An ITP Business Publication SEPTEMBER 2013 / VOLUME 07 / ISSUE 09

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

WHY EAST
IS BEST RMJM ON
MOVING
BUSINESS
HUB TO
DUBAI

p28// FEATURE
Is palm leaf the next
sustainable building
material?

p16// HERITAGE
Preserving past
architectural
treasures COMMENT
THE RISE AND RISE
EVENTS OF DUBAI
The Middle East CASE STUDY
NELSON MANDELA
Architect Awards TRIBUTE IN
2013 /p8 SOUTH AFRICA
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 SEPTEMBER | CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2013 VOLUME 7 ISSUE 09

2
FRONT
Top stories from the people
and projects which make up the
world of architecture
4
PEOPLE
6
Key people, top quotes
and news

PROJECTS
A round up of the latest
project news from MENA
and the rest of the world
8
AWARDS
Looking forward to the
Middle East Architect
16 Awards 2013

FEATURE
The unique architectural
heritage of the Middle East in
sharp focus
22
INTERVIEW
Harry Downie and Boran

28 Agoston of RMJM on
relocating a major business
PALM PROJECT
Leaves for sustainable
building in a harsh climate

34
STIRLING
Top prize has a short list of six

40 new projects

COOL HOUSE
Sustainability in a futuristic
structure which uses local
materials
44
MANDELA TRIBUTE
Ambitious plans for building

56 on the mountain

LAST WORD
How skyscrapers are evolving
explained at an exhibition
currently in Dubai

www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 1

FRONT | SEPTEMBER
FIVE STAR ISLAND
HOTEL PLAN
Latest addition to luxury holiday resort in the UAE
TOP STORY
A new five- star luxury resort is set to
be built on Saadiyat Island, adding to
the luxury developments and leisure
facilities which have become a major
attraction to the area.
The hotel, scheduled to open on the
Saadiyat Beach District in 2015, will
have 366 rooms and luxury beach
villas, restaurants, a spa centre and
state-of-the-art gymnasium, confer-
ence facilities that can accommodate
up to 800 guests, a unique sand-bot-
tom swimming pool, gardens, water
features and various leisure centres.
2 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com
Khalaf bin Ahmad Al Otaiba,
chairman of Bin Otaiba Investment
Group, the company behind the
scheme, said: “We are pleased to be
investing on Saadiyat Island as this is
a promising destination and a great
opportunity that suits our business
module. Our promise to our custom-
ers is guaranteed excellence, luxury
and innovation and the new five-star
hotel we are developing will reflect
these high standards, especially since
it will be positioned among distinc-
tive world-class cultural, leisure,
developments on Saadiyat.
06
Shortlisted
for Stirling
Prize
(p34)
World class Bin Otaiba Investment Group –
holiday which includes a portfolio of proper-
destination ties and hotels across the UAE, such
as Hilton Sharjah, Millennium Hotel
Abu Dhabi, and Embassy Suites
Hotel in Sharjah – is currently in the
final stage of appointing developers to
work on the project.
The move is the latest in Saadiyat
Cultural District’s bid become an
internationally renowned arts hub
featuring museums designed by
Pritzker Prize-winning architects on
the island starting with the Louvre
Abu Dhabi in 2015.

95TH
Birthday tribute
to Nelson
Mandela
(p44)
Mobile hotel will meet
guests off the plane
A “mobile hotel” which will allow
airline passengers to step off an
aircraft and straight into bed is being
proposed for Qatar’s new Hamad
International Airport, which is cur-
rently under construction.
The hotel has been designed by
Sleep pods are a new feature at airports
Omrania works to unite
world operations
Leading architects Omrania & Asso-
ciates has selected information solu-
tions and software provider Deltek
Vision to take on the role of uniting its
international operations.
The building  and engineering com-
pany has been responsible for Saudi
Arabian construction designs such as
Riyadh’s CMA Tower and the Tuwaiq
Palace which hosts cultural festivals
and state receptions in the kingdom.
The new partnership will see Del-
tek, based in Hernden, Virginia, USA,
work alongside Saudi-based Omrania
which also has offices in Bahrain and
Jordan and has worked on projects in
Yemen, Lebanon, Qatar, Dubai and
SEPTEMBER | FRONT
60,000 New Saudi Arabian
stadium capacity
(p48)
DESIGNMENA.COM
This month’s top stories from the online
home of Middle East Architect
• Architects look forward to positive
UK architect Margo Tarasovich and
is aimed at people in transit through future
Doha, or those who arrive at unsocial • Dubai’s new Pizza Factory
hours. • The future of the River Thames and its
The idea is that it would move surroundings
through the airport under its own
• In Pictures: Qatar’s National
power, meeting incoming flights as
they arrive. Convention Centre
According to initial proposals • New Indian business school design
rooms will be small and contain little
more than a bed and sitting area, but
WEIRD PROJECT OF THE MONTH
eventually they could also include in-
ternet access and facilities to charge
electronic devices.
The $15.5bn Hamad International
Airport was due to open in April after
three years of delayed opening dates.
A unique pop-up inflatable room - with a view, as
the roof can be left uncovered – is on offer for an
Abu Dhabi. unusual overnight stay in the US city of Denver.
Major co-operation will be in the
fields of financial and project manage-
ment – with even mobile phone net- DATASTREAM
work access for employees working CITIES WITH CHEAPEST 5-STAR HOTEL
in the field falling under the US firm’s ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE
responsibility. (PER NIGHT) Source: World Traveller
LAS VEGAS $250
BUDAPEST $204
PRAGUE $224
BEIJING $265
BERLIN $192
Omrania responsible for top projects
www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 3
FRONT | SEPTEMBER
PEOPLE
Afghan
orphahs
helped
US architect wins
scholarship award
Work on an orphanage outside Kabul, Af-
ghanistan, has gained a prestigious schol-
arship for US architect Dijana Alickovic.
She has been awarded one of 10 Jason
Pettigrew Memorial Scholarships by the
American Institute of Architects which
recognises significant contributions to the
profession by younger people.
The Master’s degree holder from the
University of Utah is co-founder of the
COMMONstudio group – a non-profit
building design service available to com-
munity groups.
Among her other projects are working
on facilities in the USA for refugees from
troubled states such as Somalia, Eritrea,
Bhutan and Myanmar.
The award will enable Alickovic to take
professional examinations free of charge.
“I imagine that our
projects will get larger
and functionally
even more complex.
We will continue to
embrace technology
and continue to push
the boundaries of
integrated design.”
YAHYA JAN, Vice President
and Design Director, Norr
Group Consultants
4 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com
Oneness shows faith
and sacred beauty
Ceramic artist Shahida Ahmed, from the
UK, has been exhibiting her work in Doha
with an installation piece called “Oneness”,
based on the 99 names of God.
She has worked on designs for British
royal Prince Charles and the country’s
prime minister David Cameron and  com-
missioned to create statement pieces all
over the world, for hospitals, hotels and
landmark buildings.
Her work is on display in the VIP Lounge,
Dubai, the presidential house in Islamabad, 
the Oklahoma Mosque, USA and British
High Commission, Islamabad.
Ahmed, born in the northern English
town of Nelson, said: “My culture, faith and
growing up in the west made me question a
lot of things.”
She says her period of study in Cordoba
and the Alhambra in Granada, Spain: “in-
spired me to look at inter-faith dialogue and
art as a universal language”.
“My design ethos
has been greatly
influenced by
buildings that grow
naturally from the
surrounding
environment.”
TAREQ ABU-
SUKHEILA,
Principal and
Managing
Director, Gensler
Honour for Bahrain
embassy designer
A British architect, artist and designer
– who created the interiors for Bahrain’s
embassy in Kuwait – has been honoured for
her “significant contribution to the arts”.
Susan Brown from Huddersfield, York-
shire, received an honorary Doctorate of
Arts from Leeds Metropolitan University.
She graduated from its forerunner,
Leeds Polytechnic, with a degree in Three
Dimensional Design/ Interior Architec-
ture in 1979.
Brown said: “This came out of the blue,
it was totally unexpected and absolutely
magic. To be awarded an honorary doctor-
ate is absolutely wonderful.”
Her first architectural commission
was for a diamond merchant in Leeds and
she is also a renowned artist with paint-
ings now selling for thousands of dollars
around the world.
Later this year, her work will be shown at
fairs in New York, Seattle and Singapore.
“The value of energy
efficiency is not always
reflected in the capital
expenditure, architects
and end-users are
increasingly conscious
of the tangible benefits
over the long run.”
GEORGE BOU MITRI,
General Manager for GE
Lighting, Middle East,
Africa and Turkey
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FRONT | SEPTEMBER
MENA PROJECT SNAPSHOT
1 2
SAUDI ARABIA
Large scale investment
in healthcare starts with
new medical city
The King Khalid Medical City in
Dammam, Saudi Arabia, is the larg-
est of five such large-scale projects
planned for the kingdom.
Jointly run by the KKMC Mega
Project Management Office,
AECOM and Vanir Construction
Management Inc it will feature a
1,500 bed hospital at its heart and
there are also plans for a hospice
which will offer top-quality care.
6 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com
2 3
DUBAI
New community centre
at International City by
Nakheel
Dubai developer Nakheel is to con-
struct a new, 11,000 m2 community
centre at International City as part
of its growing portfolio of retail and
commercial projects.
The new facility, located on the
southern side of International City,
will contain a supermarket, con-
venience stores and a selection of
restaurants and cafes.. Completion
date is set for 2015.
3
SAUDI ARABIA
Indonesian government
company takes on large
hotel project
Wijaya Karya (also known as
Wika), the Indonesian government
controlled construction company,
has drawn up plans for a seven-tower
hotel complex in Makkah, Saudi
Arabia worth an estimated $1.1bn.
The proposed site will reportedly
be situated near the city’s Grand
Mosque, with each tower costing
$157m and accommodating up to
1,000 rooms.
 SEPTEMBER | FRONT

4 5

GLOBAL PROJECT SNAPSHOT

4 5
CHINA
World’s second-tallest
building reaches topping-
out stage
The topping-out ceremony for
Gensler’s Shanghai Tower, the
second tallest building in the world,
has taken place in Shanghai, China.
Measuring up to 632 metres high,
the tower has now reached its full
height and comes second to Dubai’s
Burj Khalifa which measures 828
metres. The ceremony was held at
the construction site in the Lujiazui
development zone..
PORTUGAL
Machine-like building is
new cultural centre for
city riverside
A three-storey building resembling
a factory machine, but intended as a
cultural centre, is the final addition
to development along a stretch of
land between the Limia River and
a new tree-lined public square, in
Viana do Castelo, Portugal.
Architect Eduardo Souto de
Moura created the unusual struc-
ture with its upper walls referenc-
ing a nautical theme.
6
CHINA
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
plan in memory of global
good works
The city of Wuzhong in China is
to be the setting of a massive new
mosque which will accommodate
1,000 worshippers.
It will be dedicated to the
founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed
Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in remem-
brance of his humanitarian work
across the globe.
The building will have separate
facilities for men and women .

www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 7

AWARDS | LOOK BACK

CELEBRATING
EXCELLENCE
AT THE MIDDLE EAST
ARCHITECT AWARDS 2013
Tuesday November 5 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai

L
ast year’s Middle East Architect Awards
saw a record number of entrants as
awareness of the event and the prestige
it carries grew across the region.
But the increase was also indicative of the fact
that more projects had been launched and com-
pleted in 2012 as the upturn in the economy gained
pace and sustainability.
This year things are looking even healthier with
new concepts very much in the ascendency, work
starting on pioneering projects and scemes put on
hold over the last few years. starting again.

8 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com


With enthusiasm, commitment, drive and
a will to succeed, together with a blind-
ing array of breathtaking projects in the
pipeline, this year’s awards ceremony – set
to take place on Tuesday November 5 at
Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Dubai - looks
set to be the most successful yet.
And while companies, professionals and
members of the business community look
forward to celebrating industry excellence
throughout the Middle East at the 6th
ceremony here is a look at who triumphed at
the event last year.
At a gala ceremony in The Westin, Dubai,
six experts rigorously examined the 13
categories before naming the winners.  Sheppard Robson won a brace of prizes
US-based giant Skidmore Owings and
Merrill (SOM) enjoyed a massively success-
ful night, picking up three awards.
As well as winning Large Architecture
Firm of the Year, the company also received
the number one spot for the award of
Engineer of the Year (William F Baker)
and Public Sector, Institutional & Cultural
Project of the Year (Sheikh Khalifa Medical
Centre, Abu Dhabi).
Collecting the first award, consulting
partner George Efstathiou said: “They use
us as an example and called us a legend.”
Dubai-based firm GAJ also received mul-
tiple honours, with awards for Architect of
the Year (Jason Burnside) and Hospitality
& Leisure Project of the Year (The Chedi,
Korfakkan, Sharjah).
Burnside, who triumphed amidst strong
competition, said: “Without a doubt this is
one of my career highlights.”
for the Siemens Middle East Headquarters
at Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, for the catego-
ries of Sustainable Project of the Year and
Commercial Project of the Year.
Company managing partner, Malcolm
McGowan, said after the project was
www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT
LOOK BACK| AWARDS
praised as a prime example of efficiency
and sustainability: “This is our first foray
into designing highly efficient floor plates in
another country.”
Another two awards were given to
Kuwait and Spain based AGi Architects, for
Boutique Firm of the Year and Residential
Project of the Year (S Cube Chalet, Kuwait).
Dr Nasser B Abulhasan, principle, said:
“The joy is not just mine, but shared by the
team and the client who lives in the project
and allowed us to challenge the norm.”
Other winners included Abdulla Al
Shamsi from Shape Architecture who was
announced as Young Architect of the Year.
Judges said Al Shamsi was exploring the
boundaries of architectural design.
Holley Chant from KEO was Principal of
the Year and placed first for her leadership
qualities and commitment to sustainability.
She said: “I am just completely stunned and
overwhelmed. The important thing in sus-
9
AWARDS | LOOK BACK

tainability is leading a team shoulder-

to-shoulder.”
Engineering Firm of the Year was
Buro Happold, whose regional man-
aging director Roger Nickells said:
“We have got a firm full of passionate
people who love what they do, so this
prize is very rewarding.”
Jean Nouvel’s Doha Tower was
Overall Project of the Year after the
judges described it as an integration
of Islamic architecture, bridging
modernity and tradition. NASSER
ABULHASAN
WINNERS OF THE
2012 MIDDLE EAST
ARCHITECT AWARDS:

RESIDENTIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

AGi Architects - S Cube, Kuwait City

HOSPITALITY & LEISURE PROJECT OF

THE YEAR
GAJ The Chedi Korfakkan, Sharjah

PUBLIC SECTOR, INSTITUTIONAL AND

CULTURAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR
SOM Sheikh Khalifa Medical City

COMMERCIAL PROJECT OF THE YEAR JASON

Siemens Middle East HQ, Masdar BURNSIDE
City Sheppard Robson

OVERALL PROJECT OF THE YEAR

(BUILT PROJECT)
Burj Qatar - Jean Nouvel

SUSTAINABLE PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Siemens Middle East HQ, Masdar
City - Sheppard Robson

BOUTIQUE FIRM OF THE YEAR

AGi Architects

LARGE FIRM OF THE YEAR

SOM
HOLLEY
ENGINEERING FIRM OF THE YEAR CHANT
Buro Happold

ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR

Jason Burnside, GAJ

YOUNG ARCHITECT OF THE YEAR

Abdulla Al Shamsi, Shape Archi-
tecture

ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

William F Baker - SOM

PRINCIPAL OF THE YEAR

Holley Chant – KEO

10 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

COMMENT | EDITOR’S LETTER

EXCITEMENT
IN THE AIR
EDITOR’S LETTER
What is the norm in Dubai would be iconic
in any other world city

W
GOT A ell, fi rstly I’d just ly designed, buildings are just a part It could be a hotel, a mall, a public
COMMENT? like to say hello of the whole feel-good factor which building or a mosque. It seems the
If you have any as I have just surrounds a successful company. same pride and innovation goes into
comments to taken over the Everyone I have spoken to in the anything that is part of the skyline.
make on this role of editor of this magazine. fields of design, construction, archi- And it is, of course, the talented
month’s issue, And I don’t think I could have tecture and engineering is bursting members of the profession of archi-
please e-mail done so at a better time. with ideas and the possibilities that tecture which make it so.
nick.ames I have been out and about, meet- are out there. Whether one or two person
@itp.com ing people and generally introduc- And, from a personal point of operations or multi-national com-
ing myself. view, I would defy anyone with a panies I feel everyone shares a pride
And there is one thing that has passion for buildings not to be in- and a passion.
immediately struck me. spired by my immediate surround- And that is something this maga-
It is obvious that there is a real ings in the city of Dubai. zine wants to celebrate – which
feeling of excitement in the air in At the risk of sounding wide-eyed is why the Middle East Architect
the world of architecture. about the whole thing, everywhere Awards, set for Tuesday November
It seems that designers know they you look there is an artistic treasure 5 at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, are
are in a place where the economy is of a structure. What seems to be so important.
moving, where businesses want to the norm here would be iconic in Our team of distinguished judges
invest and where plush, wonderful- almost every other city in the world. will be looking at individuals, com-
panies and projects to decide who it
is that is leading the field.
We are still looking for entries
and they can be from anyone
involved in design and construction
of new buildings. A unique project
from a small team is just as impor-
tant to us as a massive undertaking
involving hundreds.
It’s a gathering which brings to-
gether talented professionals from
across the entire spectrum – and
gives them the opportunity to share
experiences, make new contacts
and discuss the ideas and inspira-
tions which are the lifeblood of any
progressive business.
Everyone I have spoken to is bursting with ideas and the After all we are all working to-
wards the same goal – constructing
possibilities that are out there
a future in one of the most exciting
environments in the world.

12 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

COMMENT | ECONOMY

THE RISE AND

RISE OF DUBAI
OPINION
Improving conditions will still bring challenges

T
Bart Leclercq he last few months have
talks about the been like a flash-back to
immediate future the good times of 2007.
and feels there We have a few tough years
is a lot to look behind us, where the lack of invest-
forward to ment in new projects, cut throat rates
and tough competition has caused
some engineering consultants to pull
out of the region. Many professionals
had to return home or try their luck in
upcoming places like Qatar and Saudi
Arabia.
Think of all the people who stayed,
battling low unsustainable fees, poor
payments terms and constant cash
flow issues, their struggling com-
panies often operating at a loss and
relying on the support of their parent
Dubai is on the rise
But now it feels like it is spring in Dubai, opportunities
are begining to push through the remaining layers of
construction dust
companies to weather the storm,
clutching to the belief that at some
stage there had to be light at the end
of the tunnel. But when? Nobody
knew. All they knew was that they
were committed to this region.
But now it feels like it is spring in
Dubai, opportunities are beginning to
push through the remaining layers of
construction dust, offering a glimmer
of hope to the engineering industry.
Bidding efforts are starting to pay off,
and there has been a visible increase
in the number of appointments being
made. Many of these appointments
are for the exciting and ambitious
projects that are innately “Dubai” –
the Dubai Mall Expansion, Aqua-
venture and the Dubai Wheel. The
strongest activity has been within the
hospitality and retail sectors, where
the design of many luxury hotels that
Dubai is renowned for have been
kick-started. There is little doubt that
this will soon impact on other sectors
like residential, educational, medical
and infrastructure.
All this activity will be further
accelerated if Dubai is successful in
securing the 2020 World Expo. The
likelihood of this happening is signifi-
cant when you consider how strong
Dubai’s bid is.
These improving conditions will
bring some challenges for the engi-
neering industry. In supporting the
growth of Dubai we have to remain
mindful of the many lessons we have
learnt through the tough years, to pro-
tect ourselves from falling into the old
operating pitfalls of poor payments,
contractual terms and conditions and
resourcing. The prediction is that
there could be a possible shortage
of resources in various sectors, so
companies will need to watch their
employees as staff retention becomes
a hot topic again. Inflation, rent in-
creases and increased costs of school-
ing are already some of the first signs
of improving economic activity in
Dubai, we will have to be careful that
breaking point is not reached again.
But didn’t we all stay here to see
this happen? To be there when the
light at the end of the tunnel started
shining again? To ride the next wave
of exciting projects and great ambi-
tion in a city that has re discovered its
confidence? I think so- bring it on!

14 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

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FEATURE | HERITAGE

PROTECTING
UNIQUE
BUILDING
HERITAGE
M
oves are underway across the Mid-
dle East to protect and celebrate
the area’s unique architectural
heritage – from prehistoric ruins
to city centres.
Historically important sites
across the UAE are currently under
the spotlight as United Nations of-
Nick Ames looks at ways the Middle East is conserving
ficials and local archaeologists work
the architecture of the past for future generations to to preserve them for future genera-
admire and learn from tions, while plans are underway to

16 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

 HERITAGE | FEATURE

The United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organisa-
tion (UNESCO) has recognised the
value of four cultural sites in the Al
Ain area of Abu Dhabi, including
Hafeet, Hili, Bida Bint Saud and six
date palm oases, by enlisting them
in the World Heritage List.
Experts say Al Ain has a unique
archaeological status. A UNESCO
spokesperson said: “Al Ain consti-
tutes a serial property that testifies
to sedentary human occupation of
a desert region since the Neolithic
period with vestiges of many prehis-
toric cultures.”
And a total of six more UAE sites
are on its “possible” list including
Dubai Creek, Al Bidya Mosque in
Fujairah, the structures at Ed Dur Unique Islamic
in Umm Al Quwain, the build- architecture
ings and cemetery of Umm Al Nar must be
Island in Abu Dhabi, Sir Bu Nair preserved
Island in Sharjah, and the “cultural
landscape” of the central region of
Sharjah.
These historic areas are currently
protected by the authorities who
now are bidding to win international
recognition to ratify the work.
The Architectural Heritage
Department at Dubai Municipality
says a full-scale effort to obtain clas-
sification is underway and UNES-
CO’s decision for Dubai is expected
sometime in June 2014.
And it’s not just the remote past
which is being explored.

Al Ain constitutes a serial property that testifies to

sedentary human occupation of a desert region since
the Neolithic period
UNESCO

celebrate the legacy of old Doha –

but with a 21st century slant.
Meanwhile, a national campaign
is calling for Lebanon’s traditional
buildings to be preserved and Tur-
key wants to reconstruct lost and
forgotten mosques.
Across the emirates are some of
the most important examples of
lives lived before the birth of re-
corded history – vital for those who
wish to understand the very origins
of humanity’s moves from a hunter-
gatherer existence to farming and
town dwelling.
Homes, tombs, forts, temples,
irrigation systems and gardens are
all among the legacy left to the 21st
century from builders and engi-
neers of previous centuries.

www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 17

FEATURE | HERITAGE

Palm oasis Architects from Qatar and Brit-

were early ain  are set to join forces to take part
settlements in a competition aimed at looking
how best to develop the changing
landscape of Old Doha – while at the
same time preserving and building
on its traditional look.
The collaboration is part of the
Qatar UK 2013 Year of Culture and
is backed by the British Council,
Royal Institute for British Archi-
tects, the Doha Architecture Centre
and Msheireb Properties.
It will take the form of a week-
long design residency in November
where five teams consisting of
architects from both countries will
explore the best ways to bring for-
ward the old parts of the city, while
preserving the area’s heritage.
Chief focus will be on the areas of
Al Asmakh and Najada.
Organisers say the competition
will be founded on the principal
of Al Turath Al Hai, or “living
heritage”. This is the concept that
heritage is not something purely as-
sociated with the past – instead it is
something that continually evolves,
but remains rooted in the tradition-
al designs and values.
Tim Makower, the man behind
the Old Doha Prize and principal of
Makower Architects operating in
both Doha and London, explained
Natural light is kept
the thinking behind the plan.
to the perimeters.
He said:: “It is an opportunity to
raise awareness about the charac-
ter-rich fabric of the old city, which the future as well as being a deep “With this competition, we bring
could become the foundation of a root in the past.” together one of the world’s larg-
‘Qatari Renaissance’. Graham Sheffield is the director est and one of the world’s fastest
“It is also a chance to celebrate responsible for arts at the British growing design sectors, the UK and
and explore how young design talent Council. He said: “The Old Doha Qatar, while providing opportuni-
from Qatar and the UK can work Prize is exactly the kind of cultural ties for ambitious architects and
together and push the boundaries exchange we want to promote as designers in both nations.” The win-
of what it means to respond to the part of the year.” ning team will receive the Old Doha
identity of a place and explore how Aisha Ghanem al-Attiya, spokes- Prize and a grant of $20,000 to
‘heritage’ can be a springboard into person for Qatar UK 2013, added: further explore the ideas set out in
its successful design residency. This
The foundation of a 'Qatari Renaissance' could take the form of an exhibi-
tion, research project, installation,
Tim Makower
presentation or film.
Further recognition of the im-

18 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

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FEATURE | HERITAGE
The tombs at
Al Ain
portance of the value of the designs
of previous centuries has come in
the form of a nationwide campaign
which is calling for more action to
be taken to preserve the architec-
tural heritage of Lebanon.
The Beruit-based Rashya Plastic
Arts Workshop said that due to the
decline in the number of traditional
homes over the last decade, the
drive would focus on photographing
traditional architecture across the
country and holding exhibitions as
well as showing documentaries.
It is intended that every town
will have its own exhibition so
residents can learn about the
importance of their traditional
building design. “Our heritage
today is being destroyed across
the country, whether deliberately
or not, and especially our cultural
heritage, which includes many
homes,” said Marwa Alwan who is
leading the project.
The campaign, entitled Stop
– Bring Me Back, will be carried
out alongside local and municipal
authorities and the governmental
tourism and culture ministries.
It will also provide lessons about
restoration in each municipality
and work closely with architects and
design engineers.
Literature specific to each town
will be distributed following the
exhibitions and will also be pre-
sented to municipalities, in order to
Our heritage is being destroyed , whether
deliberately or not
20 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com
HISTORY
OMAN'S
ARCHITECTURAL
JOURNEY
A book of photographs linking
the past and present architecture
of Oman has just been published.
Corporate leader Moham-
mad Al Zubair is the man behind
“Oman’s Architectural Journey”
which features structures from
the remote past alongside con-
temporary designs.
The sultanate’s building heri-
tage includes forts and castles
dating from the pre-Islamic era,
oasis and mountaintop settle-
ments first inhabited in prehistory, centuries-old merchant houses
and ancient mosques.
Contemporary buildings featured include the Sultan Qaboos
Grand Mosque, the Royal Opera House Muscat and the Barr Al
Jissa Resort and Spa which is owned by the author’s corporation.
Al Zubair is a keen architectural photographer as well as being
one of the most prominent members of his country’s business
community.
“I’ve always been involved in architecture in my own way,” he
said. “Even when I was young I helped the masons build our house
in Salahah and here (Muscat).”
The idea for the book came after Al Zubair noticed older build-
ings were deteriorating over the years he had been photograph-
ing them.
“I’ve been working on it for seven years,” he said. “I wanted to
record buildings that I think will disappear in a few years.”
The book contains 800 photographs which reflect the develop-
ment of the Sultanate showing how many traditional building styles
have been maintained over centuries.
Al Zubair’s own glass house is featured in the work.
“I wanted to include the architecture of the future,” he said.
promote funding for restoration. the country’s Foreign Ministry and
The booklets will also be present- various Lebanese embassies across
ed to urban planners to encourage the world it is also aimed at both
laws to curb what restorers feel is a expatriates and tourists.
prevalence of building permits. And turning the attention to
The campaign is also intended to sacred buildings, Turkey is set to
raise awareness about architectural return to their former glory a num-
heritage preservation through tour- ber of the 150 mosques across the
ist publications and by working with country which have been lost to new
construction and building develop-
ment in recent years.
Around 130 of the sites are in Is-
tanbul, but many have been replaced
Marwa Alwan by buildings or other construction
development.
INTERVIEW | RMJM

22 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com


EAST IS BEST
SAYS TOP
COMPANY
MEA talks to long-established RMJM Architects & Planners
about its decision to make Dubai a central business hub for its
European and Middle Eastern activities
L
eading architect company
RMJM is relocating the
hub of its Middle East and
European operations to
Dubai, more than 50 years after it
was founded in Scotland.
Now, 450 design awards later, the
company says a combination of the
UAE’s positive business climate, its
reputation for stunning structures
and cosmopolitan market led to the
ground-breaking decision.
Speaking exclusively to Middle
East Architect, CEO Harry Downie
and managing principal Boran Agos-
ton explained why they feel the emir-
ates are at the centre of the world of
innovative building design.
Downie said historical factors had
played a part in the move.
He said: “Although Robert
Matthew Johnson-Marshall and
Partners (RMJM) was founded
in Scotland in 1956 by Sir Robert
Matthew and Sir Stirrat Johnson-
Marshall the company has always
had an international outlook.
“It was one of the very fi rst UK
practices to actively pursue and se-
cure workloads in North Africa, the
Middle East and Asia. Recognising
RMJM | INTERVIEW
THE INTERVIEW
that this could not be done effectively it seemed a logical progression to ex- Downie (left)
from a UK base it saw the need to pand the successful working model and Agoston -
establish company offices in the to embrace the European business relocating
regions it was operating in and this is and manage this from our Dubai hub.
what led to the establishment of the “This gives us the opportunity to
Dubai business almost 42 years ago. access the considerable skills and
“RMJM has maintained a con- experience of our UK teams and
stant presence in the UAE through- at the same time expose them to
out that time and has successfully international work which continues
weathered the inevitable market the ethos and work principles estab-
highs and lows. The Dubai office lished by the founding partners. I
has always served as the hub for our believe this is a great working model
operations in this region and this which will allow staff and skills
has allowed us to effectively pursue integration making us much more
workload throughout the MENA flexible and agile to grow the busi-
region and further afield in Turkey, ness across the geographical spread
Iraq and India. we will now manage.”
“With the market in decline in Downie said position of the UAE is
Europe and with an already well also a major plus point when it comes
established and stable base in Dubai to competing in a world market.
With the market in decline in Europe and with an already
well established and stable base in Dubai it seemed a
logical progression to expand the successful working
model to embrace the European business and manage this
from our Dubai hub.
Harry Downie, CEO, RMJM
www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 23
INTERVIEW | RMJM

RMJM has won He said: “We very much see Dubai

450 design as an international hub from which
awards in its our business can be grown.
history “It is very easy for us to effectively
communicate with our business
connections across the world and
means that we can conduct business
seven days per week 24 hours a day.
In addition to this and with the es-
tablishment of Dubai and Abu Dhabi
as major international air transport
hubs it is simple for us to travel
anywhere our business demands, or
to have our business contacts travel
to meet with us.”
From an architectural point of view, many buildings
that are a familiar part of the UAE landscape were
designed by RMJM
Boran Agoston, managing principal, RMJM
And the buildings which the com-
pany has worked on were also taken
into account as part of the decision-
making.
Agoston said: “From an architec-
tural point of view, many buildings
that are a familiar part of the UAE
landscape were designed by RMJM
and we want to continue that tradi-
tion into the future.
“In the 1980s and 90s we designed
the Camel Grandstand, Jebel Ali
Stables, the Nad Al Sheba Golf and
Race courses, the Emirates Aviation
College and many facilities at Dubai
International Airport including
hangars and the VIP terminal. In
the 2000s we designed the Gold
and Diamond park for Emaar, the
precinct buildings at DIFC, the
Dubai International Convention
Centre and the Jewels and Silverene
residential towers.
“More recently the Capital Gate

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24 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

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INTERVIEW | RMJM
Agoston (left) and ADNEC complex in Abu Dhabi
and Downie has cemented the fi rm’s reputation
(right) say their for iconic architecture.
future is in the “We also have a longstanding
UAE. tradition in master planning in the
region stemming from the 1960s when
RMJM prepared the master plan for
the administrative centre of Islamabad
(Pakistan) and the 1970s master plan
for pilgrim movements in and around
Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Our more
recent master plans, such as Aldar’s
Motor World and Al Raha Beach,
and the Palm Jebel Ali hub, continue
RMJM’s involvement in this field. “
The company looked long and
hard at the business climate in
Europe and the Middle East before
making its move – and came up with
the view that east is best.
“The UAE business climate is very
much one where things get done,”
said Downie.” The UAE government
has clear plans for what it wants to
deliver and has set about ensuring
that this happens.
“This makes it a very positive en-
vironment to use as a base for devel-
oping business. Whilst RMJM may
be at the forefront of architectural
The UAE is a very open and cosmopolitan market so
competition here is strong and going forwards.
Boran Agoston, managing principal, RMJM
26 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com
practices in seeing this as the place
to be, other business sectors such as
oil and gas, IT and media have long
since seen the UAE as an important
global and regional hub.
“The portfolio of work already
delivered from our UAE hub is con-
siderable and we see this as a strong
base from which we can continue to
grow to meet the demands and ex-
pectations of the developing markets
across our geographical spread.”
Agoston, who designed the unusu-
al and striking shape of the stations
for the Dubai Metro, emphasised the
importance of the region for archi-
tecture as a profession.
“The UAE and Middle East is a
great place for architects for two
main reasons,” he said.
“Firstly, clients are receptive to
innovative, striking architecture and
secondly there is a commitment to
driving projects through quickly
“The UAE is a very open and
cosmopolitan market so competition
here is strong and going forwards
RMJM’s ability to secure the best
project work depends on the quality
of our design thinking.
“We enjoy the intellectual chal-
lenge of unlocking the value of a
project, to make sure that our archi-
tecture is inspiring and efficient.
“We have the situation today
where although there is over supply
in the commercial sector clients
still want to build new commercial
developments because well designed
offices are always in demand.”
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COMBINING OUR ENERGY TO BUILD THE FUTURE

FEATURE | PALM BUILDINGS

PALM POTENTIAL
Ancient technology could pave the way for sustainable future -
especially in areas of the Middle East where cheap material currently
going to waste could be used for building

pioneering project is dactylifera, or the date palm, is now Agronomique (National Institute
looking to recreate best known for its sweet fruit. But for Agricultural Research) in the
the desert design as growers across the Middle East North African state of Morocco.
technology of have known for thousands of years The project is currently at the
past millennia it can also be used in construction. stage of examining the potential of
by using palm London-based architect San- the leaves as a low-carbon, renew-
tree leaves dra Piesik is spearheading the able material for building.
as building scheme backed by engineering First secretary at the UAE’s
materials. consultants Buro Happold and the London Embassy, HH Sheikh
Phoenix Institut National de la Recherche Mohammed bin Maktoum Al

28 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

 PALM BUILDINGS | FEATURE

Maktoum – known for his interest Ancient Liwa

Oasis is now
in eco-technology – recently paid
the site of
the UK science team a visit and saw pioneering
how the palm leaf structures stand scheme
up to pressure, using tests usually
reserved for steel constructions.
It was working in Dubai which
fi rst sparked the idea of resurrect-
ing the use of the naturally-avail-
able material in Piesik’s mind.
She said: “I came to Dubai in
2006 and worked on a few commer-
cial projects including towers.
“As a European, I was simply
curious to fi nd out how indigenous
people lived in a desert climate
before and how they respond ed to
such extreme weather conditions in
terms of their habitation.”
Piesik said she then explored the
potential of the palm in detail.
“Any case study to explore a new
use of palm leaves in the Middle
East – and other countries where
date palm tree grow such as North
Africa - is related to its availability,”
she said.
“Date industry forms part of an
important agricultural sector in
the Arab world with the UAE and
Morocco being among the world’s
largest producers.
“Each tree has 10 dry palm leaves

www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 29

FEATURE | PALM BUILDINGS

Architect that need to be cut annually for the

Sandra Piesik is next year harvest – so ‘arish’ is in
behind schme essence an agricultural waste that
is being produced in over 40 coun-
tries. It is a compelling statistic for
its future use.
“It is cheaper than any other
building material used for con-
struction of buildings. The
leaf may cost from AED1
to AED2 ($0.27-0.54).
This is for collection
and transportation of AED1-2 IS THE COST
the dry palm leaves for
their usage. OF A LEAF
“I see huge potential in
usage of dry palm fronds in a
what is a new, modern way.”
Piesik said she was looking into
how the historic method of build-
ing can now be integrated into the
needs and demands of the people
living in the 21st century.
She said: “The UAE’s society has
been through tremendous social
changes over the past 40 years and
a new image of palm leaf build-
ings must be aligned with a very
different society from that of four
decades ago. There is an anthropo-
logical question of social changes
- and providing a robust solution for
that connects to the climate, land
and above all the peoples’ indig-
enous culture.”
French expertise has also been
involved in the project following the
country’s acquisition of some leaves
from Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, thanks to
the sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi This facility is run by Alexander formed study group.
Tourism and Culture Authority. von Vegesack, founder of the world She explained: “I think that
From September 1 a workshop famous Vitra Design Museum –the re-contextualisation of traditional
further examining the plan’s poten- home of one of Europe’s most im- technologies with such a high pro-
tial will take place at an institute pressive collections of style designs fi le cultural organisation will help
called Domine de Boisbuchet, in and modern architecture. in revival of the subject.
south west France. Piesik will be heading the newly- “We are still inviting contribu-
tors, so people are welcome to join
us on: www.boisbuchet.com.”
The re-contextualisation of traditional technologies
Piesik feels the project would be
with such a high profile cultural organisation will help in of great benefit to people struggling
revival of the subject - Sandra Piesik architect for housing and shelter especially
in poorer regions of the Arabian
Peninsula, North Africa or India.

30 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

 058
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56058
FEATURE | PALM BUILDINGS

Work started in She said: “I think that we could

the UK before look at this subject from micro-eco-
the project was nomic level and demonstrate that
tested in the introduction of palm leaf technolo-
UAE gies can stimulate employment and
growth in struggling communities.”
Piesik also highlighted its envi-
ronmental advantages, both as a
material and because trees absorb
carbon-emission gases.

23
She said: “I learnt from
construction of a palm
leaf house in Liwa
Oasis (in the UAE) that
interiors of a house DEGREES IN JUNE
achieve around 23°C MAKES A COOL
cooling in June without BUILDING
air conditioning. Dry date
palm leaves perform around
26°C better than sand and probably
40°C better than concrete and
glass because they reflect sun.
“It is a renewable material that
has been used in the region for
building construction for over
7,000 years and is applicable to the
desert climate in particular.
“I passionately believe that
re-introduction of date palm leaf
technologies and other local mate-
rials that are indigenous to a region
would help local communities in
low-end and high-end applications.
“We could construct low-cost
housing, clinics and schools, but
we could also use this material for
eco-tourism and in the cityscape
context. I do not think that this
should be understood or pioneered
instead of other building materials, “We have dramatic socio-eco- Earth in a better way.
but in addition to. nomic problems that are related to “There are lessons to be learnt
“I think that we all understand shortages of resources globally. The from the past and the diversity of
that whatever is happening now use of date palm leaves - or other traditional palm leaf buildings
does not work for the planet and for local materials - makes a compel- created by emirati people in the
future generations. ling case for using what we have on extremes of a desert climate shows
brilliant, yet simple, technologi-
It would be nice to deliver a contemporary date palm cal innovations of their time - that
could be adapted today.
leaf building in the UAE and I hope that we will be able “It would be nice to deliver
to do it in the near future a contemporary date palm leaf
building in the UAE and I hope
Sandra Piesik architect
that we would be able to do it in the
near future.”

32 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

FEATURE | STIRLING

Sheer
grandeur is
just one of the
factors which
make a Stirling
Prize winner

SIX OF
town of Harlow, called Newhall
Be, a holiday home within the
burnt-out shell of 12th century
Astley Castle, Warwickshire,
the beautifully crafted Bishop

THE BEST
Edward King Chapel, Oxford-
shire, the dramatic Giant’s
Causeway Visitor Centre and
the sculptured but practical
University of Limerick Medical
School and its accompanying
student housing.
Nick Ames looks at the contenders for one of the world's RIBA is working in partner-
leading architectural awards - with five of the six shortlisted ship with the BBC on the 2013
designs making a first showing. awards with The Architects’

S
Journal as trade media partner.
This year, five of the six prac-
ix new A castle, a chapel, a univer- place across the UK with the tices are on the list for the first
building sity and a natural landscape winner to be announced at a time, beating-off competition
designs visitor-centre are competing glittereing awards ceremony from previous winners includ-
will be with two housing develop- on September 26. ing Sir David Chipperfield and
battling it ments for construction and The shortlist features the Zaha Hadid.
out over design's highest accolade from reinvention of the 1960s Shef- It is also the first year in the
the next the Royal Institute of British field housing block Park Hill, a prize’s 18 year history that half
few weeks for the keenly-con- Architects (RIBA). striking suburban Essex hous- of the shortlisted firms have
tested Stirling Prize. Judging is currently taking ing development in the new women at the helm - Alison

34 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

 STIRLING | FEATURE

Brooks Architects, Grafton Newhall Be, Harlow by Medieval

Architects and heneghan peng
- amother move praised by
organisers
The six architecture prac-
tices competing for this year’s
title, their odds according to
bookmakers William Hil,
together with RIBA’s descrip-
tions are:
Giant’s Causeway Visitor
Centre, Northern Ireland by
heneghan peng architects.
William Hill odds: 3/1
“Breaks the mould of the
traditional visitor-centre
that tends to hide from the
limelight or make a statement,
this highly imaginative and
sculptural piece of ‘land art’ of-
fers visitors an experience that
is physical and interactive, like
the causeway itself.”
Park Hill Phase 1, Shef-
field by Hawkins\Brown with
Studio Egret West.
William Hill odds: 9/1
“Reinvention of the 1960s
housing estate. The structure
of the buildings remained in
place whilst key features were
changed – interior layout,
windows, security and much
more.  It stands as a beacon
for imaginative regeneration,
quality mass housing and the
bold reuse of a listed building.”
castle turned
Alison Brooks Architects.
holiday home
William Hill odds: 3/1
“The radical re-thinking of
the shape and interior of the
UK house is tackled master-
fully with these 84 new homes
in suburban Essex that clearly
illustrate that good design
quality and committed devel-
opers can transform lives.”
Astley Castle, Nuneaton,
Warwickshire by Witherford
Watson Mann Architects.
William Hill odds: 6/1
“Beautiful contemporary
holiday home installed in the Innovation
can transform
ruined walls of a 12th century
living space
manor. Unique example of the
recovery of an ancient building
– it is a prototype for a bold
new attitude to restoration and
reuse.”
University of Limerick
Medical School by Grafton
Architects.
William Hill odds: 6/1
“Exceptional example of
how to create a vibrant new
public space through the Causeway
careful design and placement centre uses
of buildings. High-quality, tones and
beautiful and dramatic build- space for
interior
ings that punch far above their
rock-bottom budget.”
Bishop Edward King Cha-
pel, Ripon College, Oxford-
shire by Niall McLaughlin
Architects.
William Hill odds:  9/4

Reinvention of the 1960s housing estate. Housing

re-imagined
The structure of the buildings remained for the 21st
century
in place whilst key features were
changed – interior layout, windows,
security and much more.  It stands as
a beacon for imaginative regeneration,
quality mass housing and the bold
reuse of a listed building - the judges on
Sheffield's Park Hill

www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 35

FEATURE | STIRLING
“An uplifting spiritual
space of great potency that
the client has described as
‘what we dreamed of but
didn’t think we would get’.”
The RIBA panel em-
phasise that while the six
shortlisted buildings range
dramatically in size and
purpose, all will be judged
by the same criteria - their
design excellence and their
significance to the evolution
of architecture and the built
environment as well as look-
ing stunning.
Angela Brady, RIBA
President, said: “The RIBA
Stirling Prize is awarded to
the building that has made
the biggest contribution to
the evolution of architecture,
and nowhere is the need for
+1 262 251 6000
international@bradleycorp.com
bradleycorp.com/verge
36 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com
fresh-thinking needed more
than in housing.
“The UK is blighted with The innovative
unimaginative, poor quality causeway
houses that people don’t want
to live in but have little other
choice, so I am delighted to
see two amazing and highly
original housing projects on
this year’s shortlist.
“These projects show how,
when talented architects and
clients work together and
focus on quality, affordable
and desirable new homes can
be created. They shine a light
on what the future of UK
housing can be.
“All six shortlisted projects
are ground-breaking in their
own way – buildings that
Interiors are a major
deliver more than could have
factor in judging
been expected.
Timeless
Elegance.
Introducing the new
Verge® Sink System.
Clean lines create
simple elegance.
• Seamless, one-piece
molded design
• Low maintenance,
vandal-resistant
surface
• Complies with IBC,
ADA and other
barrier-free design
specifications
Made in USA
FEATURE | SCHOOL
BACK TO
SCHOOL DESIGN TOP MARKS
Architects achieve challenging goal of building
UAE-UK partnership school in time for
September opening
A
rchitects Brewer Smith
Brewer Gulf received
top marks from one
of the UK’s leading
selective schools after completing
a challenging project in time for the
new academic year.
Foremarke School in Al Bar-
sha South is the new partner of
Foremarke Hall, which is part of
Derbyshire’s prestigious Repton
Preparatory School.
Brewer Smith Brewer had just
eight months to complete a full
design and construction programme
for the fi rst phase of the educational
project, in time for this month’s
academic year to commence.
The company said the project had
“a very challenging programme” -
which had been met - and added that
a second phase of the facility will
open in 12 months time, aimed at
slightly older children.
The architects worked alongside
contractor Brookfield Multiplex to
deliver the school, which has sports
fields, two swimming pools, four
halls for activities and assemblies, li-
braries, science laboratories, drama
rooms and administration facilities.
Also involved in the project is the
Evolvence Knowledge Investments
Limited (EKI).
38 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com
Located within the DuBiotech
Science Park development in Dubai
and covering a 25,978m2 site the
new school will accommodate 1,280
children at full capacity.
Initial intake of pupils will be for
Early Years and Key Stage 1 (which
is the pupils from Year 1 and 2),
while Years 3 to 5 will be accepted
from September 2014. Year 6 will
follow in 2015.
Teaching at the school will be
based on the UK’s National Curricu-
lum - popular throughout the UAE The lobby
with pupils and parents alike. welcomes staff
Backing the project, Dr Abdulla and pupils
Al Karam, chairman of the Board
of Directors and Director Gen-
eral of the Knowledge and Human
Development Authority said: “We Work came in
welcome new schools which give a on time on the
greater number of students access to project
high quality early years and primary
education. “
Richard Merriman, Headmaster
of Foremarke Hall, UK explained
his school’s involvement: “We are
absolutely delighted to give our
name and expertise in delivering the
very best education and our support
to this prestigious venture, which
will provide families in Dubai with
outstanding opportunities for their
children from their early years.”
 SCHOOL | FEATURE

We welcome new
schools which give
a greater number
of students access
to high quality early
years and primary
education - Dr
Abdulla Al Karam
Knowledge and
Human Development
Authority

Top facilities
available for
younger pupils

www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 39

FEATURE | COOL HOUSE

DESERT STYLE
Ideal for sustainable eco-friendly living pioneered in Australia by award
winner - ideal for adapting to desert conditions and harsh climates

40 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

 FEATURE | COOL HOUSE

Inspired by
wind, rain and
sun

A
house inspired by the elements which
could also be a model for sustainable desert
living is the creation of Australian architect James
Stockwell.
Before designing The Crofthouse along the south coast of the state of
Victoria, close to the town of Inverloch, he asked himself the question: “If the
elements of wind rain and sun could generate an architecture what would it
look like ?”
With a half-moon shape the building vaguely resembles a grounded
spacecraft – but it also blends into its natural environment and allows for
spectacular coastal views.
Its design allows privacy to the outer rooms and maximum views of the
landscape outside the large windows. Inside the space is open with views
along the structure’s length and breadth past a series of angled buttresses.
The interior also features polished concrete floors, soft wood panel walls
and ceilings, double glazed floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a large central
fi replace to form a major room feature.

www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 41

FEATURE | COOL HOUSE
At one with the
105
landscape
104.5
SHELTERED
GARDEN
J7
104
3
10
The house was recently awarded
the Alan and Beth Coldicutt Award
for Sustainable Architecture as part
of the prestigious 2013 Victorian
Architecture Awards.
“Crofthouse may be the introduc-
tion to a new architectural paradigm
where man-made buildings do actu-
ally work in such a way with nature
that they actually work as one,”
stated the judges who praised the
new home as the stand-out candidate
in the category which saw more than
200 nominations.
The home was also labeled one
of the “Coolest Houses of Summer
2013” in an online poll which took in
buildings across the world.
Coolest house of summer 2013 nomination
42 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com
FUTURE FOR
ECO-LIVING
Grounded
spaceship look
Running costs are minimised by
solar power and double glazing while
the exterior landscape shelters the
building from the wind – and even
provides fi rewood for winter.
Victorian ash timber and local
bluestone were used in the con-
struction:. “ Low food miles” said
Stockwell who feels his design could
be the future for eco—friendly homes Local materials
mean "low food
in harsh environments, such as the
miles"
deserts of the Middle East.
Stockwell said: “Ground hugging
buildings and earth integrated build- coastal vistas in all directions and to
ings blend with the landscape and be part of the landscape’. "
reduce ‘wind chill’ factor. The designer added: “More broad-
“The owners request was for a ly its ambitions are to illustrate the
‘full outlook to and shelter from the suitability of low embodied energy,
the use of local materials and the
idea that architecture be able to tell a
story of place and of local craftsman-
ship and materials.”
 44/46
CASE
STUDY

52/53
THE WORK

54/55
CULTURE

www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 43

 AL HAMRA
MANDELA ON TOWER | CASE STUDY
THE MOUNTAIN

THE PROJECT
Mandela on the Mountain is the
title of an ambitious project to com-
memorate the iconic South African
leader’s 95th birthday – in the style
of the giant US president sculptures
of Mount Rushmore.
Dutch-based company WHIM is
behind the scheme for the education-
al and heritage centre celebrating the
country’s former president and his
battle against apartheid – with the
building itself fashioned in the like-
ness of Mandela’s head.
A location near Table Mountain
in District Six, Cape Town, has been
initially chosen.

44 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

 MANDELA ON

CASE STUDY | MANDELA ON THE MOUNTAIN

THE MOUNTAIN Architect: WHIM (Rotterdam)
Location: Cape Town, South Africa

CASE STUDY

THE SITE
The company’s Aart

95TH
Bak explained the origin
of the project: “Three
years ago I was in South
Africa for the World
BIRTHDAY
Cup and I was taking a
CELEBRATION
tour of Cape Town on a
double-decker bus.
“I sat down on a rock, looked
out across the city and the mountain,
as I took in the view.
“It was then that I had the idea for
something worthy of commemora-
tion of the life and achievements of
one of the most important figures of
our time.”

www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 45

MANDELA ON THE MOUNTAIN | CASE STUDY
THE CONCEPT
The initial concept is for a building 30m wide and 60m
tall on the side of a mountain overlooking the city and
coast – including Robben Island where Mandela was
imprisoned.
The structure would be visible from across the city.
showing the face of the hero of his nation to the world.
46 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com
12
11
10
P
Architect Bak said he wanted the structure to inspire
and educate the coming generations about Mandela and
his fight for human rights and equality and ensure that
his struggle and ultimate triumph would never be forgot-
ten and the story of a South Africa reborn would go down
in history to inspire those who want to make a difference
and benefit humanity.
FEATURE | KASC

CROWN JEWEL World class sporting arena is a modern design classic

U
K-based Mivan has secured
a $10.5m contract to fit-out
the Royal Suite of the new
King Abdullah Sports City
in Jeddah.
The company is internationally known
for its fit-outs at some of the world’s leading
hotels and sports stadiums.
Among its most high-profi le projects are
Wembley Stadium in London and cruise
liners for Thomson and the All Leisure
Group. It has recently completed a $12m
fit- out of the prestigious Bulgari Hotel and
Residences in London.
The new contracts at KASC is designed
to create inspirational, world-class sporting
facilities for Saudi Arabia and the develop-
ment is seen as one of the most important
projects in the history of modern construc-
tion in the kingdom.
Mivan’s business development and mar-
keting manager Lee Campbell said: “King
Abdullah is overseeing its progress and his
vision is to tackle the escalating lifestyle-

48 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

 KASC | FEATURE

UK-based Mivan
to fit-out Royal
Suite

Excellent sight
lines at new
stadium

From the air

www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 49

FEATURE | KASC
related health problems developing
amongst the Saudi population by
encouraging the younger generation
to become more active.”
The stadium is the main feature
of the King Abdullah Sports City
development and has a capacity of
60,000.
Described as “The Jewel in the
Desert”, the sports facility is located
3 km north of King Abdulaziz Air-
port, south west Saudi Arabia.
The entire site measures 9 km2
and along with the main stadium it
has a track and field ground with a
King Abdullah is overseeing its progress and his vision is
to tackle the escalating lifestyle-related health problems
developing amongst the Saudi population by encouraging
the younger generation to become more active.
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50 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com
1,000 seat grandstand and an indoor
multi-purpose hall with capacity of
10,000 spectators. A 500-person
mosque also forms part of the site.
Design development and procure-
ment has been fi nalised at Mivan’s
Antrim, Northern Ireland, and
London offices and the project will
be completed later this year.
The client is Saudi Aramco and
Mivan will be working directly for
the main contractor on the stadium –
BESIX – Al Muhaidib. be involved in this landmark project
Mivan chief executive, Ivan Mc- for King Abdullah and Saudi Arabia.
Cabrey added: “We are honoured to Some of our strongest management,
design and commercial staff from the
UK will be running the fit-out with
all design development and joinery
manufacture taking place at our
head office in County Antrim."
The projected stadium is set to be
one of thefi nest in the region and is
aimed at attracting top international
events and teams.
“The
real
alternative
to exotic
hardwoods”
WPC protects primeval forests. Our first
objective was to develop the technology
to create a composite wood superior to
natural wood in order to combat the
thoughtless lumbering of forest trees.
Come and visit us at our Grand Showroom
“WORLD OF FLOORING”
&ŽƌĐŽŵƉůĞƚĞĚŝƐƉůĂLJŽĨEĂƚƵƌĂůtŽŽĚĂŶĚŽŵƉŽƐŝƚĞ&ůŽŽƌŝŶŐ
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 THE ROAD TO DUBAI - CROWNING THE REGION’S
CONSTRUCTION CHAMPIONS

Wednesday
Wed 11th December 2013
JJW Marriott Marquis Dubai

Th 9th annual Construction Week Awards in

The
Dubai, UAE will bring together winners from
Construction Week’s series of regional awards
ceremonies to battle it out in 19 categories
and decide the region’s top achievers in the
construction sector in the past 12 months.

Do not miss your opportunity to see who will win

the most sought after prize for construction
professionals in the Middle East at the lavish
awards ceremony and gala dinner. Visit
www.constructionweekonline.com/cwawardsdubai
or contact one of our team for more information.

NOMINATION DEADLINE
THURSDAY 10TH OCTOBER, 2013

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

PLATINUM SPONSOR GOLD SPONSOR
Kelly Thomson
Commercial Manager
Tel: +971 4 444 3754
Mob: +971 56 256 0414
Email: kelly.thomson@itp.com
Andrew Parkes
Advertising Director
Tel: +971 4 444 3570
Mob: +971 50 656 3606
Email: andrew.parkes@itp.com
Gary Robinson
Group Sales Director
Tel: +971 4 444 3482
Email: gary.robinson@itp.com

For nomination enquiries, For table bookings and further

CATEGORY SPONSORS ASSOCIATE SPONSOR please contact: information, please contact:
Stuart Matthews Daniel Fewtrell
Senior Group Editor Head of Marketing
Tel: +971 4 444 3476 Tel: +971 4 444 3684
Email: stuart.matthews@itp.com Email: daniel.fewtrell@itp.com

www.constructionweekonline.com/cwawardsdubai
 THE
PROJECT UPDATE | THE WORK

WORK
PROJECT UPDATE

AL SHAQAB Located within the Education City

EQUESTRIAN complex the Al Shaqab Equestrian
PERFOR- Centre is in three parts with a warm
MANCE area, an indoor performance hall
ARENA and an outdoor arena. The project

7,200
SPECTATOR
Architect:
is arranged in a horseshoe shape
alongside the stables, training facili-
Leigh and ties and veterinary hospital to ensure
CAPACITY Orange Ltd that all needs are covered for animal
Location: care. The capacity is 7,200 and there
Doha, Qatar are facilities for VIPs, media and
competition judges.

SIPOPO The Sipopo Congress Centre is part

CONGRESS of an Oceanside development which
CENTRE is a diplomatic centre as it is part of
the presidential zone. It was built
Architect: to host international meetings in a
Tabanlioglu setting which emphasises the natural
Architects attractions of the area. A glass wall
Location: system allows for maximum viewing
Malabo, out towards the sea and traditional
Equatorial African designs are incorporated into
Guinea the structure in order to give those
who use it a sense of heritage.

DNB BANK The headquarters for the DNB

HEAD- bank in Oslo has a surface area of
QUARTERS 36,500m2 and attempts to convey
a futuristic take on space and void

2,000
FLEXIBLE WORK
Architects:
MVRDV
Location: Oslo,
architecture. At 17 storeys high, the
building provides over 2000 flexible
work spaces for employees and glass
SPACES Norway cubes where staff can hold informal
meetings. The design is based on an
ideal work group of the bank, a pixel
of 6x6 metres, that allows for adapta-
tion to the nature of the organisation.

52 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

 THE WORK | PROJECT UPDATE
PLOT C59 NORR’s residential tower has
RAWDHAT been inspired by the organic forms
RESIDENTIAL which are prevalent in parts of the
DEVELOP- Mediterranean such as the coastal
MENT and hillside regions of Greece. The
tower sits on a 1,882m2 plot and will
Architect: boast 11storeys when complete. This
NORR modern interpretation of the ‘stepped
Location: Abu blocks’ or building forms which inter-
Dhabi, United connect, provides generous terraces
Arab Emirates for the residential units and creates a
building with distinct spaces.

KING The 20,434m2 metro station will

ABDULLAH feature six platforms and two levels
FINANCIAL of underground car parking .The

20,434 DISTRICT
METRO
concept draws on the patterns of the
desert winds on nearby sand dunes
METRES2 STATION to create rippling motions across the
façade. These undulating swathes are
SITE AREA OF
METRO STATION
Architect: ZHA echoed inside the station concourse
Location: with a three-dimensional lattice
Riyadh, Saudi defined by a sequence of opposing
Arabia sine-waves, inspired by statistics of
the station’s daily traffic flows.

EUROPEAN The ESS research facility will be-

SPALLATION come the world’s first most advanced
SOURCE center for neutron-based research
RESEARCH and will contain state-of-the-art
FACILITY technologies in carefully designed
spaces to complement the scientific
Architect: research facility. The technology
Henning can be used for research in topics
Larsen, COBE, ranging from medicine to archaeol-
SLA ogy. Research at ESS is expected to
Location: commence in 2019, while the entire
Lund, Sweden facility will be completed by 2025.

LENBACH- The $77.7-million renovation, cre-

HAUS ated new entrance and social spaces,
MUSEUM including a restaurant, terrace,
education facilities and a dramatic
Architect: full-height atrium. The main design
Foster + principle implemented throughout
Partners the project was to maintain the same
Location: amount of exhibition area, while
Munich, creating new circulation and visitor
Germany spaces. The refurbishment also
significantly improved the museum’s
environmental performance.

www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 53

 LIKE
CULTURE | LIKE WANT NEED

WANT
NEED
CULTURE

BATHROOM
VESSEL
Splinter Works

Vessel by Splinter Works offers a

new bathing experience by combining
a hammock and a bathtub into one.
Made for a wet room, Vessel is attached
to opposite walls with stainless steel
brackets, floating above the floor. It is
made from carbon fibre with a foam core,
measuring up to a length of 2.7m; longer
than a standard tub.

54 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

 LIKE WANT NEED | CULTURE
LIGHTING
LATITUDE
Flyn Talbot

With Latitude’s flexibility, you can

position your light’s shine wherever you
want. The light, made from aluminium
cones and brass, allows for any angle
imaginable. Latitude is also energy
efficient with an array of dimming
possibilities.

SOUND
BEOLAB 14
BANG & OLUFSEN

The surround speaker system by Bang & Olufsen

combines the best of design and sound. Its minimal
design boasts well for its maximum sound, allowing you
to fully engage in your at-home cinema. The speakers are
made of anodised aluminium, while the fabric covers are
changeable and come in an array of colours.

FURNISHING
BUILD
Movisi

Build allows one to design personalised compositions with a variety

of configurations and forms. It is ideal for retail, offices and exhibitions,
and doesn’t require any special tools. Available in two colours (black
and white) as well as a closed and open back, Build can also be used as a
wall rack, partitioning, temporary seating and storage. Made from 100%
recyclable and emission free ARPRO; a high-performance plastic foam,
Build is lightweight, allergy-friendly and toxic-free.

www.designmena.com | 09.13 | MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT 55

LAST WORD | HUBERT SEVIN

Registered at Dubai Media City

PO Box 500024, Dubai, UAE
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Offices in Dubai & London

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EDITORIAL
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PHOTOGRAPHY
THE LAST WORD Chief Photographer Jovana Obradovic
Senior Photographers Isidora Bojovic, Efraim Evidor
Staff Photographers George Dipin, Juliet Dunne,
Hubert Sevin is director of cultural and learning institute Murrindie Frew, Verko Ignjatovic, Shruti Jagdeesh, Mosh
Lafuente, Ruel Pableo, Rajesh Raghav

The Alliance Francaise in Dubai, which as he explains is PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION

Group Production & Distribution Director
hosting an exhibition on the evolution of the skyscraper. It is Kyle Smith
Production Coordinator Gijo Thomas
open until October 31 and visitors are welcome. Entrance is Distribution Executive Nada Al Alami
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Image Editor Emmalyn Robles
free and the photographs are spectacular. CIRCULATION
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and is a joint venture from a cultural institute which works to help people gain an ITP DIGITAL
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understanding of the French language and the arts and designs of the country. Tel: +971 4 444 3549 email: ahmad.bashour@itp.com
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The Alliance Française,  Dubai , in association with Universcience is proud to present the Tel: +971 4 444 3319 email: riad.raad@itp.com
exhibition ‘Mega Towers: higher and higher’. It has been created in France but it is still more ITP GROUP
meaningful in Dubai where high-rise buildings are so numerous. Chairman Andrew Neil
Managing Director Robert Serafin
Finance Director Toby Jay Spencer-Davies
Board of Directors K M Jamieson, Mike Bayman,
Since 2010, Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the highest skyscraper in the world but will Walid Akawi, Neil Davies, Rob Corder, Mary Serafin

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Expecting to be 1001 meters high, this construction of a mega-tower should start sometime Printed by United Printing Press L.L.C., Abu Dhabi
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Cover image Sharjah Art Foundation, taken by Verko

But why is there this ambition of wanting to go always higher than your
neighbour?
The fi rst reason is purely economic - constructing upright optimises the surface used on the
ground and is therefore profitable. The ambition to always make the next better than the
last one has become a common trend in our contemporary era. The other reason is prestige.
Constructing a giant skyscraper displays one’s flourishing economic situation and one’s
Ignjatovic
The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or
omissions contained in this publication, however caused. The opinions
and views contained in this publication are not necessarily those of the
publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting on
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permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted
for extracts used for the purpose of fair review.

savoir-faire and construction capacity. It is more than just a technical achievement. It is

therefore a way for countries to get the world’s attention.
Published by and © 2013 ITP Business
Publishing, a division of the ITP
Publishing Group Ltd. Registered in the
B.V.I. under Company number 1402846.

56 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT | 09.13 | www.designmena.com

 Don't worry! It's safe and clean.

Samsung Quartz Surface - Radianz

Make an impression with our illustrious line of colors and styles.
Exhibition of dramatic living space - Quartz surface

Quartz surface, Radianz created by Samsung's advanced technology

www.samsungradianz.com

Samsung Chemical Europe GmbH Dubai Rep. Office

Office 2403, Al Shafar Tower 1, Tecom, PO BOX 48969, Dubai, U.A.E
Tel : +971-4-447-3411 Fax : +971-4-447-3412
Available at Bahrain, KSA, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, U.A.E
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