Design Middle East October 2021

VERTICAL RESORT

BY OBMI

WILL TRANSFORM THE WAY LUXURY TRAVEL HAS EVER LOOKED Following the vertical architecture concept, this resort will provide the unplugged retreat found on a private island without leaving the heart of a city.

REDEFINING ARCHITECTURE Expo 2020 Dubai

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 2021

Meet the judges

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OCTOBER 2021 | DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

Interiors and architecture from the Gulf, Levant and beyond

UP ABOVE THE WORLD SO HIGH AERA

OCTOBER 2021 | DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

Designed for Life Official Distributor

Designed for Life

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5353 123 OfficialI NDistributor FO@GLAZE.AE www.global.caesarstone.com

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World’s No. 1 Quartz Surfaces for Countertops

World’s No. 1 Quartz Surfaces for Countertops

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OP-ED Lead, don't follow

EXPO 2020 Redefining architecture

PROJECT Design of wisdom

VERTICAL RESORT

GOVIND SHEPLEY, Twentyone06's founder and creative director, discusses the firm's triumphs, struggles, and key lessons learned over the last three years

Under the theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, the highly anticipated mega-event opens its gates to visitors around the world

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SOLAR ENERGY Switching to solar energy

Tim Peck, chairman of OBMI, talks about his ambitious project in Dubai, which is based on the concept of vertical architecture and believes it is the future of cities

WALL COATINGS Luxury treatment for luxury wall coatings by Evonik

Located on the Sharjah International Airport Road, The House of Wisdom (Sharjah Digital Library) project is the perfect amalgamation of culture, technology, and sustainability, according to GERARD EVENDEN, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners

Popularized and glamorized by film and television, Middle Eastern or Arabian interior design is often associated with a sense of mystique, fantasy, and luxury.

Marjan Van Aubel, the Dutch designer reveals the vibrantly coloured solar panels that her studio created specifically for the Netherland pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

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INTERVIEW Designing luxury experience

INTERVIEW Design and placemaking in the Middle East

Ziad El Chaar, vice chairman, dar al arkan properties, discusses the Brand's ideology, sustainability, real estate's role in saudi arabia's vision 2030, and current developments

DICKY LEWIS, director of London-based White Red Architects, discusses innovative design and construction techniques for addressing climate change

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

ON THE COVER: ART DIRECTION BY KARIM MOUSSA OF MOZSES

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REVIEW Entrances of the future Design Middle East visits the Museum of the Future, and explores Bauporte, Gulf's doors and entrance systems in greater detail 56

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST AWARDS 2021 The show is about to begin Meet our jurors and learn about the various categories of the fourth edition of Design Middle East Awards 2021.

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Editor's note

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have to say that October is shaping up to be the busiest, most hectic, yet most exciting month of the year for the entire Design Middle East team. The only thing that motivates us to keep going is your love and support for our magazine and awards. The Design Middle East Awards are already in their fourth year, and what a trip it has been.

Despite the incredibly difficult circumstances of the pandemic, we broke all previous records and received nominations from new, much further, and long-time supporters this year. Thank you for being amazing as always.

On October 28, 2021, join us for an unforgettable celebration.

Our cover story discusses the future of hospitality as well as our urban landscape; vertical architecture enthusiasts OBMI are working on the Aera Vertical Resort in Dubai, which will transport you to an exotic place within driving distance of your house.

The vertical resort will capture every resort feature in an altogether new way; it will embody the same unplugged retreat found on a private island without leaving the heart of a city. Learn more about this in this month's lead article.

We're presenting you the stunning House of Wisdom Library, Sharjah by Foster + Partners in the project section; this project is a testament to what culture, legacy, great architecture, and technology can result in— a masterpiece.

In addition, there is an awards preview feature that sheds light on our judges and

CEO WISSAM YOUNANE

wissam@bncpublishing.net DIRECTOR RABIH NAJM

rabih@bncpublishing.net GROUP PUBLISHING DIRECTOR JOAQUIM D’COSTA

jo@bncpublishing.net +971 50 440 2706 BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR RABIH NADERI

rabih.naderi@bncpublishing.net +966 50 328 9818 EDITOR ROMA ARORA roma@bncpublishing.net CREATIVE LEAD ODETTE KAHWAGI

design@bncpublishing.net ART DIRECTOR SIMONA EL KHOURY

the categories in which the top designers, architects, and form will compete. This issue also includes insightful interviews, Expo 2020 feature, OP-ED, and news from around the world.

Roma Arora Editor roma@bncpublishing.net

MARKETING EXECUTIVE AARON JOSHUA

aj@bncpublishing.net DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCER ALEXANDER BUNGAS

Alexandar@bncpublishing.net

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For all commercial enquiries related to Design Middle East, contact our Group Publishing Director JOAQUIM D’COSTA jo@bncpublishing.net | T +971 504402706 All rights reserved © 2021.

Opinions expressed are solely those of the contributors.

Design Middle East is exclusively licensed to BNC Publishing. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher.

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Conca - basin 80cm Conca - mirror round Ø 100cm Conca - vanity unit 200x37x55 cm, matt sunset color

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IDEAL STANDARD MENA Tel. +971 4 804 2400 | Email: idealstandardgulf@idealstandard.com IDEAL STANDARD DESIGN BATHROOM CENTRE Sheikh Zayed Road, near Nour Bank metro station, Dubai, UAE | Tel. +971 4 309 6000 www.idealstandardgulf.com design-middleeast.com

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News

Glaze Granite & Marble partners with Neolith as their official distributor in the UAE

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he UAE’s largest marble importer Glaze Granite & Marble announces its partnership with Neolith, the leading large format sintered stone slab brand used for kitchen countertops, flooring, wall cladding and bathroom surfaces.

The Spanish sintered stone pioneer, Neolith, has given Glaze Granite & Marble imports and distribution rights for the UAE region. Neolith is a superior alternative for ceramic and porcelain stone, due to its durability, versatility, and unparalleled design quality. The most technologically advanced surface solution known today, Neolith, is now being offered to Glaze customers.

Umesh Punia, [CEO, Glaze] said: “We re-shaped the natural stone business in the UAE by radically transforming the way in which marble and natural stones were imported, sold & traded in the region. We built our legacy of over two decades in the Middle East because our discerning clients possess an understanding of aesthetics, quality, and have a taste for refined luxury.

We work tirelessly to ensure consumers find their unique surface solutions through our brand, no matter how rare or exclusive the products may be. We are also taking substantial steps to connect with our customers and fulfill their expectations by bringing world’s best stone brands and offering them a wide array of choices in design, price, and patterns. This agreement with Neolith displays our commitment to contribute to UAE’s influential architectural legacy along with providing sustainable solutions for the architects, developers, and builders.”

Neolith is incredibly easy to clean, and maintain, as it is waterproof, hygienic, lightweight and 100% Natural. It is produced in large format slabs with four different thickness options.

Dr Daniel Sanchez [COO, Neolith] says: “Neolith is indeed a revolutionary product, when we started in 2009, most people did not believe in the product, they had doubts about its ultra large size, ultra-

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thin dimensions, strength, and durability.

Some people also mistook the product for porcelain. But, today, Neolith is the most fashionable and sought after engineered stone due to its durability, versatility, and breathtaking designs. We are extremely busy fulfilling orders from around the world.”

Neolith is resistant to high and low temperatures, scratches, and UV rays.

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Studio EM ventures into East Africa with Nairobi Street Kitchen

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and a sweet truck as well as a rooftop bar.

This is Studio EM’s first step into East Africa and commenting on the project, founder and creative director Emma Stinson said: “We didn’t exactly tip toe into the East African market, rather, we jumped in and landed with a thud, thanks to the support from a really ambitious client. It was such an amazing project to work on with a fantastic client in Alyana and Alyssa who also put their own unique spin on the project, the results are just awesome and we look forward to doing even more in the region.”

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tudio EM recently delivered its latest megaproject in East Africa, Nairobi Street Kitchen (NSK), in Nairobi, Kenya.

The former abandoned mixeduse development in the city’s Westland district is now home to NSK, a thriving hub of activity for foodies, artists, and families alike.

NSK, described as one of Nairobi’s “most instagrammable projects,” is home to 11 brands and concepts designed and created by Studio EM’s interiors and branding teams, as well as sister duo and Simba Corp co-founders Alyana and Alyssa Popat.

Taking inspiration from food markets and street food concepts from all over the world, NSK is an assault on the senses, from the food on offer to the thriving and bustling environment created and adorned by gorgeous murals and artworks created by local artists from the city.

The concepts on offer include a Mexican street food concept based out of a chopped up VW Winnebago and an Indian restaurant inside an old disused Leyland bus. Nood is a cheeky Singaporean noodle concept and Butter’d Buns is a burger concept. Spilt Milk is the all day café concept that anchors the project along with the Library 68 wine bar. Other concepts include a BBQ Smokehouse, Pizzeria, A Chicken concept

This project marks Studio EM's first foray into East Africa.

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Ideal Standard’s Together World Tour stops in the iconic city of London and unveils new collection Tipo-Z

Precision, craft and passion make the impossible possible a totem basin produced as a single, fluent piece of fine ceramic. Tipo-Z With its slender silhouette, not only has poise in the bathroom, it’s comfortable being the main attraction in any space – in a gloss black, matt black, matt white or gloss white finish.

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deal Standard’s innovative event series created specifically for the international architecture and design community, stopped in London on September 23, 2021, for the third of six events taking place across the globe. An innovative fusion of digital content, the Together World Tour aims to inspire attendees by diving into the design culture of the six unique cities.

Following the success of the first two events in Milan and Berlin, which saw the brand launch the striking new Linda-X and Extra ranges from its new Atelier Collections, the London event premiered Tipo-Z, the flagship piece from Atelier.

The collections are influenced Tipo-Z has been sculpted into an architectural, monolithic silhouette, expressing elegance and allowing it to become the shining star of the bathroom.

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by the brand’s rich design heritage and are the result of the partnership with Italian design studio Palomba Serafini Associati (PS+A) and its co-founder Roberto Palomba, who is also Ideal Standard’s chief design officer.

The latest film in the series showcased London’s unstoppable creativity and its influence on the design community, including the development of Tipo-Z. From celebrated artist Soheila Sokhanvari, to textile and fashion designer Darren Cross, the immersive event introduced some of London’s most celebrated artists, as well as exploring its most inspirational moments from over the years.

Tipo-Z, a flagship icon from Atelier Tipo Z is the centrepiece of the Atelier Collections and a modern reimaging of the Gio Ponti’s timeless Zeta basin, created by the Italian architect and designer in 1954. Approaching design as a timeless concept is a key notion at the heart of Atelier and Tipo-Z, which harness the past, present and future for inspiration.

The flagship washbasin of the Atelier Collections draws from the original Zeta basin as well as the design and cultural diversity of cities like London to create a unique, statuesque basin with distinct character.

Using cutting-edge technology, Tipo-Z has been cast as a single piece, with no gap between basin and pedestal, creating a complete, singular form which would not have been technically feasible in 1954. Owing to these technological advancements, Ideal Standard has used new materials and methods to create a durable, lightweight, ultra-thin basin.

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4SPACE Design’s new workplace encourages well-being and fosters a sense of belonging for the team

Challenges overcome Contractors struggled to manoeuvre 2.70-metre glass partitions in the elevators; their hard work and brave efforts have created a remarkable installation. The concrete flooring was quite challenging; it had to be poured, dried and levelled precisely. From the questionnaire, the entire design process and construction took a mere 45 days.

Unique and key features There are many focal points, but the most exciting key features are the olive tree, concrete and exposed breeze blocks, the neutral monochromatic colour scheme and the open ceiling concept with exposed industrial metal piping.

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Various design elements The 4SPACE Design offices are exciting. The exposed breeze block walls are treated with sealer material to enhance and preserve the brutalist look. It’s raw, unfinished, and playful. Modern angular lighting bounces light throughout the open spaces and communal workstations.

The central atrium of the offices boasts a beautifully preserved, semi-artificial olive tree that has been hand-fashioned by craftsmen in Dubai. The trees have come from historic groves across the region. Olive trees are known to flourish until they are several thousands of years old.

Introducing biophilic design elements into a space can help alleviate stress, improve cognitive function, and enhance mood and creativity. The space is multi-functional, with open spaces for teams to assemble, but the team can

About the execution This project was extraordinarily fast and only took a month to complete. It was a complete family affair where the 4SPACE design team, contractors and suppliers all contributed to the seamless execution of the new office space. Each person provided valuable support to achieve the tight timeline for the transition from the old offices to the new. About the ambience The 4SPACE office has the appeal of a solid but inviting fortress. The distinctive concrete modernism provides lighthearted intrigue yet is minimalistic and intimate. The office is set amidst endless city skyscrapers. As a result of the open workspaces, the office possesses spectacular views across the Dubai waterfront and the iconic Dubai Eye.

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Concept “When brutalism meets minimalism with a twist of industrial”. 4SPACE has paired unfinished concrete breeze blocks with a smooth monochromatic pallet and verdant trees to nod to biophilic living. Richly covered modern furniture, exposed piping, stainless steel accessories, and fluorescent lighting create exciting spaces for work, meetings, and play.

create private spaces with impressive pivotal doors for important meetings.

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SPACE Design has unveiled its new office at the Jumeirah Lake Towers, which exudes a sense of well-being and belonging. Neutral monochromatic schemes and a large breakout area with games and relaxation space for the team to draw, breath, and find a sense of peace from a busy day.

Concrete breeze blocks with a smooth monochromatic pallet and vverdant trees to nod to biophilic living

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10 News

Havelock One Interiors signs three new turnkey fit-out contracts with Empire Cinemas KSA

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fter successfully completing projects in Jizan and Al Khobar, the regional interior contractor has been entrusted by the entertainment specialist with bringing more of its cinemas to life.

Lebanese cinema chain Empire Cinemas is on track to fulfil its part in the Vision 2030 of supporting a vibrant and culturally aware society by adding three more destinations to its KSA network of a combined project investment of USD 25m. The three new multiplexes at Othaim Mall – Al Ahssa (8 screens, 714 seats, 2,886sqm), Al Rashid Mega Mall – Madina (10 screens, 744 seats, 3,250sqm) and Othaim Mall Rabwah – Riyadh (10 screens, 1,254 seats, 4,785sqm) are all conceptualised

by Empire’s long-standing design partner, DNA Architects & Planners and fitted-out by Havelock One Interiors.

In 2019, Empire Cinemas celebrated its 100th anniversary by entering the Saudi market, following a call by the Development Investment

Entertainment Company (DIEC) to establish and advance the cinema sector in Saudi Arabia. The first venue, a 10-screen, 728-seat multiplex at Al Rashed Mall in Jizan marked a milestone for the family business, founded by visionary Georges N. Haddad and now being led by its third generation. Gino Haddad, CEO of Empire Cinemas, said, “It’s our vision to develop our brand portfolio and expand

our geographical coverage by propagating our legacy and passion across the region: entertainment.”

Given Havelock One’s track record as a premium turnkey service provider in the cinemas and indoor entertainment space, Empire had selected the interior contractor to build this first project within 280 days, covering supply, installation and the commissioning of architectural and interior decoration, joinery and MEP works. Later, a contract for the recently completed Empire Cinemas at Al Rashid Mall in Al Khobar, followed, a much larger and more complex project featuring 18 theatres, including three auditoria for kids, two Dolby Atmos movie theatres, three VIP and one immersive 4DX cinema, covering a total space of more than 6,200 sqm.

The metal department created container structures by corrugating and powder-coating metal sheets; the local fit-out team worked with Saudi graffiti artist Ali Al Zourib to add street credibility. Similarly, the transition from the mall into the centre of the multiplex is expressed by a passage panelled with back-painted glass and illuminated with multi-coloured LED strips that are core to creating a captivating visual experience for the cinemagoers before they have even reached their chosen auditorium.

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Lead, FOLLOW don't

GOVIND SHEPLEY, Twentyone06's founder and

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creative director, discusses the firm's triumphs, struggles, and key lessons learned over the last three years

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reating my boutique design firm, Twentyone06 has been one of the most interesting journeys I've ever taken.

I'll happily admit that in my first year, there were many breakdowns and doubts, as well as many unexpected obstacles, but I'm truly proud of what we have achieved in these three years As I mark three years since the company's inception, I'd like to applaud our success and encourage other small businesses to do the same, while also remembering that failures are merely learning experiences, so here are a few of mine.

We launched in 2019, and for the first year, I worked relentlessly to learn about finance by reading books, listening to podcasts, and getting advice from professionals in the financial field. But seeking advice wasn't enough; I discovered that I needed to know how to manage money as well. I used the most accessible source of knowledge, the internet, to obtain additional understanding. We live in an era where information is so easily accessible.

Understanding finance is essential when running a business, as is ensuring that your income balances your outgoings. I've seen businesses fail due to poor financial management, excessive spending, poor management, and a failure to forecast cash flow. This is also detrimental to project management, as it ensures you have the monetary value to manage your resources.

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TOP TO BOTTOM Secret mocktail bar surrounded by greenery and water features, perfect space to have a refreshing beverage.

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When gaining clients, it is critical to understand the small details of a project, and we work just as hard to understand which clients are right for us as we do on the project itself. I'll admit that throughout our journey, we've worked with some wonderful clients and achieved fantastic results, but we've also had some difficult accounts that involved pitching for projects only to discover that they weren't right for us, and I'm quite ok to admit that. This knocked our confidence and reputation, but we've overcome it, and we now have far more success stories than failures.

What I discovered was that what I knew would only be understood if I shared it with the right people. Given this, I refuse to focus on my agency's USPs (Unique Selling Points) and instead consider UBTs (Unique Buying Tribes) who value what I do, how I work, and what I can achieve. Owning a boutique agency allows me to work closely with my clients on a very personal level, and often I gain recommendations due to this approach as many people prefer personal over powerful.

I've learned to be thick-skinned, which is essential when dealing with difficult colleagues and clients. I've had clients question my ability in passive-aggressive ways and dictate when they will pay me, but confidence in what you do and your ability to do it is your best defense against these attacks.

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Transition from Tradition a juxtaposition of materials using traditional Japanese construction designs with modern materials.

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TwentyOne06’ focusses on projects in the hospitality industry, and has already built a reputation as a market leader in F&B design, having completed projects with some of the region's and world's largest international hospitality brands in just three years.

By the second year, I had ironed out many creases but needed to assess my management abilities and build my team. Many people in this region believe that a larger team is more efficient when it comes to managing larger projects, but I disagree because an efficient team is always far superior. When running a business, it is critical to focus on your own growth as well as that of your clients. I focus on leveraging my team's distinct personality to attract like-minded clients. During the pandemic, I quickly accepted that we would not grow by accumulating clients, but rather by looking within and evaluating our internal processes and structure.

My final piece of advice is to find your niche because there will always be competitors who have been around longer, have better relationships, and have more resources. Finding your groove within and being confident in it will always be your strength.

It's no longer enough to be able to execute a project with solid design; it's now necessary to examine both macro and micro trends for the coming years. You must be ahead of the curve for your client and provide them with data-driven design in order to be sought for. Do not follow the parade, but rather lead it.

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14 Wall coatings

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Luxury treatment for luxury wall coatings by

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EVONIK

opularized and glamorized by film and television, Middle Eastern or Arabian interior design is often associated with a sense of mystique, fantasy, and luxury. Evolved over centuries, Arabian home decor effortlessly blends aspects of Islamic design and architecture with ideas from the surrounding Mediterranean region. Greek, Italian, Spanish, and French influences all combine into an opulent and exotic mix. In fact, few design styles can match the ability of Arabian decor to transform a space into a luxurious retreat, using layers of color and texture to generate a magical effect. There are different variations, ranging from the plainer Bedouin-style decor to more lavish, layered designs that conjure up images from the Arabian Nights tales and Arabian festivities. Modern Arabian interior design is actually fairly minimalist. However, one thing that applies to both traditional as well as more modern interpretations of Arabian interior design is the use of wall color.

Quality paint for quality design Bold use of colors is what stands out most when it comes to Arabian decor in general. The tones are generally earthy, with liberal use of rich reds, golds, ochres, and oranges radiating warmth and luxury. But natural colors like rich plum, deep chocolate, cheery coral, cinnamon, crimson, navy blue, olive, wheat, and curry also adorn the many sumptuous hotels and shopping malls that the Middle East is famous for. It is imperative, of course, that the quality of the paint should reflect the luxurious architectural and interior design, even in such highly

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frequented public or semi-public spaces. That is why Evonik has developed SPHERILEX®, a novel silica technology for the coatings industry. This additive increases the durability of architectural paints by improving their burnish and scuff resistance. The novel silica technology also provides a high degree of formulation freedom and a more durable finish for matt coatings, especially for application in areas with high traffic, such as hotel floors, house entrances, or even staircases.

When it comes to quality, mechanical resistance is an important point of differentiation, especially for

Durable and sustainable Interior wall paints usually consist of a mixture of solid particles, with different particle sizes and morphologies. In matt finish paints, that leads to a rough and irregular surface. While this is necessary for the matt or deep matt appearance of the paint, it also makes it vulnerable to damage by mechanical

Another dimension In addition to color, Middle Eastern interior designers also love texture, on everything from carpets and rugs to – you guessed it – walls. Texture in this context means the tactile experience of the environment and the structures within it. A textured look can be achieved either with wallpaper or through textured paint. While this effect has long been established in other application areas, such as leather coating, it is a growth area for architectural coatings due to the diversification of paint manufacturers and the ever higher quality demanded by the end user.

This is another area in which SPHERILEX® achieves great results, as it enables formulators to produce paints with a textured effect for interior wall paints. Its spherical surface texture counteracts the roughness of the paint to the extent that a velvety surface is created – perfect for adding yet another dimension of luxury to interior design

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colored interior wall paints, where any changes in gloss are highly visible. Formulators can significantly improve this property by optimizing their paint with spherical silica. Architectural paints can be distinguished according to their application as well as by different technical properties: Interior architectural paints include coatings for wallpaper and interior plaster, and also for drywall or gypsum boards. These paints are often formulated at a high pigment volume concentration (PVC), resulting in a matt to deep matt finish.

Burnishing is a form of physical damage to the appearance of the coating film, caused by polishing or abrasive forces. Repeatedly wiping an area with a soft textile, or sliding along it with the elbow or a soft object, increases the gloss in this spot. This causes the paint finish to appear patchy or even damaged, as affected areas are clearly visible due to the uneven gloss. The effect is particularly noticeable for interior wall paints in dark colors.

stress. However, formulations with spherical particles produce significantly more robust surfaces.

As a result, coatings have a much higher tolerance for abrasion and show a greater resistance to burnishing and scuffing. The spherical particles in SPHERILEX® prevent direct contact with items that wipe over the surface, leading to less abrasion.

Quality is a decisive factor affecting the durability of coatings in our world. Apart from the durability of a color tone or gloss level, the paint quality also determines how often, or at what intervals, a certain area of a building needs to be repainted in order to maintain both its decorative properties and its physical resistance. Thus the choice of coating makes a decisive contribution to how many resources are consumed, because we can actively influence the renovation cycle of our buildings without having to compromise on the brilliant appearance of the walls.

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The development of resource-efficient, eco-friendly coatings is crucial to the success of our industry and the sustainability of our planet.

We actively contribute to this by offering additive solutions for eco-friendly coating systems, including waterborne, high solids, and UV-curing systems and powder coatings.

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16 Interview With 20 years of experience in real estate development, investment, corporate governance, management, financial and leadership fields and 10 years’ experience in senior positions in the fields of corporate governance, board affairs and regulatory compliance, Ziad has a proven track record characterised by steady increases in responsibility and achievement.

luxury Experience

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DESIGNING

Ziad El Chaar,

VICE CHAIRMAN, DAR AL ARKAN PROPERTIES, DISCUSSES THE BRAND'S IDEOLOGY, SUSTAINABILITY, REAL ESTATE'S ROLE IN SAUDI ARABIA'S VISION 2030, AND CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS.

new standards for commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects with superior standards and design.

How do you select international designers for your luxury villa projects?

We select mainly international designers who are relevant to the target market and already established an interior design collection, so our approach is not just a brand tag but a fashion brand with the interior design already integrated into its DNA.

Tell us about Dar Al Arkan Properties' brand philosophy.

Dar Al Arkan's brand philosophy embraces innovation, luxury and excellence. With innovation and the latest industry technology as key drivers, Dar Al Arkan has significantly influenced the growth and diversification of the real estate sector in Saudi Arabia and has succeeded in setting

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What can you tell us about the Shams Ar Riyadh project and your collaborations with brands like Versace and Elie Saab?

Shams Ar Riyadh is a premium grand master plan in Saudi Arabia, spanning more than 5msqm. The project comprises both commercial and residential spaces, incorporated with the finest facilities for an exclusive lifestyle. Indeed, it is for the Shams Ar Riyadh project that we have been collaborating with some of

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When is it expected that this project will be completed?

The project is being executed by seven contractors currently on-site and the first phase will be handed over by September 2021.

What are your thoughts on sustainability and why it should be a primary consideration in a construction project?

We are committed to protecting the environment and ensuring community sustainability by educating our employees, contractors, suppliers, and communities about the impact our business activities can have on the surrounding environment and place

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the world’s leading luxury brands to deliver exclusive, highly sought-after properties.

We have a unique collaboration with Versace Home, which will bring the world's first-ever villas with interiors

by Versace Home to Shams Ar Riyadh.

Versace Home's outstanding design and craftsmanship will augment the extraordinary 'Upside Living' design of the limited-edition luxury villas which will overlook the historic and natural setting of Wadi Hanifa.

Also, recently we have partnered with designer Elie Saab to launch a limited number of co-branded villas which reflect the sophisticated elegance and exceptional detailing that Elie Saab is recognised for.

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Dar Al Arkan's design philosophy is rooted in the Saudi landscape and environment; as a result, the brand is particularly concerned about issues of resource conservation and sustainability.

heavy emphasis on the responsible behaviour Dar Al Arkan expect to eliminate, reduce and control potential environmental impacts.

Can you tell us about how COVID-19 has affected your business and how it has transformed your work?

The Saudi real estate market was not immune to the impact of the pandemic. However, it demonstrated remarkable resilience. This was confirmation of the underlying strengths of the fundamental drivers of the market.

We were the first real estate company to launch online booking during the lockdown and our project which was launched for online booking during the pandemic recorded more than 200 million SR in sales. This motivated us

to invest more and more in our portal that will enjoy a mega launch soon.

From an internal perspective, our management and staff worked tirelessly to enable us to remain focused on our strategic priorities. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of specific solutions and introduced new specific challenges.

How will real estate contribute to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030?

Real estate is a significant contributor to achieving the goals of Vision 2030.

The diversification and growth of the real estate sector will help strengthen the country's economy by building a foundation that relies less upon traditional sources of income and more upon newly activated economic sectors. >>> design-middleeast.com

18 Interview Over its 27-year history, the company has completed various mega real estate projects, putting it at the forefront of Saudi Arabia's real estate sector.

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Dar Al Arkan's design philosophy is rooted in the Saudi landscape and environment; as a result, the brand is particularly concerned about issues of resource conservation and sustainability.

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The plan is a spark of hope for private businesses and new avenues of investment.

How is technology beneficial to real estate development?

The company seeks to push the frontiers of technology and innovation for our industry and we apply this across all areas of our business.

From supporting staff with new ways of working to making the customer’s purchase process more convenient, innovation is central to our success.

For instance, we are currently employing the latest production methods, using 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) technology which will accelerate the speed of construction while enhancing safety and reducing wastage and errors.

We will soon also launch our online portal “Waslat”; a digitised real estate hub, offering everything everyone needs in one place. As well as providing Dar Al Arkan's properties, it also provides more than 4,000 other quality properties in over 11 countries around the world. The portal also offers various solutions, products and services that will revolutionise how people can find the perfect property, get a suitable payment method, and trust the property's valuation.

What trends will influence real estate development and architectural design in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the future?

Sustainable development has been an increasingly important dimension in the Kingdom since the

inception of the country's development process and we recognize the importance of sustainability as a guiding principle for our business strategy. We strongly believe that corporates carry a responsibility towards all stakeholders; employees, investors, the community in which they operate and our planet. Such a belief is not in conflict with delivering superior shareholder returns.

In fact, it is only by approaching business through a sustainability lens that we could position Dar Al Arkan for success.

What other projects do you have on the go?

Our portfolio of projects in the Kingdom includes Shams Ar Riyadh villas with interiors by Elie Saab, Versace and Roberto Cavalli; Shams Al Aroos and Khozam, both in Jeddah.

Outside of Saudi Arabia, we have the Urban Oasis in Dubai featuring bespoke apartments with luxury interiors designed by Roberto Cavalli, with water views and access on the Dubai Canal, and easy proximity to major attractions.

We also have Sidra, a new gated community in the heart of Bosnia, within a stunning 540,000sqm landscape characterised by breathtaking landscapes all year long and considered to be the largest single real estate development project in the country.

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Tim Peck, chairman of OBMI, talks about his ambitious

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ertical architecture is of tremendous importance in terms of urban lifestyle and the rising desire for premium space. This concept is being developed by OBMI in order to present a fresh, distinct service that is vertically integrated into a city's urban centre. By redefining resorts, OBMI hopes to broaden people's perceptions of what is possible by producing something that has never existed before.

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project AERA VERTICAL RESORT in Dubai, which is based on the concept of vertical architecture and believes it is the future of cities.

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ART DIRECTION BY KARIM MOUSSA OF MOZSES

the world

SO HIGH UP ABOVE

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The Vertical Resort Hotel is the one-stop-shop; a destination that guests return to, again and again.

Just like a typical resort at an exotic destination, there is intrigue for an entire family.

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nd the world's top architects and designers are attempting to incorporate and rework the horizontal experience into vertical living.

With their next ambitious project in the works, Aera Vertical Resort, design firm OBM International (OBMI) is bringing this imaginative idea to Dubai. It's all about emulating the unplugged retreat found on a private island without leaving the epicentre of a city.

The project is spearheaded by Tim Peck, OBMI chairman along with his dedicated team. Peck is a firm advocate of sustainability

and strategies for reducing carbon emissions, and he sees vertical architecture as one of the best solutions to environmental problems.

Vertical architecture More than half of the world's population today lives in cities, where they lead hectic, demanding lives that naturally lead to the desire to retreat and recharge. Traditionally, this has meant escaping to the beach to enjoy the surf, sand, and sun. What if you could have the same exotic holiday experience and rejuvenation right in your own city? Due to the ongoing pandemic, stress levels have been high and travel has been restricted in recent years.

Although vacation time has been sacrificed, research shows that unplugging is essential for overall health. Aera Vertical Resort is the answer to all this and more.

Peck explains the concept of vertical architecture: “Vertical architecture minimises the footprint in areas where land is precious in terms of value and availability. The minimising of footprint hence, reduces the environmental impact on the surrounding land. What further is interesting is that the height offers interesting opportunities for perspectives over the city for the various functions within the resort – and opportunities for a visual connectivity with the surrounding city.”

Design concept Discussing the approach of the resort, Peck shares: “The Vertical Resort will represent the same unplugged respite that one gets on a private island without leaving a city's epicenter—marrying leisure, convenience, and connectedness—capturing every resort element in an entirely new way.”

OBMI aims to open up spaces inside the structural grid of a standard hotel to interconnect areas—the city, interiors, and exteriors—and create experiences that are wholly unique by exploring the porosity for design.

OBMI will produce a highly distinguished production inside an urban environment by crafting distinct, premium experiences within the initial design framework—appealing to locals and foreign guests alike.

The focus is on creating a new hotel category for the inner city that will become the new standard of luxury, through the fusion of hotel and resort. Peck gives his reasons: “I believe that the urban five-star hotels are becoming closer and closer to resort offerings, but they somehow lack the full resort experience. In addition, more and more cities are offering incentives for greening of buildings, but hotels are not these taking advantage to improve the guest's experience.”

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Guests will enter through a landscaped park, with lush blooms and climbing gardens that flow through and under the building, and into the lower lobby, instantly highlighting the idea of arriving to an urban oasis—a surprising paradise amongst the cityscape. The lower lobby is simply a drop-off zone for luggage before guests are vertically transported to the sky-dome lobby with stretching panoramic views of the city.

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“Seamlessly integrated into the skyline of major cities, the Vertical Resort is positioned to reimagine the notion of domestic tourism.

Without sacrificing the indulgences found on private islands or luxury cruises, guests can attain calm relaxation and cultural excitement in architecture that serves both its location and its community.”

TIM PECK

He further explains: “My idea is to reinvent the resort product from a traditionally horizontal model into a vertical format – maintaining all of the qualities and sense of escape of the resort experience. This is a concept model for a new resort product. We would see this being rolled out in a variety of cities across the globe. It is as applicable for New York/ London, Dubai/Riyadh, Bejing/Bangkok. We are in discussion with a number of stakeholders – brands and developers. This will result in the establishment of a curated climate – clean, pollutant-free, temperate air, regardless of the outside conditions.”

Brilliant landscape The landscape of this resort is what is awe-inspiring. Through the porosity of the design and landscaped atria, the resort amenities are vertically integrated and interconnected.

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From the first arrival in the parkland at the base, the guest is taken up in a glass elevator through the resort, obtaining getting glimpses of the various activities/districts as they climb through the property, ending up in the sky lobby, overlooking the city – then being filtered down to the hotel suites. Each of the districts has visual linkages to each other through the vertical atria, allowing for interconnection but also defined separation. Peck describes: “The landscape will all be an integrated part of the controlled curated environment within the external skin, with the biophilic relationship being functional as well as psychological. Further, the landscape becomes vertical gardens, with elements of vertical farming integrated into the landscape, allowing for elements of the landscape to be edible and a food resource for the farm-to-table dining. It will be exciting to see the running trails loop through the internal forest, with climbing walls and ziplines through the landscaped atria, all with views out over the city.”

Great hospitality relies on technology to succeed. From contactless check-in on your phone to water recycling within the project for internal landscape irrigation, photovoltaic integration into the external skin, and the use of geothermal technology for electrical generation (depending on location), this project will elevate the guest experience to new heights.

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On the way up in the glass elevator, guests will experience an arrival transition and a sneak-peak of the vertical world that is theirs to explore through glimpses of luxurious amenities, an array of waterfalls, meandering trails between floors, sky gardens, infinity pools—and so much more.

Challenges The project, which is expected to be completed in the next four years, appears incredibly appealing, but every great project comes with its own set of problems.

Peck narrates: “It's difficult to translate the features of a horizontal resort model - sense of space, variety of events, sensation of escape and relaxation - into a vertical structure, which is a problem in and of itself. Another element worth mentioning is that the project must connect the experiences (districts) while maintaining their individual identities.

The resort must provide a sense of escape from the city while maintaining strong ties to its surroundings.” >>>

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The desire for social interaction remains and will have to be allowed for in urban design and resort design, but there will have to be options integrated into the design to allow for more separation and space for those who need it.

COVID-19 has forced designers and architects to reconsider the way they design buildings and cities. Is this an opportunity as much as a challenge? “COVID-19 presents both an opportunity and a challenge for the way we design cities, and resorts in particular. From a positive side it has raised consciousness of climate issues, our environment and our relationship with our fellow human beings. We have all seen how nature enjoyed the reduced physical impact on humans. We have all developed the importance of a deeper relationship with our families and recognised the significance of relationships with others. The approach to health and hygiene has improved in general, and it has elevated humanities need to live a healthier life. This has impact on food choices and exercise patterns. The

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desire for social interaction remains and will have to be allowed for in urban design and resort design, but there will have to be options integrated into the design to allow for more separation and space for those who need it. There is a strong recognition for quality ‘open space’ in our urban environments. The need for green space in our cities and space that allows for safe public gathering,” Looking ahead What are the current hospitality trends that you are following? “At the moment, we're working on two concepts: Habitare, a movable hotel, and Aera, a vertical resort. We're also exploring concepts that allow for more flexibility in room types, such as a transformable hotel room, as well as how to include factors of human

The Vertical Resort will offer a variety of moods to choose from, with separate active zones and quiet spaces, complete with effective noise isolation or curated sound landscapes—depending on what you desire. There will be recreational fun for all ages, lavish spa offerings and a multitude of culinary experiences.

comfort (such as natural climate management methods) into resort design. In general, our strategy is based on components of the new concept of luxury and what the consumer wants from it. We also have some fascinating projects in the works in Saudi Arabia - unfortunately, most of them are currently under NDA,” Peck concludes.

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DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

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discover At Arada, we build high quality communities.

Diverse neighbourhoods that come to life when people share, exchange and celebrate.

arada.com design-middleeast.com

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Connecting Minds, Creating the Future Expo| 2020

Redefining

architecture Expo|2020

COURSTESY OF SHUTTERSTOCK

DDEESSI G I GNN MMI D I DDDL LEE EEAASSTT | | OOCCTTOOBBEERR 2200221 1W

Conceived by Expo 2020 in collaboration with top British architect Asif Khan and his studio, the portals are a futuristic adaptation of the traditional mashrabiya, an intricate design used across the region to regulate light and airflow.

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Under the theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, the highly-anticipated mega-event opens its gates to visitors around the world WORDS BY ODETTE KAHWAGI AND CHANTAL SACRE

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he wait is finally over! After eight long years in the making, Expo 2020- the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East- kicks off this month in Dubai, attracting millions of visitors from around the world as the largest global gathering since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a strong emphasis on sustainability and cross-cultural collaboration, Expo 2020 divides the space into three subthemes: the Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability districts, where more than 190 countries, organised into corresponding zones, get to showcase their cultures and innovations inside architecturally striking pavilions on the 4.38 square kilometres site.

From the world's biggest 360-degree projection surface to energy trees fitted with solar panels that rotate to face the sun, the $7bn event promises to unveil some of the world’s most cutting-edge architecture in Expo history. We take a closer look at some of the best pavilions on show at Dubai Expo 2020 that redefine the world’s architectural agenda.

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Each portal features two vast doors, 21 metres high and 10.5 metres wide, that will be opened every morning of the 173 days of Expo 2020 in a symbolic act of welcoming the world. The portals lead to tree-filled arrival courtyards, also designed in collaboration with Khan – one in each of the three Expo 2020 districts: Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.

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The remarkable portals are woven entirely from strands of ultralightweight carbon-fibre composite that lend incredible structural strength.

This enables the aethereal structures to stand 21 metres high – taller than a sixstorey building – and 30 metres long without any additional support.

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Connecting Minds, Creating the Future Expo| 2020

01 Mission

POSSIBLE \ THE OPPORTUNITY PAVILION \

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\ Floating 32 metres above the ground, the pavilion’s canopy is composed of 6 overlapping textile layers of fabric on metal structures that overlap

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tanding alongside Expo 2020’s two other main districts (Mobility and Sustainability), the Opportunity Pavilion was designed by Kuwait and Spain-based AGi Architects, and brings the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life through an interactive journey that aims to address some of the most pressing global challenges. Mission Possible is also home to the United Nations’ (UN) physical presence at the World Expo through a dedicated space, the UN Hub (#UNHub).

The Opportunity Pavilion builds on the rich urban history of the universal concept of a plaza, dating back from Roman times, lending itself to multiple cultures as a platform for social and cross-cultural engagement.

Floating 32 metres above the ground, the pavilion’s canopy is composed of 6 overlapping textile layers of fabric on metal structures that overlap, creating "a floating effect" in the air thanks to its transparent structural integrityreflecting collective dreams.

A terracotta ‘carpet’ covers the ground and the pavilion’s facades, creating an earthy, neutralising backdrop that emphasises on the pavilion’s public space for social interaction.

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The Mission Possible experience welcomes visitors with three parallel ‘tracks’ that focus on water, food and energy –resources that were chosen as they are basic human needs, and form part of the SDGs – illustrating how unlocking opportunity at a local level can be used for the greater global good.

Visitors are ‘guided’ through the tracks by three individuals whose innovative projects were implemented with minimal resources, yet had a life-changing impact: Abel Cruz from Peru addresses water shortages through fog nets that harvest fog and turn it into water; UAE National Mariam Al Juneibi is a sustainable organic farmer who promotes sustainable farming and healthy eating practises, while encouraging people to grow their own vegetables; and Fatma Juma Haji, a master trainer who teaches other women to instal solar panels, helps to create sustainable energy in Zanzibar, where less than four per cent of the population has access to electricity.

29 \ The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion \ The pavilion achieved three Guinness World Records: the biggest interactive lighting floor, the largest LED mirror screen display and the longest interactive water feature

The sky is the limit

THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA PAVILION

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Open Square, the vast overhanging glass façade, creates a comforting shade over the waiting area. At the same time, this large mirror reflects all the activities on the plaza and becomes a gigantic screen at night, inviting the visitors to the Pavilion.

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eople, nature, heritage and opportunities are the four main pillars of the Saudi Arabia pavilion located in the Opportunity D istrict. Shaped as a window opening up from the ground and soaring into the sky, the architecture and content of the KSA pavilion were entirely designed by BMA (Boris Mika Associates) and stands out as the second largest pavilion on site, after the UAE’s.

The exhibition in the interior transports the visitors along a captivating journey, permeated with the history, heritage, nature, people, and future vision of Saudi Arabia. The experience is driven by content, created and presented using the latest audiovisual technology, designed to connect the world to the Saudi Kingdom through one of Expo 2020’s most inspiring and immersive experiences: the pavilion did achieve three Guinness World Records: the biggest interactive lighting floor, the largest LED mirror screen display and the longest interactive water feature!

IMAGES © BORIS MICKA ASSOCIATES

\ OPPORTUNITY DISTRICT \

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Connecting Minds, Creating the Future

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Expo| 2020

“THE UAE PAVILION IS ENERGY-CONSCIOUS AND INTEGRATES A RANGE OF ELEMENTS AND QUALITIES OF SUSTAINABLE DESIGN, ENSURING THE LONGEVITY OF THE STRUCTURE, TO WITHSTAND THE TEST OF TIME.” SANTIAGO CALATRAVA

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The Oculus skylight at the apex of the roof of the UAE Pavilion mirrors the form of the Expo 2020 logo and is a fixed insulated glazing unit system, with a diameter of 12 metres, placing the UAE Pavilion at a height of 27.8 metres.

31 \ The UAE Pavillion \ The key element of the UAE Pavilion is the roof structure that displays a hybrid system between a shell and a portal frame, comprising 28 huge metal “wings”

THE UAE PAVILION \ OPPORTUNITY DISTRICT \

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As an architectural feature that offers a skylight opening, the Oculus also has a functional quality where its surrounding grilles open for smoke extraction (in case of an accidental fire).

Wings oversail the external facades thus not only shading the vertical walls but also the public circulation routes around it.

The external envelope is primarily solid, to minimise external solar gains but equally generating large internal AV projection walls.

IMAGES © SANTIAGO CALATRAVA

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esigned by renowned Spanish/Swiss architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava, the UAE pavilion is located in the Opportunity district near Al Wasl plaza at the heart of the Expo- it offers a symbolic interpretation of the flow of movement.

Spanning approximately 15,000 square metres, the largest pavilion on-site is inspired by a falcon in flight, and creates immersive experiences for guests by revealing the UAE’s rich history and dynamic future.

The key element of the UAE Pavilion is the roof structure that displays a hybrid system between a shell and a portal frame, comprising 28 huge metal “wings” that open on a single pivot to provide a direct connection with the outside air.

Photovoltaic panels are integrated into the roof structure bringing the entire building to life: with the opening of the wings, the panels absorb sunlight to generate energy- when closed, the wings shelter and protect the PV panels.

The rotation of the wings is driven by synchronised hydraulic actuators functioning as pistons. When they are activated, hydraulic oil is pushed through the actuators, extending the pistons, and opening the wings to their full capacity

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Connecting Minds, Creating the Future

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Connecting Minds, Creating the Future

02 Alif

\ THE MOBILIITY PAVILION \

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\ The display areas are divided into three key zones, each forming a petal in the tri-foil plan.

The Mobility Pavilion occupies a dedicated plaza at the south entrance to the site and has a lively, dynamic landscape conceived as a fairground with undulating tracks and demonstration areas for the latest technological innovations related to mobility.

The surrounding landscaped areas correspond to the internal functions of the pavilion, with three main zones offering a variety of spaces for visitors to relax and enjoy the spectacle. This includes a high-speed track that runs – partially underground – in a loop around the pavilion, showcasing personal mobility.

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esigned by awardwinning UK firm Foster + Partners, Alif (named after the first letter of the Arabic alphabet) offers a virtual journey through time and space by blurring the boundaries between the physical and digital realms, while highlighting the Arab region’s vital role in furthering global mobility throughout the ages: the immersive tour inside Alif (designed by Oscar-winning film creators) starts 4,500 years ago in the Dubai desert, then leaps forward to the data-driven world of the 21st century, and ends up in the city of the future- where visitors are taken on trip beyond Earth, partly exploring the UAE's space programme, including the Hope Mars Mission.

An expression of the dynamic nature of mobility, the façade features a series of horizontal stainless-steel fins that wrap

around the building and lift up to form a canopy for each of the three entrances, while the roof hosts an array of photovoltaic and solar panels.

The pavilion hosts the world’s largest passenger elevator capable of transporting 160 people at once, and features a partly open-air 330m track that allows visitors to marvel at advanced mobility devices in real life.

The first of the three signature pavilions based on the three subthemes (Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity), the space also includes an amphitheatre, a second stage and a plaza that will host exhibitions of smart cities and the role of artificial intelligence, big data, robotics, machine learning, and autonomous transport.

As part of the wider District 2020 legacy plan, the building- designed to achieve a LEED Gold rating- will be repurposed as a high-quality office building after the Expo.

IMAGES © DANY EID

Expo| 2020

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Lumière, lumières

THE FRANCE PAVILION

IMAGES © DANY EID

\ The France Pavillion \ The pavilion’s façade and roof have 2,500 square metres of solar tiles while its promenade features 1,160 square metres of gardens

\ MOBILITY DISTRICT \

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IMAGES © DANY EID

IMAGES © GUILLAUME ARGENTO

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he France Pavilion explores light as a source of inspiration, movement, knowledge and creativity and seeks to rethink progress as well as reimagine the future.

Designed by two French firms, Atelier du Prado and Celnikier & Grabli, the pavilion showcases a bold and positive vision of tomorrow’s world, and shows how digitalisation offers new mobility models while fostering the development of attractive cities and regions for their inhabitants.

The pavilion is an unforgettable showcase of French excellence and savoir-faire, highlighting unique and daring French innovations and creations in all the fields that have made the history of humanity a journey of progress: science, research, technology, arts, crafts, and education.

The pavilion’s façade and roof have 2,500 square metres of solar tiles while its promenade features 1,160 square metres of gardens, resulting in an architectural structure that exudes the beauty of nature while upholding its commitment to sustainable energy. From its roof, visitors can take in an expansive view of the Expo’s grounds in Jebel Ali.

The unifying theme revolves around light, both in the architecture and events program.

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Expo| 2020

03 Terra

\ THE SUSTAINABILITY PAVILION \

\ Designed to embrace the environment and produce as much energy as it takes in, it generates four gigawatts of alternative energy per year!

The design is driven by maximising efficiency which it does by seeking shade in the one place available: below the ground. The Pavilion uses the insulating properties of the earth to shield it from the harsh ambient temperatures which can soar to 50 degrees in the warmer months.

ne of Expo 2020’s three thematic pavilions, Terra (the Latin term for earth) was publicly revealed by Expo 2020 Dubai for Earth Day, and sets the example of zero waste for both water and energy. Designed by world-renowned Grimshaw Architects, the iconic pavilion features 1,055 photovoltaic panels arranged on a 130-metre-wide roof canopy atop a series of ‘Energy Trees’. It uses cutting-edge water-reduction strategies, water recycling and alternative water sources. Designed to embrace the environment and produce as much energy as it takes in, it generates four gigawatts of alternative energy per year!

Aiming to illuminate the ingenuity and possibility of architecture as society looks to intelligent strategies for future sustainable living, Terra tells the story of humankind’s relationship with the planet, encouraging visitors of all ages- and the younger generation in particular- to consider how their behaviour impacts the environment, empowering them to become agents of change as huge, interactive attractions explain key sustainability issues and concepts.

A playful, exploratory experience, Terra will remain in legacy after Expo 2020 as a science centre that inspires sustainable choices for generations to come.

The above ground surfaces are clad with a gabion rainscreen wall ― sourced with local stone from the Hajar Mountains – which provides enough thermal mass to absorb the heat while the stone’s natural color reflects the sun.

Drawing inspiration from complex natural processes like photosynthesis, the dynamic form of the Pavilion is in service to its function, capturing energy from sunlight and fresh water from humid air.

design-middleeast.com

IMAGES © GRIMSHAW ARCHITECTS

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Flora and fauna sourced from the surrounding desertsincluding some species never to have been cultivated by humans- are arranged on the planted roofs and throughout the gardens, creating a water efficient landscape that functions through a series of closed loop systems designed to filter, supply and recycle water.

Most of the accommodation is below grade and cased with an earth roof system, creating a substantial barrier to help reduce its cooling loads and conserve energy.

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Connecting Minds, Creating the Future Expo| 2020 \ The New Zealand Pavilion story is inspired by the Whanganui River, which in 2017 was given legal personhood after decades of negotiation between the iwi (tribe) Te ti Haunui-a-Pprangi and the New Zealand government.

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IMAGES © GRIMSHAW ARCHITECTS

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The façade visual effect is designed by Kayne Horsham, creator of the Kaynemaile architectural mesh, which was inspired by his work on the Academy Award-winning Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Today, Kaynemaile and its design studio have evolved to be used by architects around the world to create, divide and protect building interiors and exteriors.

Care for People and Place

THE NEW ZEALAND PAVILION \ SUSTAINABILITY DISTRICT \

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ew Zealand has a long history of involvement in World Expos. Designed

by New Zealand architects Jasmax, the country’s Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai is inspired by the Maori value of ‘kaitiakitanga,’ which celebrates the connection between humans and nature, exemplified by the pavilion’s ‘living’ façade, made from a unique, totally recyclable lightweight mesh called Kaynemaile. The pavilion is crafted from lightweight polycarbonate, using a patented injection moulding process, while the façade’s fluid movement triggers air passage throughout the space, creating a calming sensory experience through the interplay of shadow and light.

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The ‘living’ façade reinforces The New Zealand pavilion’s theme of ‘Care for People and Place’. This is based on kaitiakitanga, the environmental ethos of Mori — the indigenous people of New Zealand Aotearoa — and the understanding that humans and nature are inextricably connected.

37 \ The Singapore Pavillion \ Visitors can stroll across an undulating landscape and 9-metre tall Garden Cones, a testament to Singapore’s reputation as a City in a Garden.

An open multi-purpose deck atop the Garden Cones is sheltered by the Solar Canopy and cooled with fine mist.

Visitors can discover more about Singapore through exhibits and programmes while enjoying a curated showcase of Singapore’s diverse flavours.

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erging architecture, nature, technology and culture, the Singapore Pavilion illustrates the city’s ethos of sustainable development through creative, cutting-edge urban solutions. Designed by WOHA Architects and landscape design practise Salad Dressing, the pavilion creates a tridimensional green space through different layers of greenery, featuring more than 170 varieties of plants from diverse habitats in Singapore. From hanging gardens to vertical walls, the net-zero energy pavilion mimics a microcosm of Singapore's biophilic landscape.

To carry for the greenery, the pavilion deploys three prototype climbing robots that move through the green walls to inspect the health of the plants, and collect environmental data for the calibration of irrigation and grow light settings. Developed by Oceania Robotics, the dome-shaped robots are one of the few robots trained through machine learning for landscape maintenance on curved vertical green walls.

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\ SUSTAINABILITY DISTRICT \

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THE SINGAPORE PAVILION

A series of sculptural Garden Cones draped in vertical greenery, texture and colour form the centrepiece of the pavilion, each featuring exhibits that showcase Singapore’s natural heritage, innovative urban solutions, and multitude of orchid species.

IMAGE © QUENTIN SIM

Nature. Nurture. Future

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38 Solar energy

Switching to

solar energy

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MARJAN VAN AUBEL THE DUTCH DESIGNER REVEALS THE VIBRANTLY COLOURED SOLAR PANELS THAT HER STUDIO CREATED SPECIFICALLY FOR THE NETHERLAND PAVILION AT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

M Marjan van Aubel Studio was been commissioned to supply The Netherlands Pavilion of the Expo 2020 Dubai with energy. Within the pavilion, named the Dutch biotope, designed by V8 Architects and consortium partners, its main theme is ‘Uniting water, energy and food’, which are being showcased by unique Dutch innovations.

The solar-panelled roof designed by Marjan van Aubel is made out of coloured transparent organic photovoltaics (OPV). In addition, they are made of non-toxic materials and installed in a circular way.

By combining technology, aesthetics and sustainable materials, the studio has created a new vision of solar energy. The Netherlands Pavilion is indeed one of my key milestones projects and I am very proud to be part of this mega event. >>>

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IMAGE © MARJAN VAN AUBEL STUDIO

Marjan op-ed NL Pavilion x Marjan Images Dubai Installation The skylights are made out of lightweight organic transparent solar cells (OPV), that are circular and of non-toxic materials. By combining technology, art and sustainable materials, the studio has created the solar panels of the future.

xpo 2020 Dubai is located in the middle of the desert and only takes place for six months, the assignment was to take the installation, shipment and afterlife into account to create circular solar roof panels. The solar panels are lightweight films with ink printed on PET to reduce shipping materials and thereby cost as well.

The protective glass is sourced locally and returned after its use. The solar panels not only harvest energy but also provide shade and filter the right light spectrum for the plants to grow within the pavilion.

Importance of solar energy and how it will change the world for the better By giving a possible solution of how we can design our surroundings,

we hope to inspire an international audience to move together with us towards a sustainable future. Only together we can reach the global climate goals and make a long-lasting positive impact on our planet.

We believe that when technology, sustainability and design meet we can cater for the demands of a society that wants to live in a more sustainable but also beautiful world. The ambition of Marjan van Aubel Studio is to make solar energy available for everyone, everywhere. Every surface in itself has the opportunity to harvest energy. By making those active surfaces look beautiful and appealing to people, we hope we can drive positive change.

Generating solar energy circularly and from organic materials is new in the solar industry.

“EVERY SURFACE IN ITSELF HAS THE OPPORTUNITY TO HARVEST ENERGY.

BY MAKING THOSE ACTIVE SURFACES LOOK BEAUTIFUL AND APPEALING TO PEOPLE, WE HOPE WE CAN DRIVE POSITIVE CHANGE.” - MARJAN VAN AUBEL

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The Netherlands pavilion, also known as The Dutch Biotope designed by V8 Architects is a temporary circular climate system where energy, water and food solutions are connected. The unique solar panels by Marjan van Aubel and ARMOR ASCA® collect energy from Dubai’s sun rays to power the pavilion.

At the same time they allow sunlight into the pavilion and filter the right spectrum of light which the edible plants on the food cone use for photosynthesis.

The pavilion is designed by the consortium: V8 Architects, Kossmann.dejong, ExpoMobilia en Witteveen+Bos, in assignment of The Dutch Ministry of Foreign affairs.

Its energy payback time is only a few months and has a significantly lower footprint compared to classical PV panels. More importantly, the panels are multi-functional. Not only do they harvest energy but they are also beautifully designed and therefore more likely to be easily integrated into our daily lives. In addition, they are able to let parts of the sunlight through. The skylights for the Netherlands pavilion will immerse the visitor in rays of light. The colours are carefully chosen to provide the perfect spectrum of light for the edible plants inside the pavilion to grow.

The graphic design is made with a coloured Moiré effect; the lines interact with each other which will create beautiful light reflections in the pavilion and different shades of colour. The vibrant design patterns make light and colour reflect, refract and dance inside the pavilion.

How is solar going to be the future of creative economies?

To tackle the world’s climate goals and to build a sustainable future we

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need to move away from just technocratic solutions and add emotional values. We need to take a longterm approach and think more than three generations ahead instead of just one, keeping in mind what we leave behind in this world. To achieve this goal, it’s inevitable that the technology of active surfaces harvesting energy must be combined with beautiful design, a design that we want to be surrounded by.

We can only do that by working together and therefore need to seek new opportunities to work towards a future in which we can use our resources sustainably and efficiently. Beautifully integrating solar panels will help to make it more attractive to a wider audience.

The panels are not only modular but also circular and made of organic materials, something that is unique when talking about solar panels.

They are made of PET and are lightweight, which makes them easily transportable and reusable. Dubai and the greater UAE region, with its ambitions in the field of sustainabil-

ity, are very inspiring to us. It would be great to work together with local companies to contribute to these ambitions.

IMAGE ©THE NETHERLANDS PAVILION-EXPO

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IMAGE ©BUROBELEN

40 Solar energy

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Dhaheri Building #5356, Salam Street P.O. Box 26417, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 2 672 1923 | Fax: +971 2 672 0809

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42 Interview

DESIGN AND PLACEMAKING

Middle East IN THE

DICKY LEWIS, director of London-based White Red Architects, discusses innovative design and construction techniques for addressing climate change

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n the past few decades, the Middle East has become one of the most forward-thinking and innovative areas for design and building development. One of the most exciting prospects is that the majority of upcoming developments, master plans and ‘Giga projects’ across the region have such an emphasis on the importance of sustainability in response to the global climate crisis.

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Three key considerations for sustainable design within the Middle East and beyond 1| Build to minimise environmental and biodiversity impact An increasingly important topic is to look beyond just the typical carbon or energy strategies of a project and to consider biodiversity and the integration of eco-friendly, biodegradable materials into building design.

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DICKY LEWIS, director of London-based White Red Architects

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SATYAM TOWER, MUMBAI This tower includes office space, a restaurant, and an adjoining residential tower. Because of the complex mix of uses, careful planning was required for programme organisation within the building.

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providing water etc.) Understanding the relationships between ‘embodied’ carbon and ‘occupational’ carbon can be crucial in determining the overall success of carbon reductions.

As we build increasingly energy-efficient buildings that use less energy to run and potentially utilise low or zero-carbon heat and power sources, the amount of the building’s life cycle carbon that comes from the embodied carbon becomes more significant.

A current project which we are designing is a shopping complex and new showroom in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The primary aim of this project was to both provide the shopping mall required by the brief but also to create a design that considers the embodied carbon and the overall use lifecycle for the building. >>>

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

Biodegradable materials minimise the negative impact on the surrounding environment as they do not release contaminants, whereas typically, the more traditional construction materials can result in the accumulation of waste products and even toxic chemicals.

Buildings and cities have an increasingly large impact upon habitats and vulnerable species that they contain. Incorrect prioritisation of ‘greenwash’ sustainable strategies are often driven by marketing or ‘tickboxing’ can be a distraction from the importance of the biodiversity impact of the building.

The environmental impact of the development will typically require the consideration of the siting and location of the design project. For example, projects near rivers, lakes or seas should consider the results of the use of materials such as polystyrene beads and plastic fragments which may end up in the waters and impact the nearby marine life.

Examination of the environmental impact not only includes the consideration of the use of materials but also extends to ensuring the specification of materials determines the reduction of toxic waste or packaging from the building site.

A recent project we designed was a villa resort and hotel within an ancient forest of the Guangdong region in China. In order to ensure minimal intrusion on the surrounding context of the forest, we made sure that our design prioritised biodiversity within its concept. By using natural materials such as timber-driven pile foundations, ensured that the building would have a minimal impact on the soil of the forest.

2| Consideration for the embodied carbon for the construction of the building In the building life cycle, embodied carbon is the carbon dioxide equivalent typically associated with the construction phase of a project. Ensuring that this is a key consideration is an important strategy in the development of the future.

Embodied carbon will usually involve the carbon emissions caused by extraction, manufacture, transportation, assembly, maintenance, replacement, deconstruction, disposal and end of life aspects of the materials and systems used to construct a building.

The whole life carbon of the building is both the embodied carbon and the carbon associated with the operations typically involved in the occupation and use of a building (heating, cooling, powering,

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ABOVE

BOTTOM RIGHT

DAMMAN SHOWROOM, KSA The design is influenced by the traditional courtyard found in most hot climates of the world and creates a natural wall of protection whilst inviting people into its centre.

GUANGDONG HOTEL, CHINA In this project, the interconnecting walkways within the tree canopy allow visitors to have a closer connection to the natural environment as well as a different perspective of the forest floor.

The structure of rammed earth and timber (as well as being carbon neutral) creates thermal mass, controlling temperatures during the day and night.

Entrances and openings have been carefully considered within the wider context of the city and on the ground floor, the building has been recessed to create a protected, shaded colonnade that wraps around the site and forms part of the public realm.

3| Design to maximise re-use of materials and zero waste Architects have a responsibility to promote design that reduces the significant impact on the natural environment, economy, and society – from the number of hazardous materials generating pollution to the use of materials that come from increas-

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ingly limited resources. As the global population grows, and materials become scarce, it is essential that we adopt construction methods that can respond to this situation.

Globally, construction has a significant impact on the consumption of energy (40% of total worldwide energy), production of waste (30-40%) and CO2 emissions (35-40%). Whilst this is currently a significantly negative impact, it also provides a great opportunity for improvement.

An increasingly important strategy we have been exploring is improving the reduction of waste incorporated into a building. This can be summarised in the Cradle to Cradle concept.

The Cradle to Cradle concept was co-developed by the German chemist Michael Braungart and architect William McDonough. They describe

the principle of two continuous cycles (circular economy): the Nondurable and Durable consumer goods.

Nondurable consumer goods are biodegradable and return to the natural nutrient cycle. Durable consumer goods are broken down into separate raw materials after use and returned to a technical cycle. Material quality is retained, so downcycling is avoided.

All ingredients are chemically safe and recyclable. There is no waste in the conventional sense – only reusable nutrients.

One of our office projects which is currently under construction in Mumbai aims to incorporate building materials, furniture and finishes which can be disassembled and reused at a later point. Working with manufacturer and furnishing companies has been an essential part of ensuring this is possible and continuing the discussion with sustainability engineers has been an important process in ensuring more of our projects can incorporate all of the strategies mentioned above.

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18TH IRF WORLD MEETING & EXHIBITION TH TH TH TH WORLD MEETING & EXHIBITION 18 IRF 1818 IRF 18 IRF WORLD WORLD IRF EXHIBITION R O A D S T WORLD O MEETING TMEETING O MMEETING O R&R& OEXHIBITION W& EXHIBITION TH 18D IRF WORLD &W EXHIBITION RO D SO O TO O M O R| www.irf2021.global R RO R AO A RATHS D O SA T D TT O S T2021 O TT O M|MEETING M O TO RM R O R OO O W R W R OW 7-10 NOVEMBER DUBAI 18 IRF WORLD MEETING & EXHIBITION

R NOVEMBER O A D S T2021 O T| DUBAI O M O| www.irf2021.global RROW 7-10 7-10 7-10 NOVEMBER 7-10 2021 | DUBAI |T 2021 DUBAI | | www.irf2021.global DUBAI | www.irf2021.global RNOVEMBER O ANOVEMBER D S2021 T O OM O R R| www.irf2021.global OW

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ATTENDEES

DAYS CONFERENCE SESSIONS SPEAKERS ATTENDEES TRACKS TRACKS DAYS CONFERENCE SESSIONS SPEAKERS ATTENDEES DELIVERING SOLUTIONS TO THE WORLD’S MOBILITY CHALLENGES DAYS DAYS DAYS CONFERENCE CONFERENCE CONFERENCE SESSIONS SESSIONS SESSIONS SPEAKERS SPEAKERS SPEAKERS ATTENDEES ATTENDEES ATTENDEES TRACKS DAYS CONFERENCE SESSIONS SPEAKERS ATTENDEES TRACKS TRACKS TRACKS TRACKS

DELIVERING SOLUTIONS TO THE WORLD’S MOBILITY CHALLENGES DELIVERING SOLUTIONS GOLD TO THE WORLD’S MOBILITY CHALLENGES SILVER PLATINUM DELIVERING DELIVERING DELIVERING SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS SOLUTIONS TO TO THE THE TO WORLD’S WORLD’S THE WORLD’S MOBILITY MOBILITY MOBILITY CHALLENGES CHALLENGES CHALLENGES SPONSORS SPONSORS SPONSORS DELIVERING SOLUTIONS TO THE WORLD’S MOBILITY CHALLENGES PLATINUM SPONSORS PLATINUM SPONSORS PLATINUM PLATINUMPLATINUM PLATINUM SPONSORS SPONSORSSPONSORS

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SPONSORS PARTNERS

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PARTNERS

FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.irf2021.global FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

www.irf2021.global www.irf2021.global FOR FOR MORE FOR MORE MORE INFORMATION INFORMATION INFORMATION VISIT VISIT VISIT FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT www.irf2021.global www.irf2021.global www.irf2021.global

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DESIGN OFWisdom Located on the Sharjah International Airport Road, The House of Wisdom (Sharjah Digital Library) project is the perfect amalgamation of culture, technology, and sustainability, according to GERARD EVENDEN, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners

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46 Project

THE SCROLL SCULPTURE Gerry Judah’s monument, titled The Scroll, stands at the front of the House of Wisdom.

The Scroll is a contemporary interpretation of the ancient Arabic scrolls – a single, spiralling sculpture that loops towards the sky. The design and inspiration are representative of a celebration of reading and the power of books to unite people, central to the purpose of the House of Wisdom and that of the UNESCO World Book Capital initiative.

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COURTESY OF CHRIS GOLDSTRAW

Commissioned by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, Shurooq, engineered by Diales, and built

by Rimond, the monument has been made possible by hundreds of people who have worked together to realise Judah’s design

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48 Project

Gerard Evenden Senior Executive Partner Head of StudioBSc, BArch (Dist), RIBA Gerard has worked on a diverse range of projects over the past 30 years at Foster + Partners. His interest in innovation, materials and new building techniques, is evident in his global experience and demonstrated by award winning projects across the world. Evenden has developed pioneering urban masterplans, high-rise towers and transportation buildings.

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FACTS AND FIGURES CONSTRUCTION START| 2018

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BOTTOM Perforated aluminium sun screens

SITE AREA| 40,000m2

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

COMPLETION DATE| 2020

NET INTERNAL AREA| 13,000m2 NUMBER OF BUILDINGS| 1 NUMBER OF FLOORS| 4 BUILDING DIMENSIONS| Height | 16m Length | 60m Width | 60m Roof | 90x90m with 15m cantilever Capacity | 1500

Can you describe the composition of the building?

The building is approximately 100 x 100 metre with a central courtyard space. Compact meeting rooms surround this courtyard, with the majority of the building laid out as four distinct quadrants. To the West is the main double height entrance, that can also host larger exhibitions and events. The main book library and research part of the building is set over two floors towards the South of the building.

The Eastern quadrant contains a flexible auditorium on the ground floor and a gallery space at the

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upper floor. The children’s library and play area with an adjacent café space is towards the north, set over two levels. Both the north and south facades open onto landscaped garden spaces, which become learning and teaching elements in their own right.

How did you develop your concept for the facade of this library?

We wanted to preserve the visual connection between the indoor and the outdoors but were very aware of the need to keep the

sun out, given the local climate. We ran several digital simulations to chart the movement of the sun throughout the day and to analyse how we could mitigate it while maintaining views out to the landscape. The large overhanging roof shades the building from the harsh sun for the majority of the day, while the late afternoon and morning sun is kept out using fixed and moveable shades.

The moveable screens allow people to moderate their local environment by adjusting the amount of light that illuminates the space that they occupy. This allows them to create a personalised environment for focussed work.

allowed for people to use the building through an extended period – a 24/7 community space that belonged to them. Alongside the libraries, there were spaces for talks and lectures, larger social areas, cafes for food and drink, child-friendly spaces – all functions that encourage people to come together. We planned the House of Wisdom by plotting many ‘day in the life scenarios’ of different potential user groups including students, senior citizens, young mothers, school parties, evening class groups, and authors, evaluating their needs clarifying our approach at every step. >>>

Mezzanine area The House of Wisdom in Sharjah is a forwardlooking conception of what a library should be in the 21st century – embracing a digital future while playing a crucial role as a community hub for learning, underpinned by innovation and technology.

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What else do you think is important for a public library design?

Long considered primarily as repositories for books and periodicals, the role of libraries in the life of contemporary communities has changed dramatically.

The team visited libraries around the world to understand best practice. We found that the most successful spaces

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50 Project

RIGHT Interior knowledge garden BELOW Seating area, featuring Solus chairs and FLO lamps

FACILITIES | Library | Internal courtyard garden | Café | Exhibition space | Entertainment space | Reading lounge | Children’s educational space | Prayer room | Women-only area | Children’s playground

and assimilate all of these opportunities into one building with collaboration and openness sits at its heart.

We had some great conversations with the client early on in the process about how information on how to build 3d rapid prototypes of artefacts was freely available from museum across the world and how that was changing the way knowledge was being shared. This led to use creating a small ‘lab’ space that integrates prototyping facilities as well as an ‘Expresso book machine’ that allows out of print books to be downloaded and reproduced, or for authors to print and publish limited numbers of their books.

What was the most challenging part of this project?

Could you tell us a bit more about the Scroll sculpture in the outdoor area?

The scroll was designed by Gerry Judah to commemorate Sharjah as the UNESCO 2020 World Book Capital. It creates a fantastic dialogue with the House of Wisdom and its landscaped gardens and water features, which connect the two together. We hope it encourages people to explore the outdoor landscape as well, which have been specifically designed to complement the building’s programme

And how has this building adapted to digital technologies?

The House of Wisdom is respectful of its history, but very much looks forward to the future. Knowledge comes a multitude of different avenues – online sources, lectures, exhibits, play and practical experimentation, explorations with nature, and books. We wanted to try

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It was an exciting challenge from the outset – to create a library for the future, one that would allow people to gather, learn and exchange ideas. The project was initially referred to as the Digital Library but through our research we found many parallels with the original House of Wisdom, which was set up in Persia in the 4th century as a place for scholars to exchange ideas. We had some great conversations with the client, HRH Sheikah Boudour and her team, about how the aims of the building had many parallels with one of the world’s earliest scholarly institutions, which informed the design process.

What does sustainability mean to you, and what steps have you taken in this project to make it a reality?

Sustainability is at the heart of our design approach. Every project we undertake is underpinned by an abiding concern towards the natural environment. The shading strategy at the House of Wisdom is a key part in the sustainability story. One of the first questions we asked ourselves was - how do we maintain good natural light and environment without allowing too much sun and heat into the building?

We wanted to do this by passive means where possible, which inspired the idea of the large overhanging roof that shelters the building during the hottest parts of the day. Fixed external screens are used to prevent the sun from entering the building

SUSTAINABILITY | To give protection from the middle eastern harsh sun a 15m cantilevered shades the façades. | Fixed aluminium screens filter low sun in the evenings. | Movable bamboo screens at low level control glare. | Central courtyard brings light to the interior spaces and creates a comfortable outdoor environment for social events. | Throughout the building, there is an emphasis on establishing and retaining a connection with the outside.

edge CNC technology, we designed the timber and aluminium screens that provide shade throughout the building.

This approach allowed us to use mass production technology to create screens with no waste, which is pivotal in terms of sustainability. We think this is an approach that has great promise for the future.

How has COVID-19 influenced your approach to building design?

If there is one thing we have learned during the pandemic, it is to embrace flexibility and adaptability. The future is essentially unknown, so it is vital that we design buildings and spaces that can respond to the needs of the hour. This is in addition to the increasingly vital focus on wellbeing and sustainability that are crucial for the planet’s survival.

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BOTTOM RIGHT Reception desk

in the mornings and evenings with a final layer of internal BMS controlled blinds to prevent any glare. Manually operated screens allow the occupiers to personally manage light levels to their comfort. The façade and structure were designed to have a very low thermal mass to allow the building to respond quickly to temperature changes. The large flat roof has been designed to incorporate the potential for photovoltaic panels to be installed in the future.

We also wanted to extend time during the year when we could keep the building cool using only natural ventilation. We visited the Heart of Sharjah project and saw how some spaces around the small, shaded courtyards there remained open in even as the temperatures rose. Shade and ventilation were crucial to our strategy at the House of Wisdom, where the central courtyard is open to sky and the perimeter doors open, drawing air through the courtyard to cool the entire building.

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ABOVE Perforated aluminium sun screens

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What have you learned from this project that you’ll take into the future?

Every project is a learning experience that informs our work in the future. However, this project has been a great opportunity to explore the possibilities of new technologies such as rapid prototyping, which is a burgeoning industry that is beginning to have a positive impact on construction industry. Using cutting

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52 Review

Future OF THE

Entrances

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Design Middle East visits the Museum of the Future, and explores Bauporte, Gulf's doors and entrance systems in greater detail

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he Museum of the Future has recently succeeded in being ranked by National Geographic as one of the 14 most beautiful museums in the world. Dubai has, once again, built an iconic, world-class monument that is certain to become the next cultural landmark of this ever-changing city. But let’s focus on some of the construction and design elements that have contributed to it being considered one of the most sophisticated building innovations of recent times.

Design Middle East was given the opportunity to take a closer look at the futuristic door and entrance systems of the museum and why these are important to the overall look and feel of the building as well as how they will contribute to the visitor experience where first and last impressions count

museumofthefuture.ae | bauporte.ae

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ADORNED WITH ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY The first thing visitors will notice about this architectural marvel is the exterior structure is adorned with Arabic calligraphy. Some of Sheikh Mohammed’s most iconic quotes are presented here, including: “We may not live for hundreds of years, but the products of our creativity can leave a legacy long after we are gone,” and “The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it… The future does not wait… The future can be designed and built today.”

CLIENT | Dubai Future Foundation ARCHITECT | Killa Design CONTRACTOR | BAM LOCATION | Dubai, UAE DOOR SUPPLIER | Bauporte Gulf ENTRANCE SYSTEM | Two Bauporte Tall Automatic Revolving Doors Two Bauporte Tall Automatic Pivot Doors Eliminate REVOLVING DOOR DIMENSIONS | Height 5,000mm Width 4000mm PIVOT DOOR DIMENSIONS | Height 5000mm Width 1700mm

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Not only is it stunning but the unconventional torus-shaped museum is also futuristic and has a deep meaning behind its design. Dubai-based architectural firm Killa Design won the design competition for the museum in 2015 and devised the shape. According to the architect, the solid part of the structure represents the knowledge we have today. The void in the middle represents what we do not yet know, so in other words the future.

EXPERIENCES FOR EVERYONE Once officially opened, expansive exhibitions spread over four floors will provide presentations on the possible futures of outer space development, ecosystems and bioengineering, as well as human health and wellness. >>>

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54 Review

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Paul Haslam, partner at Bauporte Gulf in Dubai

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ocussing on the doors and entrance systems of the museum, Design Middle East spoke to PAUL HASLAM, partner at Bauporte Gulf in Dubai.

Bauporte was invited to become the project’s preferred entrance supplier and designed and manufactured the extra-tall automatic revolving doors and pivot doors for the two main public entrances of this iconic building.

With roots extending back 100 years, the brand is an expert at designing and manufacturing custom-made automatic doors at their German factory and offering a full range of revolving, pivot, sliding and swing doors, as well as a variety of other bespoke all-glass façade features. Other iconic projects handled by these global entrance experts include the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam and the award-winning Zaha Hadid-designed The Opus building in Dubai.

Why do entrances matter to this building?

It is often said you only have one chance to make that all-important impression.

That’s the ethos that Bauporte Gulf lives by. Extra-tall, automatic, revolving doors are custom-made for each client to create a unique entrance façade that’s

impactful and memorable for all building visitors.

Bauporte was invited by the architect, Killa Design, to create all-glass revolving and pivot doors that seamlessly blend into the high and expansive glass façade, but at the same time, are extra-tall and make a statement in themselves.

How do extra-tall entrance doors change the user experience?

Extra-tall revolving and pivot doors are game-changers. They enable architects and designers to realise fully integrated entrance façades where tall, revolving doors are a crucial element for creating that exceptional building user experience. Normally building entrances are a functional utility you pass through without noticing. However, oversized doors from Bauporte present the opportunity to create something entirely different and special. Due to their size and scale, Bauporte tall doors and entrances create design-middleeast.com

The building’s form is futuristic: it opens a new path away from the highrise towers that dominate skylines everywhere.

Its form is symbolic: The circular building represents humanity; the green mound it sits atop represents the earth; the void represents the unknown future.

a wow factor of their own. The impressive all-important first impression is guaranteed to effectively convey not only the quality and design intent of a building but give an insight as to what might lay behind Every special building needs a unique entrance and this has always been the core mission at Bauporte Gulf, with the perfect example being the Museum of the Future project.

What about door safety standards and maintenance?

What type of doors were supplied for this project?

With this project, Bauporte Gulf launched its oversized, automatic revolving door in the Middle East for the first time. These are the tallest all-glass, revolving door options currently available in the Gulf region.

At five metres tall, these unique all-glass revolving doors are almost double the height of a standard revolving door. They were introduced by Bauporte Gulf to fill the gap in the market for high impact and seamless entrance façades for commercial buildings, such as office blocks, hotels and museums. Bauporte Gulf’s entire revolving door range is custom-designed and tailor-made for each client and incorporates light-weight stainless steel frames, together with a revolutionary, single-operator, drive system to optimise energy efficiency.

What options are available?

Bauporte’s oversized, revolving doors are available throughout the Middle East with all-glass, revolving and pivot door product options suited to modern and futuristic building designs. However, other models

Bauporte supplies doors that comply with safety standard EN16005 for automatic doors which guarantees user safety when using automatic entrance solutions. To minimise the risk of an accident or entrapment, automatic doors must contain safety sensors and door operators that communicate with each other continuously.

Bauporte delivers entrance solutions that meet these strict international regulatory requirements.

Proper regular preventative maintenance of automatic doors is also important to reduce unnecessary wear and tear and to identify the need for minor repairs in advance of an inconvenient breakdown.

Bauporte Gulf also provides a comprehensive annual maintenance service in the UAE designed to ensure the continued safety of users and protect automatic doors from the rigours of day-to-day use, providing building managers with a breakdown-free solution.

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featuring wood finishes or embedded lighting systems are also available and are custom-made at Bauporte’s manufacturing plant in Germany. All width and height variants are also available.

Bauporte Gulf works closely with architects to ensure form and function of every door produced are fully customised and aligned with the building’s specific character, creating a cohesive effect consistent with the original design theme.

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

The building is an architectural and engineering marvel - it confidently straddles the past and the future, applying advanced technology to traditional art-forms.

The building is targeting LEED Platinum certification in line with the Museum’s overall commitment to sustainability.

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Entrances with wow appeal The museum is due to open in late 2021, in its fibreglass-and-steel form covered in Arabic calligraphy. Visitors will pass through the stunning all-glass Bauporte tall revolving and pivot doors, and the exhibition space will hold exhibits on design and technology innovations, while the exterior will glow at night using a series of LED lights.

A truly iconic new international landmark has been created for not only Dubai and the UAE, but the entire Gulf region.

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AWARDS

2021

The show is about

to begin Celebrating the creative best and foremost from the region's design and architecture industry, the annual Design Middle East Awards will honour the year's top architects, designers, projects, and firms.

The fourth edition of the awards has a great panel of jury featuring designer Sneha Divias, architect Bassel Omara, Hani Asfour, and lighting expert Praveen Thampi. The ceremony will take place at Sofitel Dubai The Palm on October 31, 2021.

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Meet our jurors and learn about the various categories of the fourth edition of Design Middle East Awards 2021.

Sneha Divias

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Founder at Sneha Divias Atelier

nterior designer Sneha Divias is on the jury for Design Middle East Awards 2021.

Born in Portugal, Divias holds a Master Degree in Architecture from the University of Porto and has attended courses at Delft University of Technology and Istanbul Technical University.

Divias studied Interior Design at New York University and has worked with renowned architecture and design consultants in Lisbon and Dubai on global projects prior to establishing the Atelier in Dubai.

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Sneha Divias Atelier is an award-winning interior and architecture studio based in Dubai specialising in commercial, hospitality, and residential projects. The Atelier delivers complete experiences with a multi-disciplinary approach, presenting something unique to every client.

The firm is currently working on a café, library, and work spaces for Warehouse 421 in Abu Dhabi, as well as a nursey, and high-end residential projects in the UAE. Divias has been an active member of the design community by conducting workshops and participating in industry panel discussions.

57 IMAGE © ALEXANDER BUNGAS | LOCATION COURTESY: MEDIA ONE HOTEL, DUBAI

The award ceremony with various categories will strive to recognise the individual excellence, company strengths, and project success. The awards presentation will take place at a five star venue followed by the ceremony and gala dinner.

Bassel Omara

B \ Individual Awards \ Interior designer of the year Architect of the year Young talent of the year Lifetime achievement award Project manager of the year Ceo of the year \ Project Awards \ Best retail project of the year Commercial project of the year Residential project of the year Design education of the year Landscape project of the year Lighting project of the year Sustainable project of the year Hospitality project design (hotels) Hospitality project design Innovation in design award Healthcare project of the year Interior fit-out project of the year Refurbishment project of the year Mixed-use development of the year Master plan of the year Best future project Design & build project of the year

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his visions, solutions, and designs have been explained. His work was featured in the prestigious book “Container Atlas – A Practical Guide To Container Architecture” by Gestalten, a well-known German publisher, demonstrating that his achievement is not just regional but also global.

Omara has always been driven by a desire to improve urban areas and reinterpret basic human requirements in his rigorous research and architectural progress. Omara’s commitment to enhancing urban communities and reinterpreting basic human needs has always been the motivator behind his rigorous explorations and architectural development.

Apart from his profession, Omara has also excelled outside his appointment through UNICITI as one of the International Working Group of Experts to lead groups of volunteers across the world to guide improving the dense urban fabric for better affordable solutions under the “Third Way of Building Asian Cities” initiative.

DESIGN MIDDLE EAST

\ Company Awards \ Architecture firm of the year Interior design firm of the year Fit-out firm of the year Decor retailer of the year Boutique firm of the year Specialised manufacturer of the year Best workplace of the year Best retail lighting supplier of the year Best lighting company of the year

assel Omara is a multiaward-winning Egyptian architect, designer, and artist with a humanitarian vision who has won numerous accolades and honours both domestically and internationally. He is synonymous with many of the region’s most successful architectural projects, leading to him being nominated for “Young Architect of the Year” and “Architect At such a young age, his name has of the Year” awards across the Middle East.

He has won numerous awards including the WAFx 2018 “Ethics & Value” for his Sheltainer Project in Egypt, Omara has successfully led LLFP Meydan School in Dubai, a unique educational project which recently was awarded the “Sustainable Project of the Year 2020” and the “Design Educational Project of the Year 2021”.

With over 13 years of global experience, Omara has a proven track record of success in both the public and private sectors on a wide range of projects such as aviation, cultural, commercial, educational, healthcare, hospitality & leisure, industrial, military, mixed-use & offices, religious, residential, sports & recreation, transportation & public services and master plans spanning from Egypt to UAE, KSA, Qatar, Oman, Iraq, Libya, France, Mali, Iceland, and Germany.

In terms of philosophy, his work spans a varied range of projects that are all distinct and reflect his vision of creativity and sustainability with limitless potential, with a focus on improving the cultural setting and promoting human welfare. His work has been published in a number of books and magazines, where

OCTOBER 2021

Lead design architect and BIM manager, Dorsch Gruppe

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Praveen Thampi President, The Ministry of Light

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achelor of Electronics & Communication Engineering, Praveen Thampi completed his Masters (M.Tech) in Illumination Technology from M.I.T, Manipal with flying colours and started his career as a lighting designer with Philips Lighting in the year 2000. He then went on to do his M.B.A in International Business from Apollo University, before the inception of his own architectural lighting design and consultancy firm called The Ministry Of Light, in 2004. With offices in Hong Kong, Mumbai and Dubai, Thampi is the president of The Ministry of Light which is one of the largest architectural lighting design firms in Asia-Pacific, with a team of architects and interior designers trained and specialised in lighting design.

His Commercial office projects projects have been a benchmark in the industry in terms of lighting technology and introduction of latest lighting standards. He is one of the few lighting consultants worldwide who specialises and spearheads innovative and sustainable office lighting techniques by blending the ASHRAE Standards, WELL V2 Standards, CIBSE LG7 Standards & USGBC LEED V4 Standards and formulated a new lighting quality standard concept – LQS for all his projects.

He was one of the first lighting xonsultants worldwide to effectively introduce an integrated lighting management system into a commercial Office environment way back in 2004, with the introduction of DALI & DSI connected Occulux system which paved way to intelligent/smart lighting in commercial offices.

H Hani Asfour

Dean, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI)

ani Asfour is the dean of the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI). He is an MIT and Harvardtrained architect with over 22 years of experience as a practicing architect, designer, and educator, having taught architecture and design in the US,

Lebanon, and the UAE. Founding President of the Beirut Creative Cluster and Founding Partner of Polypod, an international awardwinning multidisciplinary collaborative design studio in Beirut, Lebanon, Asfour is also a public speaker in many events, including his talk, Design Matters at TEDx Beirut and keynote at several design-related events. Asfour received his BSAD in Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1988, and his MArch terminal degree in Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University in 1994.

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CELEBRATING THE CREATIVE BEST AND FOREMOST FROM THE REGION’S DESIGN INDUSTRY design-middleeast.com

60 Pick of the month

Elegance

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is an attitude

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ETRO Home Interiors introduces The Intimate Dining, a new home setting that complements and completes the furnishing collection launched in recent months, which includes both living and suite options. A polished space with a warm and friendly vibe, where the ETRO world's bohemian aesthetics inspire new sensations.

The Kush armchair sits at the centre of the relaxation area, and it has a charming and appealing presence.

The seat is upholstered in Nubuck leather with a tone-on-tone paisley print and borders emphasised by golden-coloured metal studs, emphasising the delicate curves. www.etro.com

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® ® A product designed byCosentino Cosentino A product designed by

A product designed by Cosentino® A product designed by Cosentino®

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TOPS ON TOP TOPS ON TOP

TOPSON ONTOP TOP TOPS Cindy Crawford on Silestone Seaport

Cindy Crawford on Silestone Seaport

Cindy Crawford on Silestone Seaport Cindy Crawford on Silestone Seaport

Find inspiration at cosentino.com | Follow Us F CosentinoMiddleEast COSENTINO CITY DUBAI Dubai Design District (D3) Building 4-A, Unit 401 042428131 - infomiddleeast@cosentino.com The Silestone LOFT series have been registered by Cosentino S.A.U. Find inspiration at cosentino.com | ®Follow Usdesigns F CosentinoMiddleEast

COSENTINO CITY DUBAI Dubai Design District (D3) Building 4-A, Unit 401 042428131 - infomiddleeast@cosentino.com

Find inspiration at cosentino.com | Follow Us F CosentinoMiddleEast Find inspiration at cosentino.com | Follow Us F CosentinoMiddleEast The Silestone® LOFT series designs have been registered by Cosentino S.A.U.

COSENTINO CITY DUBAI Dubai Design District (D3) Building 4-A, Unit 401 COSENTINO CITY DUBAI Dubai Design District (D3) Building 4-A, Unit 401 042428131 - infomiddleeast@cosentino.com 042428131 - infomiddleeast@cosentino.com The Silestone® LOFT®series designs have been registered by Cosentino S.A.U. The Silestone LOFT series designs have been registered by Cosentino S.A.U. design-middleeast.com

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