< Previouswww.mepmiddleeast.com40 MEP Middle East | December 2024 OPINION By Dr Bhakti More, Chairperson and Professor, School of Design and Architecture, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai A healthier indoor environment is essential for students to thrive academically, making the importance of indoor air quality undeniable. WHAT DETERIORATES IAQ? Occupants in educational institutions spend six to eight hours per day indoors, making favorable IAQ essential. Poor IAQ is a major contributor to ‘sick building syndrome,’ causing discomfort among building occupants. Several factors can deteriorate IAQ, including the infiltration of outdoor pollutants, imbalanced humidity levels, VOCs, mold growth, dust, allergens, and inadequate or poorly maintained heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Improper use of cleaning equipment and chemicals can exacerbate these issues. Additionally, air leakage through doors and windows can result in significant conditioned air loss, increasing the building’s energy consumption. Proper sealing helps conserve energy and prevents the entry of contaminants and bacteria, further enhancing IAQ. BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS Green building certifications emphasise the importance of IAQ and its impact on occupant comfort, well-being, and productivity. Providing adequate ventilation in indoor spaces is essential to reducing contaminants and maintaining a comfortable environment, as recognised in building codes and regulations. ASHRAE Standards 62.1 and 62.2 establish minimum ventilation rates to ensure acceptable IAQ, benefiting occupants’ health and comfort. However, these standards are often not monitored throughout a building’s lifecycle. Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) has credits for IAQ based on carbon dioxide and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) measurements. One of the seven concepts in the WELL Building Standard focuses on optimising indoor air quality by removing airborne contaminants and prioritising prevention and purification strategies. Although green building codes underscore A conducive learning environment is essential for student engagement, progression, and academic success. While the physical design of learning spaces in educational institutions has received much attention, indoor air quality (IAQ) is often overlooked. Good IAQ in schools and universities is crucial for providing a safe, healthy, productive, and comfortable environment for students, teachers, and support staff. Existing studies show that classrooms often contain elevated levels of various air pollutants, which can affect occupants’ health—particularly respiratory health—and impact attendance and academic performance. Pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), airborne particulate matter, and combustion by-products can cause nausea, headaches, asthma, allergies, and other health issues. Several studies and academic research have indicated that poor indoor air quality has led to higher absenteeism due to respiratory illness, fatigue, headaches, and distractions, all of which impact the learning process. MEP_Dec2024_40-41_Opinion_13443905.indd 40MEP_Dec2024_40-41_Opinion_13443905.indd 4026/11/2024 18:2126/11/2024 18:21www.mepmiddleeast.comDecember 2024 | MEP Middle East 41 OPINION the importance of IAQ, they generally lack continuous enforcement and long- term monitoring mechanisms. Regulatory authorities for educational institutions therefore play a critical role in mandating and overseeing IAQ standards. ROADMAP FOR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES TO TRANSFORM TO BREATHABLE SPACES A significant challenge is that many educators and educational institutions remain unaware of how indoor air quality impacts the health and well-being of students, teachers, and staff. Below are key recommendations to foster a healthier learning environment: 1. Raise Awareness and Promote Collaboration: Educating stakeholders—school management, administrators, teachers, and parents— about the importance of IAQ is essential. Collaborating on regular IAQ inspections can create a safer, more inclusive environment. Prioritising training for facilities management teams on IAQ fundamentals, preventive maintenance, and monitoring protocols is crucial for sustainable improvement. 2. Advanced Technology for Continuous IAQ Monitoring: Technological advancements now enable continuous IAQ assessment. Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly enhances IAQ monitoring by tracking air temperature, humidity, VOCs, and particulate matter. Real-time data allows for swift interventions, ensuring a healthier indoor environment. AI-driven algorithms also allow for space optimisation by analysing occupancy patterns to adjust IAQ dynamically. Although integrating AI with existing systems can pose challenges, collaboration among stakeholders can ensure compatibility and effective implementation. 3. Adhere to Regulatory Guidelines for IAQ Standards: Following local regulations, such as those from Dubai Municipality, can provide clear benchmarks. For instance, in Dubai, regulations state that carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in indoor spaces should remain below 800 ppm, with alarms to alert if levels exceed 1000 ppm. These alerts can be integrated with automated monitoring or a central control system for real-time IAQ management. 4. Regulatory Bodies for Benchmarking Quality Education: Regulatory bodies that benchmark education quality for schools and universities can consider occupant comfort parameters in learning spaces, as they significantly impact the learning process. 5. Integrate Nature in Learning Spaces: Biophilic design elements, such as green walls, vertical gardens, and hydroponics, can enhance IAQ and be integrated as interactive activities for students. These features help reduce air temperatures, decrease the carbon footprint, and improve air quality, creating a healthier and more inspiring learning environment. A healthier indoor environment is essential for students to thrive academically Dr Bhakti More, Chairperson and Professor, School of Design and Architecture, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai MEP_Dec2024_40-41_Opinion_13443905.indd 41MEP_Dec2024_40-41_Opinion_13443905.indd 4126/11/2024 18:2126/11/2024 18:21www.mepmiddleeast.com42 MEP Middle East | December 2024 ADVERTORIAL LEVERAGING AUTOMATION IN BUILDING ENGINEERING DESIGN In the dynamic world of MEP and structural engineering, staying ahead of technological advancements is essential for enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring sustainability. Design Solutions Inc. (DSI), a Middle East-based engineering consultancy, is revolutionising design processes through automation, delivering tailored and sustainable solutions to clients across the Middle East, Europe, and India. DESIGN AUTOMATION: A GAME-CHANGER Design automation introduces precision and integration into workflows, reshaping how engineering solutions are crafted. Traditional design processes often involve linear workflows—input, analysis, design, drawings, and construction—requiring multiple revisions that can be time-intensive and prone to errors. DSI streamlines this approach with a dynamic two-way interface across all stages, leveraging bespoke software to automate repetitive tasks. This integration facilitates seamless collaboration, faster outputs, and improved accuracy. By automating routine operations, engineers can focus on high-level design decisions, enhancing both productivity and quality. INSIGHT INTO DSI’S OPERATIONS The development and deployment of automation technologies have significantly transformed DSI’s operations. As engineering software becomes more sophisticated, it can also become cumbersome for engineers, turning them into mere operators. The risk of fatigue affecting projects is a growing concern. DSI addresses this issue by allowing computers to handle what they do best— repetitive tasks and iterations—while enabling engineers to focus on conceptualising solutions, expanding their thought processes, and applying their expertise. This balance ensures engineers can effectively process information, generate innovative ideas, and communicate solutions clearly. WHAT SETS DSI’S TECHNOLOGIES APART? Traditionally, the engineering design process follows a linear workflow: input → analysis → design → drawings → construction, with numerous iterations and revisions. This approach is time-consuming, resource- intensive, and prone to errors. DSI harnesses advancements in digital and database technologies to automate this process, creating an instantaneous two-way interface: input ‹–› analysis ‹–› design ‹–› drawings ‹–› construction. This evolution in engineering practice enables the delivery of superior design solutions while streamlining operations. DSI’s automation technologies act as a nexus, connecting databases of project- specific engineering information with advanced programmes for analysis, design, and visualisation. This integration delivers efficient, accurate, and effective engineering designs. THE IMPACT OF DSI’S AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGIES The adoption of automation technologies by DSI has yielded significant results: For Clients: Time and cost savings have been substantial. For Architects and Collaborators: Faster and more meaningful discussions and option studies are now possible. For Projects: Safer, more environmentally conscious, and economically sustainable designs have been achieved. THE FUTURE OF DESIGN AUTOMATION IN THE UAE The UAE’s Vision 2030 agenda emphasises innovation and sustainability, driving the adoption of design automation in the construction sector. By embracing these technologies, DSI is shaping a future where engineering designs are faster, smarter, and more sustainable. As automation tools continue to evolve, DSI remains committed to delivering superior engineering solutions that enhance quality of life and contribute to the UAE’s infrastructure development. The integration of cutting-edge technologies ensures streamlined workflows, reduced costs, and adherence to the highest standards of quality and sustainability. How Design Solutions Inc. is transforming engineering with design automation MEP_Dec2024_42_DSI_13467957.indd 42MEP_Dec2024_42_DSI_13467957.indd 4229/11/2024 15:2529/11/2024 15:25NAVIGATE THE LANDSCAPE OF BUILDING BRILLIANCE, WITH NO INTERRUPTIONS UH OH, THE REST IS ONLY FOR SUBSCRIBERS SCAN BELOW TO JOIN THE EXCLUSIVE COMMUNITYwww.mepmiddleeast.com44 MEP Middle East | December 2024 INTERVIEW RENOVATENOW: THE UBER OF HOME RENOVATIONS IS HERE RenovateNow Founders Avi Tewarie and Marc Meyer on reshaping the UAE’s home renovation market with a digital platform for effortless, transparent, and high quality renovations When Dutch entrepreneurs Avi Tewarie and Marc Meyer saw the UAE’s renovation market stuck in outdated ways, they seized the opportunity to disrupt it with RenovateNow, a platform that’s making renovation as smooth as a fresh coat of paint. In a market where fi nding reliable contractors can be a headache, the founders have bridged the gap by merging tech with trust to empower homeowners. In this Q&A, they unpack their bold vision, sharing raw insights into the highs, lows, and ambitious leaps they’re taking to make RenovateNow the preferred choice for seamless home transformations. What inspired the creation of RenovateNow, and what gap did you identify in the UAE market? Avi: The UAE, and particularly Dubai, is seeing a surge in demand for renovation services as urban growth accelerates and residents seek to upgrade their homes. A diverse infl ux of expats from Asia, the Americas, and Europe are eager to buy and renovate properties but often lack reliable connections typically found through word of mouth, leading many to Professionals have full autonomy to bid on projects or decline them as they choose, allowing them to take on work based on their expertise and capacity. Furthermore, they communicate directly with clients, unlike other platforms that insist on including themselves in the process. For clients, we don’t just list professionals; qualifi ed experts submit tailored proposals directly based on clients’ specifi c needs. Each proposal includes the company’s profi le, detailed quotations, and timelines, enabling clients to select the best fi t for their project. We facilitate transparent pricing and easy comparison between providers, with all professionals vetted for quality before joining the platform. What role does technology play, and how do you plan to integrate further innovations in the future? Marc: Technology is at the heart of everything we do. We currently employ machine learning models to enhance accuracy based on historical data, user preferences, and service provider performance. In the near future, we plan to integrate AI to further personalise project recommendations and off er instant support, look online for quality and convenience. As Dutch expats ourselves, we faced similar diffi culties fi nding dependable renovation specialists with no straightforward way to compare providers. Back home, we were accustomed to easy access to trusted professionals through online platforms. RenovateNow bridges this gap by off ering a fully digital solution where clients can compare and select quality professionals at competitive prices. For service providers, it also meets the demand for effi cient online lead generation, minimising reliance on large marketing teams and traditional prospecting methods. How does RenovateNow simplify the process for both homeowners and service providers? Marc: For homeowners, RenovateNow streamlines the entire renovation process by allowing them to submit project details, compare quotes from verifi ed professionals, and view detailed profi les, reviews, and portfolios—all in one place. This saves time, reduces stress, and ensures they fi nd the right professional for their specifi c needs. For service providers, the platform off ers access to real clients looking for home renovation, enabling them to bid on projects that align with their expertise. It eliminates the need for cold outreach and connects them directly with homeowners actively seeking their services. Feedback from the market indicates that considerable time and eff ort can be wasted on site visits that don’t result in projects. Our platform’s “no cure, no pay” model ensures professionals only pay when a homeowner accepts their proposal, maximising return on investment. What makes professionals use RenovateNow instead of traditional methods? Avi: We’re the only platform off ering complete transparency and fl exibility to both clients and professionals. Avi Tewarie, Founder, RenovateNowMarc Meyer, Founder, RenovateNow MEP_Dec2024_44-45_Renovate_13452123.indd 44MEP_Dec2024_44-45_Renovate_13452123.indd 4418/11/2024 14:2318/11/2024 14:23www.mepmiddleeast.comDecember 2024 | MEP Middle East 45 INTERVIEW making the process faster and more convenient for users. Our existing algorithm can be refi ned to utilise user-provided data points such as project type, budget, and location, dynamically matching homeowners with professionals who meet their specifi c requirements for a seamless experience. As you launch in the UAE, what are the biggest challenges you’ve encountered in establishing a new platform? Marc: Entering a traditionally conservative market that relies heavily on word-of- mouth recommendations and high-cost project management services was a challenge. This highlighted a clear need for a platform that would improve the way professionals and clients connect in the UAE. Like any disruptive service, building trust and confi dence with clients has been essential. We’ve invested substantial eff ort in selecting the right service providers to partner with, ensuring a high level of quality. Our platform has now served customers for a year, and we’ve secured signifi cant investment to accelerate growth in 2025. We plan to increase awareness through UAE-wide marketing campaigns and optimise our platform for growth on both the client and provider sides. We’re also enhancing our platform with AI capabilities, though more on that later in the article. What’s next for RenovateNow? Avi: In the coming year, we will add more service categories, increase the number of providers, and implement platform optimisations. We’re particularly interested in off ering sustainable solutions like solar panel providers, aligning with Dubai’s Vision 2030 to make the city a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation. We will also expand our services into the wider GCC region, with Saudi Arabia likely as our fi rst target market due to its considerable potential. That said, the UAE remains our home base, where we will launch new innovations fi rst to continually enhance the renovation market experience. “Technology is at the heart of everything we do. We currently employ ML models to enhance accuracy based on historical data, user preferences, and service provider performance” MEP_Dec2024_44-45_Renovate_13452123.indd 45MEP_Dec2024_44-45_Renovate_13452123.indd 4518/11/2024 14:2418/11/2024 14:24Developer Expo City Dubai has announced the appointment of Ginco General Contracting as the main contractor for Expo Valley project. This contract award marks a major milestone in Expo City Dubai’s vision to create an exceptional residential experience defi ned by sustainability and world-class design. With most villas and townhouses already sold, construction is continuing at pace, and the appointment is an important next step as Expo Valley prepares to welcome its fi rst residents in 2026. Based in Dubai since 1975, Ginco has successfully delivered residential projects for major developers across the UAE and will lead the construction of 484 units at Expo Valley, one of fi ve districts in Expo City’s new master plan. Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Offi cer, Expo City Dubai, said: “With the appointment of Ginco General Contracting, the development of the world-class Expo Valley is progressing on track. We look forward to working together and seeing this stunning community come to life, ready to welcome its fi rst homeowners in 2026.” Gheyath Mohammad Gheyath, Founder and Chairman, Ginco General Contracting,said: “Expo City Dubai’s recently announced master plan places the city at the heart of Dubai’s future growth, and we are both excited and proud to be part of this pivotal new development. Expo Valley sets new standards in holistic, sustainable living, and we are ready to bring our engineering and construction experience and ensure its success.” EXPO VALLEY Expo Valley is a gated community featuring individual plots for sale and 484 premium detached and semi-detached villas and townhouses priced at AED 3.4 million to more than AED15 million – all designed to meet the GINCO GENERAL CONTRACTING WINS EXPO CITY DUBAI PROJECT highest sustainability standards and dispersed across an undulating landscape that overlooks a nature sanctuary, lake and wadi. Expo Valley’s unique ‘folded earth’ topography will create a microclimate with lower temperatures and reduced environmental noise and dust, while the community will also house wellness and recreational facilities including two gyms, two clubhouses, swimming pools, splash pads and kids’ play areas, as well as retail and dining options – all easily accessible by pedestrian walkways and dedicated paths for bicycles and e-scooters. Located at the centre of Dubai’s growth corridor, Expo City Dubai is close to the expanding Dubai Exhibition Centre and new Al Maktoum International Airport and within easy reach of Dubai Ports. Accessible by metro and major highways, it off ers its residents and thriving business community easy connectivity to the rest of the city and beyond. The contract award marks a major milestone in Expo City Dubai’s vision to create a residential experience defi ned by sustainability NEWS www.mepmiddleeast.com46 MEP Middle East | December 2024 MEP_Dec2024_46-49_News_13450537.indd 46MEP_Dec2024_46-49_News_13450537.indd 4618/11/2024 14:2718/11/2024 14:27NEOM, the sustainable city emerging in northwest Saudi Arabia, has engaged world-class partners to deliver core city planning, design, and engineering services for the fi rst phase of THE LINE. Delugan Meissl Associate Architects (DMAA), Gensler and Mott MacDonald are collaborating with THE LINE’s design, development and project delivery teams to provide urban design, planning consultancy and infrastructure design for the fi rst phase of the city. NEOM, with the support of this group, has established a sophisticated design ecosystem with advanced and rigorous methodologies to deliver on THE LINE’s urban objectives. This will then be followed by the planning and design of the neighborhoods within phase one, which will be undertaken by a suite of architects starting early 2025. Denis Hickey, the Chief Development Offi cer of THE LINE, said: “As development and construction of THE LINE progresses, we have established a unique partnership that brings world-leading city design and engineering expertise to deliver Phase One.” “Collaboration is at the core of this, with a city-wide best practice group that will showcase how innovation can change the way we consider, design and build cities forever. This refl ects NEOM’s vision and global ambition,” he stated. DMAA has been appointed as urban designer, leading the concept and detailed masterplan of Phase One. THE LINE’s urban design will challenge traditional planning conventions that leverage a vertically organised city. DMAA will later support NEOM in maintaining the design vision of Phase One, as neighborhood architects are appointed. DMAA is working with a team of experts across a range of topics such as microclimate and ecology, mobility and logistics, and sustainability. As per the deal, NEOM has appointed global design fi rm Gensler as city planning consultant NEOM APPOINTS MOTT MACDONALD, GENSLER AND DMAA FOR THE LINE for Phase One, an essential role given the unprecedented size, scale and complexity of the project. Gensler will lead on city design coordination and city planning, providing leadership and governance across the project on crucial areas, including planning policies and frameworks, land use and design compliance. Gensler has also been appointed as city asset design architect for critical city infrastructure, including transport hubs and the public realm. Mott MacDonald joins the project as city infrastructure engineer. It will drive management and control of vertical and horizontal structures and city utility systems for Phase One. This role will focus on the effi ciency and sustainability of the design for a functional, constructable and operable city, it stated. With more than 120 foundation piles being cast into the ground each week at the Phase One site, The Line is on track to be the largest piling operation ever conceived. The fi rms will provide urban design, planning consultancy, and infrastructure design for the fi rst phase of the city NEWS www.mepmiddleeast.comDecember 2024 | MEP Middle East 47 MEP_Dec2024_46-49_News_13450537.indd 47MEP_Dec2024_46-49_News_13450537.indd 4718/11/2024 14:2718/11/2024 14:27The NEOM Board of Directors has announced the departure of its long-time CEO, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, who had been at the helm of one of the world’s largest development projects in Saudi Arabia since 2018. NEOM has now appointed Eng. Aiman Al- Mudaifer as Acting CEO, who will now steer the organisation with the support of a strong leadership team across NEOM’s regions, sectors and departments. According to NEOM, as it enters a new phase of delivery, this new leadership will ‘ensure operational continuity, agility and effi ciency to match the overall vision and objectives of the project.’ Head of PIF’s Local Real Estate Division since 2018, Eng. Al-Mudaifer has a deep and strategic understanding of NEOM and its projects. In his role at PIF, Eng. Al-Mudaifer oversees all local real estate investments and infrastructure projects. He is also a board member of multiple prominent companies within the Kingdom. This role refl ects both Al-Mudaifer’s dedication to transformative projects and his ability to navigate the challenges of pioneering a city that will redefi ne urban living. NEOM’s potential to attract international attention and reshape global perspectives on urban development aligns seamlessly with Al-Mudaifer’s goals, making him an ideal leader for this visionary project. WHO IS ENG. AIMAN AL-MUDAIFER? Eng. Al-Mudaifer’s background in systems engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals laid the groundwork for his career in strategic and impactful leadership. His early experience as a credit consultant at the Saudi Industrial Development Fund off ered him insight into fi nancial evaluation and project structuring— skills that have proven essential in his current roles. Over the years, he’s taken on senior positions, including CEO of Shomoul Holding Company and CEO of Andalus Company, as well as a role in NEOM APPOINTS ACTING CEO AFTER CEO NADHMI AL-NASR DEPARTS regulatory oversight as the Licensing Department Manager at the Capital Market Authority. With this diverse experience, Eng. Al-Mudaifer entered the Public Investment Fund in 2018, assuming the position of Head of the Local Real Estate Investments Division. Here, he took on the responsibility of developing and implementing high-impact projects that align with Vision 2030’s ambitions, transforming the landscape of Saudi Arabia’s economy, and enhancing its position as a global leader in sustainable tourism and real estate. “NEOM is a fundamental pillar of Saudi Vision 2030 and progress continues on all operations as planned, as we deliver the next phase of our vast portfolio of projects including THE LINE, Oxagon, Trojena, Magna and The Islands of NEOM,” said the company. Through these projects, NEOM seeks to achieve harmony between livability, business and nature, and to create a better future for current and future generations. The new leadership will ‘ensure operational continuity, agility and effi ciency to match the overall vision and objectives of the project,’ said NEOM NEWS www.mepmiddleeast.com48 MEP Middle East | December 2024 Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Ex-CEO, NEOM MEP_Dec2024_46-49_News_13450537.indd 48MEP_Dec2024_46-49_News_13450537.indd 4818/11/2024 14:2818/11/2024 14:28AHRI TO ADDRESS KEY HVACR INDUSTRY CHALLENGES AT ITS CONFERENCE AHRI will provide a platform for regional industry stakeholders to collaborate and infl uence the direction of HVACR practices and standards Bring America’s trusted source of robust performance and efficiency to your next project. Demand a water heater that’s Built to be the Best®. The American Standard for Performance Learn more today. Contact us at international@bradfordwhite.com or visit bradfordwhite.com ©2024, Bradford White Corporation. All rights reserved. BWMEP0124 150-2,500 GALLONS 80 GALLONS 80 GALLONS On D e cemb er 4, t he A ir- Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) will welcome more than 30 C-level executives from regional and international HVACR companies to its second annual conference, Convening HVACR Leaders: Shaping the Future of the Industry, to be held in Dubai. This event is the pivotal platform for industr y stakeholders to explore, collaborate, and infl uence the direction of HVACR practices and standards in the region. AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek, AHRI Senior Vice President of Global Services Henry Hwong, and AHRI MENA Managing Director Nabil Shahin will lead the exclusive gathering, which also will include senior representatives from regulatory bodies in the region, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, and other entities working to achieve a sustainable and energy effi cient future. The group will discuss aligning the HVACR industry with the MENA region’s regulatory and environmental goals to set the stage for 2025. Agenda items include: • Global and Regional Updates on the Regulatory Landscape and Association Activities • Including the AHRI MENA Regional Technical Committee • Updates on the Global Environmental and Decarbonisation Regulatory Landscape, COP28/29 and their Impact on the HVACR Industry • Executive Feedback Session: Insights and Recommendations on Aligning Association Strategies with Industry Interests “AHRI’s team in MENA was responsive to the input received from last year’s Convening Leaders event, and we once again value the participation of the region’s most infl uential stakeholders,” said AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek. “There remains much work to be done, and I look forward to hearing more about how AHRI can support the sustainability needs of the region at this year’s event,” Yurek added. www.mepmiddleeast.comDecember 2024 | MEP Middle East 49 NEWS MEP_Dec2024_46-49_News_13450537.indd 49MEP_Dec2024_46-49_News_13450537.indd 4918/11/2024 14:2818/11/2024 14:28Next >