Untitled-13 127/09/2024 23:04OCTOBER 2024 3 ARTFUL CITIES, VIBRANT FUTURES Scan to learn more and register for our events! Julianne Tolentino Digital Editor De ning urban design and master planning has always eluded me, which makes it all the more impressive how effortlessly architects and designers articulate these concepts. For many, understanding what urban designers do can be even more challenging. We’ve grown accustomed to the idea that cities “just happen,” shaped by politics and power dynamics rather than by thoughtful master plans or visionary designs. The ideas behind modernist concepts like garden cities and new towns have mostly fallen out of favour. Although they were created with good intentions, they often lead to dull and lifeless spaces. In response, many people now favour “Tactical Urbanism,” which focuses on quick, exible solutions rather than large- scale plans imposed from above. However, this shift doesn’t lessen the value of well-thought-out strategies for cities—plans that capture what makes urban areas successful and vibrant. In our conversation with this month’s cover star, Christopher Fannin, Senior Principal and MD at Insite, an Allied Practice of KEO, I was reminded that urban design is as much an art form as contemporary painting. While architecture concentrates on the individual buildings, urban design focuses on the relationships between those buildings and the spaces they create in between. As you ip through the pages, I hope you come to appreciate urban design as much as I do and understand the work being put in by designers to craft a city that both satis es our needs and does so without compromising our children’s futures. Ultimately, the way we shape our cities is a re ection of our values and aspirations. As the world becomes more conscious of the impact of urban development, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself: Are you living in the city you truly deserve? And more importantly, how can you contribute to making it more liveable? Signing off! EDITOR’S LETTER CW_Oct2024_3_Editor Letter_13381241.indd 330/09/2024 11:134 OCTOBER 2024 CONTENTS 10 STAT OF THE MONTH Height revealed for the second tallest tower in the world 12 CITY FOCUS Sharjah unveils details for its new sport city masterplan 1210 COVER STORY Christopher Fannin, Senior Principal and Managing Director at Insite, an Allied Practice of KEO, on blending ecology and heritage, and redening regional landscapes CW_Oct2024_4-5_Contents_13395695.indd 430/09/2024 09:23OCTOBER 2024 5 14 20 40 14 DAY IN THE LIFE The Luxe Developer’s CEO walks us through a typical day in his life 18 OPINION Slate Technologies’ Senthil Kumar on AI’s role in modern construction 20 INTERVIEW DP Architect’s May Chan on her journey designing some of the most iconic projects in the Middle East 32 ARCHITECTURE Babnimnim Design Studio on balancing spiritual symbolism with modern functionality 40 SPECIAL REPORT An exclusive report on the latest developments in Oman’s construction landscape 18 32 CW_Oct2024_4-5_Contents_13395695.indd 527/09/2024 16:00OCTOBER 2024 6 PO Box 500024, Dubai, United Arab Emirates TEL +971 4 444 3000 WEB: WWW.ITP.COM Offices in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, London, Mumbai, Riyadh & Geneva ITP MEDIA GROUP CEO Ali Akawi Managing Director Martin Chambers Head of Digital Media Thomas Shambler EDITORIAL Digital Editor Julianne Tolentino +971 4 444 3855; julianne.tolentino@itp.com Commercial Editor Angitha Pradeep +971 4 444 3278; angitha.pradeep@itp.com Digital Reporter Mahnoor Bari +971 4 444 3238; mahnoor.bari@itp.com ART Art Director Amjad Ayche amjad.ayche@itp.com Art Editor Tofiq Memon tofiq.memon@itp.com ADVERTISING Group Commercial Director Anup Nagpurkar +971 4 444 3573; anup.nagpurkar@itp.com Commercial Director Moutaz Gadelhak +971 4 444 3177; moutaz.gadelhak@itp.com Commercial Manager Om Metha +971 58 214 3579; om.metha@itp.com Senior Commercial Manager Ahmad Amer +966 11 512 2570; ahmad.amer@itp.com PHOTOGRAPHY Senior Video Editor Liju Cheruvathur MARKETING Senior Events & Marketing Manager Eleanor Ashton eleanor.ashton@itp.com Events & Marketing Manager Olivia Keen-Smith Associate Events & Marketing Manager Kate Galaktionova Events & Marketing Manager Dmitry Lazarenko Associate Events Manager Vrinali Nazareth Events Administrative Assistant Aronn Pureza Events Administrative Assistant Bobbie Rosario Events Sales Assistant Joyce Salonga events@itp.com PRODUCTION Production Manager Balasubramanian P DISTRIBUTION Circulation Executive Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator Avinash Pereira ITP GROUP CEO Ali Akawi CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies Website www.constructionweekonline.com NOTICE: The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for errors 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 information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be appropriate for the readers’ particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. PUBLISHED BY AND © 2024 ITP MEDIA GROUP FZ-LLC. CW_Oct2024_6_Flannel_13379592.indd 626/09/2024 14:03OCTOBER 2024 7 After wrapping up the 2023 event line-up, Construction Week Middle East is gearing up for more exciting events in 2024. As we step into the last quarter of the year, we are excited to host industry-leading awards once again. These include the Construction Week Awards: Saudi Arabia, and the Construction Week Awards: Middle East, both set to take place in November 2024. EVENTS CALENDAR For more information on our events, contact Kate Galaktionova, Associate Events & Marketing Manager (kate.galaktionova@itp. com). For all award-related inquiries, contact Dmitry Lazarenko, Marketing and Events Manager (dmitry.lazarenko@itp.com). If you would like to be one of our partners and take advantage of our sponsorship opportunities, contact Moutaz Gadelhak, Commercial Director (moutaz.gadelhak@itp.com), or Om Mehta, Commercial Manager (om.mehta@itp.com). *Dates are subject to change at the editorial team’s discretion* EVENTS 2024 CALENDAR 06 TBC NOVEMBER NOVEMBER Construction Week Awards Saudi Arabia Construction Week Awards Middle East AWARDSAWARDS CW_Oct2024_7_Events_13379634.indd 726/09/2024 14:04“Water is the one resource that connects us all. Our mission is to rede ne how the world accesses this vital source, starting from a single drop to entire cities ” 8 OCTOBER 2024 | QUOTE OF THE MONTH | “WE WILL GENERATE CLEAN WATER DIRECTLY FROM THE AIR” A 1RWATER, which specialises in atmospheric water generation, is launching a state-of-the-art facility in Dubai Industrial City (DIC) that will produce over 100,000 litres of pure water daily, directly from the air. As global water resources face increasing pressure, A1RWATER’s air-to-water technology off ers a groundbreaking solution: generating fresh, mineral-enriched drinking water from air humidity. The new DIC facility, set to be fully operational in Q4 2024, will house 50 A1R3000 units, each producing 3,000 litres of water per day and translating to a signifi cant daily output of roughly 120,000 litres. “The UAE has elevated itself globally by identifying gaps and delivering solutions that fi ll them over the past 50-plus years,” started Dave Cupit, A1RWATER’s Global COO. He continued, “With the capacity to produce over 100,000 litres of water daily, our new DIC facility aligns with this legacy. It is a key milestone that expands our production capacity, fi lls a market gap, and sets a new benchmark for water sustainability in the UAE and beyond.” Aligned with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, A1RWATER’s technology is helping achieve key objectives for the country across several industries. With its A1R30 and A1R100 machines, respectively generating 30 and 100 litres of fresh water per day, the company has formed key partnerships to create lasting change; with entities including Jotun, ADNOC, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Emirates Palace. With the location of its DIC facility strategically placed between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, A1RWATER will be equipped to accelerate business and ESG goals for both existing and new schools, government offi ces, private companies, and the country’s overall transport infrastructure. Rob Bain, Managing Director, UAE, commented, “In the UAE, fresh groundwater levels have decreased over the past ten years by 76%, and water demand is expected to increase 30% over the next decade. Our new facility is more than just an operational expansion; it is a statement of intent. We are here to shift the trajectory of water access in the UAE through our ability to generate clean water directly from the air—no infrastructure, no plastics, just pure, sustainable water.” With fi ve bays in DIC spanning thousands of square metres, AIRWATER’s facility will accordingly contribute to UAE Net Zero 2050 by eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles, costly infrastructure, and reducing overall carbon emissions. “Water is the one resource that connects us all,” said Alex Guy, Founder & CEO of A1RWATER. “Our mission is to redefi ne how the world accesses this vital resource, starting from a single drop to entire cities. The DIC facility is a testament to our commitment, and with the support of our partners and stakeholders, we are just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible.” As global water resources face increasing pressure, A1RWATER’s new technology offers an apt solution: generating fresh, mineral-enriched drinking water from air humidity CW_Oct2024_8_Quote of the Month_13379647.indd 826/09/2024 14:05Untitled-14 127/09/2024 23:04Next >