D S A DIGEST Q2 2016 | DSA DIGEST | ISSUE 4
DSA AWARDED 5-STAR MARRIOTT RESORT PROJECT DSA are delighted to announce that we have been appointed for full design, site supervision and management prestigious
services
RAK
on
Marriott
the
Resort
project, which is being developed by ASQ Hotels. Situated close to the existing Hilton Resort on the north side of Ras Al Khaimah
city
the
develpment
will comprise 300 ocean-facing guestrooms and suites set amongst luscious greenery across the 90,000 m² beachfront site. As
the
Marriott
brand’s
first
resort property in the UAE, luxury facilities, will include two specialty restaurants,
conferencing
and
banqueting areas, spa with seven treatment rooms, kids club, fitness centre and a host of pools and water
features.
The
property
will also feature valet parking, concierge, 24-hour room service, laundry
and
day
cleaning,
as
well as state of the art smart card access and wi-fi systems. The five star deluxe property is scheduled to open in 2019.
Speaking on the sidelines of the contract
resort
firmly
rooted
signing ceremony with his Highness Shaikh
culture. As architects we in turn are
Ahmad Saqer Mohamed AlQasemi, DSA
inspired and motivated by the context
Design Principal - Floris Smith, commented:
of the spectacular site and the desire
‘We are delighted with this appointment -
for excellence of the entire project
we enjoy the process of giving expression
team, that is the client, operator and
to the inspiration of our client for the
all the professionals involved’.
creation of a contemporary world class
IN THIS ISSUE:
•
From the MD’s desk
•
Iran: Opportunities Abound
•
Blast from the Past
•
Cityscape 2016
•
Park Hyatt Cap Vermell, Mallorca
•
Belgrade Marathon
•
Meet Vinoj Velappan
•
New Project Awards
•
2016 Staff Iftar
in
the
Arabic
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From the MD’s desk... I am very pleased to welcome you to this latest version of the quarterly DSA Architects International Newsletter. The past quarter has seen DSA reinforce our position in the region, with further significant project awards including the RAK Marriot Resort and Al Zahia Residential, Sharjah projects as well as an exciting creative opportunity to look at the aesthetics of a well known and well loved hotel - the Crowne Plaza on Sheikh Zayed Road. Whilst the market remains somewhat unsettled due to political uncertainty and lower oil prices, I and my team are optimistic that the GCC, and the UAE particularly, will continue to provide positive opportunities sooner rather across all sectors, and in particular hospitality. Architecture has always been an extremely important element of the ‘Cityscape Global’ exhibition in Dubai, and we are very excited to be once again taking a leading position in partnership with the organisers for the 2016 event which is being held from 6 – 8 September. Please see the information below for details of the DSA stand.
You will see from the project updates that DSA continues to strive to create better buildings and strong communities across the region through the projects we design and execute, and this vision remains at the forefront of everything we do. We are now well into the holy month of Ramadan and I personally take the opportunity of wishing our Muslim colleagues, clients and friends best wishes and Ramadan Kareem at this important time of the Islamic year. I would like to thank our clients for their ongoing support in appointing DSA for their projects as well as all of our staff involved in every aspect of the business who contribute towards our ongoing success. I hope that you enjoy reading about what DSA and our staff are doing both at and outside of work and from all of us at DSA, Eid Mubarak. Best wishes Steve Kelshaw, MD Middle East
DSA @ 2016 DSA Architects International are once again partnering with Cityscape Global organisers in supporting the Dubai-held event and will be featured strongly in event publicity material, as well as having a stand with a number of our staff in attendance over the 3 days of the event. Cityscape is the region’s largest and most influential international real estate development and investment event, with around 50,000 visitors expected to attend between 6 - 8 September, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together key real estate investors and developers, regional and city investment promotion authorities, institutional investors, and service providers.
Please come and see us at Stand 3F01, Hall 3 w w w. c i t y s c a p e g l o b a l . c o m
This year’s event is expected to be larger than ever, with the region’s major developers expected to announce a range of large-scale projects during the 3 days.
Q2 2016 | DSA DIGEST | ISSUE 4
MEET VINOJ VELAPPAN Project Architect...
Having graduated in Architecture in 2002, Vinoj moved to the UAE in 2004 and joined DSA around 8 years ago. Originally from Cochin in the Indian state of Kerala, following his graduation, Vinoj taught at the NITC for a year and a half, before starting his own architectural practice with a friend, an experience he describes as “hugely beneficial” in terms of learning quickly all the skills needed to not only be a good designer, but also to be a businessman.
“Of course as an architect, the career opportunities here in the UAE are also tremendous, with the chance to work on so many exciting projects, particularly the type of things that DSA are lucky enough to be involved in”.
His friend continued to run the business, but Vinoj decided to spread his wings and try to gain some broader experience by moving to the Middle East with US based architectecture firm, Burt Hill. “In 2004, the market was in a state of boom, and the business quickly grew from 19, to over 600 !” recalls Vinoj. “Whilst it was extremely exciting, it was also pretty unsustainable, and sure enough the global financial crisis took its’ toll and the market crashed even more quickly than it had grown”. The opportunity to join DSA in 2008 was too good to miss and Vinoj joined as a project architect. Now aged 37, married to Saritha, also an Engineering graduate, they have 2 children, Vibhav aged 7, and the recent addition to the family, Vihane of 6 months. As well as time with his family being extremely important within his busy life, Vinoj is also very grateful to have been introduced by a close friend to Forex Trading, an interest he has developed a passion for and which he and his wife spend time on together. “I really like the technical analysis aspect of it, and it gives me a real opportunity to focus on something outside of work hours, and which Saritha and I can discuss together. It teaches you that when you do a daily conscious action for 21 days it becomes a habit. It has also been a great opportunity for us to meet new friends and a completely different group of people”. When asked about what he likes about family life in the UAE, Vinoj states “the mixture of cultures, the freedom, security and safety we enjoy as a family.”
His current role at DSA is Project Architect on the recently awarded Crescent Development, in Baku, where he is responsible for coordination on the Mall element of the project. Prior to this Vinoj, was involved in Sanctuary Falls at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Hilton Dead Sea (the first DSA project documentation completed on Revit) and Mica Mall on Kish Island. “DSA have very strong QA/QC processes to ensure quality of drawings etc. and I like being involved in Detailed Design documentation production, ensuring we maintain high standards, and coordinating this across the different disciplines”. “I truly believe it is important that as DSA we design functional buildings, not just aesthetically pleasing, and that we provide the highest level of service to our clients, meeting all deadlines. I also try to ensure that we get things right first time”.
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IRAN : OPPORTUNITIES ABOUND As part of DSA’s future development strategy, Group Managing Director, Clive Shepherd, joined an official Government delegation from South Africa to Iran including, amongst others, President Zuma, in a bid to boost business between the countries and to seek out opportunities of mutual benefit. Iran, with its’ population of 80 million people (Tehran 12 million) and South Africa share one of the oldest bilateral agreements, which in 2016 will stand at 30 years, and the two countries enjoy exceptionally good relations and shared proud historic positions.With an additional 200
There are also some 300 existing hotels requiring refurbishment, and Iran is looking to attract reputable operators and quality hotels, with initial focus being on Tehran, Tabriz and Isfahan, where land is readily available for development. Communications in the country are excellent, including an extensive road network, the local workforce are highly skilled, and workmanship and selection of materials are of exceptionally high quality. During the tour a presentation was made by Seema Sardha, Director Africa and Middle East Trade and Investment on the South African hospitality sector which was followed by Clive Shepherd on our hospitality experience and capability and followed by a panel session on South African and international hotel operators with whom DSA have worked and who may be interested in operating in Iran. A number of specific opportunities were discussed, which will be reviewed and those appropriate will be progressed. We will keep you posted on those that move forward and show any likelihood of becoming live projects. From the sincerity and warmth of the Iranian people Clive met, we believe there will be significant opportunities for DSA to demonstrate our specialist skills in an exciting and vibrant environment.
hotels required to be constructed throughout the country by 2020, of which 50 will be in Tehran, there will be significant opportunities for the South African construction industry, including for Private-Public and Private-Private partnerships. With the second largest reserves of gas and oil in the world and accounting for 73% of the Gulf’s economy, Iran’s influence within the region is huge, and in particular in the hospitality and tourism industry, which it is believed could eventually become the largest in the Middle East. In 2015, 5 million tourists visited Iran, and 7 million Iranians visited other countries. It is projected that by 2020 there will be 20 million tourists visiting Iran, many being high-end visitors, with hotels required to meet their needs.
Q2 2016 | DSA DIGEST | ISSUE 4
FEATURED PROJECT:
PARK HYATT
CAP VERMELL, MALLORCA
In 2007, the DSA Europe office was invited to undertake the lead design of a new resort hotel in the undeveloped south eastern corner of the island, and the Park Hyatt Cap Vermell has been a huge part of day to day life in the office since then. The site is a steeply sloping and enjoys views across the Cap Vermell valley and across the bay. Building on the island is tightly controlled, including a percentage of the faรงade having to be faced in natural stonework, and combined with the difficult topography made for a challenging project. As we knew the island well from previous work, and the previous work for Hyatt as examples of what was required, we were able to meet the challenge. The design is a hillside village in a traditional style complete with squares, arcades, terraces, fountains and gardens, that fits the Mallorcan setting. The Park Hyatt Cap Vermell is a five star fully functioning resort hotel, the only Hyatt hotel in Spain and the only Park Hyatt resort in Europe. The facility comprises 8 groups of rooms each with a courtyard entrance and dedicated housekeeping facilities, a common basement where 8000m 2 of BOH facilities service the public buildings, restaurants and function spaces. Parking is also located in the basement, with access around the site provided by golf buggies. As the project developed we were able to use our knowledge of southern European vernacular gained from being based in this region, and under the leadership of Mike Scott, the design work of Philipp Rietheimer and supervision on site of Frank Samina 30,000 m 2 of buildings provide 132 keys including 17 suites and
a presidential suite. There are five F&B outlets, function space including ballroom and a 2,000 m2 of spa, gymnasium, bicycle centre (the island is regularly crowded with competitive cyclists in the weeks leading up to the start of the racing season) and a kids club. Construction commenced in late 2013 and the works have taken thirty two months to complete. The in-situ construction and the orientation of the buildings have helped maximise passive solar gains and the high thermal mass used to flatten out temperature variations. The buildings are well insulated and a substantial proportion of energy needs are met with renewable sources, water heating including pool heating for example uses bio mass boilers. Water management is taken seriously on Mallorca, and rainwater is channelled around the perimeter of the site into a large underground grey water tank and used for irrigation. Wherever possible materials were sourced locally to minimise carbon footprint together with an energy strategy of long life, low energy, low maintenance, heavyweight and well insulated was applied in order to meet and exceed the stringently enforced local regulations and our own Sustainability expectations together with those of the client and operator. We are proud at DSA Europe to have been working on this project and to have produced this new and unique destination.
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#NEWPROJECTAWARDS AL ZAHIA VILLAS, SHARJAH Al
Zahia
is
a
6-phase
development
spanning over 1.5 million m² of residential and mixed use. When complete, it is set to become Sharjah’s first gated community offering a variety of homes which embrace the values of tradition and contemporary living. DSA have been engaged by Majid Al Futtaim Properties to design 4 prototype homes, to be implemented within the current phase 3 onwards. Ranging from 4-bedroom detached villas, 3-bedroom semidetached courtyard homes and 3 & 2-bedroom townhouses, the designs encompass
flexible
planning
and
aim to develop a unique and distinct architectural character.
CROWNE PLAZA, SZR The Crowne Plaza Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai occupies a special place in the collective memory and experience of the City. DSA are very pleased to have been given the opportunity to develop an exciting new concept for the facades. The complex is now to be refurbished and rejuvenated to its’ original intent which will result in a new vibrant place offering a large range of experiences. The outward appearance will reflect the original essence of a striking building occupying such a prime location in a visually powerful manner to intrigue and entice the passerby to enter the front door. The lower levels will be enhanced to accommodate a variety of public spaces - open air courtyards for ‘al fresco’ dining and entertainment, new F&B outlets and other venues to inspire and enjoy. Lighting and colour will be used to express the richness of the experiences within and to emphasise the prominence of this building within the context of the City.
Q2 2016 | DSA DIGEST | ISSUE 4
BLAST FROM THE PAST @
MADINAT JUMEIRAH
DSA Architects International were responsible for the detailed design and delivery of the iconic Madinat Jumeirah development in Dubai, completed in 2004 for Jumeirah, comprising hotels, villas, conference centre, restaurants and bars. We are proud to have been involved in such a landmark development, which has also proved to be one of Dubai’s top tourist destinations.
Mina A’Salam Hotel
Madinat Souk
Dar Al Masyaf Villas
The 292 key Mina A’Salam Hotel, meaning ‘Harbour of Peace’, forms the gateway to Madinat Jumeirah, the entry point from which numerous waterways and walkways thread their way to world-class restaurants, bars and cafés, Talise Spa and a traditional souk.
The 14,500sq.m Madinat Souk retail facility conjures up feelings of traditional Arabian market-places with its’ intertwining aisles, vaulted wooden arches and vibrant market squares the visitor is transported to an era when camel caravans roamed the deserts with precious fabrics, silk carpets and costly perfumes.
Nestled within Madinat’s canals and gardens are the ‘Wind Tower’ bedecked, Dar Al Masyaf Villas. 283 exquisite hotel rooms, with a built up area of 53,500m. arranged in clusters of 30, the design is based on traditional Arabic courtyard, summerhouses, with each villa having its’ own individual butlers.
The Dar Al Masyaf Villas reflect the intimate space and character found in the traditional architecture of Dubai’s Bastakia area, where the forefathers of Dubai established the ‘old town’.
Al Qasr Hotel Al Qasr Hotel is the jewel in the crown at the heart of the resort, approached via a number of keys ceremonial tree-lined avenue, adorned with beautifully sculpted Arabian horses. The architectural language is an elegant, refined testimony to the splendor of old Dubai. Encompassing line shops, restaurants, nightclubs and stalls, the visitor is provided with a variety of choices, with indoor and outdoor theatres provide the ideal venue for an evening of culture and entertainment.
The irregularity of the Arabian house, themed wind towers and traditional detail in the timber elements captures the essence of the urban fabric.
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BELGRADE M A R AT H O N DSA’s Milan Milinkovic recently participated in the 29th Belgrade Marathon Milan ran the half marathon (21km) in 1hr 42min and finished a very creditable 243rd from 3123 competitors!! As the one and only competitor from the DSA Belgrade office, Milan was lucky enough to have a ‘unique’ shirt prepared for him. After the race he said: ‘this was just a fun run for me…”
Congratulations Milan, from everyone at DSA!
2016 STAFF IFTAR We extend a heartfelt Ramadan Kareem to all of our Muslim colleagues and friends both in the Middle East region, and around the world. Families and communities share the happiness of gathering together for Iftar and prayers, but also deep reflection and sacrifice, with fasting used to increase spirituality, discipline, and consciousness. It is also a reminder of the importance of reaching out to those less fortunate. DSA’s Directors and Staff all enjoyed a fantastic Iftar together at Ballaro Restaurant in the Conrad Hotel earlier in the month. It was a wonderful occasion and brilliantly organised. We wish all Muslims around the world a blessed month and Eid Mubarak.
DSA Architects International (Middle East) address: Office 204, Level 2, Convention Tower, Road 312, Zabeel, Dubai, United Arab Emirates tel: +971 4 329 2288 fax: +971 4 329 2289 mail: dsa.dubai@dsa-arch.com web: www.dsa-arch.com
DSA ARCHITECTS
INTERNATIONAL