DSA Digest Q1 2017 | DSA DIGEST | ISSUE 7
DSA Architects Award for Excellence
DSA Architects has again been awarded the coveted accolade of:
‘TOP UAE Architectural Consultant 2016.’ This prized award from TPG Publishing Group’s Emirates Projects Magazine underlines the reputation of DSA Architects as a leading dynamic practice, that provides a wide range of proven expertise and design quality across a broad array of market sectors. The prize presentation on Wednesday 8th February 2017 sees DSA Architects Director and Design Principle, Floris JG Smith (Right) receiving the TPG Architectural Consultant 2016 award from Eddie Rayner, Managing Director, TPG. Recognition of excellence such as this stems from not only a burning passion for outstanding architectural design, but an equal desire to inspire our clients and forge lasting relationships that are built on trust. The ultimate reward is in client testimonials such as this:
“We are very pleased to know that DSA has been awarded the Top Architects of 2016. DSA are supervising the construction of our resort hotel in Muscat that will be operated by Jumeirah and ensuring that construction quality is maintained at highest standard. We congratulate Steve Kelshaw and his team for a well-deserved award”
In this issue: • Introduction from MD • Onwards & Upwards
• Rashid Centre for Disabled – DSA Donation
DSA
• One to One - Staff interview with Tamara Guzina
• Reflection of Excellence
• Saadiyat Beach Villas, Abu Dhabi
• The UAE property market ‘In Focus’
INTERNATIONAL
• Practical Training by Conrad Burger
• Technical Feature: ‘Sustainability.’
ARCHITECTS
• Standard Chartered Marathon
Dr Bassam Talhouni VP of Technical Services
WELCOME TO DSA DIGEST
Onwards & Upwards In this issue of DSA Digest we are delighted to recognise members of our team who have gained promotion and also to those whose length of service has reached the significant milestone of 10 years.
Congratulations on promotion goes to:
DAVID RILEY Senior Associate
A very warm welcome from all of us at DSA in Dubai to the first edition of the DSA newsletter for 2017. The first few months of this year have been very interesting and it is pleasing to see designs developing quickly on some of our ongoing major projects, such as the RAK Marriott and the Al Sahel Bahrain resorts, in particular - both of which are looking more and more inspiring by the day. The Crescent Development, Baku is also nearing full design completion, with many of the major design packages for this iconic structure already issued and work on site progressing at a pace. Our teams are also currently involved in live projects across the UAE as well as Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran and Pakistan. Whenever I think about out projects, my first thoughts are of the outstanding work DSA produces and of the exciting opportunities our clients provide to us right across the Middle East. I believe that we have developed an enviable international client list and our experience and skills in project management and delivery facilitates our sustained growth and improvement. 2
DSA DIGEST | ISSUE 7 | Q1 2017
This is only possible with the right team. There can be no doubt that DSA Architects International is a world class team and, whilst our sector remains fiercely competitive and the future, as always, is difficult to predict, we can see a multitude of opportunities lying ahead for us throughout the region - not least in the UAE with the increasing investment ahead of the 2020 Expo in Dubai. Equally important within our culture is the collective desire to give something back to society and to the industry that sustains us and there are excellent examples in this edition of such outstanding work. Our clear focus on safety at the Saraya Bandar Jissah Oman site has also been recognised and it is extremely pleasing whenever our valued clients feel moved to publicly congratulate us. I look forward to us continuing to move forward through 2017 with an excitement and confidence that DSA will continue to grow and further cement our position as a major, global player in the field of architectural design and delivery.
Best wishes, Steve Kelshaw, MD Middle East
VINOJ VELAPPAN Associate
PETER ACKERMAN Design Manager
Congratulations on 10 years service goes to: PETER DAVISON Director MAHER FLEIFEL Associate BABU RAMANANDA KALAGAMPUDI Document and RFP Coordinator JOANNE MARAVILLAS Document Controller
One to One with ... Tamara Guzina Senior Architect – DSA Architects International (Belgrade Office) When talking with Tamara about her life, work and personal goals you quickly realise that she was always going to be successful in her chosen field. The daughter of professional parents, mum an economist and dad a broadcast journalist, from an early age in Belgrade, Serbia, Tamara displayed a passion for painting, but knew that this was not the solid career path she aspired to and architectural design proved to be her calling. In five years (2003 – 2008) study at Belgrade University, Tamara gained both her BA in Architecture and Masters in Architectural Technologies adding a further post graduate qualification in 2014 as an Energy Efficient and Green Architect. Impressively, Tamara is also a licensed architectural designer & engineer and a 3D Max software designer. Tamara’s work experience began as a trainee architect at Alan Patterson Design in Belfast, Ireland and her CV and project portfolio since then has been nothing short of impressive. Still only 32 and already a Senior Architect, Tamara is certainly a high achiever. There is only one person younger than her in the Belgrade office. She cares little for that statistic however, pointing to both her extensive qualifications and work experience.
“ If you’re good enough you’re old enough.” In terms of memorable projects, Tamara cites the US Embassy Compound in Belgrade where, over nearly two years, she gained invaluable experience in design coordination and latterly, quality controller of the development. Since joining DSA Architects International in October 2014, Tamara has worked as Team Leader on Gilan Towers, Baku which completed in early 2016 and she is currently Team Leader with responsibility for the Crescent Tower, Baku. The International footprint of DSA Architects is a major plus factor for Tamara, with the potential that offers for career advancement both in Belgrade and further afield. The Belgrade office is certainly successful having grown from a team of five to seventeen in just 30 months.
As a team player, Tamara values highly the camaraderie and support within the Belgrade team and equally, the professionalism of DSA Architects globally, not to mention the interesting projects that a leading International firm wins.
Prior to DSA Architects, Tamara was instrumental in the formation of a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) ‘Young Construction Professionals (YCP). The aim of the NGO was to provide young Serbian people with limited opportunities, to pursue a career in construction. Although her DSA career and projects limit her involvement these days, the YCP continues to flourish and in the spirit of DSA Architects International’s own philosophy, it provides valuable help and experience back directly into the grass roots of the Serbian architectural and construction industry. So how does such a busy professional relax? Early morning swimming before work, a ‘Tae Bo’ workout (GOOGLE it!) or an occasional skiing trip. A favourite meal of Grilled Octopus is closely followed by pasta or the traditional Serbian ‘Cevapi’ and white wine and chocolate would always be close to hand. Tamara’s goals in life are to be happy, to grow as a professional with a wide range of interests and knowledge of her chosen field and ultimately to be fulfilled. We wish her every future success.
www.dsa-arch.com
3
#PROJECTUPDATE RAK MARRIOTT RESORT, RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE ‘The design of the prestigious RAK Marriott Resort is progressing quickly, with the project moving into detailed design stage. Situated close to the existing Hilton Resort on the north side of Ras Al Khaimah city, the development 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, the luxury facilities will include two specialty restaurants, conferencing and banqueting areas, a 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.
DSA Donation The Rashid Centre for Disabled aims to provide high quality, integrated education services and therapies for children with special needs. The centre’s purpose is to develop children’s abilities to function and learn within their environments and to develop maximum independence and participation in these environments. DSA is proud to be involved in a small way to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs. DSA Architects International would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Rashid Centre for Disabled and all their staff for making a difference in the lives of children with special needs!
4
DSA DIGEST | ISSUE 7 | Q1 2017
DSA Architects Safety Achievement Award
DSA Architects Goes Back To School Conrad Burger, (Associate - DSA Architects), reports on his recent visit to Manipal University. “Following Manipal University’s student visit to the Nikki Beach site, they asked if I would be interested in acting as a guest lecturer at their facility to provide some real time advice and feedback to the students from an industry perspective. DSA confirmed our interest in such lectures, for we saw it as giving back to the community and helping to raise & promote “home grown talent” in the region. We also thought it a good opportunity to enhance our visibility in the region as part of our UAE Green Building initiative and educational platforms. DSA also had an intern from Manipal University doing an internship with us at the Dubai head office. We were subsequently invited to attend the final year, B-Arch student appraisal sessions, where each student presented their work to a panel of industry professionals. We started early in the morning with the first students coming in at around 8 AM and it continued well into the afternoon. As part of their final year assessments, the students spent 6 months with an Architectural or Engineering practice and assisted in various day to day activities required to deliver various projects. Certain students were lucky enough to work on multi-purpose designs where others were assigned to preparing the material boards, or assisting in CAD detailing and associated procedures.
All activities were considered equally important by us as guest lecturers and the students were judged on how well they performed these individual tasks and recorded their progress. Each student’s report consisted of an overall training report which included information and drawings on their overall practical training and elements worked on. A further detailed, weekly log book was also prepared and presented which showed what the students were working on during their training and also a chronological time keeping record. A third portion included a Viva report which held details and drawings for the different projects worked on during specific periods. Each student was scored based on the above general reviews. On a more informal platform, we assessed each student on how well they personally fit into their various work places, which challenges they faced and how did they overcome them. General feedback was also gathered on how well the students adapted to the difference in environmental conditions from the classroom to an actual working practice. The students reacted very well to the interaction from an external industry professional, with some showing great potential and asking very insightful questions. We also queried how the students are going to implement what they have learnt from this into their future employment protocols. In thanking Conrad and DSA Architects, Ashok Iyer, Chairperson, School of Design & Architecture commented,
“Your interaction with the students has been extremely fruitful from the perspective of synergizing our educational pedagogy of architectural education with the industry. We appreciate your valuable time for giving the feedback to the students. We look forward to inviting you to interact with students in the future and to be associated with DSA Architects for the academia-industry interface.”
Conrad Burger, Associate, DSA Architects International www.dsa-arch.com
5
Reflection of Excellence Old Town Project, Downtown, Dubai This iconic development is globally recognizable and reflects perfectly the imagination and vison of Dubai’s leadership in creating a modern, vibrant city that holds true to its heritage. The Old Town project delivered a uniquely pedestrian-friendly residential neighbourhood that integrates inspirational Arabian architecture in a modern setting. Just as the Burj Kahlifa stands proud as the focal point of the entire Downtown district, the Old Town project stands proudly within DSA Architect’s portfolio of International flagship designs. The Old Town ‘Commercial Island’ and Old Town Residential developments represent a combined investment of AED 4.24 Billion, thus underlining the wider strategic importance of the area. Featuring 1,549 residential apartments, a 5 Star Hotel, retail, commercial and traditional souk, the Old Town project provided the perfect canvass for award winning design and as lead architect and site supervisor, DSA Architects brought to life a sustainable masterpiece in the very heart of the city.
6
DSA DIGEST | ISSUE 7 | Q1 2017
Green DNA of DSA Green Building is the practice of creating a built environment that is resource efficient in terms of energy, water, and materials whilst reducing building-related impacts on human health and the environment throughout the building’s lifecycle, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, change of use and deconstruction.
Standard Chartered Marathon 2017
Dubai Municipality’s recently introduced Al Safat, a green building rating system for new buildings in Dubai, is set to improve corporate sustainability whilst reducing energy consumption, emissions and waste during both construction and occupation of buildings throughout the Emirate. ‘Safat’ translated from Arabic means date palm fronds and refers to the traditional Arabic system of using the palm fronds as a roofing material to keep the interior cool. It is seen as a symbol of construction and also represents the local environment because all parts of the palm tree were utilised for various purposes. The Safat rating system is split into four classifications: platinum, gold, silver and bronze, and every building must adhere to the requirements of the bronze category as a minimum, with higher ratings being optional for all upcoming buildings, as well as those built since the original implementation of the green building code in Dubai in March 2014.
Al Safat’s Reduction Goals • 20% in electricity consumption • 15% in water consumption • 20% carbon dioxide emissions • 50% waste reduction Since 2010, 1,433 green building projects have been completed across Dubai while the municipality has registered over 120 million square feet of real estate since the application of the green building code became compulsory. As a registered member of the Emirates Green Building Council for a number of years, DSA Architects are already working directly with the body on a number of further sustainability initiatives on top of the high priority we already give to green building design on all our projects. The implementation of Al Safat is seen as yet another positive step towards the implementation of the government’s vision of a health-friendly and sustainable development policy, which focuses on a greener tomorrow and the safeguarding of future generations.
The team of very fit DSA Dubai staff participated in the 2017 Dubai Standard Chartered Marathon events on 20th of January. The 4km marathon and 10km started and finished at Umm Suqeim Road opposite the DSA designed Madinat Jumeirah and in the shadow of the iconic Burj Al Arab. Everybody performed superbly in completing their individual races and a special mention for Adam Philips who recorded the quickest time amongst the DSA Architects runners in the 10km event, with an impressive time of 54 minutes and 2 seconds.
www.dsa-arch.com
7
Dubai Property In Focus 2016 Dubai’s Real Estate market is one of the most advanced and well regulated markets in the Gulf region and is by far the most attractive to investors.
2017 will be a year of transition for the sales market in Dubai and we expect prices to remain flat for the majority of developments, whilst projects with unique selling points are likely to benefit from increased take-up and hence a marginal rise in rates. Tenants will be offered a significant choice of completed properties in 2017 and beyond in both established communities and in newly built areas. Units will be available at all value levels.
Medium to Long Term Outlook Asteco expects the Dubai property market to reach a certain level of maturity leading up to the Expo 2020 and the completion of Al Maktoum International Airport, both of which will create large employment opportunities and increase the requirements for commercial, industrial and residential Real Estate significantly.
Sales Prices
(AED/sqft)
Short Term Outlook - 2017
JOHN ALLEN BSC MRICS Director – Valuation & Advisory, Asteco Property Management
1,600
2%
1,400
1%
1,200
0%
1,000
-1%
800
-2%
600
-3%
400
-4%
200
-5%
0
-6% Apartment
Villa
Q4 2015
1,212
1,222
1,414
Q3 2016
1,170
1,193
1,321
Q4 2016
1,180
1,203
1,131
Q-o-Q
1%
1%
-2%
Y-o-Y
0%
-2%
-5%
Office
Rental Rates Residential: AED 000s / Yr. Office: AED / Yr.
The market saw a significant number of handovers and new project launches in 2016, which resulted in the softening of rates across all sectors. Although transaction levels dropped slightly compared with the previous year, healthy demand was recorded for both the rental and sales markets. Activity in the sales market gained momentum particularly towards the end of the year as developers continued to offer relaxed payment plans, reduced down payments and a wider choice of post-completion plans. However, rental rates continued to come under pressure as the delivery of additional units increased availability and choice for tenants.
350
0%
300
-1%
250
-2%
200
-3%
150
-4%
100
-5%
50
-6%
0
-7% Apartment
Villa
Office
Studio
1 BR
2 BR
3 BR
2 BR
3 BR
4 BR
5 BR
ft2
Q4 2015
67
90
127
172
128
206
244
292
143
Q3 2016
65
89
123
168
130
202
236
285
139
Q4 2016
62
85
118
162
121
195
231
274
138
Q-o-Q
-5%
-4%
-4%
-4%
-7%
-3%
-2%
-4%
-1%
Y-o-Y
-7%
-6%
-7%
-6%
-5%
-5%
-5%
-6%
-3%
DSA Architects International (Middle East) address: Office 204, Convention Tower, Zabeel, Dubai, UAE tel: +971 4 329 2288 fax: +971 4 329 2289 mail: dsa.dubai@dsa-arch.com web: www.dsa-arch.com @DSAarchitects
DSA ARCHITECTS
INTERNATIONAL