An ITP Business Publication MARCH 2012 / VOLUME 6 / ISSUE 03

NEWS, DATA, ANALYSIS AND STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FOR ARCHITECTS IN THE GCC

ANALYSIS
Should GCC firms
springboard to
the wider region?

INTERVIEW
The man behind
the UAE’s oldest,
largest practice

LEARNING CURVE Inside Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi’s pioneering

leaning tower by RMJM for ADNEC
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 MARCH | CONTENTS

MARCH 2012 VOLUME 6 ISSUE 03

2
FRONT
Top stories in the world of
architecture including the
world’s tallest tower in Baku 6
PROJECT
12 A round up of the latest
project news from MENA
and the rest of the world
THE BIG PICTURE
With new high-rises
springing up, Doha’s skyline
is always changing 14
ANALYSIS
Should GCC fi rms target

20 opportunities in the wider

Middle East?
OPINION
Hisham Youssef says the

22
reliance on foreign experts
will remain at an all time high

FEATURE
Can modular design save

34 time and money, while

still allowing freedom for
COVER STORY designers?
MEA discovers the mind-
boggling spaces inside
Capital Gate
46
CASE STUDIES
Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Towers,

58 an Islamic foundation in
Dubai and Foster + Partners’
THE WORK latest scheme
A detailed reference section
covering the projects MEA
has looked at in recent
62
CULTURE
64 Cool products, clever ideas,
and some of the latest gadgets
in the design world
LAST WORD
Tom Bower, Middle East MD
for WSP, on Saudi, BIM and
future opportunities

www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 1

FRONT | MARCH

12,500
Number of glass
panes on Abu
Dhabi’s Capital
Gate (p34)

BAKU REVEALS WORLD’S

TALLEST TOWER DESIGNS
Kilometre-high Azerbaijan Tower could trump both Burj Khalifa and Kingdom Tower

A developer in Azerbaijan has
unveiled plans to build the world’s
tallest building, eclipsing Dubai’s
828m-tall Burj Khalifa by a full 27%.
Property company Avesta said its
185-storey 1,050m superscraper,
tentatively named the Azerbaijan
Tower, would form part of a chain of
41 artificial islands in the Caspian
Sea, with construction scheduled to
start in late 2013.
The tower would also surpass
the Kingdom Tower, the 1,000m+
building set to begin construction in
185
TOTAL NUMBER OF
STOREYS Jeddah in the first quarter of
this year.Last month, Jeddah
Mayoralty gave the official go-
The ahead for the tower.
tower will be The superscraper will house a
part of a chain of business centre at the heart of the
artificial islands. Khazar Islands project, to be located
15 miles south of the Azerbaijan
capital Baku.
According to one online report,
an official application for the Azeri
project had yet to be made to the State
Committee for Construction and
Architecture.
The committee’s deputy chair-
man Dovlatkhan Dovlatkhanov, told
financial newswire Fineko, “As far
as we know, the investor has already
hired an architect, who has designed
the initial sketch of the project.”
Dovlatkhanov remarked that the
building is “technically feasible” and
that “more detailed information will
be provided after the fully developed
project has been reviewed by special-
ists of the State Committee and the
Ministry for Emergency Situations’s
evaluation committee.”

2 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com


US$1BN
Total value of
Etihad Towers
(p46)
Broadwayy Malyan braced
for Abu Dhabi redundancies
The Abu Dhabi office of Broadway
Malyan is considering making up
to six redundancies, following the
completion of several of its major
projects in the region.
A ‘review’ of the Abu Dhabi
operations is taking place, despite
The firm designed schools for ADEC.
Siemens’ Masdar HQ wins
Future Office Award
Siemens’ Middle East Headquarters
at Masdar City, designed by Sheppard
Robson, won the MIPIM Architec-
tural Review Future Office Award.
Currently under construction, with
completed due at the end of 2012,
the building is pitching for LEED
Platinum status.
Commenting on Siemens’ project,
the judges said: “This is a thorough
investigation of the design of large
floorplate space in an extreme cli-
mate, with a well explained proposi-
tion emerging.
“The ambition for a LEED
Platinum rating means the project
will be followed by many designers
MARCH | FRONT
6,000
Schools
needed in
Saudi Arabia
(p22)
DESIGNMENA.COM
• 25 essential iPad apps for interior design
students
• In Pictures: Islamic foundation HQ in Dubai
the recent approval of the practice’s • Summertown completes phase 2 fit-out for
masterplan for a new 680 hectare Siemens in Jebel Ali
waterfront community on Yas Island .
• Philippe Starck’s design firm Yoo signs
Ian Apsley, director of Broadway
Manila deal
Malyan, said: “We are currently
• Broadway Malyan braced for Abu Dhabi
consulting with six members of per-
redundancies
manent staff over possible redundan-
cies as part of a review of our Abu
Dhabi-based operations.” WEIRD PROJECT OF THE MONTH
Apsley revealed that the Abu Dhabi
team expanded by 50% over the last A 33-storey waterfront
18 months and has now completed complex in Guang-
projects such as Al Bandar, as well as zhou, inspired by a
concept masterplans for Yas Island ‘lucky’ golden coin,
and the 10×10’ project in Iraq and has received criticism
seven schools for the Abu Dhabi in the Chinese and
Education Council (ADEC). international media.
Once completed later
this year, the brash
building will be used
as a warehouse, public
information space and
research centre.
DATASTREAM
FOSTER + PARTNERS - ORDER BOOK
Sheppard Robson picks up gong. 26% 26%
ELSEWHERE
CHINA AND ASIA
and clients with great interest,” the
jury added. Now in its tenth year, the 8% 24%
UK
MIPIM Architectural Review Future 16% NORTH AMERICA
MIDDLE EAST
Project Awards celebrate innovative
thinking for projects in the pipeline.
The awards take place during the
MIPIM commercial property market
in Cannes each March.
www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 3
FRONT | MARCH

PEOPLE
Hadid will work in the city of her birth.
Hadid to design Iraq
central bank HQ
Star architect Zaha Hadid signed an
agreement to design the headquarters for
the Central Bank of Iraq, at a ceremony in
London, UK.
Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) will
immediately begin the design process to
develop a symbol for Iraq, on the shores of
the Tigris River in Baghdad.
ZHA will lead the construction team
which includes Adams Kara Taylor, Max
Fordham, Newtecnic, DEGW, Gross Max,
Davis Langdon, Arup, Warringtonfire,
Winton Nightingale and A2.
Hadid said: “I am deeply touched that I
have been asked to design the new head-
quarters for the Central Bank of Iraq.
“I was born in Iraq and I still feel very
close to it. I feel very privileged to be work-
ing in Iraq on a design of such national
importance,” she added.
60 SECOND INTERVIEW
IBRAHIM MOHAMMED AL
JAIDAH, MD, ARAB ENGI-
NEERING BUREAU
Abu Dhabi partner
honoured by AIA How is buisiness for AEB?
“The biggest challenge for us
Steven Nilles, partner in charge of Goettsch at AEB is being able to cope
Partners’ Abu Dhabi office has been el- with demand. There is a lot
evated to the elite College of Fellows of the of work coming in for us. I
think we get more exposed to
American Institute of Architects (AIA).
projects because we are a local
Nilles specialises in the technical design
firm, and we are also active in
of high-rise buildings and has worked on many different sectors, such as
projects throughout the UAE, Saudi Arabia, transport.”
USA, China, the Czech Republic, Germany
and Poland. How would
The fellowship programme recognises you describe
architects that have made a significant con- Doha’s archi-
tribution to the profession, with just over tecture?
2% of AIA’s 80,000 members receiving the I believe that a
new school of
top honour.
Arab archi-
Goettsch Partners has offices in Chicago,
tecture has
Shanghai and Abu Dhabi. Five other archi-
emerged that
tects from the firm received AIA fellowship is driven by sig-
in the last year. nature architects s
from around the
ery
world. Doha is very y
much a paradise for o
architects, as wellll a
as sstudents
d n
that are studying the subject.
What will Doha be like in
2022?
“I’m dreaming that, by the
time of the World Cup in
2022, Doha will be a beautiful,
state-of-the-art city in terms
of transport and sustainability.
It will have all the facilities of
a modern city. Yet, crucially, it
will also maintain its identity.”
Nilles is among the top 2% of members.

2022 will The whole environment in People think sustainability

contribute to a 10% Doha has s improved. and being cost-
growth in th
the the The city will develop conscious are notot
hos
region’s hospitality into one of the best two things you can
and tourism ssector.” orld, and
in the world, do simultaneously,
sly,
HASSAN AL what we are doing
THAWAD
THAWADI,
but I do not think
nk
port of the
is in support they are mutuallyly
secretary
secreta
gene
general of the
ion.”
2030 Vision.” exclusive.”
Atkins Middle
dle East chief
Qat
Qatar 2022 TIM BOWER, WSP
Su
Supreme executive RICHARD
ICHARD
Middle East
C
Committee BARRETT
Managing Director

4 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

FRONT | MARCH

MENA PROJECT SNAPSHOT

1 3

1 2
LEBANON
Allies & Morrison reveals
Beirut district
UK-based Allies and Morrison has
revealed its design for District//S,
a high-end complex on the edge of
Beirut’s historic centre. It contains 22
new buildings with 109 apartments
and a network of pedestrianised pub-
lic spaces – a piazza, a sunken garden
and a series of lanes with cafes, shops
and galleries. Buildings are clad in
stone and feature large timber shut-
ters – a response to the traditional
Lebanese balconies and shutters.
ABU DHABI
Midfield terminal awaits
main contractor
The Midfield terminal complex at
Abu Dhabi International Airport is
awaiting the appointment of a con-
tractor to start construction. Ground
works have already commenced on
the project, designed by US-based
firm Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF). The
terminal was approved last month
by the emirate’s executive council. It
features large, unimpeded internal
zones for passengers with long-span
arches supporting a 50m-high roof.
3
SAUDI ARABIA
Space-age mall set for
KSA’s Al Ahsa
UK consultancy Capita Symonds has
unveiled its futuristic mall design
for Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Revealed
on World Architecture News, the
121,000m2 proposed development
will contain three levels with key
anchor stores at either end and a
‘lifestyle street’ that connects to the
existing urban fabric. The project
features a sweeping glazed roof with
traditional Arabic patterning. It is
due for completion in 2014.

6 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

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FRONT | MARCH

GLOBAL PROJECT SNAPSHOT

1 2
CHINA
Jagged library design pro-
posed for China
Hong Kong and Shanghai-based 10
Design has drawn up a striking pro-
posal for a library in Dalian, China.
With a site area of 45,400m2 and
a gross floor area of 55,400m2, the
mass is shaped by views into the site
and out towards the sea and moun-
tains. The façade of the library is a
dark grey brass that will change co-
lour over time, but will have a natural
resistance to the marine conditions
and harsh weather.
SINGAPORE
Libeskind showstopper set
for March opening
A huge waterfront residential com-
plex, designed by star architect Dan-
iel Libeskind, will open in March in
Singapore. Situated at the entrance to
historic Keppel Harbor, Reflections
at Keppel Bay is the architect’s largest
residential project and first in Asia.
The 20-acre site comprises 1,129
luxury apartments divided among six
high-rise towers and 11 low-rise villas.
No two floors are the same in shape
and size.
3
UGANDA
Plans unveiled for Africa’s
tallest tower
A 222m-tall tower has been proposed
for the Ugandan capital Kampala,
which would make it the tallest tower
in Africa. Designed by UK-based
consultancy Capita Symonds, the
60-storey tower will contain more
than 100,000m2 of office and retail
space for up to 12,500 people. A pub-
lic plaza at the entrance will create a
new centre for events. The project is
currently under review by the Ugan-
dan government.

8 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

FRONT | MARCH

GLOBAL PROJECT SNAPSHOT

1 3

1 2
TAIWAN
Calatrava to pen dramatic
university project
Acclaimed Spanish architect and
engineer Santiago Calatrava was
recently commissioned to design
a building complex for Taiwan’s
Yuan Ze University. The project will
consist of a performing arts centre, an
art and design school and a memorial
to the university’s founder. Located
at the centre of the complex, the
performing arts building is defined by
a dramatic curving roof that evokes
traditional Taiwanese architecture.
USA
Florida votes on crown-
shaped pier
LA firm Michael Maltzan Architec-
ture has won a competition to rede-
sign St Petersburg Pier in Florida.
The practice’s crown-shaped design,
The Lens, will now face the vote of the
St Petersburg City Council. If suc-
cessful it will be created in conjunc-
tion with the public over the course of
the year. The Lens was deemed to be
the most practical and cost-effective
design gained the support of the pub-
lic, with 68% in favour of the design.
3
CHINA
SOM wins Beijing mixed-
use mega scheme
US giant SOM has won an inter-
national competition to design the
Beijing Bohai Innovation City master
plan, a mixed-use urban district in
the Chinese capital. The firm’s pro-
posal envisages an environmentally-
friendly district along the high-speed
rail line. The scheme will deliver
1,760 ha of mixed-use development,
with a focus on providing a premier
headquarters in the rapidly growing
Bohai Rim region.

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FRONT | MARCH

THE BIG PICTURE

Doha skyline
Staff photographer Lester Ali has cap-
tured the constantly evolving skyline
of Doha, with its dramatic waterside
setting. A solitary figure admires the
view, which consists of Jean Nouvel’s
cucumber-shaped Burj Qatar, the
vase-like Tornado Tower and several
future landmarks concealed by con-
struction cranes and scaffolding.

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 MARCH | FRONT

www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 13

NEWS ANALYSIS | HOT MARKETS

DANGER ZONE ANALYSIS

Should GCC firms target the recovering markets in North Africa
and the wider Middle East? Oliver Ephgrave investigates

14 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 HOT MARKETS | NEWS ANALYSIS

I
n the wake of the global finan-
cial crisis, and the resulting
project slowdown in Dubai,
many big architecture firms use
their UAE offices as staging posts for
jobs elsewhere in the GCC. Yet should
these UAE offices target opportuni-
ties in the wider region, such as the
unstable but development-needy
nations of Iraq, Libya and Egypt?
Steven Miller, regional manager
of Perkins Eastman, believes this is
already the case. “I’m willing to bet
that every firm that counts, that’s
sitting in the UAE, is looking at all of
the MENA region,” he asserted at the
recent MEA roundtable discussion.
For Perkins Eastman, a specialist
in healthcare, one of the key markets
is Iraq. Miller explained: “Iraq put
out 40 design-build hospitals last
year. They gave them to about 12 Iraqi
trading companies that are licensed.
They have got the money and the
need, but the problem with the coun-
try is the management side of all of
the public ministries.”
Miller’s comments are supported
by a Q1 2012 infrastructure report
by Business Monitor Interna-
tional (BIM), which noted Iraq has
US$124bn of projects currently un-
derway or in the pipeline. It warned,
however, that cracks are showing in
the country’s business environment,
“as weak bureaucracy threatens to
undermine progress in projects.”
Yet the report underlined the
inherent strength of the Iraq market.
“A huge project pipeline supported by
infrastructure and housing projects
has resulted in our strong growth out-
look for Iraq’s construction industry.
There is even further upside to this
figure if the cabinet’s US$37bn infra-
structure programme is approved by
the country’s government,” it stated.
According to Miller, it’s impor-
tant to make alliances with Turkish
contractors in order to break into the
country. “Iraq is doesn’t have the Bin
Ladens or the El Seifs, so they are
going to the Turks. It’s a great way to
get in. Everything we do in Iraq we
do with Turkish contractors. We have
just closed the deal for a 750-bed hos-
pital in Baghdad. The Saudi guys that
are financing it understand the cost
and the business model,” he opined.
However, Phil Dalglish, director
for Buro Happold, said Iraq is viewed
with trepidation at his firm. He added:
“Iraq is very much a mystery market
for us — it’s still very much infra-
structure and huge housing develop-
ments. Some of the projects are being
developed from this area — from Abu
Dhabi developers. That’s an interest-
ing connection.”
Dalglish said this is also the case in
Libya. “The Qataris and Abu Dhabi
developers want to influence what is
going on. There are going to be devel-
opers pushing that way because there
are better opportunities.”
According to BMI’s Libya In-
frastructure Report 2012, recon-
struction of the war-torn country is
estimated to cost between US$200bn
and US$480bn over ten years. This
is creating “huge potential opportu-
nities for construction companies,
“I’m willing to bet that every firm that counts, that’s
sitting in the UAE, is looking at all of the MENA region.
Steven Miller, regional manager, Perkins Eastman
Phil Dalglish,
Buro Happold
(left); Steven
Miller, Perkins
Eastman (right).
many of whom are competing to get a
head start and curry favour with the
new Libyan leaders.”
It noted that social infrastructure
is a priority: “Reconstruction pri-
orities will include public and social
infrastructure that provide crucial
services, such as healthcare, educa-
tion, electricity and water supply. Re-
pairing transport infrastructure will
also be crucial to getting the economy
back on track.”
Nigel Craddock, design manager
for Stride Treglown, believes it will
take time before Libya offers real
opportunities. “I was living in Libya
for six months and I know that it’s got
a lot of potential. Yet this year is about
positioning yourself. I don’t think
anything meaningful is going to come
out of Libya until they start govern-
ing,” he said.
Yet Miller replied: “You’ve got to
start positioning yourself, because it’s
a very small society. If you’re not in,
you won’t get in. There’s only six mil-
lion people in the whole country.
He continued: “In Libya, we are
already getting invited. Between the

www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 15

NEWS ANALYSIS | HOT MARKETS

French and the Americans, I’ve never Commenting on Perkins Eastman’s

seen governments be so proactive in North African workload, Miller said:
getting professionals into Libya. They “We’re doing five monster projects in
are getting visas and everything. The Morocco. I am going out of my mind.
US government has already had three I’m sharing that western part of the
trade missions just to do with archi- MENA region directly with my coun-
tects. They put us into groups of spe- terpart in New York. It’s too much.”
cialism. The French were there right Dalglish questioned whether it is
after the last bomb was dropped.” better to serve North Africa from
Dalglish added that, similar to Iraq, Europe or the Middle East. “We are Nigel Craddock, Stride Treglown.
Libya is viewed with caution at Buro looking at North Africa, but we’re
Happold. “Libya is one of those mar- doing it from Europe rather than the Miller retorted: “The legitimacy is
kets where as a business we’re happy Middle East. I question whether there due to a similar culture and the lan-
to look at the opportunities, but only is legitimacy in basing yourself in the guage. But when I’m in Morocco I feel
if they pay us our million pounds first. Middle East and spring-boarding to that I’m closer to France than Dubai.
“The amount of work we have to do these countries.” All our drawings have to be in Arabic
to profit on that million is substan-
tial. A lot of firms are thinking that.
There’s absolutely no transparency
there and the contracts are not worth
the paper they are written on. Unless
you are getting paid outside the coun-
try and you know where the funds are
coming from,” said Daglish.
Another consideration for western
architects in Libya is the language
barrier, according to Craddock: “The
language is critical — it was the only
place I’ve lived where I really had to
learn Arabic.”
Miller agreed the language is a
challenge for English speakers. “The
language there is tough. If you speak
to people in English, they’ll answer
you in Italian or French. There’s no
consistency other than the Arabic
language,” he added.
Aside from Libya and Iraq, Miller
points towards opportunities in Mo-
rocco and later down the line, Egypt.
For Morocco, BMI forecasted a GDP
growth of 3.9% per year from 2011-
2016, underpinned by the country’s
expenditure on infrastructure.
However, BMI’s short-term out-
look for Egypt is far less optimistic. A
November 2011 report on the country
stated: “The government is strug-
gling to meet immediate demands
and the banks are unwilling to lend to
infrastructure projects while political The reconstruction of Libya could cost US$480bn over ten years.
uncertainty persists.”

16 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 HOT MARKETS | NEWS ANALYSIS

and French. We have a translating firm in Paris. Every company has

to decide how they are going to deal with it.”
Stride Treglown’s Craddock added: “With Libya, they want to
bring in international architects and all of their knowledge - it really
doesn’t matter if they’ve come from Europe or the Middle East.”
Another reason for conducting North African business from the
GCC, according to Miller, is the presence of the movers and shakers
in the area. “If you’re here [in the GCC] you can do the business with
the guys that count — the people that write the cheque are in this
region,” he remarked.
Craddock agreed: “I know from working with Qatari Diar that
they have huge investments in Libya employing architects and con-
tracting companies from Dubai. It’s interesting the way the money is
flying around the system. You can be an architect in Dubai working
for a Qatar sovereign wealth fund on a project in Libya. That’s the
way the world works.”

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www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 17

COMMENT | EDITOR’S LETTER
PIE IN THE SKY
EDITOR’S LETTER
Baku seems to have forgotten that big can be beautiful
T
GOT A his month’s big news,
COMMENT? quite literally, was the re-
If you have any port that Baku is planning
comments to to trump the Burj Khalifa
make on this and the Kingdom Tower with the
month’s issue, 1,050m-tall Azerbaijan Tower.
please e-mail Baku is certainly on the rise, in
oliver. more ways than one. The largest city
ephgrave on the Caspian Sea is experiencing
@itp.com a resurgence in its oil economy and
has mounted a bid to host the 2020
Olympics, up against the likes of
Istanbul, Tokyo, Doha and Madrid.
In the short-term it has several
projects and events in the pipeline,
including a new airport terminal
designed by Woods Bagot and a flash
stadium, Crystal Hall, by German
fi rm gmp. This year, the arena will
Looking back through history, the buildings that have held
the world’s tallest crown have possessed something special.”
18 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com
stage the much-loved but oft-ridi-
culed Eurovision Song Contest.
It appears, from the efforts being
made on the ground, that the Azer-
baijanis are taking the Eurovision
rather seriously.
Yet Baku’s proposal for the world’s
tallest tower is far more significant
than its hosting of a dodgy singing
competition.
The brainchild of developer
Avesta, the 185-storey Azerbaijan
Tower would form part of a chain
of Dubai-style artificial islands in
the Caspian Sea, with construction
scheduled to start in late 2013.
Looking back through history,
the buildings that have held the
world’s tallest crown have possessed
The Azerbaijan Tower is
gunning to reach 1,050m.
something special, or interesting
at the very least. The Eiffel Tower
is an enduring symbol of romance,
the Empire State Building is an art
deco classic, the Petronas Towers is a
distinctive form and the Burj Khalifa
is, well, incredible in so many ways.
So what does Azerbaijan Tower
offer? One user on skyscrapercity.
com commented that it looks like a
giant lipstick. I’d say it looks more
like a humongous space shuttle with
a bad paint job.
Either way, it’s certainly not
beautiful or interesting. Instead it is
clunky and nondescript. Yes, it’s over
1km in height, but that doesn’t mean
that style and panache has to go out
the window.
The Burj Khalifa showed the
world that extreme height can be ele-
gant. The intricacy of Adrian Smith’s
tower is captivating, and this will
surely be replicated in the upcoming
1km-tall Kingdom Tower in Jeddah,
penned by the same architect.
Granted, the Baku scheme is only
a concept drawing, and the fi nal
design may look markedly different.
But we can only hope for some really
drastic revisions.
One also has to question the valid-
ity of the scheme. Is it a real project,
or a publicity stunt for the developer?
As yet, the consultants have not been
announced and it was reported that
no official application for the project
has been made to the State Commit-
tee for Construction and Architec-
ture. There’s a chance it will turn out
to be pie in the sky.
COMMENT | HISHAM YOUSSEF

FOREIGN
LEGION
OPINION
The Middle East needs international consultants

A
Hisham Youssef s with any emerg- market to establish its own industry. the region, the reliance on foreign
AIA, is project ing and developing In the GCC however, due to the experts will remain at an all time
director at economy, the GCC has unique demographic mix of local high, and continue for some period.
Gensler and a attracted many foreign indigenous population and foreign The majority of these foreign ex-
founding board consultants to lead and assist in the nationals, we are not likely to see the perts reside only temporarily, mostly
member of development of master planning vi- end of foreign consultants for some for the duration of a single project,
the American sions and architecture of the region. time. Indigenous populations in the and in many cases on a rotational
Institute of Traditionally, as emerging markets GCC, with the exception of Saudi basis. It is perhaps not difficult to see
Architects’ Middle developed, the dependency on Arabia, account for approximately how continuity in knowledge reten-
East Chapter. foreign expertise grew less, as the 15-20% of the total population. tion and best practices can be lost.
local knowledge base increased. The With architectural and other Perhaps, the formation of several
local professional industry matured, related educational programmes quasi-governmental professional
and quickly learned best practices still in their nascent stages, and the bodies of industry leaders and edu-
brought in by foreign consultants. graduate volume of professionals far cators, charged with leading project
This, coupled with a supply of local fewer than needed to cope with the co-ordination with the foreign firms,
graduates, allowed a once emerging staggering amount of projects across with the intent to elevate the experi-
ence and knowledge base of the local
industry, would be a way forward.
This initiative would co-ordinate
with regional agencies charged with
the development of masterplanning
visions for various countries/cities,
to ensure a cohesive local approach.
The intent is not to direct, regu-
late, or influence design. Instead, it
should absorb and build a regional
body of experience and knowledge of
best practices to establish a regional
approach for how design and execu-
tion of projects shapes the cities
where we live. This would be a much
needed resource to make up for the
Clockwise from top-left: Adrian Smith, Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Jean Nouvel deficit in graduate numbers, and
provide local access to information.
With architectural and other related With the sheer budgets proposed
for development in the region, we
educational programmes still in their nascent
will surely continue to see a great
stages, the reliance on foreign experts will influx of overseas professionals, but
remain at an all time high.” with a local initiative that stores
knowledge, the region stands a better
opportunity to shape its future.

20 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 22-25 April 2012
Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
United Arab Emirates

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FEATUR
FE
FEATURE
TUREE|M
MODULAR
ODU LA
OD LARR DESIGN
D SIGN
DESI GN

BRICK BY
A method that saves time and money while letting architects’ imagination run free?

22 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 MODULAR DESIGN | FEATURE

P
erhaps inspired by LEGO,
modular design is a con-
cept that is emerging in
the Middle East region.
In architectural terms, it refers to a
form of prefabricated building, made
up of numerous modules or sections
built in a remote facility, which is then
delivered to the final site where it is
put together.
This concept has already gained a
foothold in developed countries such
as the US and Australia, although
more so in regional areas than cities.
According to Nigel Craddock, design
manager, Stride Treglown, developed
countries tend to have established
and refined construction processes
and the required manufacturing lines
which enable modular construction
to be a viable option.
“Here in the UAE, I wouldn’t
necessarily say it’s fast catching on,
but it is definitely something which
is becoming more relevant to more ar-
chitects and projects. As contractors
and manufacturing processes here
evolve and refine their operations,
the scope and resources for offering
modular buildings as a construction
alternative will grow,” he remarks.
Miceál Sammon, founder, chair-
man and CEO, Sammon Group, says
that clients worldwide continue to
look for innovative solutions that
add more to their projects in terms
of programme and value, without
compromising on aesthetics.
“Designers and contractors have
been at the forefront in responding
to this demand, and Sammon has
been at the forefront in offering clever
and concise solutions globally. The

BRICK
concept is particularly relevant in the
delivery of educational and health-
care infrastructure. For this reason,
and given the significant demands
across the MENA region, Sammon
has already seen modular design be-
ing considered on a regular basis, for
example with Saudi Arabia’s immedi-
ate requirement of 6,000 schools.”
Devina Divecha investigates the idea behind modular design The consensus is that in the current
market, new building types are still
emerging, with an increased focus on

www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 23

FEATURE | MODULAR DESIGN

cost and sustainability. There is also

a demand for roll outs of substantial
volumes of repetitive — though not
necessarily identical — buildings at
low cost, according to Craddock, who
adds it is inevitable modular design is
being discussed more.
He warns against the confusion
between the two different concepts of
‘modular design’ and ‘prefabricated
buildings’. The latter is typically
meant to be low-cost labour accom-
modation blocks or standardised
infrastructure utility buildings.
Craddock adds modular design is
more than just a simple prefabricated
building delivered to site, or a series
of prefabricated bathroom pods or
kitchens; rather it is about the intel-
ligent interface of a set of repetitive
and well-designed parts.
“On the contrary, at Stride
Treglown we are looking at modular
Schools designed construction for a number of clients
by Sammon in the educational sector where there
Group in KSA. is demand for well-designed, flexible,

24 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

FEATURE | MODULAR DESIGN

cost effective and sustainable build-

ings,” he continues.
But with the concept of ‘building
blocks’ as it were, is the creativity
of the architect affected? A ques-
tion often asked is how inventive or
innovative architecture can be with
modular design.
The experts say it’s entirely pos-
sible and doesn’t restrict creative
thought. Craddock quotes Pablo Sammon agrees and adds modular modules, which in-turn affects the
Picasso, who had said: “I am always design is not at all restrictive. versatility and the scope for flexibility
doing that which I cannot do, in order “The skill is in how the modular and variation. “For modular design
that I may learn how to do it”, and says elements gel together to produce you really need to reduce the building
any architect who shies away from a cohesive and useful building. down to what we refer to as ‘a kit-of
modular design because they think it Architects and designers, by nature, parts’,” he adds.
is a hindrance to creativity, needs to have to be resourceful and innova- Stride Treglown has developed
A special needs spend more time understanding its tive, especially when presented with a a school model, called Elhaam,
school (top) potential to better serve clients. challenging brief.” which uses modular construction for
and Centric “Apart from missing out on com- Craddock says modularisation blocks of classrooms. It exploits the
Healthcare missions, architects are probably offers much more versatility in benefits of modular construc-
Centre by missing out on a good opportunity design than simple prefab tion through its kit-of-parts
Sammon Group to get creative and learn something buildings; this depends (the basic elements of

6,000
(below). new,” he opines. on the size of the structure, frame, walls,

SCHOOLS NEEDED
IN KSA

26 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 MODULAR DESIGN | FEATURE

windows and fi xtures) that when

combined together provide flexible
school designs when cost, time and
quality are key issues for the owners.
“Circulation, orientation, lighting,
colour and applied texture, as well as
choice of finishes, are all key elements
in success with modular design.
There is more than adequate scope
to draw on the architect’s creativity,”
adds Sammon.
While modular design affords
architects leeway with their imagina-
tion, does it have other benefits?
“Time is money!” says Sammon,
and continues: “Modular design saves
serious time in terms of programme,
cutting down on site costs, eliminat-
ing waste and having an intensity in
the pre-planning phases to ensure “In our experience, when working Additional benefits of modular
perfect co-ordination of MEP ser- with the right contractors, manufac- design include reliable quality control A school in
vices on site.” turers and suppliers, modular design because of production occurring in Ireland by
Craddock, while in agreement, cau- can, without question, save both time factory conditions; elimination of Sammon Group.
tions against the over-use of this idea: and money over traditional construc- waste over traditional construction
tion methods, but it has its place and methods, which helps in terms of
is neither applicable nor relevant in sustainability; reduced time on site,
all projects.” which can lead to a faster ROI for the
Modular design has primarily been client; cost saving relative to volume
used to ensure quality is delivered delivered; and increased flexibility.
across multiple units and to minimise Sammon adds the method also
construction time on site. Cost sav- provides programme certainty,
ings can be delivered if volumes are which is easier for an end-user to sell
appropriate. Citing Stride Treglown’s to a commercial entity who needs
own projects in this way of thought, to be trading at a certain time, or to
Craddock adds the modular element a school which needs to open at the
of the Elhaam School model helps start of an academic year.
reduce design time, provides real flex- In addition, the fact that it’s possi-
ibility and should help to lower cost. ble to practically service remote sites
He says if sufficient volume was being is also something Stride Treglown has
procured — for example through the found important.
delivery of a number of these schools Sammon has used modular designs
for a government education depart- with Irish Rapid Build Schools since
ment — the increasing cost and time 2007, a healthcare facility in New-
savings and quality control improve- bridge, and with rural schools and
ments could be realised. kindergartens in Saudi Arabia.

Circulation, orientation, lighting, colour and applied

texture, as well as choice of finishes, are all key elements in
success with modular design. There is more than adequate
scope to draw on the architect’s creativity,”
Miceál Sammon, founder, chairman and CEO, Sammon Group

www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 27

FEATURE | MODULAR DESIGN

Stride Treglown’s affordable

schools model is an example where
environmentally sensitive clients
want sustainable buildings which
are affordable, flexible, and delivered
within a tight programme.
“The fact that there are number
of clients which fit this profile, and
particularly government bodies
which require the potential for vol-
ume ‘roll-out’ and wish to capitalise
on the benefits of repetition, means
that modular design very much has a
place,” says Craddock.
He believes Elhaam presents an Construction of a school
in Ireland by Sammon
appropriate architecture for contem-
Group.
porary schooling in the region and
will deliver a flexible, cost-effective
and sustainable learning environ- the aesthetic limitations, but that’s
ment for the children. where the architect’s creativity needs
The firm is currently delivering to come in and why it’s important
several training facilities in the UAE; to establish the degree and scope of
a number are located in remote island modularity employed in the design,”
sites accessible only by boat. says Craddock.
Modular construction is It is also critical to work with the

30%
playing a significant part right contractor and to have an open
in helping to effectively line of communication, since the fact
deliver those facili- ESTIMATED REDUCTION that there is so much off-site work can
ties. It has also been IN CONSTRUCTION be quite disconcerting.
heavily involved in COSTS WITH ELHAAM Sammon thinks the main challenge
modular design and the SCHOOLS are looking at similar is in selling the concept to clients
prefabrication of building building types, i.e. and even some designers, who have a
elements in the UK for a student accommodation, traditional mind-set and are perhaps
number of years, largely in stu- but also where flexibility is afraid to veer away from the tried and
dent accommodation projects where key,” he adds. trusted methodologies.
Renderings offsite modular ‘pods’ play a huge role Challenges in using this kind of “This is fast changing thankfully,
of the Elhaam in the construction process. architecture come with the territory, as clients make programme demands
School model by “We have started to see more but can be overcome. “I think one of that cannot be met utilising tradition-
Stride Treglown. interest in the GCC from clients who the key challenges is working within al methods of build,” he concludes.

28 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 SAS INTERNATIONAL | ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

SAS International
Andrew Jackson, director, talks about the company and its metal ceiling solutions
Tell us about your company?
With over 40 years’ experience SAS
International is a manufacturer of high
performance interior fit-out products including
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What are your best selling products?

SAS International’s perforated metal ceiling
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What sets them apart from competitors’

products?
SAS International’s metal ceiling solutions have
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What projects have they been used on?
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www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 29

INTERVIEW | AHMET SAFFARINI

30 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com


HOME GROWN
Oliver Ephgrave meets the CEO of the UAE’s largest local practice, Eng Adnan Saffarini
A
lthough its name may
not be known to many
western architects, Eng
Adnan Saffarini (EAS),
is one of the largest and oldest archi-
tecture companies in the GCC.
With 550 members of staff, includ-
ing 150 architects, it came third on
our recent architecture Power List,
behind KEO and Atkins. There’s
a good reason for this army of em-
ployees — the company has designed
a staggering amount of buildings,
particularly in Dubai.
Sitting in his office in the com-
pany’s Deira practice, CEO Ahmet
Saffarini reels off a lengthy list of
projects that are either completed or
under construction — many of them
recognisable landmarks.
“We did the Princess Tower and
the Elite Tower in Dubai Marina,
Armada Tower in Jumeirah Lake
Towers, Al Yakub Tower — the clock
tower on Sheikh Zayed Road,” he
says, barely pausing for breath.
When asked how many schemes
the company has completed, he re-
plies: “We don’t count our projects.”
Saffarini explains the background
of the company: “It was established by
my father, Adnan Saffarini, in Jordan
in 1961. Our family moved to Dubai
in 1967 and he started his own office
here. After that we expanded to all
From our point of view, the best market is Dubai and Abu
Dhabi and the emirates. We have good rules and regulations
and the infrastructure is almost complete.”
THE INTERVIEW
the other emirates and we now have
seven offices.”
The company has branched into
other countries in the GCC and be-
yond. “The company is getting bigger
day by day. We have offices in Jordan,
Qatar; we’ll soon have one in Saudi
Arabia, and we also have one in Kenya
and Tajikistan. We approach the out-
side market, not only the local.”
He elaborates on his role at the
practice. “I’m an architect myself
and the CEO of the company. I have
brothers and they are civil engineers,
so I take charge of the architecture
side and the development of the
company. We have many different
fields in the company — architects,
civil engineers, MEP, computer,
supervision, surveying. We have all
the specialisms.”
High rise design is perhaps the
company’s most renowned build-
ing specialism. “We designed the
tallest residential tower in the world
— Princess Tower in Dubai Marina.
It’s very slender in proportion to the
height, which is 414m. We designed
it as a tube building — there were no
columns in the middle, just an outside
and inside shell.
“This meant that the developer
[Tameer] was able to change the size
of the apartments during construc-
tion, according to market demand.”
www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
AHMET SAFFARINI | INTERVIEW
Saffarini adds that the company
has long been a specialist in high rise
buildings. “In the 90s, we did the
Number One Tower. At the time it
was the highest building on Sheikh
Zayed Road at twenty something
floors. It is still famous today.”
Other high rises in the company’s
portfolio include the 380m-tall Elite
Residence, a neighbour to Princess
Tower in Dubai Marina, as well as the
sail-like forms of the Armada Tower
complex in Jumeirah Lakes Towers
and the twin Angsana Hotel & Suites
towers on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Another longstanding area of
expertise is in the villa typology.
He continues: “We do many villas
— this was our starting point, doing
domestic work. Saffarini points at a
space-age Dubai villa, built some 30
years ago. “When we did it, people
said ‘who is going to live in a glass
house?’ This was a change in the style
of Dubai. People started looking at
glass as a material. I think this was a
good example,” he says.
“As consultants, we tried to use
new materials. First it was glass —
although it is energy restrictive, it is
very durable for the weather here.
Then we used paint, then cladding.
Number One Tower used a metallic
coating — it was the first to do so in
Dubai. It was a good exercise.”
31
INTERVIEW | AHMET SAFFARINI

Saffarini adds that it’s important

to have niche specialisms, in order
to gain an edge on competitors. “Ev-
erybody can do residential buildings,
even office buildings. In 2012 our
focus is on sustainable specialised
buildings. We are trying to compete
in the new market.”
A more recent specialism is hos-
pitals, as Saffarini explains: “We re-
cently entered the healthcare market
— we did the Saudi German hospital
in Dubai, as well as hospitals in Iraq,
Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Ajman.
We got accreditation from HAAD
[Health Authority Abu Dhabi]. This
was very limited for consultants — it
was very difficult to get.
“There is demand for hospitals. If
you don’t compete and present your-
selves as a specialised consultant then
you won’t get opportunities.”
Another new area of focus for the
company is Building Information
Modelling (BIM). Saffarini explains: the staff to use BIM as their software always have opportunities. Until now
“We had the recession and this is rather than AutoCAD. I think more we have been living off the jobs we get
the time to rearrange your house, to and more companies will use BIM.” in UAE, not from outside.”
upgrade. We started using BIM - it Refreshingly, Saffarini is positively Remarkably, the company’s huge
involves investment but in the rush beaming about the UAE market. portfolio was achieved without any
you will not be able to do it. “From our point of view, the best promotion, as the firm is “not allowed
“It is difficult to do use AutoCAD market is the Emirates. We have to do marketing”.
on complicated, signature projects. good rules and regulations — the So what is the secret to EAS’s
The second thing is that you find infrastructure is almost complete. It success? Saffarini believes it is partly
many mistakes in your drawings due is easy to do things and you can bring down to word of mouth. “Jobs come
to the lack of co-ordination - with in any expertise. I contradict anyone — everybody knows us. We offer the
BIM the coordination is automatic. that says otherwise.” complete package.”
It also helps a lot with detailing and He continues: “Even with this situ- He also states that the firm is com-
it speeds up the process. We consider ation [the recession], this is the best petitive. “If people go for us then they
it to be an advanced type of approach market. We have the best landscape, don’t have to use other consultants,
for us, especially in complicated the best airport, best taxis and an and this saves money. One of the good
buildings.” easy way of life.” things we do is trimming the con-
“Now we are using BIM for the new When asked whether the UAE still struction cost. Most of our projects
hospitals and we plan to use BIM for offers opportunities for architects, are completed without a change in the
more projects, especially specialised he replied: “For sure, new opportu- budget. This is important for clients.
ones. For our branches outside the nities are coming up in Dubai and “Secondly, you have to give the
UAE, we were thinking of training Abu Dhabi. This type of country will client a good product. You have to
remember that for the client, the
We had the recession and this is the time to rearrange building is their building. If you get
the developer’s trust, he will recom-
your house, to upgrade. We started using BIM - it involves mend you to other people. When you
investment but in the rush you will not be able to do it.” trust something you will believe in it.
It’s like having a Mercedes Benz car -
you know you can trust it.”

32 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 AHMET
ROBSAFFARINI
WATSON | INTERVIEW

PORTFOLIO: NUMBER ONE TOWER, DUBAI

Eng Adnan Saffarini Number One Tower was one of the first high-rises on Sheikh
Zayed Road, constructed in the early 90s. The project contains
furnished apartments with balconies on the solid element of the
PRINCESS TOWER, DUBAI ‘number one’ on the façade.
Officially the tallest residential tower in the world, the 107-storey
Princess Tower soars 414m over Dubai Marina. The tower was
built using a concrete tube structural system, with steel floor
beams and a metal deck topped with three-inch-thick concrete.

HISAH AL HABTOOR VILLA, DUBAI

Built in the early 1980s, this villa was the first project to
introduce glass as a major façade element in the UAE. The
material was embraced to create a solid-void effect.

www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT

www.constructionweekonline.com 33
COVER STORY | CAPITAL GATE

THINKING
DIAGONALLY
Oliver Ephgrave discovers the diagrid and the mind-boggling spaces
inside ADNEC’s Capital Gate, the leaning tower of Abu Dhabi

F
The façade or sheer audacity and
contains 12,500 notoriety, Capital Gate
panes of glass, is perhaps Abu Dhabi’s
all different in equivalent of the Burj
shape and size, Khalifa in Dubai.
Although not nearly as tall, Capital
Gate’s 18-degree lean is known
throughout the globe, courtesy
of a Guinness World Record, and
its sculpted form has made it the
landmark tower of Abu Dhabi since it
topped out in November 2009.
Yet until the recent opening of
the Hyatt hotel, the internal spaces
of the mind-boggling building have
remained a mystery. Thankfully, the
structural pyrotechnics are not just
confined to the exterior.
Upon entering the hotel’s double-
height lobby on the 18th floor, one
notices something quite remarkable:
a formidable network of criss-crossed
steelwork that dramatically sprouts
in the middle of the space.
These huge steels belong to the di-
agrid structure that makes the build-
ing stand up. The large area beyond

34 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com


— occupied by hotel guests on their
laptops — is actually cantilevered.
The diagrid system, also used on
London’s ‘gherkin’ tower and Abu
Dhabi’s Aldar Headquarters, is a steel
grid with diagonal support beams.
Capital Gate’s diagrid has 728 ele-
ments, all unique, which are stacked
and welded together. It is the world’s
first fully asymmetric diagrid. This
structural complexity is clearly evi-
dent in every room, space and detail
in the building.
“There are 12,500 panes of glass in
the facade, and not one is the same. In
addition, no floor plate is the same,”
explains Desiree Graesslin, market-
ing communications manager, Hyatt
www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
CAPITAL GATE | COVER STORY
Capital Gate Abu Dhabi. Capital Gate
was developed by Abu Dhabi Exhibi-
tions Company (ADNEC) to form
the centrepiece of the huge Capital
Centre project.
As well as the Hyatt hotel, the
tower also contains 15,000m2 of com-
mercial office space. It was designed
by Scotland-based firm RMJM.
35
COVER STORY | CAPITAL GATE

Jeff Schofield, associate at RMJM,

explains the concept behind the form.
“The tower’s curvaceous shape draws
strongly on the sea and desert — two
elements that have great resonance in
Abu Dhabi.
“The building’s form is meant to
represent a swirling spiral of sand,
while the curved canopy, known
as the ‘splash,’ which runs over the
adjoining grandstand and rises up
on one side of the building, creates a
wave-like effect given the building’s
proximity to the water and the city’s
sea-faring heritage.”
“The daring form of Capital Gate
is due not only to its lean, but also to
its funnel shape; it widens as it spirals
upwards and outwards. It leans in
such a way as to set up a tension with
the neighbouring high-rises on the
ADNEC site. In architectural terms,
Capital Gate is designed to contrast
with its surroundings in order to
distinguish itself as a landmark.”
Despite its need to contrast with
the surrounding towers, Capital
Gate’s design needed to consider the
historic National Day grandstand,
built in the 1960s. Lee Morris, design
director for ADNEC, explains: “On
the original design, the splash
formed the entire roof of
the grandstand. The

600MM grandstand is very

important - it’s the
THICKNESS OF INTERIOR UAE equivalent of
TUBES AT THE LOWER a listed building,” he
LEVELS says, peering down at
the structure.
Capital Gate “The solution we see
features a now is more of a ‘needle’. It’s a
stunning lovely structure — a very clever piece
internal atrium. of engineering as it is supporting the
splash. The needle shoots out the
other end as a cantilever and provides
a physical link with the grandstand.”
Morris adds the core was built at
an angle to accommodate the lean. As
the floors were poured, the building’s
centre of gravity moved and pulled
the core straight so the whole build-
ing moved when under construction.

36 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com


Technal adds beauty with Luméal
Bahrain-based Technal Middle East (TME),
part of the France-based international
architectural aluminium systems supplier
Technal, is promoting in the Gulf region its
Luméal series of sliders that boasts slimmer
frame profiles in an efficient system.
Launched on the international market over
the past year (2011), Luméal enhances the
aesthetics of modern buildings with its sleek
and minimalistic appearance while boosting
their thermal and acoustic performance.
The concealed-opening slider has only 68
and 77 mm of visible aluminium frames –
which means around 35 per cent less of visible
profiles – resulting in a higher glazed area and
hence better views to the exterior. This slim
design gives eight to 14 per cent more glazed
area according to the applications, resulting
in a solar factor (Sw) of 0.48. In addition, the
window is basically integrated behind the wall
and the number of visible profiles has been
reduced from four to two.
“Technal is the pioneer in developing
concepts that offer elegance, performance
and functionality,” says Hesham Kameshki,
marketing and business development manager
of TME. “Luméal is a product with a unique
new concept that aims to revolutionise the
architectural aluminium segment. It offers
a versatile solution that is cost effective and
ensures higher performances.”
The system allows new opening
configurations by combining the fixed part and
sliding part, with a very slim central meeting
stile (76 mm).
“Luméal’s concealed opening sash concept
totally moves away from the traditional sliding
pocket window to create new fixed-sliding
combinations,” he says. “It is, therefore,
possible to produce dissymmetrical one leaf
plus fixed frames, with a large section fixed
and an opening section the size of a door
without increasing the amount of visible
aluminium mass.
Additionally, Luméal can
also be used to
manufacture large
sliding applications, up
to 4.5 m in length by
2.75 m in height with
two or three rails and a
maximum weight load
of up to 250 kg per leaf.
It can accommodate a
glass thickness ranging
from 24 to 32 mm,
which is unique.”
As such, the system
Inaccessible
can be employed to multipoint lock
TECHNAL | ADVERTORIAL FEATURE
performances of Uw equalling
1.4 W/sq m K for a two-leaf
patio-door.
During winter, it offers
the benefit of a higher
glazing surface with greater
brightness, while during
summer; the best solutions
associate Luméal and
solar protections,
such as horizontal sun
breakers, in order to
reduce the solar summer
contribution and energy savings
Upright central (energy consumed by air-
meeting stile - The patio-door
conditioners). threshold allows
creative concept
“It has an air-water-wind easy access
performance of A4-E5A-
various applications: as a window or a patio- VB3, and conforms to the
door, two leaf; one leaf with one fixed panel; air permeability criteria for BBC-labelled
asymmetrical opening and fixed frames; two (a French accreditation for a low energy
leaf with one fixed panel; six-leaf three-rail; consumption building) buildings with a
four-leaf; two-leaf with two fixed-panels; and C4 class; it has a water tightness meeting
dissymmetrical opening and fixed frames. 7a class; and wind load conforming to B3
class,” Kameshki states.
Furthermore, using concealed opening
technology, the system boasts the acoustic
performance that far exceeds that of
conventional-design sliding windows. This
can be up to 37 dB (Ra, Tr) for a one-leaf,
one fixed panel patio-door or 36 dB (Ra,
Tr) for a two-leaf patio-door.
In terms of security, Luméal has a locking
mechanism that is integrated in the fixed
frame, which is unique. “In a traditional
slider, the locking mechanism is inside the
All applications are offered with sash and is visible; and it has a multi-point
concealed drainage, which is lock accessible from the outside. But in
unique. the Luméal minimal sash, the system of
Luméal’s sliding bay comes with multiple the locking mechanism is integrated in the
advantages, says Kameshki. “It is slimmer, more fixed frame that is not accessible from the
efficient, and its patio-door threshold allows exterior. This limits the risk of break-ins,”
easier access to physically-
challenged people, while
conforming to regulations
and maintaining tight
sealing.”
According to the
application, the lock
striker plate can be fitted
on the exterior only and,
where necessary, on the
interior, he says.
Luméal’s exceptional
performance is
comparable to that
of a casement frame,
according to Kameshki.
It offers thermal The Luméal exterior attraction - sleek looks with many other benefits
www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 37

RMJM’s Schofield also points to
the atrium as a key space within the
Capital Gate tower.
“Architecture is about space mak-
ing, and we made every effort to ex-
press the uniqueness of Capital Gate
in its interior spaces. For instance,
due to Capital Gate’s funnel shape,
the upper half of the tower widens to
create an atrium at the hotel guest
room floors.
“This space is perhaps the most
surprising discovery the visitor
makes inside the building.”
Schofield elaborates on the main
challenges from RMJM’s side. He
adds: “Coordinating the techni-
cal aspects of the building was the
most challenging part of developing
the leaning forms and spaces. The
structure was developed in terms of
constructability as well as stability.”
He continues: “The façades were
carefully designed to express the
organic form of the building. Because
it has an asymmetric shape, no two
rooms are the same, and this present-
ed additional coordination issues.”
www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
CAPITAL GATE | COVER STORY
Schofield reveals his personal
responsibilities on the tower: “As a
sustainable architect, I strove to in-
tegrate the double façades, the metal
splash shading, the vegetated roofs
and other sustainable aspects into the
building fabric.
“From the beginning of the project,
we integrated these interdependent
systems into Capital Gate, and the
constant challenge was to maintain
the spontaneity of the original con-
cept as we developed the architec-
tural design.”
One part of the scheme that re-
ceived a late redesign was the ground-
floor lobby, a stripped down space
dominated by a huge contemporary
chandelier by Czech supplier Lasvit.
ADNEC’s Morris remarks: “The
elliptical theme you see now was only
brought in seven months before open-
ing. The original design was stripped
back to make it much more open
and relaxed. It uses simple, quality
components. The marble floor is from
Italy.” He adds that the ceiling was
reinforced to take a load of 5.5 tonnes
from the chandelier.
Morris remarks: “There was the
concern that the late redesign of the
lobby would mean that the it wouldn’t
fit with the mood of the other spaces,
but I think that the team did a good
job. It was a challenge getting it done
in that short space of time.”
Another design change, albeit
much earlier in the process, was the
entry level of the building. When site
work commenced, it was discovered
the site contains a major utility pipe
for the whole of Abu Dhabi city.
The government subsequently
wanted the building to be six metres
away from the pipe for health and
safety reasons, so the basement had to
be pulled back and the entire building
was lifted 2.5 metres off the ground.
“It is better in some ways — it el-
evates the building and the entrance,”
adds Morris.
Yet the discovery of this utility pipe
would surely not have been welcome,
39
COVER STORY | CAPITAL GATE
BUILDING CREDITS
Owner and developer
Architect and main
consultant
Project manager
Main contractor
Steelwork subcontractor
Glass facade installation
Landscape architects
Interior designers (hotel)
Interior designers (office)
40 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com
This building could
not have been done
10 or 12 years ago. It
took a lot of skill and
commitment from the
team and the client.”
Lee Morris, design director,
ADNEC
considering the multitude of chal-
lenges already posed by a leaning and
twisting building. As Morris flicks
through a wad of plans, it’s incredible
to see how the floor plate changes so
dramatically as the building rises.
Morris also states that there were
headaches for the positioning of the
MEP riser shafts.
Despite the myriad complexities,
the building is finished to a very high
standard, with simplicity ahead of
exuberance. The steelwork is barely
touched, with a simple matte finish
to retain its raw, muscular appeal.
Another success is the Hyatt fit-out,
designed by London-based firm
RPW. Unlike many hotels in the
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company region, the interiors are understated
(ADNEC) and elegant; the architecture is left to
do the talking.
RMJM
“It’s clearly an amazing structure
MACE Int. built using some of the world’s most
advanced construction techniques,
Al Habtoor Engineering Enterprises
but the tower’s appeal goes beyond
Eversendai being and architectural and engineer-
ing marvel,” remarks Schofield.
Waagner-Biro Morris adds: “This building could
RMJM Strata not have been done, 10 to 12 years ago.
The biggest challenge was that it had
RPW never been done before — it took a
lot of skill and commitment from the
RMJM ID
team and the client.”
 your vision, our engineering
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COVER STORY| CAPITAL GATE

CAPITAL GATE
Technical drawings supplied by ADNEC

FACADE ELEVATION
This elevation illustrates the various elements of the
scheme. The sinous leaning tower is connected to the historic
National Day grandstand by a curved canopy known as the
‘splash’. The drawing also illustrates the tower’s 18 degree
lean and the fact that the tower widens as it spirals upwards
and outwards.

42 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 CAPITAL GATE | COVER STORY

HOTEL FLOOR
This plan depicts a hotel floor
(level 20). The internal atrium
is visible to the right of the
elliptically-shaped core.

OFFICE FLOOR
Compared to the plan above,
the floor plate has shifted
dramatically to the other side of
the core. This drawing depicts
the second floor.

www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 43

PROJECT QATAR
BREAKING NEW GROUND,
BOOK YOUR SPACE TO
BE A PART OF QATAR’S
MASSIVE CONSTRUCTION
PROJECTS
 ETIHAD TOWERS | CASE STUDY

CASE STUDY | ETIHAD TOWERS

ETIHAD TOWERS Architect: Design by Innovation (DBI)
Location: Abu Dhabi
CASE STUDY

THE PROJECT THE CONCEPT

Completed in November 2011, Designed by Australia-based
this mixed-use project in Abu firm Design By Innovation (DBI),
Dhabi comprises five towers, plus an the form of the towers is said to be
interconnecting podium, developed inspired by the white billowing sails
by Sheikh Suroor Projects of traditional Arab dhows and the
Department (SSPD), and curved blade of the Arabic sword.
includes the Jumeirah The Jumeirah hotel recently won

US$1BN
TOTAL VALUE OF
Etihad Towers Hotel.
It contains three residen-
the World’s Leading Hotel Award
at the World Travel Awards held in
tial buildings, with 885 Doha, Qatar.
PROJECT

46/56
apartments, a commercial DBI managing director Warren
office tower, a shopping Coyle described the building: “It is a
mall, restaurants and cafés and very sculptural form, and the owner
the UAE’s largest banqueting hall. really liked that iconic style. He
The tallest tower reaches 305m and wanted a landmark and a statement,
is the city’s second tallest building. so we set out to give it to him.”

46 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.desi

www.designmena.com www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 47

CASE
STUDIES

58/60
THE WORK
THE
PROJECT UPDATE | THE WORK

THE WORK | PROJECT UPDATE

AL MIZHAR Designed by UAE based AK Design,

VVILLA Al Mizhar Villa is a contemporary
play on the traditional courtyard

WORK
Architect: AK houses of the Gulf region. The con-

7M
COST OF THE V
VILLA
ILLA
Design
Location: Dubai
straints of the long, narrow site led to
the form of two ‘living tubes’ sliding
past each other to create a central
landscaped courtyard. The northern
tube contains family-oriented func-
tions while the bedrooms are housed
PROJECT UPDATE in the southern tube.

AL HAMRA Designed
esigned by US giant SOM
SOM, Al TOZEUR Runner-up in the Hospitality &
TOWER Hamra Tower is a sculpted concrete RESORT Leisure category at the 2011 Middle
skyscraper in Kuwait, valued at East Architect Awards, this boutique
Architect: US$950m. The commercial complex Architect: GAJ 63-key resort in Tunisia comprises

412M
TOTAL HEIGHT OF
Skidmore,
Owings &
contains offices, a health club,
rooftop restaurant and a high-end
Location:
Tozeur, Tunisia
a destination spa, a banqueting and
conference centre and a cultural
Merrill shopping mall with an IMAX cinema village. Other facilities include
THE TOWER Location: complex and food court. Standing at local craft studios, retail outlets,
Kuwait City, 412m, it claims numerous height- restaurants, nightclubs as well as an
Kuwait based records such as tallest building Arabian Nights outdoor dining expe-
in Kuwait, tallest ‘sculptural’ tower rience and an outdoor amphitheatre.
and tallest stone-clad structure.

NATURAL This scheme, which opened in No-

SARAYA Designed by GAJ, Saraya Bandar HISTORY vember 2011, provides a home for the
BANDAR Jissah is a luxury resort and com- MUSEUM OF Natural History Museum of Utah,
JISSAH munity nestled within a sheltered UTAH as well as housing research facilities

3,900M2
bay where mountains meet the Gulf for undergraduates and graduates at
Architect: GAJ of Oman. Residential units and rec- Architect: the University of Utah. The building
Location: Oman reational facilities are located within AREA OF EXTERIOR Ennead was designed by Todd Schliemann of
the valleys while two luxury hotels COPPER PANELS Architects New York-based Ennead Architects.
sit adjacent to the beach. With views Location: Salt He was supported by Ennead part-
of a lagoon system, wadis and moun- Lake City, Utah, ner Don Weinreich in association
tains, the housing units are oriented USA with David Brems and John Branson
to follow the contours and minimise of Salt Lake City’s GSBS.
impact on the landscape.

AL SHAQAB One of the largest show horse

SIDRA VILLAGE This walled community on the out- EQUESTRIAN facilities in the world, this eques-
skirts of Doha will provide 1,165 flats ACADEMY trian complex covers a total area
Architect: Allies for the nursing staff of the new Sidra of 800,000m2. Centred around a
& Morrison
8,000 Architect:

1,165
hospital, as part of the Education 350m long performance arena with
Location: Doha, City development. The scheme will Leigh & Orange a double facing grandstand, it also
SPECTATOR CAPACITY
Qatar contain a small mosque, community Location: caters for the training and breed-
OF THE ARENA
NUMBER OF FLATS and leisure facilities, restaurants and Education City, ing of Arabian horses. Officially
IN THE VILLAGE cafes. Developed by Mazaya for end- Qatar completed in September 2011, it is
user Qatar Foundation, Sidra Village being continually expanded. Leigh
is integrated within the existing & Orange provided master planning,
street pattern. architectural design, interior design.

58 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 59

LIKE
CULTURE | LIKE WANT NEED

LIKE WANT NEED | CULTURE

GAME
(IMAGE IN FOLDER: © NEXT ARCHITECTS)

THE MODERN ARCHITECTURE GAME

NEXT Architects

WANT
Following the first edition launched
in Holland in 1999, this revised English
version is designed for a broad and
international group of architecture
enthusiasts. Test your knowledge of

NEED
the greatest architects, their famous
buildings and legendary quotes,
with over 1,000 questions about
architecture from the 20 th and 21 st
centuries. The board game is created
and produced by NEXT architects.

CULTURE

FURNISHINGS
OTTAWA DINING COLLECTION
Karim Rashid for BoConcept

To be released in March 2012, Karim

Rashid has designed a complete dining MATERIALS
collection with BoConcept. From cups, ALBEMARLE WALLPAPER COLLECTION
rugs and lamps to dining table, chairs Cole & Son
and sideboards, the collection pays
homage to the time he studied design Named after an infamous bohemian
in Ottawa, Canada. It’s unusual for star club opened in London in 1874, the
designer Rashid to produce an entire Albemarle wallpaper collection by
collection for a company — he typically Cole & Son evokes the glamorous and
only creates one piece of furniture at a poetic era of the 18th and 19 th centuries.
time. The Ottawa collection is said to Each of the nine designs references
reflect contemporary urban living and a cultural icon or gem of the time.
includes a table, Ottawa chair, room The pictured design, Coleridge, is APP
divider, sideboard, fingerprint rug, re-coloured in chalky ground shades 3DON ARCHITECTURE
Ottawa pendant, Ottawa table lamp, of stone, white, ochre and camel, with By 3DOn Ltd
vases, dishes and cups. highlights of china blue, leafy green
and sooty charcoal. It is available in The 3DON ARchitecture app helps
five colourways. architects, planners and building
professionals envisage their proposals
in a true context. It uses augmented
BATHROOM reality to place 3D models in position
AXOR STARCK SHOWER from GPS data supplied by the user.
Philippe Starck for Hansgrohe With different modes like ‘Preview’,
‘Walk’ and ‘On Site’, users have an
Philippe Starck’s work for Hansgrohe easy way to review projects and Google
has a new addition. The single-jet SketchUp models. Free to download,
Axor Starck manual shower provides the app currently works on iPhone

62/63
sustainable showering; thanks to the models from 3GS onwards. Users can
EcoSmart technology, the water flow is also pay £9.99 for unlimited model
limited to nine litres per minute, without uploads for a whole year.
impairing the quality of the experience.

62 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12

03
3 .12 | www.designmena.com
www.designmena.co
esignm
esig
sig
sign
ig
gnm www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 63

CULTURE

www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 45

ETIHAD TOWERS | CASE STUDY

THE PROJECT
Completed in November 2011,
this mixed-use project in Abu
Dhabi comprises five towers, plus an
interconnecting podium, developed
by Sheikh Suroor Projects
Department (SSPD), and
includes the Jumeirah

US$1BN
TOTAL VALUE OF
Etihad Towers Hotel.
It contains three residen-
tial buildings, with 885
PROJECT
apartments, a commercial
office tower, a shopping
mall, restaurants and cafés and
the UAE’s largest banqueting hall.
The tallest tower reaches 305m and
is the city’s second tallest building.

46 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 CASE STUDY | ETIHAD TOWERS
ETIHAD TOWERS Architect: Design by Innovation (DBI)
Location: Abu Dhabi
CASE STUDY

THE CONCEPT
Designed by Australia-based
fi rm Design By Innovation (DBI),
the form of the towers is said to be
inspired by the white billowing sails
of traditional Arab dhows and the
curved blade of the Arabic sword.
The Jumeirah hotel recently won
the World’s Leading Hotel Award
at the World Travel Awards held in
Doha, Qatar.
DBI managing director Warren
Coyle described the building: “It is a
very sculptural form, and the owner
really liked that iconic style. He
wanted a landmark and a statement,
so we set out to give it to him.”

www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 47

ETIHAD TOWERS | CASE STUDY

THE DETAILS
Naturally, the shape of the towers
provided several challenges.
SSPD projects director Sami Al
Khuwaiter explained: “We had to
look at everything from at least four
angles, as the curved shape of the
building meant that each floor slab
was different. Therefore the interior
fit-out had to be adjusted accord-
ingly, floor by floor.”
An observation deck,
at 300m, anticipated
for completion at the end of March
2012 will be operated by Jumeirah.
The hotel also contains a 1,800m2,
9m-height ballroom, capable
of accommodating 1,000
dinner guests.

305.3M
HEIGHT OF TALLEST
TOWER

THE SITE
Covering over 500,000m2 on Abu
Dhabi’s waterfront in the Al Ras Al
Akhdar district, the scheme is close
to the city’s attractive Corniche, the
landmark Emirates Palace hotel
and other tall buildings such as the
268m-tall Nation Towers, which are
nearing completion.
The five buildings are oriented to
capitalise on views of the Gulf and
surrounding area, including the lush
grounds of Emirates Palace. Etihad
Towers also features a 34,919m2
landscaped area with water elements
that cover a total area of 2,626m2.

48 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 29 - 31 MAY 2012
JEDDAH CENTRE FOR FORUMS AND EVENTS
KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

www.indexksa.com

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is welcoming

INDEX for the first time
The MENA region’s largest interiors and design exhibition is coming to Jeddah in May 2012! View the best
international furniture, textiles, lighting, kitchen & bathroom and outdoor design products under one roof
over 3 days.

INDEX Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2012 will be an unrivalled showcase of international design excellence
for the Kingdom’s interior designers, architects, fit out contractors, consultants and developers from the
interior design industry community who are working on the country’s most prestigious projects.
Register to visit now at www.indexksa.com

Organised by Co-organised by Endorsed by Venue

AMAF HEADQUARTERS BUILDING | CASE STUDY

AMAF
HEADQUARTER
BUILDING
Architect: Lacasa
Location: Dubai
CASE STUDY

THE PROJECT
Lacasa won fi rst prize in a compe-
tition design for the headquarters of
Islamic foundation, Awqaf & Minor-
ity Affairs Foundation (AMAF).
Accordingly the design language of
the, so far, unrealised project uses
Islamic patterns and motifs.
Functioning as an office complex,
the building has been designed to
provide flexible spaces that can be
divided freely as per the tenant’s re-
quest. The AMAF headquarters por-
tion of the offices itself was located
in a way that layouts are arranged
easily and flexibly, and with privacy
and smooth service provisions.

50 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 CASE STUDY | AMAF HEADQUARTER BUILDING
THE SITE
Having analysed the solar orienta-
tion of the building, a combination of
vertical screens and horizontal sun
visors were incorporated into the de-
sign. “This allowed for a contempo-
rary Islamic pattern to act both as a
sun screen for Western sunlight
and also to subtly symbol-
ise a spiritual veil over the

111,184M2
façades,” added principal
designer Ihab Nayal. He
added: “Addressing the BUILT UP AREA
spaciousness of the site,
a courtyard layout was
conceived in an abstract and
contemporary approach.”

www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 51

AMAF HEADQUARTERS BUILDING | CASE STUDY

THE CONCEPT
Lacasa’s design attempted to
disguise the enormous scale of the
building. “The fi rst challenge was to
break it down in scale to correlate
well to the city and human scale and
avoiding the creation of an ‘urban
monster’,” added Nayal.
He continued: “The
subtle deconstructive

62,036M
language helped to bring
2
character without losing
the overall coherence of GROSS FLOOR AREA
the design. Glass sprouts
out dynamically from the
stone masses, opening and
morphing the shells.”

THE DETAILS
Regarding the details, the ratio
between glass and solid was also
important. Nayal added: “This was
considered to create a desirable
balance between transparency for
the offices on one hand, and a more
urban permanency expressed in the
usage of natural stone.”
Another challenge was the multi-
disciplinary nature of the project
— the AMAF headquarters required
a separate entrance from the other
office spaces, a food court needed
outdoor access and also distancing
from the other programmes, and
the brief also called for a nursery,
gymnasium and auditorium.

52 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

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 JAMESON
HOUSE | CASE STUDY

HOUSE
HAMRA TOWER
JAMESON

Photography: Nigel Young

Architect: Foster + Partners

AL

Location: Vancouver, Canada

CASE STUDY

54 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

JAMESON HOUSE | CASE STUDY

THE CONCEPTS
The concept involved retaining
the façade of the B-listed Royal
Financial Building and the internal
restoration of the A-listed Ceperley
Rounsfell Building. Contrasting with
the flush façade of the offices, the
residential floors curve outwards in
four wide bays, staggered to allow
daylight to reach neighbouring build-
ings and oriented to provide uninter-
rupted views of the landscape. The
flexible plan supports a variety of
apartment types. Two-storey pent-
house apartments and landscaped
roof terraces are located at the top.

138NUMBER OF
APARTMENTS THE DETAILS
The design was developed in re-
sponse to the local climate, seasonal
sun paths, prevailing winds, humid-
ity levels, air temperatures and
precipitation rates specific to Van-
couver. Foster + Partners’ in-house
engineering group — formerly PHA
Consult — was involved from the
outset. This integrated approach to
environmental engineering and ar-
chitectural design led to innovations
such as chilled floors and a mecha-
nised valet parking system, which
reduces the number of parking levels
and associated excavation, lighting
and ventilation requirements.

56 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 Do you need another
reason to be there?

Access to $Billion of project

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Meetings with important
decision makers and
influencers
The Annual Gulf International
Regional media and public Expo for Construction
showcase for your company

Cost effective way to reach

potential new clients

Convenient meeting place for

clients from Eastern Province
of Saudi Arabia

So see you at gulfBID 2012

Organiser
24 – 26 April 2012

Hall 1
Supporting Organisations Bahrain International Exhibition
& Convention Centre

To book your stand and

for further information
Official Magazine
contact the organiser at
info@hilalce.com
Official Business Portal Supporting Journal

T: +973 1729 9123

Media Partners +973 1729 3131

www.gulfbidexhibition.com
 THE
PROJECT UPDATE | THE WORK

WORK
PROJECT UPDATE

AL HAMRA Designed by US giant SOM, Al

TOWER Hamra Tower is a sculpted concrete
skyscraper in Kuwait, valued at
Architect: US$950m. The commercial complex

412M
TOTAL HEIGHT OF
Skidmore,
Owings &
contains offices, a health club,
rooftop restaurant and a high-end
Merrill shopping mall with an IMAX cinema
THE TOWER Location: complex and food court. Standing at
Kuwait City, 412m, it claims numerous height-
Kuwait based records such as tallest building
in Kuwait, tallest ‘sculptural’ tower
and tallest stone-clad structure.

SARAYA Designed by GAJ, Saraya Bandar

BANDAR Jissah is a luxury resort and com-
JISSAH munity nestled within a sheltered
bay where mountains meet the Gulf
Architect: GAJ of Oman. Residential units and rec-
Location: Oman reational facilities are located within
the valleys while two luxury hotels
sit adjacent to the beach. With views
of a lagoon system, wadis and moun-
tains, the housing units are oriented
to follow the contours and minimise
impact on the landscape.

SIDRA VILLAGE This walled community on the out-

skirts of Doha will provide 1,165 flats
Architect: Allies for the nursing staff of the new Sidra
& Morrison

1,165
hospital, as part of the Education
Location: Doha, City development. The scheme will
Qatar contain a small mosque, community
NUMBER OF FLATS and leisure facilities, restaurants and
IN THE VILLAGE cafes. Developed by Mazaya for end-
user Qatar Foundation, Sidra Village
is integrated within the existing
street pattern.

58 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 THE WORK | PROJECT UPDATE
AL MIZHAR Designed by UAE based AK Design,
VILLA Al Mizhar Villa is a contemporary
play on the traditional courtyard
Architect: AK houses of the Gulf region. The con-

7M
COST OF THE VILLA
Design
Location: Dubai
straints of the long, narrow site led to
the form of two ‘living tubes’ sliding
past each other to create a central
landscaped courtyard. The northern
tube contains family-oriented func-
tions while the bedrooms are housed
in the southern tube.

TOZEUR Runner-up in the Hospitality &

RESORT Leisure category at the 2011 Middle
East Architect Awards, this boutique
Architect: GAJ 63-key resort in Tunisia comprises
Location: a destination spa, a banqueting and
Tozeur, Tunisia conference centre and a cultural
village. Other facilities include
local craft studios, retail outlets,
restaurants, nightclubs as well as an
Arabian Nights outdoor dining expe-
rience and an outdoor amphitheatre.

NATURAL This scheme, which opened in No-

HISTORY vember 2011, provides a home for the
MUSEUM OF Natural History Museum of Utah,
UTAH as well as housing research facilities

3,900M2
for undergraduates and graduates at
Architect: the University of Utah. The building
AREA OF EXTERIOR Ennead was designed by Todd Schliemann of
COPPER PANELS Architects New York-based Ennead Architects.
Location: Salt He was supported by Ennead part-
Lake City, Utah, ner Don Weinreich in association
USA with David Brems and John Branson
of Salt Lake City’s GSBS.

AL SHAQAB One of the largest show horse

EQUESTRIAN facilities in the world, this eques-
ACADEMY trian complex covers a total area
of 800,000m2. Centred around a

8,000 Architect:
Leigh & Orange
350m long performance arena with
a double facing grandstand, it also
SPECTATOR CAPACITY
Location: caters for the training and breed-
OF THE ARENA
Education City, ing of Arabian horses. Officially
Qatar completed in September 2011, it is
being continually expanded. Leigh
& Orange provided master planning,
architectural design, interior design.

www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 59

PROJECT UPDATE | THE WORK

THE VERTICAL The Vertical Medina is a mixed-use

MEDINA scheme in Saudi Arabia. It uses the
traditional Arab medina city form –
Architect: with its interlocking alleyways and
Skidmore, courtyards — to create a ‘vertical
Owings & network’ with residential, office and
Merrill retail components. Clad in limestone
Location: from local sources, the project is
King Abdullah slated for completion in late 2012.
Financial The top six floors has a total area of
District, Riyadh, 18,000m2 and the lower seven floors
Saudi Arabia has a total area of 21,000m2.

THE URBAN Aedas’ “boutique urban” project in

CROSSING Shanghai provides office and retail
components, as well as a gallery,
Architect: conference centre and a water
2
24,678M Aedas
Location:
promenade plaza. It is conceived to
be a landmark hub with a strong civic
TOTAL AREA OF
THE SITE
Shanghai, China presence and a vibrant mix of com-
mercial and public elements. The
Urban Crossing is also capable of
hosting multiple major events.

Currently in the design development

phase, Maysan Residences is a pair of
MAYSAN striking residential tower buildings
RESIDENCES

337
in the Al Najmat district of Reem
Island, Abu Dhabi with an expected
Architect: completion date of 2013. Designed
TOTAL NUMBER OF DWP by dwp, the project aims to achieve
APARTMENT UNITS Location: a 2 Pearl Rating with Estidama. The
Abu Dhabi roof structure contains solar energy
technology while the tower forms are
devised to minimise the exposure to
excessive heat gain.

EKO ATLANTIC This ambitious new city in Nigeria

CITY responds to coastal erosion and aims
to relieve pressure on the congested
Architect: city of Lagos, which is currently
MZ Architects inhabited by 15.5 million people.
Location: Estimates of urban use predict
Lagos, Nigeria Eko Atlantic City will be home to
a quarter of a million people when
complete. MZ Architects is the
urban planner for the new city and
will also be responsible for a number
of towers in the scheme.

60 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com

 LIKE
CULTURE | LIKE WANT NEED

WANT
NEED CULTURE

FURNISHINGS
OTTAWA DINING COLLECTION
Karim Rashid for BoConcept

To be released in March 2012, Karim

Rashid has designed a complete dining
collection with BoConcept. From cups,
rugs and lamps to dining table, chairs
and sideboards, the collection pays
homage to the time he studied design
in Ottawa, Canada. It’s unusual for star
designer Rashid to produce an entire
collection for a company — he typically
only creates one piece of furniture at a
time. The Ottawa collection is said to
reflect contemporary urban living and
includes a table, Ottawa chair, room
divider, sideboard, fi ngerprint rug,
Ottawa pendant, Ottawa table lamp,
vases, dishes and cups.

BATHROOM
AXOR STARCK SHOWER
Philippe Starck for Hansgrohe

Philippe Starck’s work for Hansgrohe

has a new addition. The single-jet
Axor Starck manual shower provides
sustainable showering; thanks to the
EcoSmart technology, the water flow is
limited to nine litres per minute, without
impairing the quality of the experience.

62 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 03.12 | www.designmena.com


(IMAGE IN FOLDER: © NEXT ARCHITECTS)
MATERIALS
ALBEMARLE WALLPAPER COLLECTION
Cole & Son
Named after an infamous bohemian
club opened in London in 1874, the
Albemarle wallpaper collection by
Cole & Son evokes the glamorous and
poetic era of the 18th and 19 th centuries.
Each of the nine designs references
a cultural icon or gem of the time.
The pictured design, Coleridge, is
re-coloured in chalky ground shades
of stone, white, ochre and camel, with
highlights of china blue, leafy green
and sooty charcoal. It is available in
five colourways.
www.designmena.com | 03.12 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
LIKE WANT NEED | CULTURE
GAME
THE MODERN ARCHITECTURE GAME
NEXT Architects
Following the fi rst edition launched
in Holland in 1999, this revised English
version is designed for a broad and
international group of architecture
enthusiasts. Test your knowledge of
the greatest architects, their famous
buildings and legendary quotes,
with over 1,000 questions about
architecture from the 20 th and 21 st
centuries. The board game is created
and produced by NEXT architects.
APP
3DON ARCHITECTURE
By 3DOn Ltd
The 3DON ARchitecture app helps
architects, planners and building
professionals envisage their proposals
in a true context. It uses augmented
reality to place 3D models in position
from GPS data supplied by the user.
With different modes like ‘Preview’,
‘Walk’ and ‘On Site’, users have an
easy way to review projects and Google
SketchUp models. Free to download,
the app currently works on iPhone
models from 3GS onwards. Users can
also pay £9.99 for unlimited model
uploads for a whole year.
63
LAST WORD | TOM BOWER

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THE LAST WORD

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