposed for LimaMexican architecture studio DCPP Arquitectos has proposed an unusual tower design, Sky Condos, for Lima, Peru with the aim to create a land-mark building for Latin America. The scheme features concrete swimming pools sticking out from the base of the tower like fl oating diving boards. Constructed beside a golf course, the 20-storey tower’s façade is made of transparent glass. A series of elevated courtyards are also included.

2RUSSIAMoscow to build new district for 1.7m peopleA new district with manmade waterways has been chosen as part of a masterplan to double the size of Moscow. The jury selected the entry from Capital Cities Planning Group containing landscape designers Gillespies, urban designers John Thompson & Partners and engineer-ing consultants Buro Happold. It will house 1.7 million people and provide 800,000 jobs, mainly in government, education and business sectors.

2

GLOBAL PROJECT SNAPSHOT

1

3

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FRONT | OCTOBER

12

THE BIG PICTUREROUND THE BEND This stunning shot, taken by ITP staff photographer Lester Ali, showcases Daniel Libeskind’s new showstopper in Singapore, called ‘Refl ections at Keppel Bay’. The six bendy towers are clad in anodized aluminum panels with large openings.

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.12 | www.designmena.com14

NEWS ANALYSIS | SOLAR POWER

ANALYSIS

BLACK HOLE SUNTo what extent is solar power underutilised in the Middle East? Devina Divecha investigates

A ccording to a recent report, up to 630,000 terawatt hours of solar energy remain unused

in the deserts of the MENA region.The “FM In the Middle East

Market Intelligence Report 1 – 2011” released by forecast and analytics fi rm, ispy publishing, shows that alter-native energy supply is an area whose benefi ts are under-utilised.

Commenting on the report’s fi nd-ings, Jamal Abdulla Lootah CEO of facilities management fi rm Imdaad, says: “Solar energy sources in par-ticular are considered to be the most underutilised resources in the Middle East and we are determined to fi nd innovative ways to promote and capitalise on this hugely untapped reserve.”

Solar panels is an obvious technol-ogy for the Middle East region, but why has it not been adopted on a wide scale yet?


SOLAR POWER | NEWS ANALYSIS

Solar panels

are aff ected by

dust.

Ronald Diab, managing director, EEG says solar panels can be used for electricity generation (PV) and hot water production (solar thermal).

“They can in principle assist in the reduction of utility’s electricity or fuel used in electrical or thermal energy supplies. However, the main problem in the GCC is that downstream adoption is tightly linked to fi nancial incentives,” he says.

In the absence of feed in tariff and in a mostly subsidised electricity landscape, PV is very diffi cult to be fi nancially viable at the present stage, where most projects are government-funded large-scale ones.

Diab continues: “PV projects in the private sector are mostly driven by forward thinking and ‘green’-oriented people rather than from a commercial perspective. On the other hand, solar thermal has a better fi nancial feasibil-ity, in particular when considered in larger commercial facilities such as

“The UAE is starting to invest heavily in large-scale solar energy plants using advanced ‘solar collector’ technology, and this shows a lot of promise for the future.”Gary Moss, director of operations, Mace Macro

hotels where there is a high hot water demand.”

Gary Moss, director of operations, Mace Macro, also weighs in. He says at an individual building level there are a number of issues which work against the widespread uptake of so-lar panels in the UAE. These include the high capital cost and the relatively low cost of energy, which results in long pay-back periods for the initial investment.

“Even in Western countries where energy costs are signifi cantly higher, it has still been necessary for govern-ments to incentivise building owners

with subsidies to encourage a wider uptake of this technology,” he adds.

There’s another caveat which Moss mentions: “The performance of solar panels also deteriorates quickly in dusty conditions such as the UAE. However, the UAE is starting to invest heavily in large-scale solar energy plants using advanced ‘solar collector’ technology, and this shows a lot of promise for the future.”

Alain El Tawil, managing partner, Grako says the main challenge faced in the region is resistance, mostly due to low awareness about the benefi ts associated with energy management.


NEWS ANALYSIS | SOLAR POWER

is often not carried out adequately, explains Moss.

He also mentions education, and says: “There is much still to be done locally to educate both clients and building users about energy and environmental issues. Attitudes are changing and initiatives such as Abu Dhabi’s Estidama Pearl Rating System for new buildings are having a positive impact.”

“However, it is true to say that the region still lags some way behind Europe on energy awareness and conservation, and I believe govern-ments should be introducing more stringent regulatory requirements in order to raise the bar.”

Moss says: “It is encouraging to see some excellent initiatives being implemented, such as the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy, which is targeting a 30% reduction in energy demand in Dubai by 2030.”

Large organisations are in general focused on improving their sustain-able practices including their energy effi ciency, according to Diab. “The market of established companies, operated buildings, large facilities and various other energy end users is enormous and far beyond those abid-ing by CSR policies. There are few steps that can be made mandatory, mostly in the import and marketing of equipment and appliances whereby all poor effi ciency ones should be banned from the market, such as home appliances and lighting.”

Another trend Diab has witnessed is what he terms “green washing”, which he explains as widespread use of green initiatives and energy effi ciency ads, but without market regulation to ensure that advertised actions and/or products are eff ec-tively correct.

“If energy conservation policies become mandatory then service providers will be obliged to follow the same standards, thus their prices will refl ect their investment in energy conservation,” says El Tawil.

“PV projects in the private sector are mostly driven by forward thinking and ‘green’-oriented people rather than

from a commercial perspective.”Ronald Diab, managing director, EEG

Gary Moss, Mace

Macro; Ronald

Diab, EEG.

“We fi nd education and incentive based initia-tives key in overcoming this challenge; beginning with the staff and involving the client as well.

“At Grako we understand the criticality of planning now for an un-certain energy future and realise that energy management and long-term cost-saving are directly linked,” says El Tawil.

Diab thinks awareness of climate change, green initiatives and energy effi ciency is at its peak nowadays.

However, when it comes to pure energy management, in order to en-sure a proper market evolution, there are three important points to tackle, explains Diab.

“Number one is market regula-tion. We need to ensure the levels of services provided by Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) and energy saving companies are following good standards, and used products are meeting all certifi cations. In many countries, poor energy services disrupt the whole market.”

He adds the next step is to remove

subsidies from electrical tariff s.

“Generally clients will not be keen to invest in

energy effi ciency if it doesn’t impact signifi cantly on their bottom line and OPEX.

“As a third point, fi nancing mecha-nisms are key, as in many cases, energy management is linked to new investments in upgrades, controls, retrofi ts etc which would require funding. In these diffi cult economic times, the lack of budget jeopardises investment in energy effi ciency projects. This is where banks and fi nancial institutions can take the lead with appropriate specialised fi nancial products tailored for EE and RE projects.”

Moss explains that since energy prices are very low in this region, it acts as a disincentive to energy conservation.

In addition, the fact that the quality of plant installations is often poor in this region and commissioning

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COMMENT | EDITOR’S LETTER

18

“Will the Taj Arabia, if it is built, successfully replicate the magic of a 460-year-old Mughal masterpiece?”

EDITOR’S LETTER

TAJ MARK TWOWill Dubai really build a bigger version of the Taj Mahal?

GOT A

COMMENT?

If you have any

comments to

make on this

month’s issue,

please e-mail

oliver.

ephgrave

@itp.com

The Taj Mahal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site,Just at the time of going

to press, we received the breaking news that Dubai’s version of Taj Mahal, for

the Falcon City of Wonders, is alleg-edly back on track.

Those that have been in Dubai for four years or more are probably well aware of Falcon City of Wonders, an audacious 3.8 million m2 project on Emirates Road which is planned to contain replicas of famous land-marks from across world.

Other than the Taj Mahal, the project is planned to feature Dubai versions of the Pyramids, the Hang-ing Gardens of Babylon, the Eiff el Tower, the Great Wall of China, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Fairly predictably, the project was put on hold at the outbreak of the credit crisis. However, local newspa-per 7DAYS claims the Taj replica has been resurrected.

It was reported that, according to investors in the project at Cityscape Global, the ‘Taj Arabia’ will be ready by 2014. Costing a whopping US$1bn, it will feature a hotel, event facilities and a retail hub. It will also serve as a wedding venue, with the capacity to host parties for up to 3,000 people.

Four years ago I visited the Taj Mahal and it is one of the most beautiful structures on the planet.

The proportions, the materials, the exquisite craftsmanship, the manicured grounds; it’s a place that you can stay all day and savour, even if it’s swarming with tourists.

Will the Taj Arabia, if it is built, successfully replicate the magic of a 460-year-old Mughal masterpiece? I would say almost certainly not, despite the huge budget. Defi nitely not, if it built ‘three to four time big-ger’ than the original, as claimed in the report.

The Taj replica will add to a grow-ing list of copycat buildings in the emirate. We have Business Central Towers, which borrows very heavily from New York’s classic Crysler

building, yet adds an extra tower for good measure.

Just recently, we have seen the emergence of a tower on Sheikh Za-yed Road that looks suspiciously like London’s Big Ben, only substantially taller. In all of these cases, I’d have to pick the original as the superior, and I’m sure I’m not alone.

These copycat buildings represent the opposite end of the spectrum to Dubai’s pioneering structures such as Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab; two buildings that really push the boat out.

After the credit crisis, the real estate and construction industries in Dubai convinced themselves there was now more ‘realism’ in the market; the projects that survived were rational and tailored to peoples’ needs. Is there a need for a US$1bn Taj Mahal replica in Dubai?


The continual development of the construction indus-try as a whole is not only supported by qualifi ed

personnel, machinery, equipment and building materials, but also by year-round international exhibitions.

Of course, it all started in Europe; the cradle of the industrial exhibitions was France. In 1844 the fi rst ever national exhibition, boosted by the French industrial expansion was held in Paris, creating expansive interest in other European countries.

However, the fi rst international exhibition of manufactured products was held in 1851 in London’s Hyde Park. It took the world by storm, with major cities competing for the host-ing rights of what was known as the

Events like these expos give us the opportunities to build our professional libraries, to enrich our networking and empower

all components in the industry to deliver better products.”

OPINION

World Fair, now the World Expo.Dubai is competing for the 2020 World Expo under the motto ‘Con-necting Minds, Creating the Future’ , with stiff competition from Thailand’s Ayutthaya, and Turkey’s Ankara and Izmir. The World Expo has become a stage for promoting countries and their culture and is a fruitful platform for the dissemination of more specifi c exhibitions over the world.

Undoubtedly, the construction industry, along with infrastructure and real estate, is one of the largest industries of all derived from the World Expo with a number of diff er-ent presentations. Some of the most remarkable are Cityscape in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Conmex Middle East in Sharjah and most recently the

Cityscape Riyadh and Jeddah in KSA as well as Cityscape Qatar.

Today there are 77 trade shows in Africa and the Middle East related to building and construction. The UAE and KSA dominate with ten annual expos each year. Considering the Middle East only established an intensive construction industry in the last couple of decades, and construc-tion exhibitions in the last 10 years, it’s certainly an impressive fi gure. Especially given there are 88 in both Americas and 137 in the entire Asia-Pacifi c region.

There are quite a few important benefi ts to the growing number of construction international expos. For example, the exchange of informa-tion, ideas and experience signifi -cantly contributes to the scientifi c development of the industry, while signing business deals improves the economy as a whole.

To know the market means to know your competitors and to understand the way forward. Events like these expos give us the opportunities to build our professional libraries, to en-rich our networking and empower all components in the industry to deliver better products.

In April, Cityscape Abu Dhabi, attracted around 25,000 visitors from 78 diff erent countries. No less were expected to visit Cityscape Global in Dubai, which just took place on 2-4 October. The Cityscape exhibitions, and many others related to the build-ing industry, are events that reach far beyond the expos developed in the last 160 years.

New age exhibitions are integral for the construction industry

SHOW TIME

Georgina

Chakar is an

Australian

architect and a

Master of Urban

Planning. She

works in Abu

Dhabi

An impressive exhibitor stand at Cityscape.

COMMENT | GEORGINA CHAKAR

INTERVIEW | PETER DI SABATINO

22 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.12 | www.designmena.com

PETER DI SABATINO | INTERVIEW

23www.designmena.com | 10.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

Our students may have a tendency towards digital processes, both 2D and 3D, but they still know how to pick up a pencil and

sketch an image of a building.” Peter di Sabatino

I t’s mid September and the fi rst day back at the College of Architecture, Art and Design at the Uni-versity of Sharjah. Standing in the airy entrance atrium, college dean Peter di Sabatino points to a

group of two dozen students, crowding round drawings on the fl oor, and remarks: “It’s only four hours since the start of the semester and they’re already looking at work. That’s quite good.”

The traditional classroom style of teaching has been rejected in favour of a more modern approach. “We only have one traditional classroom left,” adds di Sabatino. “Most education spaces are crit rooms, computer labs and studios. There’s also a 100-person auditorium.”

Describing the building itself, he comments: “It uses a really simple material palette with concrete fl oors, white stucco walls and glass.

“It’s honest in the use of materials and it’s really a machine for education. The lack of colour is made up by the students’ work, which brings the place alive. The building is a background for the activity of the college.”

Formed in 1997, CAAD off ers six degree courses and has around 650 students in total. The Bachelor of Archi-tecture programme is the only National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) course outside the USA,

which happens to be di Sabatino’s country of origin. He elaborates on his background. “I was born and raised on the East coast of America. After a degree in Economics and Fine Arts, I worked in New York for a few years and then decided to get a Masters in Architecture at Wash-ington University, St Louis, Missouri.

“After graduate school I loaded everything I had into a van and drove west to Los Angeles. I then spent the next 30 years practicing or teaching there, then I came here. I have been the director of design at fi rms, and I also had my own practice. I have talked a lot; that included be-coming a full Professor of Architecture in Los Angeles and running the department in the Art Center College of Design, Pasadena. I’ve been back and forth between academic work and practice.”

When asked on the diff erences between architectural education in the United States and the UAE, he replies: “The University of Sharjah is based on the American model so the quality of the institution, the facilities and the faculty governance is very much the same. Particu-larly in CAAD; there is literally no diff erence.

“This programme is amongst the best internationally. There was a website recently that ranked us in the top ten - it was based on student satisfaction and enthusi-

THE INTERVIEW

Oliver Ephgrave meets Peter di Sabatino, the dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Design at the American University of Sharjah

INTERVIEW | PETER DI SABATINO


asm, as well as facilities. Undergradu-ate education is more normative, especially in a NAAB-accredited programme. Probably 70-85% of the curriculum is similar to anywhere. Architecture is a discipline, so the language of architecture is similar. That’s what’s great about it - you may not speak the same verbal language but it’s always the same visual lan-guage; everyone knows how to read a plan and a model.”

However, he hints that university life in Sharjah is diff erent from the West. “The students at the faculty work extraordinarily hard, but unfor-tunately not as many of the students are involved in extracurricular activi-ties as we’d like them to be. Maybe they don’t all get to play sports or per-form in plays. Many do, but it’s tough. But the students are so dedicated, as are the faculty and staff .”

In the age of technology, it would be fair to assume that students are increas-ingly using computers to design their projects. Di Sabatino agrees, yet adds: “We have a year-long foundation programme for all students, so we are teaching them how to think through the act of drawing, as well as making models. Making things with your hands is still fundamental to what we do.

“Our students may have a tendency towards digital processes, both 2D and 3D, but they still know how to pick up a pencil and sketch an image.

“We’re communicating between faculty and students in a multitude of ways. We also use photography and the moving image; we’re using every tool or process that’s available to us.”

The college certainly possesses an impressive array of tools. The tour moves to the labs on the lowest level, which di Sabatino describes as a mi-crocosm of “the history of making”.

He explains: “It starts with the use of the hands in the wet lab - this in-volves plaster, clay, pouring concrete. Next we move to the mechanical age with the metal lab, next is the digital age. Everything is designed and made in the studio. Facilities are important as enablers.”

As we leave the labs, we pass two huge robotic arms, reminiscent of a scene from The Terminator. Di Sabatino adds: “The robots can do whatever you want to do - they have a tool on the end of the arm. Students can experiment with them.

“Each student has a dedicated workspace, similar to the way that offi ces work. The way we teach architecture is similar to the way we practice architecture. However, in many cases the academy is ahead of the professional community which is interesting for the UAE. The students enter the offi ce and go ‘where is the digital printer and where is the robotic arm?’”

The facilities involved a “signifi cant investment”, according to di Sabatino, although he declined to disclose an exact fi gure. He adds: “We presented to the board of trustees with a case for providing the best environment for students. This resulted in investment by the university. It is committed to excellence, which supports His High-ness’ vision.”

He says that the UAE is currently in a critical transition period, and CAAD is playing a valuable role. “We’re in a movement right now. It’s

The way we teach architecture is similar to the way we practice architecture. However, in many cases the academy is ahead of

the professional community.”Peter di Sabatino

1997DATE OF FORMATION

OF CAAD

Peter di Sabatino

has been dean

for four years.

PETER DI SABATINO | INTERVIEW


Dean di Sabatino

gives a tour of

the impressive

labs at CAAD.

an extraordinary moment and an extraordinary privilege to be involved in CAAD; the creation of profes-sions, the development of a creative culture and a creative economy. In Sharjah, one of his highness’ projects is developing culture, education and creativity.

“The creative economy is huge in many places. In Los Angeles, it’s the largest economic sector; it’s no longer the military or tourism or agriculture. It does include the movie industry, but even if you took that away it’s still a big economy and a big culture. LA is inherently one of the most creative places on the planet, like Berlin and other great cities.”

Regarding new initiatives at CAAD, di Sabatino remarks: “We’re developing a ‘Design Build One to One’ lab. Every student has the

opportunity to work at full scale. Remember that a painter gets to paint and a graphic designer might get to design a billboard. For architects and interior designers it’s about making buildings and understanding the relationship between drawing lines and the fi nal product. At CAAD the students will soon be able to design and build a full building. The best schools in America also off er this.”

More courses are also in the pipe-line such as a Master of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, a degree in Product Design and a Masters degree in Architecture. There are initiatives at college level and university level that continue that trajectory of excel-lence. It’s exciting,” adds di Sabatino.

His face lights up after hearing a comment on the impressive setup of the college. “We continue to move

forward and it’s really great when you hear alumni and professionals com-pliment the school and the facilities we have. I think that’s the best thing a dean can hear.”

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SITE VISIT | AL BATEEN PARK

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PARK LIFE

PALM TREE COURT & SPA | SITE VISIT

33

S tanding on the edge of the beach, the afternoon before delivery, a remark-ably calm David Green of GAJ points to the new extension of White Orchid

restaurant and says: “It just had to be a stone and glass facade.”

The GAJ partner explains that his fi rm designed the original Palm Tree Court & Spa in 1994. Its contemporary extension mimics the de-sign language of the existing structure, primarily the textural stone wall by Brian Johnson.

Green adds that the form was kept simple in order to complement the elaborate Asian-style pitched roof of the entrance lobby section. “How can you compete with an A-frame? It would look wrong. So we used a simple form with a solid massing. The levels work and it retains the con-nection with the beach.”

He continues: “It feels very diff erent inside. It’s actually an angular space but from the outside you perceive it as a rectangular block. The footprint was determined by the old terrace that it has replaced.”

As well as extending the popular Asian-fusion restaurant, GAJ also created a new infi nity pool, extensive landscaping and water features as well as 74 new rooms and suites for Palm Tree Court & Spa, which sits next to Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa.

Green remarks that the landscaping plays a big part in the overall design. He continues: “The landscape is what makes it special. It’s a journey for guests - there’s 1km of rolling lawns. At night time it is amazing.”

Paul Bradford, associate at GAJ, adds: “There is a sense of water fl owing through the whole resort. The streams are designed as wadis for a natural feel. When you arrive the emphasis is on water cascading down.”

A new wadi feature also graces the entrance area. “We added more car-parking spaces and new planting; the palm trees make it more for-mal,” remarks Green.

He continues: “This is one of Dubai’s fi rst true resort hotels and was created over 30 years ago. It’s a true family resort - a journey of discovery with peacocks and meandering waterways. It was certainly a challenge to integrate within the existing landscape.

The wider resort is famous for its peacocks that wander lazily through the grounds. The sight

www.designmena.com | 10.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT


SITE VISIT | PALM TREE COURT & SPA

34

How can you compete with an A-frame? It would look wrong. So we used a simple form with a solid massing.”

David Green, partner, GAJ

The new extension

to White Orchid

restaurant.

of them dodging construction work-ers is certainly incongruous.

Inside one of the guest rooms, a large artwork of feathers shows that the decor was partly inspired by the exotic birds. Green continues: “Some of our original peacock concept has been retained, yet the upholstery has been toned down. The client was actively involved in the design.”

He adds: “It’s a fi ve star resort but it is a family resort with kids and it needs to be lived in and comfortable. There are subtle Arabic details, such as in the tiles and on the doors of the bathroom. They came from our side. We kept to a neutral palette. The arched ceiling also adds to the Arabic feel.”

74NUMBER OF NEW

ROOMS AND SUITES



36

Ground fl oor guest rooms contain a garden while the upper rooms have a terrace. Bradford explains that the decor will be diff erent in the largest beachfront guest rooms, which will feature marble, other natural stones and wood panelling. These luxury villas contain a living room, two bed-rooms and huge terraces overlooking the beach and sea.

Externally the villas are very similar to the original ones. “We were not allowed to change the style. We changed the look of the windows

slightly. The original guest rooms have much darker fi nishes inter-nally,” remarks Green.

GAJ was also responsible for the design of the new pool by the beach, the largest in the resort by surface area. “It’s much bigger than I imag-ined,” comments Green.

General manager for the hotel, Fredrik Reinisch, comments: “I’m delighted with the new pool; it con-

nects the garden very well. It will be the place to be - the

best in the resort. It’s next to Anchors Bar, the beach restaurant.”

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

1994DATE OF THE ORIGINAL

BUILDING, ALSO

DESIGNED BY GAJ



“There’s a big diff erence in the space. We were looking for the wow factor. Now we have a nice fl ow.”

Inside the lobby, Green explains that a new wall was placed in front of the staircase in order to reinforce the distinction between the lobby and

the restaurant spaces. The demarca-tion eff ect was enhanced with a chain screen, complete with an abstract image of an orchid.

The decor of the bar was changed to refl ect the Asian theme, replacing the previous nautical look which in-

“This is one of Dubai’s fi rst true resort hotels and was created over 30 years ago. It’s a true family resort - a journey of discovery with peacocks and meandering waterways. It was certainly a challenge to integrate within the existing landscape.David Green, partner, GAJ

The exisiting

building is

notable for its

A-frame roof

(left).

When it comes to the extension to White Orchid, Reinisch adds: “I think it will be very well received. We’ve managed to upgrade all the facilities with a modern twist, but it still carries the same spirit of the Palm Tree Court. White Orchid is our most popular restaurant. It has been doubled; people will still recog-nise it but it’s much more up-to-date.

“The fl ow of the restaurant has been improved. Guests will now walk through the lounge bar rather than past it.”

Corin Dougall, manager project development at Dutco Group, adds:



38

Renderings

depicting

the new look

White Orchid

restaurant.

volved port holes. The new aesthetic includes grey walls, Asian lamps of various sizes and shapes, tree branch wallpaper behind the bar and stained oak on the walls.

Further orchid emblems were added, with new paintings and carpets also displaying the colourful

fl ower. Green points out the coordi-nation between the gold of the lamps and the ceramic tiles.

Moving through to the existing restaurant area, Green comments: “We chose the new fabrics and fl oor tiles. The mezzanine level was previ-ously a VIP area but it was hardly

used. It will now add an extra level to the bar area.”

The new extension building, with extra seating and live cooking stations, is located past the pitched roofed space and is notable for its extensive use of glazing to exploit sea views. At the time of visit, the area was teeming with construction workers, yet Dougall adds: “It will be fi nished tonight. When you place in the furnishings and fi nishing touches it comes together.”

Overall the extension project feels well-integrated with the existing buildings. A large contributing factor was GAJ’s continuing involvement in the development; it was respectful and inspired by the older structures that were designed by founder and managing partner Brian Johnson. “The building has evolved as our fi rm has evolved,” remarks Green.

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40

Technical drawings supplied by GAJPALM TREE COURT & SPA

FIRST FLOOR PLAN

This plan shows the restaurant White Orchid as

well as the bar and the foyer. The existing areas are

shown in grey whereas GAJ's extension is depicted

in yellow.



The elevations show how the new extension mimics

the stone wall and fl at-roofed section of the original

building rather than competing with the pitched roof

area in the middle.

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ELEVATIONS

These drawings show how the levels link up through

the pitched and fl at roofed sections.

SECTIONS

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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 Technol-ogy (DOT). Drydocks World, the shipbuilding arm of Dubai World, signed a deal to become the exclu-sive main contractor for the hotel concept in the Middle East. Named Water Discus Hotel, the design en-visages 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 Northern Ireland’s largest tourism project. The building contains nine galleries document-ing 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

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.

306NUMBER OF ROOMS

AND SUITES

THE GALLERIES

Architect:

Burt Hill

Location:

Downtown

Jebel Ali, Dubai

18M HEIGHT OF

LOBBY SPACES

Completed in April 2012, the new residential section is the final piece of the jigsaw for Doha’s distinctive 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 7-storey office section. Selective glazing all around provides the living rooms and bedrooms with ample natural light and views of the Corniche.

AL HITMI COMPLEX - FRASER SUITES

Location: Doha,

Qatar

Architect:

Norr Group

Consultants

84 NUMBER OF

RESIDENTIAL UNITS

Dewan has been awarded a contract to design and supervise the con-struction of a 150m-tall tower in Dammam, KSA. Designed for build-ing material supplier Al-Abdulkarim Holding, the 35-floor structure will contain a total built-up area of 54,846m2. Notable for a dramati-cally tilting section, the tower is set to open in 2014. Its façade and tilting volumes will create distinctive office spaces on every floor.

AL-ABDULKARIM TOWER

Architect:

Dewan

Architects &

Engineers

Location:

Dammam,

Saudi Arabia

Dongdaemun Design Plaza project (DDPP) is a major cultural facility under construction in Seoul. The main client is the Seoul Metro-politan Government, which chose a consortium comprising Zaha Hadid Architects and local firm Samoo Ar-chitects & Engineers. The 85,000m2 scheme will establish a learning resource for designers and members of the public, with a museum, library and educational facilities.

DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA AND PARK

Location: Seoul,

South Korea

Architect:

Zaha Hadid

Architects

and Samoo

Architects &

Engineers

50,000 DOUBLE-CURVED EXTERIOR PANELS

www.designmena.com | 10.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 45MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.12 | www.designmena.com44

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S CUBE CHALET

THE CONCEPT The clients for the S Cube Cha-

let residence, two brothers and a sister - with two small children each - wanted to continue living in a close environment but also one with a sense of privacy and independence. They called for a duplicated pro-gramme with outdoor areas, sea views and terraces. With a highly dense organisation, the inter-twined houses are manipulated to create outdoor spaces which harvest the prevailing winds and enhance their circulation within the courtyards. All of the buildings are carefully situated to protect exposure to the sun on the southern façade.

Designers: AGi Architects

Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait

CASE STUDY

THE PROJECT Designed by Spain and Kuwait-based architecture studio AGi Architects, the S Cube

Chalet residential space is comprised of three intertwined seafront houses developed into three levels. Located in the capital, Kuwait City, each house is complete with an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea. The plot is divided into two units with two houses, which are mirror images of each another, named S2 and S3. The two units are separated by a staircase that leads to the third house, S1, which is positioned on top and across the two lower residences.

750m2AREA OF PROJECT

THE SITEIncreased shaded areas are featured on the north side to frame views out to sea,

as well as creating a pleasant outdoor environment. All three houses include indi-vidual outdoor areas that are open to the sky, with sweeping sea views, yet retain privacy from the neighbouring units. The outdoor spaces on the ground floor and roof terrace are the main distinguishing elements of the project, with the three houses designed and organised around them. The entire project is designed to optimise and enhance the outdoor experience.

MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 10.12 | www.designmena.com62 www.designmena.com | 10.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 63

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FURNISHING GAUDI Unda

Gaudi is a divider inspired by the stained glass used by famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, most renowned for the Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona. This folding screen by Unda, shrouded in stainless steel, brings light and colour to interior spaces. It measures 210cm by 180cm.

APPAUTOCAD WS Autodesk

AutoCAD WS enables users to view, edit, and share AutoCAD drawings with anyone, anywhere, using a mobile device. They can annotate and revise drawings in the office, in the field, or in a meeting. Users can work on designs without an internet connection, and easily open DWG, DWF, and DXF files directly from email.

LIKEWANTNEEDCULTURE

BOOKTHE ARCHITECT SAYS Laura Dushkes

This book is a colourful compendium of quotations from more than one hundred of history’s most opinionated design minds. Laura S. Dushkes says in her introduction: “The depth and breadth of the thinking of architects through time, how they may all grapple with a core set of issues, but their approaches and opinions vary widely.” It features quotations from over one hundred architects and architecture critics from Alvar Aalto to Frank Lloyd Wright.

LIGHTING FRESHFIBER Janne Kyttanen

Designed by Janne Kyttanen, Riot is the first light in the Freshfiber collection which works with Megaman CFL energy saving bulbs. It is made from 3D printed nylon and powder coated steel. Other parts of the light originate from recycled items, such as metal parts, switches and cables. It is currently sold as a limited edition.

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FURNISHINGSPYRAMID Planika Studio

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this fireplace by Planika Studio is made of highly-resistant fibreglass polyester laminate. The glossy white base contrasts with the natural, golden flames. The product is completely safe, thanks to the commerce burner, which is filled with highly absorbent ceramic fibres. Pyramid is smokeless and user-friendly, suitable for private residences, as well as luxurious commercial areas. The product does not require any installations and special connections.

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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECTMIDDLE EAST ARCHITECTECECECEC | 10.12100.120.1212 ||| www.designmena.cowww.designmena.www.designmenwww.designmena.ena.coena.cona.co66622

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THE PROJEDesigned by

Chalet residentinto three levelan outdoor terrhouses, which aseparated by a sacross the two l44/54

CASESTUDIES

62/63CULTURE

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This seven-storey commercial office building broke ground in 2009. The initial concept was given to Woods Bagot to create the building’s pri-mary plan. MZ & Partners further cultivated the building’s aesthetic as consultant of record. United Designers of London com-pleted the detailed architectural design for the colour of the glass, the showroom façades and the fit-out in the communal areas.

JAIDAH SQUARE

Designers:

Woods Bagot, MZ

& Partners and

United Designers

Location: Doha,

Qatar

70,000M2 TOTAL

CONSTRUCTIBLE AREA

Bodrum International Airport, de-signed by Turkish architecture firm Tabanlioglu, was completed in June this year, with a construction time-frame of 15 months. The 455,000m2 building consists of two main struc-tures, an ‘air side’ of transparent glass and steel linear scaffold which connects to the planes and a ‘land side’ terminal building. Primary ele-ments are organised to provide easy circulation for passengers.

BODRUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Architect:

Tabanlioglu

Location:

Bodrum, Turkey

Picking up two International Prop-erty Awards in 2011, Neo Bankside was designed by Rogers Stirk Har-bour + Partners. The development contains a range of six to 24 storey buildings with 229 residential units. Situated in the Bankside area of London, the scheme forms a linking between Southwark, the Thames and the Tate Modern. Apartments vary from studios to four bedrooms as well as penthouses.

NEO BANKSIDE

Architect:

Rogers Stirk

Harbour +

Partners

Location:

London, UK

24 STOREYS

TALLEST OF THE FIVE BUILDINGS

PAAB

306NUMBER OF ROOOMS

AND SUITES

This seven-storey commercial office building broke ground in 2009. The

56/60THE WORK


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S CUBE CHALET Designers: AGi ArchitectsLocation: Kuwait City, Kuwait CASE STUDY

THE PROJECT Designed by Spain and Kuwait-based architecture studio AGi Architects, the S Cube

Chalet residential space is comprised of three intertwined seafront houses developed into three levels. Located in the capital, Kuwait City, each house is complete with an outdoor terrace overlooking the sea. The plot is divided into two units with two houses, which are mirror images of each another, named S2 and S3. The two units are separated by a staircase that leads to the third house, S1, which is positioned on top and across the two lower residences.


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THE CONCEPT The clients for the S Cube Cha-

let residence, two brothers and a sister - with two small children each - wanted to continue living in a close environment but also one with a sense of privacy and independence. They called for a duplicated pro-gramme with outdoor areas, sea views and terraces. With a highly dense organisation, the inter-twined houses are manipulated to create outdoor spaces which harvest the prevailing winds and enhance their circulation within the courtyards. All of the buildings are carefully situated to protect exposure to the sun on the southern façade.

750m2AREA OF PROJECT

THE SITEIncreased shaded areas are featured on the north side to frame views out to sea,

as well as creating a pleasant outdoor environment. All three houses include indi-vidual outdoor areas that are open to the sky, with sweeping sea views, yet retain privacy from the neighbouring units. The outdoor spaces on the ground fl oor and roof terrace are the main distinguishing elements of the project, with the three houses designed and organised around them. The entire project is designed to optimise and enhance the outdoor experience.


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THE DETAILS AGi also designed the

interiors, using materials that were locally manu-factured. The fl ooring, stairs and dividing wall between S1 and S2 are all clad with Indian sandstone. The ceilings and walls of the inte-rior space are fi nished using plaster and paint, while handrails are clad with wood. All of the units contain two levels, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a living room. The terraces in S1 and S2 are visually separated by a grid. The top residence, S1, enjoys a large roof ter-race facing the sea, while the lower units have large courtyards open to the sea.

THREENUMBER OF UNITS

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AL HILAL BANK TOWER Architect: : Goettsch Partners Location: Abu Dhabi

CASE STUDY


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THE SITE The speculative offi ce tower is

located in the capital’s new cen-tral business district, next to GP’s huge Sowwah Square project for Mubadala. The tower will be ser-viced by a multi-tiered transporta-tion infrastructure, which includes a planned light rail station.It is designed to stand out from other towers on Al Maryah Island while also providing optimally-effi cient, column-free spaces within. The de-velopment is scheduled for comple-tion in the last quarter of 2013 and is due to receive an Estidama 1 Pearl rating due to sustainable initiatives.

THE PROJECT Goettsch Partners (GP) has

designed a 24-storey commercial development for Al Hilal Bank in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island, formerly known as Sowwah Island. Totalling 87,570m2 overall, the tower includes 49,110m2 of offi ce and retail space with 1,000 parking spaces for tenants and visi-tors to the building. James Goettsch, president of GP, added: “The new tower creates a distinctive architectural form, which is expected in the region. At the same time, the building of-fers very effi cient fl oor plates that are atypical in the local market.”

87,570M2TOTAL AREA


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image that would refl ect the bank’s brand while also refl ecting an in-ternational aesthetic, GP designed a bold form that shifts in massing as it rises. A podium contains a retail banking facility as well as a dramatic three-storey transparent lobby to the north. Three cubical masses sit atop the podium, stacked like shifted blocks. These masses derive their forms from a ‘push-and-pull’ eff ect at the corners. In addition, the build-ing’s façade changes at the created voids to accentuate the shifted aesthetic. Pedestrian arcades are located on the east and west.

THE DETAILS The façade consists of an alumi-

num-and-glass curtain wall system with glass and notched metal-spandrel elements and vertical glass fi ns that accentuate the building’s

verticality and provide shading. Floor-to-ceiling glass provides clear views for occupants and plentiful natural daylight. A landscaped park and refl ecting pool along the building’s western

façade will draw traffi c to the retail and main building entry by creating an inviting, shaded urban space. Café seating for tenants and visitors will further help activate the outdoor environment.

24NUMBER

OF STOREYS

THE REGION’S MOST EXCITING CONCRETE EVENT ‘MIDDLE EAST CONCRETE’ WILL BE BACK AGAINTHIS YEAR!

Middle East Concrete will provide a global showcase of products including admixtures, precast solutions, machinery and more.

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5 – 8 November 2012Dubai World Trade Centre

Co-located with:Silver Sponsors:

SUPPORTINGAN INDUSTRYEXHIBITION. CONFERENCE. TRAINING.


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KAFD CONFERENCE CENTREArchitect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) Location: King Abdullah Financial District, Saudi Arabia

CASE STUDY

THE PROJECT Located in the King Abdullah

Financial District in Riyadh, this futuristic complex by SOM provides a multipurpose event hall with operable walls, a 600-seat auditorium, and a ‘digital forum’ approach that allows all venues to be internally and externally networked. The conference rooms are clad in electrochromic glass which permits users to change from clear to opaque glass to control light levels and privacy. Sustainability strategies include a solar chimney to move air through the main atrium spaces, and a roof containing desert grasses to minimise irrigation.

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THE SITE King Abdullah selected the facility

to serve as the ceremonial venue for the opening of the entire Financial District. The centre is located along the perimeter and functions as an attractor building. It is designed as an extension of the Wadi, a sunken open-air pedestrian mall that runs like a river throughout. An at-grade landscaped park softens the site parcel’s boundary. The architects used parametric tools including Rhino and Grasshopper to analyse and optimise how site and construc-tion constraints would impact the proposed design.

28,350M2SITE AREA


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The conference centre is designed as an extension of the desert land-scape; its organic profi le, green roof and faceted skin link the building with the terrain. Vertical circulation elements and sculptural gardens focus pedestrians approaching from the Wadi on the main public lobby.Designed to achieve LEED Plati-num certifi cation, shading targets in the façade minimise heat gain. The team used localised facet analysis to determine which of the building’s larger facets should exhibit the greatest amount of trans-parency and opacity.

THE DETAILS Water conservation is essential in

order to supply the conference centre’s abundant landscaped areas. Grey water runoff collected from adjacent parcels will be stored in underground cisterns and used to irrigate outdoor vegetation. Inside the centre, continuous green rib-bons of planted soffi ts and gardens link the interior levels with the building’s cladding design.Ceiling-deployed fl exible partitions allow multiple confi gurations for each conference room. Suspended solar absorption panels totalling 360m2 at the peaks of the atrium draw hot air upwards, accelerating the expulsion of excess heat through operable panels at the roof.

12,000M2PROJECT AREA

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This seven-storey commercial offi ce building broke ground in 2009. The initial concept was given to Woods Bagot to create the building’s pri-mary plan. MZ & Partners further cultivated the building’s aesthetic as consultant of record. United Designers of London com-pleted the detailed architectural design for the colour of the glass, the showroom façades and the fi t-out in the communal areas.

JAIDAH SQUARE

Designers:

Woods Bagot, MZ

& Partners and

United Designers

Location: Doha,

Qatar

70,000M2 TOTAL

CONSTRUCTIBLE AREA

Bodrum International Airport, de-signed by Turkish architecture fi rm Tabanlioglu, was completed in June this year, with a construction time-frame of 15 months. The 455,000m2 building consists of two main struc-tures, an ‘air side’ of transparent glass and steel linear scaff old which connects to the planes and a ‘land side’ terminal building. Primary ele-ments are organised to provide easy circulation for passengers.

BODRUM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Architect:

Tabanlioglu

Location:

Bodrum, Turkey

Picking up two International Prop-erty Awards in 2011, Neo Bankside was designed by Rogers Stirk Har-bour + Partners. The development contains a range of six to 24 storey buildings with 229 residential units. Situated in the Bankside area of London, the scheme forms a linking between Southwark, the Thames and the Tate Modern. Apartments vary from studios to four bedrooms as well as penthouses.

NEO BANKSIDE

Architect:

Rogers Stirk

Harbour +

Partners

Location:

London, UK

24 STOREYS

TALLEST OF THE FIVE BUILDINGS


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Completed in April 2012, the new residential section is the fi nal piece of the jigsaw for Doha’s distinctive 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-sto-rey offi ce section. Selective glazing all around provides the living rooms and bedrooms with ample natural light and views of the Corniche.

AL HITMI COMPLEX - FRASER SUITES

Location: Doha,

Qatar

Architect:

Norr Group

Consultants

84 NUMBER OF

RESIDENTIAL UNITS

The Masdar Institute is the fi rst de-velopment in Abu Dhabi’s eco-driven Masdar City. It is being developed in phases, with a total planned area of 343,740m2. Construction of the six buildings in Phase 1A commenced in 2007 and was completed in Septem-ber 2010. Expansion of the existing campus under Phase 1B started in January last year, and is scheduled for completion in Q3 2012, covering 86,138m2.

MASDAR INSTITUTE

Lead consultant:

RW Armstrong

Designer: Foster

+ Partners

Location: Masdar

City, Abu Dhabi

86,138M2 AREA OF PHASE 1B

This disaster prevention centre in Istanbul draws inspiration from ancient cave dwellings. A conference hall and planetarium are each situ-ated at opposite ends of the facility. The conference hall is fl anked by an exhibition hall, orientation stage and children’s section, while the planetarium is surrounded by the 4D-video display room, fi re fi ghting training room and rainstorm simula-tion section.

DISASTER PREVENTION AND EDUCATION CENTRE

Architect:

Dinkoff

Architects and

Engineers

Location:

Istanbul, Turkey

Every year since 2000, a diff erent architect has been responsible for creating the Serpentine Gallery’s Summer pavilion for Kensington Gardens, London. The 2012 edi-tion, on display until October 14, features a collaboration between Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron and Chinese artist Ai Weiwei. This year’s designers went for an archaeological approach, with excavation revealing the traces of previous pavilions.

SERPENTINE GALLERY PAVILION

Designers:

Herzog & de

Meuron with Ai

Weiwei

Location:

London

12 NUMBER OF SUPPORTING

COLUMNS

35,,0000000000++++CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

2,5000000+++ EXHIBITORS FROM 80 COUNTRIES

133300000+++++++FREESEMINARS


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.

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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.

306NUMBER OF ROOMS

AND SUITES

Dewan has been awarded a con-tract to design and supervise the construction of a 150m-tall tower in Dammam, KSA. Designed for building material supplier Al-Abdulkarim Holding, the 35-fl oor structure will contain a total built-up area of 54,846m2. Notable for a dramatically tilting section, the tower is set to open in 2014. Its façade and tilting volumes will create distinctive offi ce spaces on every fl oor.

AL-ABDULKARIM TOWER

Architect:

Dewan

Architects &

Engineers

Location:

Dammam,

Saudi Arabia

Dongdaemun Design Plaza project (DDPP) is a major cultural facility under construction in Seoul. The main client is the Seoul Metro-politan Government, which chose a consortium comprising Zaha Hadid Architects and local fi rm Samoo Ar-chitects & Engineers. The 85,000m2 scheme will establish a learning resource for designers and members of the public, with a museum, library and educational facilities.

DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZA AND PARK

Location: Seoul,

South Korea

Architect:

Zaha Hadid

Architects

and Samoo

Architects &

Engineers

50,000 DOUBLE-CURVED EXTERIOR PANELS

SETTING THE BENCHMARKFOR THE REGION’SARCHITECTURE INDUSTRY

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.

BOOK YOURTABLE TODAYBOOK YOUR

TABLE TODAY

Alexander JamesSales Manager, Middle East ArchitectTel: +971 4 444 3393Email: [email protected]

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

For sponsorship enquiries please contact:Yazan RahmanSales Director, Construction Group Tel: +971 4 444 3351Email: [email protected]

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

TUESDAY 23RDOCTOBER 2012

THE WESTIN, DUBAI

Gold Sponsors Category Sponsor

PLATINUM SPONSOR


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LIKEWANTNEEDCULTURE

BOOKTHE ARCHITECT SAYSLaura Dushkes

This book is a colourful compendium of quotations from more than one hundred of history’s most opinionated design minds. Laura S. Dushkes says in her introduction: “The depth and breadth of the thinking of architects through time, how they may all grapple with a core set of issues, but their approaches and opinions vary widely.” It features quotations from over one hundred architects and architecture critics from Alvar Aalto to Frank Lloyd Wright.

LIGHTING FRESHFIBERJanne Kyttanen

Designed by Janne Kyttanen, Riot is the fi rst light in the Freshfi ber collection which works with Megaman CFL energy saving bulbs. It is made from 3D printed nylon and powder coated steel. Other parts of the light originate from recycled items, such as metal parts, switches and cables. It is currently sold as a limited edition.

TL

qhSatiwhA


FURNISHING GAUDIUnda

Gaudi is a divider inspired by the stained glass used by famous Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, most renowned for the Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona. This folding screen by Unda, shrouded in stainless steel, brings light and colour to interior spaces. It measures 210cm by 180cm.

APPAUTOCAD WSAutodesk

AutoCAD WS enables users to view, edit, and share AutoCAD drawings with anyone, anywhere, using a mobile device. They can annotate and revise drawings in the office, in the field, or in a meeting. Users can work on designs without an internet connection, and easily open DWG, DWF, and DXF files directly from email.

FURNISHINGSPYRAMIDPlanika Studio

Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, this fi replace by Planika Studio is made of highly-resistant fi breglass polyester laminate. The glossy white base contrasts with the natural, golden fl ames. The product is completely safe, thanks to the commerce burner, which is fi lled with highly absorbent ceramic fi bres. Pyramid is smokeless and user-friendly, suitable for private residences, as well as luxurious commercial areas. The product does not require any installations and special connections.

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LAST WORD | KARIM BENKIRANE

64

Karim Benkirane, regional managing principal for Woods Bagot, on Qatar’s wants and needs

THE LAST WORD

QATAR CALLING

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What Qatar has done very successfully is has retained some cultural and historical signifi cance.

That’s huge; to generate tourism outside of the beach is incredible. They already have an arts and culture museum.

Possibly a way to create a sustainable community is to start something much like the UK system CABE.

Having a body which is independent and comes from group of very well-respected individuals can help to really reinforce that sense of place.

We’re a research-based practice and we want to make sure that whatever we design is intelligently designed and commercially sustainable.

We don’t want to create white elephants to fuel our ego.

Some of the greatest cities in the world like London, New York, Hong Kong were built around the people who live there and can infl uence it.

Msheireb is a great example of that approach.

Msheireb will be a tourist attraction; people will want to go there.There are very few nations in the world which can attest to trying to accomplish

something as radical as Qatar.

There’s an enormous amount of opportunity in Qatar. But they need to be careful who they approach; they need to regulate this fairly.

Documents

Middle East Architect | October 2012