FEBRUARY 2012 / VOLUME 6 / ISSUE 02
An ITP Business Publication
Dubai scheme uses ďŹ rst copper cladding installation in the UAE
NEW SKIN
NEWS, DATA, ANALYSIS AND STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FOR ARCHITECTS IN THE GCC
FEATURE Roundtable discussion reveals hopes and fears for the year
ANALYSIS How will Qatar benefit from its upcoming railway network?
FEBRUARY | CONTENTS
FEBRUARY 2012 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 02 2
FRONT
Top stories in the world of architecture including Nakheel’s addition to the Palm Jumeirah
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THE BIG PICTURE
Capturing one of Dubai’s most photogenic metro stations at its very best
18
OPINION Georgina Chakar on how the new wave of housing will benefit Abu Dhabi
30
FEATURE Middle East Architect’s first roundtable of the year brings together two architects, an engineer and a supplier
50
THE WORK
A detailed reference section covering the best projects that MEA has looked at in recent months
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THE LAST WORD
6 PROJECT A round up of the latest project news from MENA and the rest of the world
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ANALYSIS Will Qatar’s new rail network be worth its whopping US$37bn price tag?
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COVER STORY Site visit to TNQ’s unusual copper-clad Al Manara commercial building on Sheikh Zayed Road
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CASE STUDIES SOM’s Al Hamra Tower in Kuwait, Sidra Village in Qatar and an Oman mountain resort
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CULTURE Cool products, clever ideas, and some of the latest gadgets in the design world
Simon Gathercole, director for Allies and Morrison, on Qatar’s future development
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FRONT | FEBRUARY
412M
Height of Al Hamra Tower in Kuwait (Page 38)
NAKHEEL TO BUILD RETAIL SCHEME ON THE PALM $80m development on tip of Palm trunk to be open by 2013 end
131,000 Nakheel has announced plans to build an $80m restaurant and shopping area at the tip of The Palm Jumeirah, facing the Atlantis hotel. Covering a total of 131,000m2, ‘The Pointe’ will include high-end retail, informal and formal dining, a promenade, marina with floating pontoons and computerised water fountain set offshore. The Pointe will have 1,200 car parks and links to the Palm Jumeirah monorail system. Water taxis will also operate between the Palm
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The Pointe will face the Atlantis hotel.
TOTAL AREA IN SQUARE METRES
Atlantis hotel and the Pointe, while the marina will allow boat owners to moor nearby and visit the development. The initial designs have been produced by Dar Al Handasah, and plans include space for 75 retail shops and 120 cafes and restaurants. Nakheel chairman Ali Rashid Lootah told reporters that tenders for work on the project would be announced within the next two months, and that work would begin
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onsite by mid-year. He said construction would take 18 months, and that The Pointe would be ready to open at the end of 2013. “We will see,” Lootah said when asked whether 18 months was a realistic timescale for the development. “It is a relatively straightforward plan, and contractors need the work. If you pay contractors, they will do the work – and we have gone to great lengths to ensure we have paid everyone,” Lootah said.
FEBRUARY | FRONT
FOUR
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Experts pitted together for MEA’s roundtable
Delivery timeframe, in months, for Al Manara complex (Page 20)
(Page 30)
Futuristic ffootbridge set for b id Downtown Dubai
DESIGNMENA.COM This month’s top stories • 25 essential iPad apps for interior design students
The metro bridge will link to Dubai Mall.
Emaar has revealed a glassy design for a 820m-long pedestrian bridge linking the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall to the nearest metro station. Scheduled to be operational in 2013, the link will improve access to the attractions in Downtown Dubai, as well as reduce vehicular traffic. The air-conditioned bridge, to be constructed by Dutco, will be transparent to allow sightseeing. Its 10 travellators will connect the metro station entrance pod directly with The Dubai Mall. Allowances are also made for future connections to Emaar Square and Boulevard.
• Dubai design fairs to be held in March 2012 • Interior design and architectural projects get a boost in Qatar • Floating ‘Sea Tree’ proposed for crowded harbour cities • Jestico + Whiles wins Doha College project
WEIRD PROJECT OF THE MONTH The latest wacky idea to emerge from Holland is a floating ‘Sea Tree’ – essentially a home for flora and fauna in crowded urban environments. The design by Waterstudio.NL would inhabit the harbours and rivers surrounding major cities, such as New York.
Gensler’s Dubai Park Towers voted ‘world’s best’ Park Towers in DIFC scooped the title of ‘World’s Best’ in the ‘Best Mixed-Use Development’ category at the International Property Awards. The development, by Damac, was propelled to the International Property Awards after landing five honours at the Arabian Property Awards last month. Designed by Gensler, the twin elliptical shaped towers change shape as they rise, with no two floor plates the same. The towers expand from the base, with the maximum floor plates achieved at the mid-point, before gradually receding to the top of the structure.
DATASTREAM AEDAS - GLOBAL TURNOVER 2010 (USD)
109M 69M 33M 10M EUROPE
MIDDLE EAST
ASIA
AMERICAS
Dubai’s ‘double gherkin’ wins prize.
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FRONT | FEBRUARY
PEOPLE
60 SECOND INTERVIEW
Steven Miller chairs AIA committee Perkins Eastman regional manager Steven Miller has been appointed chairman of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) International Committee. Based in Dubai, Miller has served as a committee member for two years and will now chair the group throughout 2012. AIA principal and executive director, Jon Stark, commented: “Steven Miller brings an unparalleled level of experience and insight to excellence in the international practice of architecture.” The AIA International Committee is a forum for all constituencies of the AIA’s International Programme (which includes representatives, global practitioners and overseas members). It is also a resource for the AIA president and the board of directors to monitor and advise on global issues.
These days we now have more time to spend educa educating the clien on the right client way of doing th things.” Nig Craddock, Nigel des design manager, Stride Treglown. Strid
Star architect Zaha Hadid is on the shortlist to construct a new $1bn parliament building in the Iraq capital of Baghdad, the city of her birth. The shortlist also includes Assemblage, Buro Happold, Davis Langdon, Iraqi fi rm Al-Khan in collaboration with Canada’s Adamson, and the UAE’s Dewan Architects & Engineers, as reported by BD Online. A technical committee will review the proposals in the first week of July, before a final decision from an international jury. The building site will be the abandoned Al Muthana Airport where Saddam Hussein had planned to build a ‘super mosque’.
2011 was one of continued consolidation for us. We focused hard on delivery for our existing clients in order to retain and achieve repetitive business, which we did successfully. Coupled with that we were appointed for new work in China, India, Q Qatar and e a y Azerbaijan. It wass certainly r r, a challenging year, but one where we are proud of our achievements.
How was 2011 for DSA?
What are your hopes in 2012?
We start the year with optimism. Our order book is main a healthy and we remain g n committed to the region. What are your key regional projects?
Getty images
Miller is regional MD for Perkins Eastman.
Zaha Hadid shortlisted for Iraq parliament
STEVE KELSHAW, MD, DSA ARCHITECTS
Hadid is vying to design the $1bn project.
While we have undertaken projects in Saudi Arabia, our focus remains on Qatar and the UAE.”
In Jordan we’re working on the Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa and the Samarah Rift Townhouses and Retail Mall. In Syria, we are designing a commercial tower within the Eighth Gate Development. Our master planning projects include the Lebanon Waterfront City in Beirut and Bilaj Al Jazayer in Bahrain.
Qatar clients are now employing project managers efinitely more and are defi sophisticated.” ted.” Ibrahim Mohammed
Tony Morris, commercial
Al Jaidah,
director, Hilson Moran
managing dire e tor, AEB
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FRONT | FEBRUARY
MENA PROJECT SNAPSHOT 1
2
3
1 TURKEY
2 QATAR
3 ABU DHABI
RMJM to design supertall in Istanbul
Jestico + Whiles wins Doha College project
Design revealed for Siemens’ Masdar HQ
The Dubai studio of RMJM has received planning approval for a 300m-high tower in Istanbul, which is set to become one of the tallest towers in Europe. The 500,000m2 development will consist of three towers with the main tower containing offices, serviced apartments, a hotel, sky lobby and a 30,000m2 public shopping mall. It will also feature a separate residential-only block and a dedicated office tower.
UK-based firm Jestico + Whiles has been selected from a five-strong shortlist to design Doha College in Qatar. The practice beat Broadway Malyan, Fielden Clegg Bradley Studios, Penoyre & Prasad and RHWL Architects to the appointment. Managed by Aecom’s Davis Langdon, the project calls for an entirely new campus for the British curriculum school that is suited to the region’s culture and climate.
Sheppard Robson revealed its design for Siemens’ AED170m headquarters at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, which is gunning for LEED Platinum status. The 20,000m2 project is now on site and is due for completion in late 2012. Completely column-free floorplates incorporate 15m spans by using a post-tensioned flat slab. Energy modelling was used to help the building perform 44% better than the baseline ASHRAE energy model.
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FRONT | FEBRUARY
GLOBAL PROJECT SNAPSHOT
1 3
2
1 DENMARK
2 INDONESIA
3 NORWAY
Danish island to build zero waste hotel
Broadway Malyan wins first Indonesia project
Henning Larsen to design new urban district
An experimental hotel and conference centre on the touristic island of Bornholm in Denmark will push the concept of sustainability by eliminating waste. The Green Solution House, by Danish engineering and architecture firm 3XN, only uses fully recyclable or biodegradable materials. Solar power produces the energy consumed in the building, while rain water is collected and all water is biologically cleaned and reused.
UK-based practice Broadway Malyan has been appointed to deliver the masterplan for Cilandak Bisnis Square in Jakarta – the company’s first project in Indonesia. The fi rm has completed the concept masterplan and will deliver the schematic masterplan, concept architecture and branding. The scheme covers a 11.7 ha site and includes a cluster of tall buildings and a business hotel with conference and leisure facilities.
Henning Larsen Architects and the Norwegian landscape architect Gullik Gulliksen have won an international competition for a new urban district in Trondheim city centre, Norway. Centred around a new square, the project ‘Leüthen’s Cultural Garden’ will deliver an open office building and a cinema next to the city theatre. It will cover a total of 39,000m2 and is expected to be completed during 2015.
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FRONT | FEBRUARY
THE BIG PICTURE
Al Karama metro station There’s no doubt that the Dubai Metro, designed by Aedas and Atkins, contains some of the most photogenic stations on the globe. This sunrise shot by Lester Ali captures the bustling scene on the streets of Karama. Ali adds: “I spotted a great angle for a shot and luckily there was easy access to the street. My advice for photographers: when you find a great angle, you should be patient and wait for the best light. You can’t go wrong with sunset or sunrise.”
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FEBRUARY | FRONT
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NEWS ANALYSIS | QATAR RAILWAYS
TICKET TO RIDE ANALYSIS
How will Qatar beneямБt from its US$37bn railway? Devina Divecha investigates
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QATAR RAILWAYS | NEWS ANALYSIS
W
hen Qatar put forward a bid to host the FIFA World Cup, the Qatar 2022 chief executive, Hassan Abdulla Al Thawadi, said: “All our state-of-the-art stadia will be linked to a brand new metro system and totally integrated with a comprehensive shuttle bus network, allowing fans to travel to games by public transport.” With US$3bn having been approved as the kickoff investment, the country’s national rail project is now valued at US$37bn. The project includes plans for a high-speed long distance rail link, driverless four-line Metro service for Doha and freight lines, the West Bay People Mover and overground rail system designed to distribute passengers around Doha’s tower district. As well as connecting all the stadium locations for the World Cup, the network will also include the Lusail Light Rail Network — currently the most advanced rail project in Qatar. The Doha Metro Red line, between Messaieed in the south and Al Khor in the north, runs through the city and will be pushed for development first. It will serve five stadiums hosting matches during the World Cup: Al Khor, Lusail, Qatar University, New Sports City and Al Wakra. Phase one also includes the Green Line which runs from Msheireb in the heart of the old city, to Education City. The line will cover Al Rayyan and Education City stadiums. Much of the Green line will be underground, surfacing as it passes through Education City. A portion of a third line, the Yellow line, will also be built
and linked via a temporary branch from the Green Line at Al Rayyan Sports R/A which will serve Khalifa Stadium in Sports City. Phase one will cover a total length of 129.4km, with 29km underground, 56.1km elevated and 44.3km at grade or ground level. This project alone means a boost to the employment situation in the country, with a large number of people needed to get the railway on track for its deadline for the World Cup. However, there is only an eightyear window, rather than 10, to allow FIFA officials to have a look at the network and give its blessing. Speaking at Construction Week Infrastructure Qatar, Geoff Mee, deputy CEO, Qatar Rail, said there are business opportunities available, both for entrepreneurs and construction and logistics companies.
Ibrahim Mohamed Al Jaidah, managing director of Qatar’s Arab Engineering Bureau, said: “To host an event like the World Cup without good transport links would be very difficult. There is a big potential in transport, such as ports and rail.” Mee said it is entirely possible to complete the project on time. “Geotechnically, we could spend the next 18 months drilling holes all over Doha and I still wouldn’t know where the fissures and breakdowns are going to be. But I talk to tunnellers who love being up to their armpits in muck, and they say it’s not as bad as other places they’ve worked.” Al Jaidah said it was interesting to see how fast the project is moving, with companies going for tender. Contractors will be engaged this year, and the hope is to let the first contracts in June 2012.
Geoff Mee, deputy CEO, Qatar Rail.
Thinking further ahead, a really successful public transport system will change the mental map of Doha.” Simon Gathercole, director, Allies and Morrison
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NEWS ANALYSIS | QATAR RAILWAYS
the view the project will be completed on time.
Those contracts would cover utility diversions, and also advanced works for some of the station design. Major civil work has been split into five tunnelling contracts, each totalling US$1-1.5 billion, and two major stations contracts. Al Jaidah added: “The rail project will definitely benefit Doha, as in other cities. Even though the costs are big, it’s not going to be a waste as the economy will benefit. It will be crucial for future development.” Tim Risbridger, partner and head of transportation at built asset consultancy EC Harris, said the project in Qatar can learn from past systems in the region. “Dubai is a great case study in sequencing of works. We saw that the private sector was far better at building than the public sector was at completing its infrastructure, which lagged behind and exacerbated problems in economic development. Qatar needs to ensure the sequencing
of works is correct. Infrastructure is an enabler of economic development, and without it, the success of projects is compromised.” Mee agreed and said: “In Dubai, we learned the connectivity to the Metro was not as good as it could have been, something Qatar can learn from. In Saudi Arabia, the technical challeng-
THE ASI GROUP...
es of building a railway in the desert will provide lessons for Qatar over the coming months and years.” Simon Gathercole, director for Allies and Morrison — a firm behind Doha’s Msheireb — added: “Thinking further ahead, a really successful public transport system will change the mental map of Doha.”
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COMMENT | EDITOR’S LETTER
MISSING PIECES EDITOR’S LETTER
Museums and galleries are key components lacking from the UAE’s development jigsaw
GOT A COMMENT? If you have any comments to make on this month’s issue, please e-mail oliver. ephgrave @itp.com
A
t the time of going to press we have just received promising news on Abu Dhabi’s flagship museum projects after months of uncertainty and speculation. According to a statement issued on the Abu Dhabi Executive Council’s websites, the budgets and opening dates were approved for the museum projects in the cultural district on Saadiyat Island. These include the Sheikh Zayed Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Museum, and Emirates Museum. The directive stipulates that the Louvre Abu Dhabi, designed by Jean Nouvel, will open in 2015, the Norman Foster-styled Zayed
National Museum in 2016 and Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim a year later. A week before the statement was released, Middle East Architect held a roundtable discussion with four Dubai-based experts (covered in this very issue). The importance of the museum projects was raised by Steven Miller, regional manager of Perkins Eastman. “Abu Dhabi needs to build its museums - that’s what it’s about. Nobody is going to go shopping in Abu Dhabi when you have two of the biggest malls in the world in Dubai,” said Miller. He’s absolutely right. Abu Dhabi’s museums will fi ll a gaping hole in the UAE’s quest to be a world class destination.
Abu Dhabi’s cultural district on Saadiyat Island.
Abu Dhabi’s museums will fill a gaping hole in the UAE’s quest to be a world class destination.”
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I would certainly make the trip to visit each and every of them. Coming from a family of ‘culture vultures’, I was regularly carted around London’s National Gallery, Tate Britain, and Natural History and Imperial War museums. As a young child I was bored witless by every exhibition, unless it was on dinosaurs or tanks. But I slowly developed an interest in art, culture and design, which prompted me to study architecture at university. I’ve lived in Dubai for three years now and one of the things I miss most about London is its wonderful array of museums and galleries. It’s worth noting that the impressive Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, a museum and science centre in Al Ain Wildlife Park, is due for completion this year. Yet there’s no doubt that the Saadiyat museums will have the biggest impact on the UAE, both in terms of lifestyle and tourism. Even if the contents of the museums do not live up to expectations, the design of the buildings themselves will be a good enough reason to go. When I visited Bilbao a few years ago I spent two hours admiring Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim and about 30 minutes looking at the art. On paper, the cultural district will get any architecture fan salivating. Where else will you fi nd tour-deforce schemes from the likes of Gehry, Foster and Nouvel, all within a few metres from each other? Nowhere comes close.
COMMENT | GEORGINA CHAKAR
SUPPLY CHAIN OPINION The new wave of housing will benefit Abu Dhabi Georgina Chakar is an Australian architect and a Master of Urban Planning. She works in Abu Dhabi.
I
t’s safe to say 2009 and 2010 were spent focusing on the effects of the world’s issues. When the financial crisis stretched its tentacles to the UAE, Abu Dhabi reshuffled the puzzle pieces to discover the most needed and the best solution for its future development and prosperity. So, what has been done? While many private developments, including Masdar, were conceptualised based on the assumption of a population of 80% expatriates and 20% Emirati nationals, the government is focusing on the overall development with special attention to its housing programme for nationals. 2011 was when a number of Emirati housing projects were started or
completed all over the emirate such as the Jebel Hafeet Emirati housing project, Sorouh’s 448 villas along the coastline of Al Garbia, and 488 villas by the Royal Development Company on the waterfront at Yas Island. But while the development of lowdensity communities for Emiratis is increasing momentum, the market is facing an oversupply of apartments. Looking through the prism of urban planning, the construction of residential and mixed-use high-rises is essential to maintain sustainable living in the Emirates. Statistics show apartments comprise almost two-thirds of the total upcoming residential units in new locations such as Abu Dhabi Island,
Etihad Towers form a part of Abu Dhabi’s new urban environment.
The medium- and high-density developments such as Etihad Towers are essential to maintain the sustainable built environment within the structure of the city.”
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Reem Island and Al Raha Beach. It may be expected at the handover stage, that many apartment units will remain empty for some time. But they are long-term investments currently going through economic turbulence, social and demographic changes and they feel the echo of the last global economic recession. The impact of the transition period from economic and development boom to stabilisation are inevitable. The medium- and high-density developments such as Etihad Towers are essential to maintain the sustainable built environment within the structure of the city. The currently growing oversupply of residential as well as commercial units should not be seen only through the eye of the dirham, rather as urban entities that stabilise the economy, improve the social life of the people and lead towards green communities. It is only a matter of time before the upcoming apartments are populated by consumers in the UAE who largely contribute to the economic and social development as a whole. Perhaps lower rent will encourage expatriates in Abu Dhabi to revive the new urban environments, to vacate old and run-down buildings, and create opportunities for their demolition and redevelopment into facilities most needed in the circumstances of constant development and prosperity. Let’s not forget we are facing a recession, shaken by the negative effects of the financial crisis, and these days will be over and forgotten.
e
ven if you pass the building every day you might not have noticed it. Located opposite Times Square mall on Sheikh Zayed Road, TNQ’s Al Manara complex is not your typical Dubai commercial development. Modest in scale, with only two main floors, the building is set back from the highway and devoid of showy pyrotechnics to deliberately grab the eye. However, its charms are revealed up close. While the overall shape is simple, blocky and functional, the façade is decidedly artistic. Horizontal strips of copper mesh hover in front of green-tinted glass, with diagonal beams adding an offbeat rhythm. Standing outside his creation, architect Tarek N Qaddumi, principal at TNQ, reveals it is the first coppercladding installation in the UAE. “The outer skin started as louvers — shade that you can see through. We wanted to do something different but back it up to convince the client. When we were researching materials we looked at engineered wood, but Dubai has this unusual combination of salinity and humidity. “Then copper came up. It’s such a beautiful material. It is metallic but in
20 years it will turn green. We didn’t treat it to stop the copper from colouring — we wanted it to change with time. This will give it a lovely vintage feel,” he remarked. The ground level is occupied by boutique deli-restaurant, Jones the Grocer, while the first floor is the regional headquarters for construction company Brookfield Multiplex. Qaddumi explains the background to the project: “Brookfield approached the landowner Emivest in the light of the recession. There were no plans for the site, so Brookfield offered to find a tenant for the ground floor and occupy the first floor, as well as construct the building. There was no risk — it was a no brainer, so both signed up. We were recommended to Brookfield by another client.” He continues: “The building is no frills, but it is right for the context at a time of recession. It’s not about acrobatics. You could say it is a box but it is nice and transparent, with high performance glass. “The copper shading is only on the south and east sides. We didn’t wrap the whole building because the north side does not get direct sunlight. It’s site specific. We were able to push the first floor towards the street. This
The building is located opposite Times Square mall.
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Oliver Ephgrave visits a quiet yet groundbreaking Dubai scheme
COVER STORY | AL MANARA COMPLEX
AL MANARA COMPLEX | COVER STORY
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COVER STORY | AL MANARA COMPLEX
The complex contains Jones the Grocer and Brookfi eld Multiplex.
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TOTAL DESIGN AND
for the central food surroundings. IniCONSTRUCTION TIME preparation area framed tially we were worIN MONTHS ried that it was close by four columns. “The central food area to the highway, but that’s part of Dubai. It’s as close to a draws you in. It is what you look at Paris feel as you can get — you can see when you arrive and when you leave. The four columns help to organise the cars and the buses, and you have close contact with the street.” the structure.” He highlights that the ‘back of After ordering an ice tea in Jones the Grocer, Qaddumi describes the house’ areas were, literally, moved to ground floor design, which is notable the back of the building. “Similar to Richard Meier’s buildings, we made a clear distinction is right for its context at a between the back of house. All the It’s not about acrobatics.” service areas — electrical rooms, kitchens, garbage — were organised at Takek N Qaddumi the back. This was made in negotiation with the client. We arranged them on this particular side because
allows the architecture to have depth, so it’s not a flat building. Thanks to the shading and high-performance glass, electrical consumption is low and the building is very efficient.” Qaddumi notes the proximity to the busy Sheikh Zayed Road was initially perceived as a hindrance, but later embraced. “We paid particular attention to the proportions of the space and the connection with the
The building is no frills but it time of recession.
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COVER STORY | AL MANARA COMPLEX
the offices and shop were not allowed to overlook the residential area.” Qaddumi points to a wall by our table and concedes design compromises were made. “This should have been glass. Also we wanted to make the external cantilever a bit bigger. Yes, we had to compromise a bit but when you look at the numbers, you are not sad. It was more about making it happen on time and on budget.” He elaborates on the impressively BUILT UP AREA IN swift construction time. “We did SQUARE METRES the design in six months and it took an additional 12 months to build. 14 months in total was a very condensed timeframe. This really was strictly followed because Brookfield had already agreed on a price with the owner.” The short timeframe meant the ‘feel’ took priority over fine details.“Getting the feel is most important, rather than being pernickety. We had six months for design — this is often talked about but rarely happens. We had a team of six, with myself as principal in charge and Steven Langman as project architect.
2,500
The upper
BUILDING CREDITS
fl oor is cantilevered on one side of the building.
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Owner/ client
Emivest
Architect and engineer
TNQ
Main contractor
Brookfield Multiplex
Subcontractor
Blue Sky
Façade subcontractor
Prisma Space Frame
Copper skin
KME
Elevator
ThyssenKrupp AG
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AL MANARA COMPLEX | COVER STORY
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We also did the structural engineering. Woods Bagot was responsible for the interior architecture of the Brookfield Multiplex office on the first floor.” Moving upstairs, via the “high-tech-low-tech” staircase, the outer copper skin becomes visible from the office of Brookfield Multiplex. Qaddumi then explains how the heights of the horizontals were carefully calculated. “The placement of the horizontals was really measured — they were calculated from the height of people standing and sitting down, so they could still see out. The diagonals were more intuitive. They visually hold the façade together, otherwise it would be flapping.” As well as providing visual interest from the inside and out, the copper screens perform the vital function of blocking excess sunlight. “It’s a screen that offers shade and pattern. It frames the horizon when you are sitting in the boardroom. If we were to be strict, we could say it is a mashrabiya. It’s essentially a shading device, although it doesn’t have traditional forms,” remarks Qaddumi. Management offices are located by the windows and the generous boardrooms afford views over the surroundings while being shaded by the carefully positioned mesh skin.
Getting the feel was more important than being pernickety. We only had six months for the design stage.”
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WATER SOLUTIONS
NATURAL FIBERS
`TRADE SHOW & DEMO ZONE `l.C.S. / FORUMS & CONFERENCES `BUSlNESS MEETlNGS `lNNOVATION AWARDS & SHOWCASE `TECHNlCAL SALES PRESENTATlONS `JOB CENTER
Tarek N Qaddumi
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COVER STORY | AL MANARA COMPLEX
The top of the building features one of Dubai’s first green roofs, with views of the Marina, and Downtown skylines. MEP equipment is concealed by strategic planting while the up-stand is set back from the edge for aesthetic reasons. According to Qaddumi, the green roof remains under-utilised, aside from providing a scenic spot for cigarette smokers. Although completed in early 2011, there are pending additions that
could help raise the profile of the building. Firstly, Jones the Grocer will soon be equipped with an alfresco dining area. Qaddumi adds: “This will be the cherry on top for Jones. They are just waiting for the furniture. It will have a green wall, which will be organic but still allow views through.” The second measure, if undertaken, will certainly draw a lot of attention to the scheme; Qaddumi
A ‘green roof’ is located on the top of the complex.
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reveals the diagonal beams will be fitted with lights. “The whole thing will have a billboard effect. When you see it from Sheikh Zayed Road, you will recognise the building.” It’s clear Qaddumi is hoping to gain more recognition for a scheme that he is justifiably proud of. “I’d describe it as a neat building. It’s like a nice suit — it uses quality materials and it’s a colour that everyone will feel comfortable in.”
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COVER STORY | AL MANARA COMPLEX
AL MANARA COMPLEX Technical drawings supplied by TNQ Architects
FAÇADE ELEVATION
The façade system used in TNQ’s Al Manara complex is the first copper-cladding installation in the UAE. It features an expanded copper mesh within steel ‘casette’ framework, mounted onto primary cladding steelwork.
FAÇADE ELEVATION
Cladding vertical frame members are positioned at 4,000mm centres on grid and mid-grid centres locations. The positioning takes into account users’ eye levels when standing and sitting down.
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AL MANARA COMPLEX | COVER STORY
FAÇADE DETAIL
This detail shows the components of the façade. The double-glazed unit sits behind the copper mesh panels which are held in place by steel ‘cassette’ frames.
Galvanised steel frame
Double-glazed unit
Powder-coated aluminium transom Expanded copper mesh panels
PPC steelwork ‘cassette’ frames
GROUND FLOOR
The ground floor plan shows the provision for boutique deli/ restaurant Jones the Grocer. Service areas, such as the toilets, kitchen and garbage room are grouped together on the north side, leaving a large open space for customers. An outdoor dining area on the east side of the building is due to be opened this year.
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FEATURE | ROUNDTABLE
PHIL DALGLISH Director, Buro Happold
30
NIGEL CRADDOCK Design manager, Stride Treglown
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JASON HIRD Technical development manager, Gyproc
STEVEN MILLER Regional manager, Perkins Eastman
ROUNDTABLE | FEATURE
HOME TRUTHS MEA’s first roundtable of 2012 uncovers the situation on the ground in the UAE
F
ollowing an animated group discussion in July 2011, Middle East Architect held another roundtable to fi nd out the current realities of working in the UAE’s building design industry. Thankfully the attendees were not shy to speak their minds, spurred on by the refreshingly outspoken views of New Yorker Steven Miller, regional manager for Perkins Eastman and the newly appointed chairman of AIA’s International Committee. Miller was joined by Phil Dalglish, director for engineering giant Buro Happold as well as Nigel Craddock,
design manager for the Abu Dhabi office of architect Stride Treglown and Jason Hird, technical development manager for drywall supplier Gyproc Saint-Gobain. Is the UAE’s building industry on the road to recovery? Steven Miller: I don’t know what
recovery means. Yes, Dubai has stopped projects, but it never needed them. No city can grow the way that Dubai was originally going to, so I think it’s OK. Unfortunately, the fi rm I work with here, Perkins Eastman, does not have any work in Dubai, aside
from one project that will start up again in Port Rashid. But Dubai is the headquarters for the GCC. I have three architects moving here next month from New York. We have projects in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq that are medical-related, but no one is living in those countries. Where do they want to live? Dubai. Abu Dhabi is never going to be the brand but the people there don’t seem to understand that. You can have two cities that have different functions - you don’t have to replicate each other. In fact, Sowwah Island is a big mistake. DIFC is the
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FEATURE | ROUNDTABLE
recognised centre of business. Abu Dhabi needs to build the museums because that’s what it’s about. So what do they do? Put the museums on hold. I can’t understand that. Nigel Craddock: The museums were going to be the real catalyst. Because of all that’s happened in the wider region – the Arab uprising etc – there has been quite a shift. Abu Dhabi is thinking, how do we keep the people happy? Do we build three museums or do we move into social infrastructure like education, hospitals, and get all the roads and rails fi xed up? Phil Dalglish: They’ve all had their strategies haven’t they. Very few opportunities are coming up in Dubai now, apart from buildings that are half fi nished or those that have a commitment to build. There is a clear strategy for Abu Dhabi, but are they re-looking at it? The strategy is a few years old now - it was developed in a different market. Our perception is that Abu Dhabi is putting all these big projects on hold, and at some point the decision makers will say “we want to do this one because it aligns with our strategy”. But a lot of these projects are probably going to sit there for quite a number of years. SM: Many of these new hotels in Abu Dhabi are struggling for business. Why? Because it’s all built on the philosophy of having the museum district. You’d spend a few days in Dubai, you’d go up to Abu Dhabi, see the mosque, Ferrari World and go to the museums. No one is going to go shopping in Abu Dhabi when you have the two
biggest malls in the world sitting down the road in Dubai. PD: Abu Dhabi is a wealth driven economy – they have enough natural resources there to fi nance their economy. Dubai is a market driven economy so it has to innovate to survive. But it’s the place where everybody wants to live. SM: It is defi nitely the place to live in the region but it still has its fallacies. There are problems in the construction administration side, such as site supervision. They don’t have an understanding on that. This is the lingering thing in the UAE. For a hotel project we recently worked on, they had to clean the place for six weeks before we could even start snagging the building. Are locally-based firms more attractive to clients these days? PD: Some clients want the design done in the UAE - they want you to be on the ground. For instance, we are doing Masdar from Dubai. It’s very easy to communicate with the rest of their professional team. But we have got clients who really don’t care. They want their international architects coming in. The likes of TDIC and UPC want people in Abu Dhabi. They want a meeting at short notice and they can’t do that with international guys. NC: I think the formula that seems to work is a marriage of the two. You have an international consultant who can be based here or abroad, who does the concept and the schematic, and then you have a local architect for the post-contract side and delivery side. That is fraught with
This talk of sustainability is tiring because it’s already there. It’s a way of life for all of us here today.” Steven Miller, Perkins Eastman
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problems - the guy that has done the design work and put the effort into the detailing might be removed from the project if you’re not careful. But some clients like the idea of having the international architect for its experience, and also getting the local knowledge on the ground. PD: I think that works well with private developers, but if you’re dealing with government contracts, it will not work. They want to sign with a company that will be responsible and carry out the work. While it’s a very good model, I’m seeing it less and less. International fi rms are more competitive for the detailed, backend design. Clients are saying “why would I want to bring on a local fi rm?” Maybe they’ll bring them in to contribute to site supervision, local approvals and keeping an eye on the international fi rm to make sure they’re delivering on time. That actually works quite well. SM: That’s very true, but what’s interesting in today’s marketplace is that it’s cheaper to do our construction documents in the US, rather than staffi ng up in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. The talent now in the States
FEATURE | ROUNDTABLE
is so phenomenal at every level. NC: I think that clients are generally happy with that arrangement so long as you can convince them that there’s a face here, and that the local knowledge element is being fed into the process. But they are sometimes worried about ignorance of local building codes, for example. SM: But as Phil said, the private guys understand that they can brand with an architect’s name. The government entities don’t understand it. They never did and they never will. Emaar won’t put the architect’s name on a project, even with Burj Khalifa. It’s always Emaar’s project. How is the UAE doing in terms of sustainability? SM: This talk of sustainability is tiring, because it’s there. No international architecture fi rm, today, would design something that couldn’t get a LEED or BREEAM or a Pearl Rating with Estidama. All the magazines are saying “green, green, green”. But it’s a way of life for all of us here today. We don’t ever think any other way.
PD: I think that Europe has grabbed hold of this more than the US. In this market, Steven is dead right. We don’t do a project without thinking about sustainable measures, such as grey water recycling. But often we will fi nd that the cost managers will say “hang on, what’s the payback period?” So it goes out.
Everyone is focused on the initial costs and will not see beyond that. I think that legislation is the way to go.” Jason Hird, Gyproc
Dubai is a market-driven economy so it has to innovate to survive. But it’s the place where everybody wants to live.” Phil Dalglish, Buro Happold
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ROUNDTABLE | FEATURE
PD: It’s defi nitely going to be cus-
tomer driven. JH: I’m yet to see much evidence of
this coming through. Is it really going to translate to the end user? SM: We do have that now, in Dubai more than Abu Dhabi, in the case of international end users of office buildings. They have governances about using so many watts per hour, endless rules. Every hotel is selling how they are operating. Will all these end users demanding these things, the developer has to go along with that. The problem is in the region is the mega contractors. They need to get into this thing too and they are probably the last to begin to understand what this is about. What are your hopes and fears
There’s still a mentality of “this is going to cost me money, I’m not going to get the return”. There isn’t an acceptance that they are going to own the building for another 25-40 years and the maintenance costs far out way the construction value. Jason Hird: People
don’t accept it. In the last
18 months, we’ve released 100 new innovative products and it takes so much hard work to get these ideals through to people. They want to stick with what they know. Everyone is so focused on the initial cost and they don’t see beyond that. I think legislation is a great way to go and it’s something that I am working on with groups, forums and education seminars. But it is very difficult. NC: One thing I’ll add is that suddenly people are aware that utility charges are an awful lot higher than four or five years ago. My feeling is that people are a little bit more intune with the end users. People are asking “what are the utility costs, the maintenance costs, how much will my DEWA bill be on this house?” Developers need to realise that they have to provide buildings which are green - not just put a fancy BMS system that’s never going to get used properly.
for 2012? SM: Perkins Eastman is projecting a considerable growth this year. Everything was flat for a number of years but we see substantial growth because the wider region has an enormous need for social infrastructure like hospitals, government housing and schools. NC: I agree. We’re lucky at Stride Treglown because we are focused on the social infrastructure side and they are taking schools to the top level in Abu Dhabi. Interior projects are rolling out in Dubai - people want to refresh their interiors - and that can keep us going. But we need to be smart and use this as a hub and fi lter to the greater region. SM: If you have the ability to be in the region, to have offices, to get on that aeroplane and do what you’ve got to do, then my feeling is that business can only look up for the next year for all of us.
We need to be smart and use the UAE as a hub and filter to the greater region.” Nigel Craddock, Stride Treglown
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AL HAMRA TOWER | CASE STUDY
AL HAMRA TOWER Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait
Images courtesy of SOM
CASE STUDY
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Designed by US giant SOM, Al Hamra Tower is a sculpted concrete tower in the capital city of Kuwait, valued at US$950m. The commercial complex will be
complete early this year and contains offices, a health club, rooftop restaurant and a high-end shopping mall with an IMAX cinema complex and food court. Standing at 412m, Al Hamra Tower
CASE STUDY | AL HAMRA TOWER
THE PROJECT
claims numerous height-based records such as tallest building in Kuwait, tallest ‘sculptural’ tower and tallest stone-clad structure, with 258,000m2 of limestone — enough to cover New York’s Central Park.
THE SITE The building sits on an 18,000m2 construction site. The design provides transparency on the sides towards the Gulf and near-complete opacity against the desert sun to the south. With the aim 2 of maximising views AREA OF COMMERCIAL and minimising solar heat gain, a quarter of AND OFFICE SPACE each floor plate is chiselled out of the south side, shifting from west to east over the height of the tower. The result is a monolithic stone framed by the twisting ribbons of torqued walls.
195,000M
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AL HAMRA TOWER | CASE STUDY
THE CONCEPT According to SOM, the building resembles an enshrouded figure with a delicate glass veil reflecting the profi le of the peninsula. Openings are based on the relationship of the envelope and its position to the sun. The geometry of the interior wall not only protects the building from critical environmental conditions but takes on the role of the structural spine of the building. The point at the tower’s apex resolves the complex geometry of the carved flared walls and also implies the continuation of the sculptural form infi nitely upwards.
THE DETAILS On each floor, a skybridge connects the two wings, with deep sculpted windows in the south wall providing views towards the city, the peninsula and the desert. The tower will welcome tenants TOTAL HEIGHT OF THE with a 20m-tall lobby TOWER featuring a lamella structure which supports the tower above and articulates the space below. This provides continuity from the building to its footing and is a strengthening component while integrating with the structure.
412M
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Designer of Qatar Sports City Stadium and Los Angeles’ Staples Center and one of Time magazine’s 100 innovators in the world of sports
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SIDRA VILLAGE | CASE STUDY
SIDRA VILLAGE Location: Doha, Qatar Architect: Allies & Morrison CASE STUDY
THE PROJECT This walled community on the outskirts of Doha will provide 1,165 ats for the nursing staff of the new Sidra hospital, as part of the Education City development. The scheme will contain a small mosque, community and leisure facilities, restaurants and cafÊs. Designed by Allies and Morrison for the Qatar Foundation, Sidra Village is integrated within the existing street pattern, with new diagonal links connecting the scheme to the hospital it is serving. It is orientated to minimise the impact of the sun with the east-west grain.
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CASE STUDY | SIDRA VILLAGE
THE SITE Hendrik Heyns, director, Allies and Morrison, adds: “The density of the site is higher than the surrounding villas. NUMBER OF FLATS IN Therefore the masTHE VILLAGE terplan was developed with two-storey buildings around the perimeter of the site with blocks split into smaller buildings relating directly to the surrounding villas. The buildings towards the centre of the site step up to three-storeys to accommodate the higher density. This creates a more urban environment.�
1,165
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SIDRA VILLAGE | CASE STUDY
THE CONCEPT Heyes explains: “The brief called for repetitive one and two bedroom units which created the danger of a very stark and soulless environment. The design achieved diversity but used the minimum number of unit types to keep design and construction simple and cost effective.” Public spaces are integrated, such as a central square, a Sika providing a fully pedestrian route, semi-private courtyards for residents of each block and private open space in the balconies for each unit. Some buildings have shaded roof gardens.
2013
COMPLETION DATE OF THE PROJECT
THE DETAILS “The façades are modelled with recess panels and deep window reveals achieved by using 300mm thick walls,” adds Heyes. “The building fabric is also enriched by the use of four varied patterns for the different quarters, in mainly metalwork and precast concrete elements.” Sustainability credentials include a central cooling plant, solar hot water, solar shading, water recycling for irrigation, a bicycle hire scheme and a bus route. The project is mindful of a potential expansion to the west.
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SARAYA BANDAR JISSAH | CASE STUDY
SARAYA BANDAR JISSAH Architect: GAJ Location: Oman
CASE STUDY
THE PROJECT Designed by GAJ, Saraya Bandar Jissah is a luxury resort and community nestled within a sheltered bay where mountains meet the Gulf of Oman. Residential units and recreational facilities are located within the valleys while two luxury hotels sit adjacent to the beach. With views of a lagoon system, wadis and mountains, the housing units are oriented to follow the contours and minimise impact on the landscape. This zone contains ďŹ ve-bedroom villas with one sixbedroom villa overlooking the bay and the ocean beyond.
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CASE STUDY | SARAYA BANDAR JISSAH
THE SITE From the highest point of the site, two dry wadi systems — planted with arid species — flow towards the centre. Instead of a brief annual presence, water is permanently introduced at their meeting point. A small stream meanders through a public park feeding a large lagoon, with a central residential island, which ends just before the AREA ON WHICH THE beach. This system PROJECT IS BUILT provides a safe route for annual flood waters, directing them away from properties and towards the sea.
22OHA
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SARAYA BANDAR JISSAH | CASE STUDY
THE CONCEPT GAJ’s architectural design strategy is to create contemporary buildings which respond to the natural environment. Influence is taken from the local vernacular architecture and Omani detailing is used throughout the villas. The buildings have been designed to connect residents and guests to the external environment DRY WADI SYSTEMS so strong architectural WHICH HELP DURING forms are used to frame ANNUAL FLOODS the views. Residences are modest in scale and are clustered in the various valleys.
2
THE DETAILS With punched façades and flat roofs, the villas use a mix of traditional and contemporary fi nishes such as render, glazing and mashrabiya screens. The slideable screens can be positioned to shade and protect living spaces from the sun as well as provide privacy. In addition to the mashrabiya screens, internal shade is created through the use of deep recesses and projecting walls and roofs that do not compromise views. Large windows slide away to connect the interior with the exterior, allowing the spaces to flow together.
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PROJECT UPDATE | THE WORK
THE WORK PROJECT UPDATE
AL MIZHAR VILLA
AED7M
Architect: AK Design Location: Dubai
COST OF THE VILLA
TOZEUR RESORT Architect: GAJ Location: Tozeur, Tunisia
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM OF UTAH
3,900M2
AREA OF EXTERIOR COPPER PANELS
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MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 02.12 | www.designmena.com
Architect: Ennead Architects Location: Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
Designed by UAE-based AK Design, Al Mizhar Villa is a contemporary play on the traditional Arabian courtyard house. The constraints of the long, narrow site led to the form of two ‘living tubes’ sliding past each other to create a central landscaped courtyard. The northern tube contains common, family-oriented functions while the bedrooms are housed in the southern tube and accessed via a fully-glazed gallery.
Runner-up in the Hospitality & Leisure category at the 2011 Middle East Architect Awards, this boutique 63-key resort in Tunisia is designed by GAJ. The master plan comprises a destination spa, a banqueting and conference centre and a cultural village. Other facilities include local craft studios, retail outlets, restaurants and an amphitheatre with 180-degree views over the dramatic desert surroundings.
This spectacular scheme, which opened in November 2011, provides a stunning home for the Natural History Museum of Utah, as well as housing research facilities for undergraduates and graduates at the University of Utah. The building was designed by Todd Schliemann of New York-based Ennead Architects. Conceived as an abstract extension of the landscape, the museum rests on terraces that step up the hillside.
8,000
SPECTATOR CAPACITY OF THE ARENA
Architect: Leigh & Orange Location: Education City, Qatar
THE VERTICAL MEDINA Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Location: King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
THE URBAN CROSSING
24,678M2 TOTAL AREA OF THE SITE
Architect: Aedas Location: Shanghai, China
MAYSAN RESIDENCES
337
TOTAL NUMBER OF APARTMENT UNITS
Architect: DWP Location: Abu Dhabi
One of the largest show horse facilities in the world, this equestrian complex in Qatar covers a total area of 800,000m2. Centred around a 350m long performance arena with a double facing grandstand, the scheme also caters for the training and breeding of Arabian horses. Leigh & Orange provided master planning, architectural design, interior design and led a team of 18 sub-consultants.
One of many Middle East projects by SOM, the Vertical Medina is a mixed-use scheme in Saudi Arabia. It uses the traditional Arab medina city form to create a ‘vertical network’ with residential, office and retail components. Clad in limestone from local sources, the project is slated for completion in late 2012. The top six floors contain 55 luxury residential apartments with a total area of 18,000m2.
Aedas’ “boutique urban” project in Shanghai provides office and retail components, as well as a gallery, conference centre and a water promenade plaza. It is conceived to be a landmark hub with a strong civic presence and a vibrant mix of commercial and public elements. In addition to maintaining daily commercial and retail activities, the Urban Crossing is capable of hosting multiple major events.
Currently in the design development phase, Maysan Residences is a pair of striking residential tower buildings in the Al Najmat district of Reem Island, Abu Dhabi with an expected completion date of 2013. Designed by dwp, the project aims to achieve a 2 Pearl Rating with Estidama. The roof structure contains solar energy technology while the tower forms are devised to minimise the exposure to excessive heat gain.
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THE WORK | PROJECT UPDATE
AL SHAQAB EQUESTRIAN ACADEMY
PROJECT UPDATE | THE WORK
EKO ATLANTIC CITY Architect: MZ Architects Location: Lagos, Nigeria
MIRDIF CITY CENTRE Architect: Hyder Consulting/ RTKL Location: Dubai
AINO MINA
2M
METRES2
TOTAL AREA OF THE SCHEME
200,000 METRES2 TOTAL SURFACE AREA OF THE ROOF
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Architect: Aedas Location: Kandahar, Afghanistan
FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI Architect: Benoy Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
This ambitious new city in Nigeria responds to coastal erosion and aims to relieve pressure on the congested city of Lagos, which is currently inhabited by 15.5 million people. Estimates of urban use predict that Eko Atlantic City will be home to a quarter of a million people when complete. MZ Architects is the urban planner for the new city and will also be responsible for a number of towers in the scheme.
The fi rst LEED Gold accredited retail outlet in the Middle East, the AED3 billion Mirdif City Centre opened in March 2010 and achieved its green certification in May 2011. At the peak of construction, 22 cranes and 10,000 workers were on site. Developed by mall specialist Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Mirdif City Centre features a gross floor area of 300,000m2, with 450 shops and parking for over 7,000 cars.
This two million m2 community scheme, which won both the Residential Project and Sustainable Project of the Year at the Middle East Architect Awards, will provide over 2,000 homes. Situated in Kandahar, the site gently slopes and has a backdrop of mountains. A wide central park runs through the masterplan and links the retail area with the Friday mosque at the northern end.
Winner of the Hospitality & Leisure Project of the Year, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the world’s largest indoor theme park. Designed by Benoy for Aldar Properties, the project features over 20 rides and attractions including the world’s fastest rollercoaster. The total surface area of the colossal red roof is 200,000m2, while the perimeter of the building is 2,200m2. The highest point of the structure is 45 metres.
Architect: GHD Global Pty Ltd Location: Lusail, Qatar
DUBIOTECH RESEARCH LABORATORY Architect: HDR Location: Dubai
This billowing twin tower project in Qatar was designed by GHD Global to meet the client’s target net floor area ratio of 398%. Overall water consumption will be reduced by 40% through the use of native plantation, water reducing fi xtures, storm water re-use and grey water treatment strategies. The building also aims to produce 5% of its energy from renewable sources.
This US$25m complex was the fi rst research facility to be completed in DuBiotech, a huge freezone dedicated to the life science industry. Architect HDR was also responsible for the masterplan, as well as a headquarters building which is under construction. A common requirement for DuBiotech facilities is the achievement of LEED certification; the research laboratory received Silver status at the end of 2010.
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THE WORK | PROJECT UPDATE
DOHA TWIN TOWERS
CULTURE | LIKE WANT NEED
© JAN VAN ENDERT
LIKE WANT NEED CULTURE
LIGHTING ROOF TOP LIGHT LightBoys In the almost forgotten tradition of the classical ceiling painters, Jirko Bannas and Oliver Seltmann aim to revive an area often neglected in modern interior design — the ceiling. Large-format illuminated photographs mounted on an ultra-light only 40 mm in thickness literally show rooms in a new light. Be it a romantic starlit sky above a bed, treetops over a dining table or an old church dome in a lift, these lights give spaces a fourth dimension.
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BOOK NO NAILS, NO LUMBER Jeffrey Head In 1941, architect Wallace Neff developed Airform construction as a solution to the global housing crisis. He had a passion for dome-shaped “bubble houses” made of reinforced concrete cast over an inflatable balloon. The book shows Neff ’s designs through photographs.
LAST WORD | SIMON GATHERCOLE
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NEW DAWN THE LAST WORD
Simon Gathercole, director for Allies and Morrison, on Qatar’s future development
Group Art Editor Daniel Prescott Christopher Howlett Christopher Howlett PHOTOGRAPHY Chief Photographer Jovana Obradovic Senior Photographers Isidora Bojovic, Efraim Evidor Staff Photographers Lester Ali, George Dipin, Juliet Dunne, Murrindie Frew, Lyubov Galushko, Verko Ignjatovic, Shruti Jagdeesh, Stanislav Kuzmin, Mosh Lafuente, Ruel Pableo, Rajesh Raghav PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION Group Production & Distribution Director Kyle Smith Deputy Production Manager Matthew Grant Production Coordinator Nelly Pereira Distribution Manager Karima Ashwell Distribution Executive Nada Al Alami CIRCULATION Head of Database & Circulation Gaurav Gulati MARKETING
The city’s identity is becoming stronger.
We have the historic souk, the parkland and the high-rises of West Bay which represent the modern aspirations of the city. I think there is a future opportunity for buildings lining the parkland,
as part of bigger structured plans. The Corniche would also benefit from upgrades. The architectural scene is still quieter than perhaps expected.
Many people were anticipating a switch to come on after Qatar won the bid to host the 2022 World Cup.
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There are some really large sites in Doha that offer opportunities.
For instance, when the airport is relocated it will leave behind a site. There is also an opportunity to renovate buildings in the historic centre. Opportunities will depend on the developers’ approach.
It’s easy to place projects in the hands of one company, and this means that other architecture fi rms will miss out.
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The challenge is to have a measured growth with event-focused infrastructure, while keeping the legacy in place.
If they can get it right then Qatar will be a very exciting place in 2022, with a mature urban environment.
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