An ITP Business Publication
AUGUST 2013 / VOLUME 07 / ISSUE 08
NEWS, DATA, ANALYSIS AND STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FOR ARCHITECTS IN THE GCC p2// FRONT Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners’ new project in Abu Dhabi
p4// PEOPLE Tadao Ando’s controversial ‘wall of hope’
INTERVIEW
Sherif Anis on bridging the gap between US and the Middle East / p20
FEATURE RESPONSES TO FRANK GEHRY’S COMMENTS ON DUBAI CASE STUDY BAGHDAD’S NEWEST LIBRARY
SHINING BEACON
THE GALLERIA ON AL MARYAH ISLAND
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AUGUST | CONTENTS
AUGUST 2013 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 08 2
FRONT
Top stories in the world of architecture, including plans for Dubai Airport’s Concourse D
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PEOPLE
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PROJECTS A round up of the latest project news from MENA and the rest of the world
Key regional appointments, famous architect news and top quotes
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THE BIG PICTURE
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FEATURE
Five design professionals share their thoughts on Frank Gehry’s comments about Dubai
A shot that artistically juxtaposes Dubai’s old and new elements
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INTERVIEW
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SITE VISIT
Exploring The Avenue, Jumeirah’s newest mall on the block
Sherif Anis on bridging the gap for US architectural firms in the Middle East
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CASE STUDIES
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THE WORK
A detailed reference section covering all the best projects in the world
Baghdad’s newest library, an equestrian arena in Qatar and the Sipopo Congress Centre
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CULTURE
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LAST WORD
A snapshot of funky furniture, lights and other accessories in the market
Michael Hammond on World Architecture Day 2013 in New York City
www.designmena.com | 08.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
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FRONT | AUGUST
2010
AIA’s founding year (Page 20)
ROGERS STIRK HARBOUR + PARTNERS TO DESIGN ABU DHABI PROJECT The four-tower luxury complex will be developed by Mubadala Real Estate and Taiwanese Farglory Group
2020 YEAR OF COMPLETION
TOP STORY Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure (MREI) and Taiwanese property developer Farglory Group have broken ground on the $1b Maryah Plaza, a four-tower luxury waterfront complex on Al Maryah Island. The four towers will be developed in phases and, when complete in 2020, will have a combined gross floor area of 153,000m2. Designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, Maryah Plaza has been conceived to complement the waterfront view and the natural environmental characteristics of Abu Dhabi,
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using building design to represent and symbolize sailing, cruises and decks. With residences ranging from one-bedroom apartments to penthouses, the development will offer landscaped parks and open spaces, art galleries, community centres, and a wide arrange of street cafés and world class restaurants. Maryah Plaza will provide approximately 500 premium residences in the hub of Abu Dhabi’s new Central Business District (CBD), further extending the offering of Al Maryah Island to local residents, professionals and tourists.
MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
Ground breaking ceremony on Al Maryah Island
Teng-Hsiung Chao, Chairman of Farglory Group said, “Al Maryah Island is a truly visionary mixed-use district and we are proud to have the opportunity to contribute to Mubadala’s vision for this development. Coupled with Farglory’s 44 years of real estate development experience, Maryah Plaza will raise the bar for luxury residential developments by combining the renowned design expertise of Rogers Stirk harbour + Partners, resort-style amenities and carefully designed community spaces to create an outstanding living experience.”
AUGUST | FRONT
12,800M2
$25M
Area of The Avenues Mall
Cost of The Galleria’s roof
(Page 26)
(Page 32)
DMCC plans world’s tallest office tower in JLT The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) has announced that it is planning to build what could ultimately be the tallest commercial tower in the world, in the Jumeirah
Jumeirah Lake Towers
Lakes Towers development. The company announced that the tower will be taller than the 508-metre Taipei 101, the world’s current tallest completed office building. “Building the world’s tallest tower is in the Dubai DNA,” said Ahmed bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman of DMCC. “We will use the best technology, the best materials and the best designers in the world to bring this project to life.” The DMCC Business Park is expected to comprise of 107,000 square metres of commercial and retail space.
Dubai Airport unveils green plans Following a global trend of environmental conservation, Dubai International Airport, soon to be the world’s largest airport, is set to feature a sustainability-focused Concourse D. The Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP) aims to be as energy-efficient as possible and will implement several green initiatives that will reduce the environmental impact of the new facility. These initiatives will include using recycling programmes during construction, renewable energy, as well as the application of locally sourced and recycled building materials. The terminal’s lighting will com-
bine natural sunlight with efficient lighting and sensors for maximum efficiency and minimum heat output. The wing is designed to contain 100 additional airline companies and is scheduled to launch in 2015.
DESIGNMENA.COM This month’s top stories from the online home of Middle East Architect • Gulf to invest $155b in solar projects • Sowwah Square featured in 2013 list of iconic buildings • In Pictures: Top 10 company headquarters • Foster + Partners appoints new head of interior design • Benoy breaks ground on new China project
WEIRD PROJECT OF THE MONTH
James Law have been commissioned by Vijay Associate (Wadhwa Developers) to create an office unlike any other in Mumbai, India. The 32,000m2 egg-shaped build will accommodate 13 floors to create an awe-inspiring landmark in the city.
DATASTREAM TOP 3 OF THE WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE OFFICE SPACES (Source: Emporis) TAIPEI 101, TAIPEI CONSTRUCTION COSTS:
$1.76 BILLION BURJ KHALIFA, DUBAI CONSTRUCTION COSTS:
$1.5 BILLION
BANK OF AMERICA TOWER, NEW YORK CITY CONSTRUCTION COSTS:
Dubai Airport’s Concourse D
$1.0 BILLION
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PEOPLE
WATG’s head to lead MENA expansion
Ando accused of violating copyright laws
Ando’s ‘wall of hope’ incites controversy Tadao Ando , winner of the 2013 Pritzker Prize, is being accused of violating copyright laws due to his plans for a monumental green “wall of hope” along the Shin Umeda city complex in Japan. Proposed to run along the landscape grounds of the complex, the project has called into question ideas about creative identity and the conceptual limits of copyrights, because the project changes the identity of the original landscape architecture and is therefore allegedly a violation of copyright law. The Umeda Sky building is a combination of imposing landscape and an artful blended mirror of the sky where the architecture acts as joinery between the firmament and the earth. The landscape architect responsible for the ground level garden design, Motoo Yoshimura, has filed a petition to suspend the construction of the wall which is set to cut through the northeast end of the campus.
“I personally believe in two or three years that Iraq will surpass Saudi Arabia in terms of the amount of [construction] business there.” THRASOS THRASYVOULOU, MD, Habtoor Leighton Specon
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Mike Seyle, president and CEO of design firm WATG, will continue to lead the company for another five years as it charts its expansion strategy into the Middle East and Africa region. WATG Chairman and senior vice president Dave Moore stated: “Over the past five years, Mike has led us through a challenging period of change and we are now seeing the positive upside of this process in terms of company growth to double-digit profitability. We need him to continue what he started as we move into new territories and new client services.” As part of WATG’s expansion plans in the Middle East and Africa, Seyle will relocate with his family to London to be closer to the region. “We have ambitious growth plans for Africa and the Middle East, alongside our ongoing success stories in Asia, Turkey and Russia. Having the CEO sitting in London, close to these markets is simply common sense!” stated Muriel Muirden, vice president of strategy.
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FRONT | AUGUST
60 SECOND INTERVIEW BEN SHAW, MANAGING DIRECTOR, DORMA GULF
How does your company maintain environmental sustainability? DORMA products conform to various environmental standards across the world. Our products have also been approved by MASDAR, the first zero carbon city in the world. We aim to ensure energy-saving and resource-conserving production with a high recycling ratio.
Why did your company decide to get IS0 9001 certified? We realized the need to have ISO 9001 certification as the UAE government’s stand to safeguard the end user’s interest has given a wider scope of compliance with international standards in construction activities in the recent times. Seyle to lead WATG for the next five years
“Good design goes beyond mere image manipulation; awareness of scale, tactile qualities and subtlety of detailing should be taken into account during the design process.”
“One of the characteristics of new developments is that developers want them up very quickly. Like kids, you have to let them run about and fall over occasionally.”
AGATA KURZELA, senior architect and interior designer at AK Design
STEPHEN EMBLEY, MD, Middle East operations, Aukett Fitzroy Robinson
MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
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FRONT | AUGUST
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MENA PROJECT SNAPSHOT 1 LEBANON
2 ALGERIA
3 ABU DHABI
New apartment to help rejuvenate downtown Beirut
Italian firm to design Algeria’s telecommunications HQ
New school for autism opens in Abu Dhabi
As part of a larger master plan to rejuvenate the downtown Beirut area, Swiss Architects Herzog & De Meuron have designed The Terraces, a green waterfront apartment tower in Beirut lush with vegetation and hanging gardens. The structure will include 129 single, duplex and townhouse apartments, and will be supported by columns on a 14.7 metre grid.
Italian firm Mario Cucinella Architects has won the competition for the design of the new headquarters of telecommunications agency ARPT in Algeria’s capital city, Algiers. The aerodynamic shape of the building was a result of the architect’s aspiration to create a building that would work according to the principles of bioclimatic architecture, such as the tu’rat.
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
The New England Center for Children (NECC) recently opened a new state-of-the-art school in Abu Dhabi, to transform the lives of autistic children and their families. The school and residential campus was designed by U.S. based architecture, engineering and interior design firm LEO A DALY. The new NECC-Abu Dhabi facility will be located on a 13,000m2 site in Mohammed Bin Zayed City.
AUGUST | FRONT
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4 BAHRAIN
5 PALESTINE
6 ABU DHABI
MGAEC designs new $300m hotel in Bahrain
Heneghan Peng designs new Palestine museum
Work begins on GAJ designed school
A $300m hotel, commercial and residential development has been unveiled by Nama International Real Estate (a subsidiary of Kooheji Global Holding) as part of the Bahrain Bay project in Manama. Designed by Mohammed Al Gharib Architects and Engineers (MGAEC), the KGH Tower will be constructed in phases with the first phase consisting of a 4-star hotel and a 120-unit apartment.
Irish architectural firm, Heneghan Peng has proposed a new design for the Palestine museum, located on a hill above the West Bank Village of Bir Zeit. The design shows a series of unfolding green terraces planted with greenery. The first phase, which will cost $15 million, is being sponsored by the Welfare Association, a Geneva-based non-profit organization and is expected to be completed by end 2014.
The Godwin Austin Johnson (GAJ) Architects designed Cranleigh Abu Dhabi school, which is expected to open in 2014 in Saadiyat Island, has broken ground on the first phase of its development. The project has been designed such that all the buildings are strategically positioned around the green spaces, to allow the best views towards the coastline and to optimise the prevailing wind direction onto the site.
www.designmena.com | 08.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
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ADVERTORIAL | GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON
BIM is the new pencil F
ragments of ochre found at Blombos Cave suggest that drawing is almost as old as our species, Homo Sapiens. Architecture is also very ancient. We could trace it to mammoth bone huts from the depths of the last ice age, but it is more conventional to start with the emergence of urban life in the Middle East some 7000 years ago. Many of these historical architects were also sculptors, and physical models have long been part of the design process. In fact, the distinction between drawings & models is a false one. Energy models, fi nancial models and freehand sketches are all simplifications that help us to focus on key issues. The real breakthrough of Building Information Modelling (BIM) is that it combines the virtues of a 3d model with the explanatory power of orthographic. BIM is a much more architectural way of thinking and working. It is holistic, volumetric, integrated, dynamic. Here at GAJ, we began our BIM journey around 8 years ago. From the start, our motivation was simple. It was a new and better way of drawing. We had found ourselves living in an increasingly fragmented workspace, using multiple computer programmes to deliver our designs. BIM offers a more integrated approach to design. We have used
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
Many of us have seen the tools that we draw with change several times during the course of our working lives
The single building model in practice. Details of apartment balconies developed in multiple views that update simultaneously
GODWIN AUSTEN JOHNSON | ADVERTORIAL
Multi-disciplinary collaboration via BIM. One of several new school projects by GAJ in the Gulf Region
BIM processes in dozens of projects ranging from master planning to single villas, traditional resorts to modern apartment blocks. The Middle East is still very much in love with the dream of progress: bigger, faster, more iconic. BIM is seen as a management tool for streamlining processes, giving a competitive edge. Building Information Modelling means many things to many people and we do not doubt its potential as a powerful management tool, but it
is also the new pencil. We see the software and hardware tools that are coalescing around BIM as continuations of the age old tradition of creative visual thinking. The world needs fresh ideas and architects are uniquely placed to provide them. We bring well-honed visual and tactile skills to the table, embracing new tools that help us to engage our clients in the design process. Our goal, as always, to serve society at large and build a better designed world.
Andy Milburn is an associate at Godwin Austen Johnson with special responsibility for BIM strategy and Revit implementation. He has had a varied career ranging from bricklaying in the UK, via curriculum development in Zimbabwe to architecture in the Middle East. He is a well-known figure in the global Revit community, speaking recently at the BIM Show Live in London and the Revit Technology Conference in Auckland. You can follow his blog at www.grevity.blogspot.com
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FRONT | AUGUST
THE BIG PICTURE
OLD vs NEW Shruti Jagdeesh’s photograph of the Dubai skyline, shot from across the creek in Deira, artistically juxtaposes the city’s older, more traditional landscape with a view of the tall, shiny buildings that defi ne modern Dubai.
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AUGUST | FRONT
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FEATURE | OPINION
A couple of weeks ago, world-renowned architect, Frank Gehry, was quoted in an international publication saying that architecture in Dubai was ‘cheap, anonymous, and on steroids’. His comments set off a range of reactions within the architecture community, some in support of Gehry’s frank and forthright comments, while most others in opposition to such labels. In this special section, MEA rounds up some comments made by professionals in the design industry to hear their views on architecture in Dubai.
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
FEATURE | OPINION
MARTIN DUFRESNE, managing director, U+A Consultants My thoughts are somewhat divided. On one hand, I do think his remarks are not only evidently ironic, but to a certain extent ill founded, especially if we isolate and scrutinise the architectural virtue of a certain number of buildings in Dubai. Burj Khalifa for one is a wonderful example of an architect’s contemporary interpretation of localised design. As we well know, it is conceptualised not only through Islamic patterns based on a local desert flower, but its form is also reminiscent of spiral minarets found in Islamic architecture of the region. The Burj Al Arab too, is another great interpretation of local tradition, and passion, the dhow. It must be said that architectural academics may dismiss this concept to have any merit in the process of establishing iconic structures, but we should really acknowledge the popular appreciation validating its relevance in a city, which is still in its infancy, and still identifying its architectural history. On the other hand, we could easily make the same remark for many great cities in the world. Hong Kong, New York, Toronto, are all guilty of building generic culturally disconnected structures. Most cities are in some ways burdened with ‘replicas’ of the next town primarily due to a severe lack of originality. An immediate reaction may be that architects are to blame. However it is my strong opinion that although not all architects are distinctively creative to a level of establishing a single unique style on every building they draw, Gehry’s finger should point at the developer for the most part. These non-architects shamelessly impose their ideologies onto buildings forcing architects to compromise on their designs.”
Most cities are in some ways burdened with ‘replicas’ of the next town primarily due to a severe lack of originality.
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
OPINION | FEATURE
TAREQ ABU-SUKHEILA, managing director, Gensler Dubai’s development began and ended with the intent to serve a commercial purpose – offices, retail establishments, hospitality projects and transportation networks. This jump started the economy and led to Dubai’s development in a really short time frame. Many developers and property owners approached their projects with certain pre-conceived notions of what they wanted as a finished product ‘look’. This highly influenced client expectations and there was a great deal of focus on the external aspects in the designs produced during that period of rapid expansion. Designers in many cases were just trying to give their interpretation of what the client envisioned instead of taking a more holistic approach and designing for user experience. Furthermore, the influx of designers to meet the huge project demand was unprecedented and many of the designers worked with limited context and little first hand understanding of the local culture and historical architecture. In addition, most of them did not know about the city’s future outlook or urban needs, and hence designed buildings from a blank slate which has resulted in what we have today. There could definitely have been more balance between the design consultants and developers to go beyond the architecture that was achieved, but as the cliché with design goes, there’s always room for improvement.”
Designers in many cases were just trying to give their interpretation of what the client envisioned.
www.designmena.com | 08.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
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FEATURE | OPINION
BART LECLERQ, head of structures, WSP Middle East:
/ŶŶŽǀĂƟǀĞ &ƵƌŶŝƚƵƌĞ ŽŵƉŽŶĞŶƚƐ ZĞƋƵŝƌĞ /ŶŶŽǀĂƟǀĞ DĂƚĞƌŝĂůƐ
I think Dubai has got its own style and though there are some examples where old shapes are reinvigorated or reused, I do not see anything wrong with that. To be honest, I really like that Dubai is bold and naughty and that it copies things, shapes, forms and ideas and makes it a little bit bigger. Yes, it is definitely on steroids but there is nothing wrong with it. It shows confidence and it shows cheekiness and boldness. We cannot have every building as a Frank Gehry building. That would be boring as well. In the whole spectrum, Dubai has got its own style and it is very recognisable as what we have come to know Dubai to be.”
Yes, it is definitely on steroids but there’s nothing wrong with it. EĞǁ ZĂŶŐĞ WŽůLJŐůŽƐƐ͘^Z ͮ WŽůLJŵĂƩ͘^Z
Bathroom with Polygloss.SR fronts
ƵďĂŝ KĸĐĞ ͻ ƵƐŝŶĞƐƐ sŝůůĂŐĞ ͻ KĸĐĞ ϳϭϱ ͻ WŽƌƚ ^ĂĞĞĚ ĞŝƌĂ ƵďĂŝ ͻ h͘ ͘ ͘ ͻ W͘K͘ Ždž ϭϭϯϬϴϱ ͻ d нϵϳϭ ϱϱϲ ϱϳϴ ϯϳϯ ŽŚĂ KĸĐĞ ͻ 'ĂƚĞ ϭϴϱ ͻ ^ƚƌĞĞƚ ϯ ͻ /ŶĚƵƐƚƌŝĂů ƌĞĂ ͻ ŽŚĂ ͻ YĂƚĂƌ W͘K͘ Ždž ϱϭϴϳ ͻ нϵϳϰ ϰϰϲϬ ϰϭϬϰ
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OPINION | FEATURE
CHRIS BROWN, vice-president, HOK: I think Gehry’s comments in the context of the article are an accurate reflection on the difficulties of working in different countries and with different cultures. I think you could easily find many buildings in Dubai that underline why his comments are not unjust and you can probably find the same proportion in any city around the world but just not built in such a short time frame.
You could easily find many buildings in Dubai that underline why his comments are not unjust.
SHERIF ANIS, design manager, Gulf Related: I do not want to criticise what Gehry said out of respect for him, but I think Dubai’s culture is still evolving. It is by comparison to other geographic locations, a fairly new culture, especially when you consider the fact that it has grown so quickly and expanded its population and ethnic diversity far faster than any other culture has experienced before. That is Dubai’s culture – it is, like steroids – on a quickly expanding growth pattern and while there may be a lot of mistakes made along the way that is to be expected, corrected and celebrated, not criticised. I would suggest Dubai is doing precisely what Gehry suggests it is not and that is responding to the place and culture of today – maybe if he stuck around for a while, he might recognise that.”
Dubai is doing precisely what Gehry suggests it is not and that is responding to the place and culture of today.
www.designmena.com | 08.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
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COMMENT | EDITOR’S LETTER
BROAD STROKES EDITOR’S LETTER
How do we define a city’s architecture?
GOT A COMMENT? If you have any comments to make on this month’s issue, please e-mail zeinab.saiwalla @itp.com
T
he hot topic this past month revolved around Frank Gehry’s comments on his distaste for cities like Dubai that produce architecture without any consistent cultural depth. When I fi rst came across the Foreign Policy magazine article in which this comment was printed, as part of a longer interview on the nature of architecture today, the journalist in me let out a shrill of excitement –for it is not often that famous architects share candid, frank and controversial thoughts on a public platform.
The gist of Gehry’s comments, I gathered, had to do with the idea that Dubai’s architecture could do with more emphasis on the city’s cultural heritage and tradition. From the interview, it also seemed that Gehry was more in favour of cities like Abu Dhabi since it offered a space for culture to prevail. After all, he did agree to design Abu Dhabi’s Guggenheim Museum! Interestingly enough, the two site visits that we have featured in this issue, from Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively, offer an architectural impression quite in contrast to what Gehry had to say.
The Frank Gehry designed Guggenheim Museum to be built in Abu Dhabi
Painting any city with one broad stroke is not only inaccurate but also unrealistic.”
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The Avenue (pg 26) , an openair mall located in Jumeirah is all about culture and keeping with tradition. The design prides itself on having taken into consideration the surrounding architecture, to result in a development that integrates with the residential district and reflects its style and beauty. In contrast, The Galleria (pg 32), a luxury retail mall set to open on Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island later this month, is the epitome of high culture, quite distinct from the more conservative and modest tradition of the emirate. Ultimately, painting any city with one broad stroke is not only inaccurate but also unrealistic. At a time where globalisation has made the world a much smaller place, and cities are more like collections of global cultures, a mesh of various architectural forms and designs is precisely the representation that ought to be seen. To implement a single form which conveys a specific cultural reference would demand that architects and designers artificially construct designs that speak of a certain time, because in reality, isolated traditional cultures no longer exist, especially in the developed world we live in. Dubai’s skyline, a collection of some of the world’s most ambitious projects, is in fact a testimony to this global culture that pervades our lives, regardless of whether we choose to accept it or not.
COMMENT | IAN HARFIELD
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT OPINION
What defines a successful building? Ian Harfi eld General manager of Cofely Besix Facility Management
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o architect wants to design soulless, functional boxes and indeed few people would want to live or work in one. But many people fear that would be the end result of including processdriven minds, such as facilities managers, in what is essentially a
creative process. Yet the combination of these two disciplines has the potential to result in better buildings, adding real value in the process. Many buildings in the region are superficially attractive, but have inefficiencies built in from the start, such as basements that force cleanInternational Tower in Abu Dhabi, one of Cofely Besix’s clients
Many buildings are superficially attractive, but have inefficiencies built in from the start.”
ers to transport waste over long distances to bin stores, meaning that more staff are required than might otherwise be the case. In a country where the volume of available commercial space is high, service charges are under close scrutiny and are already an influencing factor in the choice of a building. Greater efficiency means lower service charges, which has the potential to translate into valuable higher occupancy. Facilities management companies bring value to the design process for the simple reason that they have an in-depth understanding of how buildings are actually lived in over time. We all live in buildings in our own way and style and we end up adjusting to the constraints of the built environment. Yet the building is created by designers whom must perform the same functions. So why, at times, is it so hard to transpose the people’s use of a building to a design? We fully understand the need for the designer to introduce new concepts from which we all evolve, but how many designers get feedback from the occupiers of their buildings five years after completion? If they did, how different would buildings be today? We need to be clear how we defi ne what constitutes a successful building. Is it an iconic design, or is it one that understands the requirements of its end users and therefore has a lower TOC?
www.constructionweekonline.com | 08.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
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INTERVIEW | SHERIF ANIS
BRIDGING THE GAP THE INTERVIEW
Zeinab Saiwalla speaks to Sherif Anis, president of the American Institute of Architects Middle East Chapter on challenges faced by American architects in the region and ways to overcome them
T
he American Institute of Architects (AIA), synonymous with forwardthinking architects striving to make a difference to society, prides itself on a strong code of ethics and determination to drive positive change through the power of design. These same values radiate from Sherif Anis, president of AIA’s Middle East Chapter, who grew up in a family of architects and was made to realise the importance of ethics in architectural practice. However, unlike practicing in the United States, Anis realised that rules of the game were different in the Middle East, when he moved here six years ago to serve as US-based CBT Architects’ regional director. “Here, you have to get used to expect the unexpected. The pay schedule and the fee schedule is different
from what US architects are used to. People here work differently and for many US architects it can be quite difficult to understand,” explains Anis, design manager at Gulf Related. Striving to bridge this gap, Anis together with several other architects based in the Middle East, including Hissam Youssef, Steve Miller, Loay Quota and Thierry Paret, banded together to form the AIA Middle East Chapter in 2010. “Our goal was really about forging connections between the Middle East and American architects so that US firms know we are here to serve as that conduit for communication, and vice versa.” He continues: “In the US, AIA helps with issues pertaining to the Government and are very involved in advocacy, but here we do not have that ambition. It is more about fostering and managing ties.”
Since joining AIA Middle East, Anis has taken on several roles, first as treasurer, then secretary, followed by vice president and now serving as the organisation’s president. However, Anis is quick to admit that the roles are more to help maintain an orderly system than a clear designation of tasks. “The titles are there because we need to have the structure, but in a lot of ways we help each other do what we have to, to get things done.” While serving on the board Anis has helped in crafting the organisation’s graphic identity, creating its logo, posters, letterhead and newsletters, in addition to organising and planning events, though he is aware that a lot more can be done. “It is easy to run events here in Abu Dhabi or Dubai but it gets challenging to hold events in the region.”
In the Middle East relationship building comes into play first. Here, you will attend a business meeting but not talk about business at all.” Sherif Anis
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SHERIF ANIS | INTERVIEW
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INTERVIEW | SHERIF ANIS
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AIA MIDDLE EAST CHAPTER MEMBERS
AIA members on tour at the Burj Khalifa
He continues: “We have a lot of members in Kuwait and Jordan but frankly it comes down to having people on the ground that are willing to do it because everything has to be done on volunteer basis since we are a non-profit organisation.” As a result of the AIA’s organic structure, the Middle East chapter depends significantly on partnerships and associations with annual conferences and exhibitions to remain engaged with the larger realm of society. “We all have real jobs that we have to attend to so we have paired up with events like Index, Cityscape and Big 5 to help us get exposure and put us on the events schedule in the region.” Late last year, the AIA Middle East chapter together with the United States Department of Commerce and private and government officials from Qatar, organised a one-day sympo-
sium to facilitate discussions between US architectural firms and local developers. The session was to serve as a platform to allow for greater involvement of foreign architecture firms in Qatari projects, Anis explains. “It was mainly about letting US firms understand the ways of working in Qatar and letting the groups in Qatar hear about the obstacles faced by the architects so that a fruitful
outcome can develop,” Anis says. He adds: “Anybody in their right mind would go after the work because there is so much of it in Qatar, but it is just not easy to do.” According to Anis, one of the most common obstacles faced by US firms in the Middle East has to do with remuneration terms as it relates to advance payment bonds and performance bonds.
People want to know how they can get involved and what they the need to be sensitive of, so it is good for us to be here, to be that conduit.” Sherif Anis
22
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INTERVIEW | SHERIF ANIS
2010 AIA’S FOUNDING
Capital Gate Tower in Abu Dhabi, one of the buildings visited by AIA members
“The local companies tend to demand onerous financial commitments, especially for some of these huge projects, and most architecture firms cannot handle such costs. They just do not have that kind of capital.” Understanding these differences and finding ways around them is crucial for foreign firms if they want to be part of the region’s growth, says Anis. “It is us who want the work, so we have to learn how things get done here.” He adds: “A relationship can very quickly go wrong if both parties do not understand the differences. It takes a bit more patience and it is not always business as usual. In the Middle East, relationship building comes into play first. Here, you might attend a meeting but not talk about business at all.”
YEAR IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Helen Dreilling, AIA 2014 President
“Anybody in their right mind would go after the work because there is so much of it in Qatar, but it is just not easy to do.” Sherif Anis
24
MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
SHERIF ANIS | INTERVIEW
AIA members on a guided building tour
He adds that at AIA’s recent national conference in Denver, Colorado, the topic of working in the Middle East featured several times during the presentations, owing to the fact that there is a lot of interest from firms in the US to work here. “People want to know how they can get involved and what they the need to be sensitive of, so it is good for us to be here, to be that conduit,” he says.
In addition to organising talks and symposiums to bridge the differences between working styles in the Middle East and the US, the AIA chapter here plays an active role in providing continuing education opportunities and building tours for its members. As Anis reveals during the hour long interview, it is probably this benefit of being an AIA member that has been so successful in attracting
international architects in the region, to the organisation. Despite having only been around for three years, the Middle East chapter already has 300 members and the highest proportions of international associate architect members compared to other chapters around the world. “Architects here are excited to join an organisation like AIA. Part of it is to have the credential on their name cards but more than that, people are hungry for education and they like to get certification from the courses AIA offers,” says Anis. As a way to further enhance the continuing education opportunities, the AIA Middle East chapter is planning to organise its first large-scale conference later this year and is looking to welcome the AIA 2014 president Helene Dreilling, FAIA as the keynote speaker and honorary conference chair. “We are hoping it will be the start of many more to come. There will be a lot of technical and design presentations, building tours and a presentation of the first annual AIA Middle East Design Awards featured by a gala dinner. As always there will be ample opportunities to receive continuing education and keep up to date with all that is happening in the field of architecture,” Anis says.
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SITE VISIT | THE AVENUE
BREAKING BARRIERS MEA visits The Avenue, Dubai’s fi rst open-air mall located in the heart of Jumeirah that promises to transform the shopping experience here
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
THE ROAD TO DUBAI - CROWNING THE REGION’S CONSTRUCTION CHAMPIONS
Wednesday W ed 11th December 2013 JJW Marriott Marquis Dubai The 9th aannual Construction Week Awards in Dubai, UAE will bring together winners from Construction Week’s series of regional awards ceremonies to battle it out in 19 categories and decide the region’s top achievers in the construction sector in the past 12 months.
Do not miss your opportunity to see who will win the most sought after prize for construction professionals in the Middle East at the lavish awards ceremony and gala dinner. Visit www.constructionweekonline.com/cwawardsdubai
or contact one of our team for more information.
NOMINATION DEADLINE THURSDAY 10TH OCTOBER, 2013 PLATINUM SPONSOR
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SITE VISIT | THE AVENUE
12,8002
METRES
A fountain area located in the centre of the mall (top) and a layout of the mall's buildings (right)
28
n a region fi lled with some of the world’s biggest and most successful malls, it comes as no surprise that developers continue to build retail centres to make the most of lifestyle practices here. However, apart from their respective locations and distinguishing interiors, most malls in the Middle East offer visitors similar experiences – an air-conditioned environment, an array of fashion boutiques and dining establishments, and a variety of entertainment activities. Attempting to move away from this standard, Dewan Architects & Engineers (DAE) in collaboration with Benoy Architects, have designed Dubai’s fi rst open-air
AREA OF MALL
retail mall, The Avenue. Set to open later this month, the mall sits on a 12,800 m2 plot between Al Wasl Road and Sheikh Zayed Road, and stretches across 1.1km. Developed by Meraas Holding, The Avenue features 13 low-rise buildings with over 50 different shops and
MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
services including banks, clinics, restaurants and retail outlets in an outdoor setting. Omar Delawar, chief projects officer at Meraas Holding, described the development as similar to offerings in the United States and in Europe, but unlike anything else in
THE AVENUE | SITE VISIT
the Middle East. “The architecture is completely different; you will not fi nd this style of architecture elsewhere in Dubai. Contemporary, modern, but still new. We think we are adding something new to Dubai.” The core design principle was to create a mall that fit seamlessly with the surrounding residential architecture to allow for uniformity with other developments in the area. As the project architect, Ammar Al Assam, executive director of DAE explains, the idea was to add a structure without adding a sharp, foreign design. To achieve this, the design team sought inspiration from some of the world’s leading outdoor retail ventures. “The team referred to other projects in the US, Europe as well as Singapore to fi nd comparable
The mall's service entrances also reflect architectural uniformity
types of offering such as Kensington High Street and Paris Champs Elysee,” says Al Assam. He continues: “We were looking for something not present in Dubai, which is this style of outdoor experience with shops and F&B largely open on an active public realm,
almost like a Californian Rodeo Drive experience.” However, unlike California’s Rodeo Drive which is famous for its palm tree lined streets, The Avenue prides itself on its location, which offers unobstructed views of the towering Burj Khalifa.
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www.designmena.com | 08.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
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SITE VISIT | THE AVENUE
As Thyer Kubaisi, director, post contracts department, DAE, points out: “Regardless where you are in the mall, whether you are dining or shopping, you will be able to see the Burj.” Although the mall’s openconcept promises to offer visitors a unique experience in Dubai, the lack of an air-conditioned roof structure meant that the architects had to fi nd innovative ways to combat the desert heat in order to remain viable as a thriving mall. “The mall allows us to be environmentally sustainable because a lot of energy will be saved since there is no air-conditioning along the walkways but that itself proves a challenge because we have to look for different ways to keep the site cool,” explains Thyer. To maintain as low an ambient temperature as possible, the architects choose colors and materials that would absorb the least heat and have included awnings as part of the design. In addition, an outdoor cooling system has been implemented to help maintain the running of activities on the terraces adjacent to the F&B outlets, even during the summer months. Another major challenge faced by the architects was having to work on a short time frame of nine months to execute the entire project. “The short time frame for the design and construction of the project a challenge faced but at the same time it allowed for close coordination between the design and site teams,” explains Al Assam.
Restaurants and shops line the mall
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LOW-RISE BUILDINGS FORM THE MALL
Unobstructed views of the Burj Khalifa
The architecture is completely different; you will not find this style of architecture elsewhere in Dubai. We think we are adding something new to Dubai.” Omar Delawar, chief projects officer at Meraas Holding Children's playground area
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
THE AVENUE | SITE VISIT
Apart from the layout of the mall, which ensures that visitors are able to take in magnificent views of the world’s tallest building, the stores and restaurants are arranged in a rectilinear fashion to re-create a homely atmosphere with a central play area. The mall is arranged according to blocks around 300 units in length,
and 120 units in width. The parking is kept outside and all the activities inside so there is a separation of space while still allowing people to enter the mall from any direction. In addition, for the part of the mall that houses medical facilities like clinics and pharmacies, a special back entrance has been included in the layout to allow for ease
of mobility for doctors, patients and Green spaces located in the medical staff. heart of the mall The playground, located in the heart of the mall features sprinkler fountains, a man-made lake and plots of greenery that were purposefully included during the design process to keep the mall cool during the warm summer months. More importantly, as Thyer highlights during the site visit, the garden-like play area allows for an open-concept playground within the confi nes of a mall, hence allowing families with young children to comfortably enjoy their shopping and dining experiences. “The main consideration was to develop a new and successful retail experience never seen before in Dubai, to give the project a sense of identity, place and uniqueness,” adds Al Ammar.
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SITE VISIT | THE GALLERIA
SHINING
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
THE GALLERIA | SITE VISIT
BEACON Zeinab Saiwalla visits The Galleria at Sowwah Square to get a sneak preview of Abu Dhabi’s newest shopping mall, designed to become a landmark in the city’s up and coming commercial business district
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SITE VISIT | THE GALLERIA
Almost every new building aspires to have a unique selling point, one that will attract visitors in droves and hopefully receive accolades from around the world. Dubai Mall has its size to boast, Burj Khalifa, its height, Cayan Tower, its twisting structure and Mall of the Emirates, an indoor ski slope. The Galleria, located on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, which is set to open its doors on August 6th, is banking on its one-of-a-kind,
The effect with the roof is almost like a halo sitting on top of the development. It is elegant and beautiful, not showy." Andrew Tonner, senior vice president, project management, Gulf Related
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
$25 million roof structure, designed by world-famous architectural fi rm RFR, and an ultra luxury tenant-list to attract throngs of shoppers from across the UAE. Currently, Sowwah Square comprises of four commercial towers, already home to a mix of blue-chip global and regional companies including Deloitte and JP Morgan, the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, and the Rosewood Abu Dhabi hotel. “The idea is that when this whole thing gels together, The Galleria will be the one development that connects everything else together. Its purpose is to create harmony between all the buildings in Sowwah Square and to create a symbiotic relationship,” explains Andrew Tonner, senior vice president, project management, Gulf Related.
THE GALLERIA | SITE VISIT
US$25 MILLION COST OF THE GALLERIA’S ROOF
Designed by Elkus Manfredi and Benoy, The Galleria will feature a prestigious mix of retailers alongside a comprehensive F&B offering, including signature chef-driven and fi ne-dining restaurants like Zuma and Almaz by Momo. Although the mall is situated in the heart of Sowwah Square, surrounded by commercial towers and fi nancial organisations, The Galleria’s target audience is not just limited to the professionals working in these buildings. Rather, as Tonner explains, the aspiration for the project is to have it become an icon for the city. “What we are trying to create here is a venue that will become a noted location. You will not just meet your friends at The Galleria. You are going to be in our great room and it will be like saying ‘I will meet you at Trafalgar Square.’”
The Galleria, situated in the heart of Sowwah Square
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SITE VISIT | THE GALLERIA
Andrew Tonner
The Galleria, designed to fit in seamlessly with the existing architecture
The underlying reason for this, as Tonner lets known during the interview was to “build something that stops the hemorrhaging to other malls, but predominantly to Dubai.” He continues: “The people have seen the products in magazines and they want to buy these luxury items, but they want it at their doorstep. We are simply responding to the market place but we had to create an environment that was commensu-
rate with the luxury aspirations of the people, and I truly think that we have done it.” Right from the onset, when Abu Dhabi-based Gulf Related joined Mubadala Real Estate & Infrastructure (MREI) to co-develop The Galleria in 2011, they envisioned to transform the 33,000 m 2 plot allocated for a retail complex in Sowwah Square into a luxury shopping and dining development.
We know from our past developments, such as the Time Warner Centre in New York City, that strong designs have the power to anchor new structures into their urban surroundings.” Kevin A. Ryan, managing director, development, Gulf Related
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
“We know from our past developments, such as the Time Warner Centre in New York City, that strong designs have the power to anchor new structures into their urban surroundings. This is why we felt strongly about creating a sculptural, iconic blueprint for The Galleria and an architecturally significant place for visitors,” explains Kevin A. Ryan, managing director, development, Gulf Related. However, as Tonner explains, this was not part of Mubadala’s original vision for the mall. “When Mubadala announced their plan for Sowwah Square in 2008, they were looking for The Galleria to be a secondary retail development, to offer supporting services to the surrounding commercial towers.” He adds: “Prior to our being here, the site would have been flat retail land but what we have done is to create a sense of arrival, a feature for the development that creates a hallmark, a unique selling point that is quite dramatic in itself and more luxurious. It is part of our brand and marketing,” explains Tonner. Although the plan was to create something upscale, Tonner highlights that the team did not want a grandiose development. “It is not a Dubai Mall ostentatious thing but it is something more playful and illuminated. The effect with the roof is almost like a halo sitting on top of the development. It is elegant and beautiful, not showy.”
THE GALLERIA | SITE VISIT
33,0002
METRES GROSS LEASABLE AREA
To achieve this magical effect, Gulf Related specifically chose RFR as the roof designer owing to the latter’s experience with iconic projects, such as the inverted pyramid of Le Musee du Louvre in Paris and Terminal 2 of Charles de Gaulle Airport. “When we went to RFR, we said create for us something that is different and special, something that will create a unique selling point for the project,” explains Tonner. “We used someone very experienced in the field, somebody who has got exquisite knowledge and capability which is why RFR was selected. We did not necessarily go and bid for this project. We went and handpicked the consultant we wanted to work with.”
www.designmena.com | 08.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
The roof's intricate panels, designed by RFR (above) and view of The Galleria's great room from under the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (left)
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SITE VISIT | THE GALLERIA
“The brief revealed a strong wish for a delicate-looking aesthetics appearing to stretch seamlessly from landscaping to sky while complementing high-end retailers located below in the great room,” explains Jean Le Lay, director, RFR. To create the iconic roof, RFR and Gulf Related spent close to four months discussing precise details such as the shape of each piece in the structure, to the perfect colour
for the roof. Eventually the team decided on a structure comprised entirely of steel and glass and a design inspired from snakeskin texture. “What we wanted was for this space to be light, elegant and airy but because the environment is very aggressive – it is right beside the sea and there is a lot of sand in the air, so we had to use steel,” explains Tonner. “But we did not want the horrible silver colored steel, so we choose to
The brief revealed a strong wish for a delicate-looking aesthetic appearing to stretch seamlessly from landscaping to sky while complementing high-end retailers located below in the great room.” Jean Le Lay, director, RFR
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
have it coated with polyester in this spectacular shade of gold.” Selecting the right shade of gold, too, was no simple process as Tonner explains. After short listing 12 shades of gold from the color palette, the team built 10m by 10m mock-ups of the structure in each of the dozen colors to be sure of how the roof would come to look. The perfect shade was eventually chosen after both the CEO of Mubadala and Gulf Related observed the mock-ups under different lighting conditions and chose the colour which was most appropriate for their vision. “We were very particular about the colour because did not want it to be too ostentatious, showy or gaudy. We do not want people saying that it is a gold leaf or for it to give a wrong impression. We wanted it to be very tasteful because this is the centerpiece and there is no question about it. This draws the whole thing together,” explains Tonner.
40/50 CASE STUDIES
52/53 THE WORK
54/55 CULTURE
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AL HAMRALIBRARY TOWER | CASE STUDY BAGHDAD
BAGHDAD LIBRARY Architects: AMBS Architects Location: Baghdad, Iraq CASE STUDY
THE PROJECT: The new Bagdad Library will be the fi rst public library to be built in 30 years. The 45,000 m2 site will include two conference halls, a reading area, an auditorium, a research area, and a multipurpose area. The 80m steel cable roof will create the largest single span reading room in the world to accommodate over 2,500 people and over three million books, including rare manuscripts and periodicals. The building takes the shape of a drop-like peninsula, which projects out onto an existing lake, and will feature the word ‘read’ in Arabic Kufic script on the roof.
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
CASE STUDY | BAGHDAD LIBRARY
THE CONCEPT: Breaking away from the conventional model of a library, the architects have aspired to make the project a modern multipurpose space. AMBS have sought to juxtapose the minimalist form against the intricacy of the Islamic decorative screens and have included an expansive open plan space to host the activities that 2 will take place within AREA OF SITE the building. It has been designed to inspire Iraq’s younger generations, and trigger a re-ascendancy of an active intellectual life in Iraq.
45,000M
www.designmena.com | 08.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
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BAGHDAD LIBRARY | CASE STUDY
3
MILLION NUMBER OF BOOKS
THE SITE: The library is set to be located at the heart of ‘Youth City’; a master plan of 1,200,000 m2, with over 30 new buildings, including residential, cultural, official and sports venues, commissioned by the Ministry of Youth and Sport. The library will be accessible to visitors of all ages and aims to offer an extensive programme of public events that include art exhibitions, book clubs, theatre events, educational conferences and film screenings. State of the art computers and digital media will provide a vital resource for many young people who have limited access to such facilities.
THE DETAILS: A chilled flooring system will be adopted to overcome the challenges posed in maintaining a heat differential between the inside and outside temperatures. Additionally, the building form avoids direct sunlight so as to reduce heat gains. North orientated skylights in the roof diff use cold light into the internal atrium space while angled screens perforated with Sumerian uniform script around the perimeter of the building allow light to penetrate the lower levels. Solar panels have also been integrated into the roof as a way to communicate the importance of optimising energy efficiency, and working towards a future where Iraq’s economy is not solely dependent on oil.
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
Tuesday 1st October 2013 Al Faisaliah, Riyadh, KSA RECOGNISING INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE IN THE BOOMING CONSTRUCTION SECTOR IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA Ambitious construction projects continue at pace in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and for the 4th year, Construction Week will crown the companies and individuals contributing the most to the sector’s success in the past 12 months.
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES STILL AVAILABLE Do not miss your opportunity to be involved in this unique social gathering. Winners on the night will be entered into the Construction Week Awards in Dubai in December 2013, which will crown the best accomplishments from the entire Middle East. SILVER SPONSOR
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AL HAMRA TOWER AL SHAQAB EQUESTRIAN PERFORMANCE ARENA | CASE STUDY
AL SHAQAB EQUESTRIAN PERFORMANCE ARENA Architects: Leigh and Orange Ltd Location: Doha, Qatar CASE STUDY
THE PROJECT The Al Shaqab Equestrian Performance Arena which is located in the Education City complex in Qatar comprises three main functions: a warm-up area, an indoor performance hall, and an outdoor arena. Within the master plan, the project is positioned at the base of a “horseshoe” shaped arrangement of the stables, training facilities and veterinary hospital- where the arena can mediate between the Academy and the public and equestrian communities. The entire complex is designed to ‘Radburn’ principles with full segregation between vehicle and horse circulation.
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
CASE STUDY | AL SHAQAB EQUESTRIAN PERFORMANCE ARENA
THE CONCEPT: The design team took the opportunity to create the present single roof approach that has encompassed all three SPECTATOR CAPACITY primary activities whilst also serving to house the performance lighting. This single change, provided a signiďŹ cant enhancement to the building form, allowing a clear expression of roof. In addition, the all-encompassing entity shields the activities below from the harsh, hot Arabic climate that Qatar is subjected to.
7200
www.designmena.com | 08.13 02.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
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AL SHAQAB EQUESTRIAN PERFORMANCE ARENA | CASE STUDY
THE DETAILS: The construction takes its foundation on three distinct elements: the plinth base, the roof and the infill that links the two. The clamshell roof form replicates desert tents, standard to the area, and is curved in two directions. The highest point of the roof stands over the indoor arena to provide the maximum volume relative to the area. The base that encloses the indoor arena is treated similarly to the fort-like structures of the region. It is clad with split face travertine to visually link it to the surrounding desert landscape treatment, with large deep rebated openings for access points reinforcing its striking construction.
400M LENGTH OF ROOF
THE SITE: The fi nal design outcome resulted in a 400m long roof structure which unifies the two competition arenas, as well as a grandstand for 7200 spectators and a warm-up space for the competitors. The grandstand adopts a unique arrangement by which it faces both indoor and outdoor arenas, and has carefully segregated facilities for VVIPs, VIPs, public and media – as well as the competitors and judges. The highly engineered clamshell roof facilitates natural lighting in the centre of the competition, while forming an iconic landmark that creates the public image of the entire Equestrian Academy.
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
Wednesday 25th September, 2013 - Grand Hyatt Doha
RECOGNISING INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE IN THE BOOMING QATAR CONSTRUCTION SECTOR With some of the most exciting and ambitious construction projects in the GCC happening in Qatar, the Construction Week Awards - Qatar will recognise the leading project, company and individual achievements from this flourishing market.
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For nomination enquiries, please contact:
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Do not miss your opportunity to be a sponsor. All winners will be entered into the Construction Week Awards in Dubai in December 2013, which will crown the best accomplishments from the entire Middle East. GOLD SPONSORS
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AL HAMRACENTRE TOWER | CASE STUDY SIPOPO CONGRESS
SIPOPO CONGRESS CENTRE Architect: Tabanlıoğlu architects Location: Malabo, Equatorial Guinea CASE STUDY
THE PROJECT: The Sipopo Congress Centre is a 13,800 m2 double storied structure that contains three gathering spaces, a restaurant and a main central hall. The building has unparalleled views of the forest on one side and the ocean at the other. The Sipopo centre is part of an oceanside development on the capital city’s north-eastern edge that also includes a cluster of hotels and recently built infrastructure. Aimed to develop as a diplomatic resort, the new Centre will be the core of the presidential zone and will host exclusive meetings in harmony with nature.
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
CASE STUDY | SIPOPO CONGRESS CENTRE
THE CONCEPT
2011
There is a true conceptual YEAR COMPLETED sense of transparency with the incorporation of a veiled cladding that has been distanced away from the unframed curtain wall. It aims to provide a continuous surface for the encompassing nature to reflect within the glass. The glass wall systems also allows for a maximum viewing area, with no horizontal or vertical mullions to obstruct the vision towards the ocean. Each space is uniquely designed with reference to local sources, such as the geometric motives of African tradition on the walls of the lobby.
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SIPOPO CONGRESS CENTRE | CASE STUDY
THE DETAILS: The double storied block is encased within a semi-transparent metal mantle that shields the building from excessive sunlight. Through the positioning of metal panes at different levels and angles, the façade is regarded as an array of differential geometric alignments, paralleling the colours, tones and motions of the winds and waves. The lacy texture of the mesh behaves like sun-break and grants a shady interior without hindering the accent of transparency. In addition it also gives the feeling of floating by the vast sea and the breeze gliding through the leaves.
13,800m2 AREA OF CENTRE
THE SITE: Malabo, the capital and the second largest city of Equatorial Guinea is located on the northern coast of BiokoIsland. The Sipopo Congress Centre building, which was completed in 2011, is situated by the ocean and surrounded by the woods. The project is designed to take advantage of all the natural externalities that the project is susceptible to. The sunny coastline integrates well with the design’s ideals of transparency and shadow work. The architects have also taken inspiration from ocean movements to structure out the geometrical elements of the project’s facade.
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 08.13 | www.designmena.com
PROJECT UPDATE | THE WORK
THE WORK PROJECT UPDATE
2,000 FLEXIBLE WORK SPACES
DNB BANK HEADQUARTERS Architects: MVRDV Location: Oslo, Norway
PLOT C59 RAWDHAT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT Architect: NORR Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
20,434 METRES2 SITE AREA OF
METRO STATION
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KING ABDULLAH FINANCIAL DISTRICT METRO STATION Architect: ZHA Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
The headquarters for the DNB bank in Oslo has a surface area of 36,500m2 and attempts to convey a futuristic take on space and void architecture. At 17 storeys high, the building provides over 2000 flexible work spaces for employees and glass cubes where staff can hold informal meetings. The design is based on an ideal work group of the bank, a pixel of 6x6 metres, that allows for adaptation to the nature of the organisation.
NORR’s residential tower has been inspired by the organic forms which are prevalent in parts of the Mediterranean such as the coastal and hillside regions of Greece. The tower sits on a 1,882m2 plot and will boast 11-storeys when complete. This modern interpretation of the ‘stepped blocks’ or building forms which interconnect, provides generous terraces for the residential units and creates a building with distinct spaces.
The 20,434m2 metro station will feature six platforms and two levels of underground car parking .The concept draws on the patterns of the desert winds on nearby sand dunes to create rippling motions across the façade. These undulating swathes are echoed inside the station concourse with a three-dimensional lattice defined by a sequence of opposing sine-waves, inspired by statistics of the station’s daily traffic flows.
Architect: Henning Larsen, COBE, SLA Location: Lund, Sweden
LENBACHHAUS MUSEUM Architect: Foster + Partners Location: Munich, Germany
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MILLION PASSENGERS BY 2030
QUEEN ALIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Architect: Foster + Partners Location: Amman, Jordan
GERMAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY Architect: Hoehler + Partner Location: Halban, Oman
The ESS research facility will become the world’s first most advanced center for neutron-based research and will contain state-of-the-art technologies in carefully designed spaces to complement the scientific research facility. The technology can be used for research in topics ranging from medicine to archaeology. Research at ESS is expected to commence in 2019, while the entire facility will be completed by 2025.
The $77.7-million renovation, created new entrance and social spaces, including a restaurant, terrace, education facilities and a dramatic full-height atrium. The main design principle implemented throughout the project was to maintain the same amount of exhibition area, while creating new circulation and visitor spaces. The refurbishment also significantly improved the museum’s environmental performance.
The airport’s design is based on a flexible modular solution, allowing the capacity to increase by 6% per annum, from 3.5 million to 12 million passengers by 2030. The design is inspired by local references, particularly the domed roof which echoes the black flowing fabric of a Bedouin tent, when viewed from the air. The terminal is glazed on all sides to allow views of the aircraft and to aid orientation.
The building was designed to make a substantial visual impact on the urban grain of its immediate surroundings and to become a landmark for Oman. Completed within 18 months, the main building contains 527 rooms, including offices, lecture halls, laboratories and a research area. It also features a sports hall, canteen, cafeteria, shops, recreational areas and parking spaces, as well as three attached accomodation blocks.
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THE WORK | PROJECT UPDATE
EUROPEAN SPALLATION SOURCE RESEARCH FACILITY
CULTURE | LIKE WANT NEED
LIKE WANT NEED CULTURE
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LIGHTING KLIKLED+ Klik Systems Klik Systems recently launched the new KlikLED+ range, which can be used in all Klik Systems profi les. Fitted with solid-state components, Klik’s LED boards have been custom designed to provide high quality, dot-free and shadow-free illumination. It is available in a variety of colours, including 3000K, 4000K and 5000K offering both RGB and RGB/W.
LIKE WANT NEED | CULTURE
BATHROOM ADVOCATE Bradley Bradley Corp’s Advocate sink combines a sink, soap, faucet and dualsided hand dryer in a single unit. The all-in-one function of the Advocate simplifies hand washing, arranging everything within reach. The overall experience combines high technology, comfort and safety.
FURNISHING MADE IN SINGAPORE Natanel Gluska Natanel Gluska, known for his hand- carved creations, has taken a step into mechanical craftsmanship with the Made in Singapore chair. In collaboration with Pacific Forest, a Singaporean company, the polished chair has been chiselled away at the edges to express sharp geometric forms.
TECHNOLOGY ELEMENTS MK Designed by MK, the Elements Collection of wiring devices offers elegant styling through simple design and an extensive selection of colours, materials and fi nishes. The warm tones, clean lines, glass effect fi nishes combined with metals, woods and leathers complements the latest interior design trends. Innovative electronic touch dimmers and switches provide a unique user experience via an intuitive, visually striking interface.
www.designmena.com | 06.13 08.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
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LAST WORD | MICHAEL HAMMOND
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Michael Hammond, programme director of World Architecture Day 2013, shares details about the event in New York this October, which will bring together architects from around the world, to discuss issues on housing. The aim of the event is to provide a platform for architects from around the world to put their heads together to address some of the challenges facing us in the 21st Century.
It is not five people or even 50 people, but 250 intelligent minds focused on making better buildings. We also introduce developers into the mix so that they can see this in action and get inspired by the process and maybe let a little business happen.
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When we set up WAD in the UK last year, we always wanted to take the event to our audience around the world.
Now that we are up and running, first stop had to be New York because we have so many strong contacts there. When AIA NY came on board with the Centre for Architecture venue, we knew that was it.
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The first day will be made up of a series building tours around Manhattan and will fire up the imagination of the delegates ready for the main day conference, which is titled: Towards 8 billion, housing the next generation.
It will see architects from around the world join forces for a day to look at the massive housing challenge facing most countries over the next few decades. It will include presentations and discussions on slums, social housing, building on water, flat pack housing and a new Berlin concept in which communities are building their own developments.
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The actual theme of housing the next generation was selected because it affects all of us and architecture can and will play a major part in how it rolls out.
We probably tried to do too much last year, covering six sectors throughout the day. It is one of our problems at WAN – we are always trying to do more, so this time we are trying be grown up and understand that sometimes less can be more.
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