< PreviousJudging design excellence The credibility of the Middle East Architect awards flows from its jury − a group of brilliant design experts and architects From local and international architects to regional academics and institution representatives, the judges panel for this year’s MEA Awards is a round- up of industry heavyweights, chosen for their com- mitment to bettering and strengthening regional and glob- al architecture. This year, our esteemed judges panel met at the Cosen- tino showroom in Dubai Design District to evaluate more than 300 nominations across 13 categories, including resi- dential project of the year, commercial project of the year and education project of the year. The awards also recog- nise individuals and firms, across categories such as bou- tique firm of the year, young architect of the year, large firm of the year and principal of the year. In the pages that follow, you can view the full and im- pressive list of winners of the 13th Middle East Architects Awards and read the jury’s feedback on the quality of the projects up for top honours this year. Our panel of judges were impressed by the complexity and depth of thinking behind the shortlisted projects, and their sensitive responses to context, climate and the busi- ness environment. Each entry was scored independently by each judge and the two highest-scoring submissions in each category were selected as winner and highly commended, respectively. This process is used to safeguard the impartiality and cred- ibility of the MEA Awards. Even the judges don’t know the winners until they are announced during the gala night. While 2019 was a challenging year for business, clearly it was not a barrier to the Middle East’s architects in creating thoughtful, resource sensitive and sustainable architecture. 10 / MEA AWARDS MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT / 01.20 / WWW.MIDDLEEASTARCHITECT.COM Farid Esmaeil, Founding partner and principal architect, X Architects “Overall the complexity of different submissions made the judging process quite exciting and challenging.”MEA AWARDS / 11 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT / 01.20 / WWW.MIDDLEEASTARCHITECT.COM David Lessard Design director, H + A “For me, the standout projects were the ones that addressed ideas about sustain- ability, identity and culture. I think it’s very important to recognise these awards are indicative of the work happening in and around the region; with a certain sensitiv- ity towards regional issues – issues such as what it means to have buildings in hot climates, or density around urban areas, the future of infrastructure and transpor- tation… These are all hot button issues, which some of the more successful projects addressed head on.” Tariq Khayyat Founder, Tariq Khayyat Design Partners “This year’s shortlist was quite diverse: in terms of project typologies, architects and the gender representation as well. Most importantly and what is exciting is that we saw many more emerg- ing architects trying to replace the established old guard − which again shows that the Middle East is a place for young architects to flourish. There are more opportunities now and platforms for young architects and emerging companies to prove their strengths and capabilities in the world of architecture.”12 / MEA AWARDS MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT / 01.20 / WWW.MIDDLEEASTARCHITECT.COM Raya Ani Design director, RAW-NYC Architects “In every category, there was a project that stood out – for addressing an issue in a dif- ferent way; perhaps an expected way, but done very well. Some projects impressed with their rigour, others with their design motifs and attention to detail. But every category had standout projects.” Cristiano Luchetti Professor of architecture, American University of Sharjah “When it comes to architecture in the Middle East architecture, the world is the benchmark. Winning a Middle East Architect Award is the recognition of your career in the region, and in- ternationally. It’s a very important competition.”14 / MEA AWARDS MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT / 01.20 / WWW.DESIGNMENA.COM What are the main challenges facing the design industry? One of the foremost challenges we face as a consultancy these days is discover- ing certified men and women with the right expertise, in the market, to assist with our expansion plans. In addition to this, the market has turned out to be saturated due to the upward jab of nu- merous small-scale consultancies pre- senting decreased fees, forcing the large firms to compete on rate alone instead of expertise and quality. On the other hand, there is a shortage of certified contrac- tors who are capable of executing initia- tives at a certain level of quality. What excites you most about the Middle East’s design industry in 2018? The skyscraper and the science that the UAE is using, to build something new and exclusive. The UAE is always at the forefront in presenting what is new and progressive and new ways in structure and format. If you could make one change to the architecture and design business landscape in this region what would it be and why? Architects and the landscape in- dustry now have the potential to become fully fledged service providers, creating new revenue streams and ongoing client relation- ships by embracing new technol- ogy. More use of modern technology in construction and reconstruction must be made, while moving away from tra- ditional methods. The goal of using this technology is to find quick solutions to the problems and difficulties facing the architecture and landscape business. What do you hope will come out of conversations we have? It would be interesting to see how ad- vanced building technology can have an impact in architecture and design. Why is it important for you to sup- port the Middle East Architect Awards? Hosting an event like this showcases the UAE and MENA region’s design know- how throughout the world. Professionals from around the region gather in Dubai to discuss many im- portant recent contemporary matters. LACASA is happy to support this major event, which confirms the power of our design brand and raise its profile. What are the latest launches your company has unveiled this year? We have launched our infrastructure department in response to the demand we see for masterplanning projects. This move is a continuation of our efforts to provide holistic design solutions to our clients. In the past two years we have recruited more talent in order to turn our MEP and ID teams into full-fledged departments, allowing us to handle a greater workload in-house. LACASA EMAD JABER, MANAGING PARTNER MEET THE SPONSORS Supporting the Middle East Architect Awards 2019 are a group of industry leading brands and companies. Here, we get up close and personal with the people who made it possibleMEA AWARDS / 15 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT / 01.20 / WWW.MIDDLEEASTARCHITECT.COM Tell us about your company and his- tory in the Middle East? BMA Studio was established in 2014 as a multi-disciplinary design firm offering comprehensive and bespoke services in architecture, interior design and land- scape design for residential, commercial and institutional clients. The firm maintains a diversified practice and has developed expertise in mixed-use apartment buildings as well as innovative, single-use architec- tural design concepts. While devoted to small and medium scale projects, BMA Studio has extensive experience in both residential and commercial tower de- velopments as well, with an emphasis on single residence, retail and mixed- use architecture. The firm has already completed projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Morocco and is cur- rently expanding its presence on the European markets. How has 2019 been for your busi- ness in the Middle East? What have been the major highlights and what are your strategic plans for the future? The 2019 has been a truly transforma- tional year for us. Given the general slowdown in demand for architectural services in the UAE, we have primarily focused on international expansion and have managed to get involved in several large-scale developments in Europe. In the meantime, Expo 2020 is ap- proaching and we have also become in- volved in several Expo 2020 pavilions. Being on the ground at Expo shows us what Dubai is capable of when it comes to design and linking tradition with fu- ture innovation. Going forward, we will continue to expand our business outside of the Middle East while showcasing our boutique qualities here in the UAE. If you could change one issue in your industry what would it be and why? There seems to be a shift away from uniqueness and quality of the design and the role of the architect is often underestimated. A good architect can not only make your project “easy on the eye” but can also save you significant amounts of money further down the line. The clients often don’t understand that they may have to pay a little more extra in the beginning for a unique and sustainable design but they will reap the benefits during the construction phase and later on through reduced maintenance cost. Have you launched any new prod- ucts or services this year? We have put together some tailor-made service packages for Expo 2020 cli- ents- liaising with designers and clients abroad to showcase their vision here in Dubai as well as seamless, one-stop- shop products for our European pro- jects. In addition, we have also enhanced our BIM services to provide more BIM- level 2 projects as a standard. What major trends in your market do you plan to capitalise on? We are seeing increasing pressure on cost of architectural services for individ- ual residential projects. There’s signifi- cant pressure on standardization and ability to replicate without compromis- ing on quality. Those that can manage to provide single-interface, seamless mul- ti-disciplinary services at competitive rates will succeed. Why did you choose to support the MEA Awards and what do you hope to achieve from it? We are looking forward to seeing in- spirational ideas and form new part- nerships for the future. BMA Studio is always ready to support and recognise talent. Our wish is to see talent and in- novation flourish and it is our sincere desire for young architects and smaller architectural practices to get more rec- ognition by making such awards more accessible to them. BMA STUDIO LEILA M ASL, FOUNDER AND DESIGN DIRECTOR 16 / MEA AWARDS MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT / 01.20 / WWW.MIDDLEEASTARCHITECT.COM Tell us about your company. The globally operating Geberit Group is a European leader, providing unique added value when it comes to sanitary technology and bathroom ceramics. We have 29 production facilities and are headquartered in Rapperswil-Jo- na, Switzerland. With around 12,000 employees in around 50 countries, Ge- berit generated sales of CHF 3.1 billion in 2018. Geberit’s Gulf representative office was established in Dubai in 2000. With the acquisition of Sanitec in February 2015, Geberit now has a comprehensive product range consisting of the entire sanitary technology behind the wall – concealed cisterns, installation ele- ments and piping systems – as well as a wide range of products in front of the wall, such as bathroom series with their ceramic sanitary appliances and bath- room furniture. The products are used in new buildings as well as in renovation and modernisation projects. How has 2019 been for your busi- ness in the Middle East? What are your strategic plans for the future? 2019 was a challenging year worldwide. Creating opportunity and providing sustainable solutions in a market that is very price sensitive without jeopard- ising on quality and serviceability, with the full range of system solutions Geber- it can offer in this region, we managed to maintain and grow our market share. Yes, competition is fierce but we have all the confidence in our team and our port- folio that will help us continue to grow. If you could change one issue in your industry what would it be and why? It would be to get rid of the need for high speed and low costs over the value of a project. In today’s ever-evolving market, architects face the challenge of provid- ing innovative and futuristic designs, whilst upholding high standards related to sustainability and economic viability. When it comes to value engineering, we would rather the overall project be eval- uated rather than a specific item. Have you launched any new prod- ucts or services this year? This year some of the many exciting new products launched include the Geberit SuperTube space saving hydraulically optimised drainage system for high rise buildings. It is generating a lot of inter- est in the region, thanks to the omission of the ventilation pipe and the use of smaller pipe dimensions. Geberit launched myDay with its soft organic shapes and practical, comfort- enhancing details such as anti-slip mats and internal LED lighting in the wash- basin cabinets. Geberit Smyle bathroom series has been redesigned and updated with new colours. The new Geberit DuoFresh module is an odour extraction unit that directly removes odours from the WC, purifying with an efficient filter. What major market trends do you plan to capitalise on? The bathrooms of tomorrow must offer more space, innovative storage solu- tions, more flexibility, i.e. the possibility to retrofit upgrades, plus ease of instal- lation, exceptional cleanliness, great de- sign, quality and durability. Having evolved from being experts ‘behind the wall’ to now the whole bathroom, we have the unique posi- tion of being able to manage waterflow throughout a building with water supply solutions, drainage solutions and sani- tary expertise. Geberit offers new ideas and pioneering technologies focused on well-being, blending high quality design with superior functionality and innova- tive engineering. Why is it important for Geberit to support the MEA Awards 2019? The MEA Awards culminate another year of hard work, creativity and dedi- cation. For Geberit, it is important to strengthen our ties with the region’s architects and celebrate with this year’s winners and runners up. The MEA awards are an opportunity to support the industry and demonstrate how we are involved in pushing new standards in the field of sanitary technology. GEBERIT GABRIEL NASSAR, MANAGING DIRECTOR, GEBERIT GULFMEA AWARDS / 17 MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT / 01.20 / WWW.MIDDLEEASTARCHITECT.COM Tell us about your company and his- tory in the Middle East? LWK + PARTNERS Dubai Studio has its roots in Hong Kong, with design studios around the globe focusing on critical thinking and application. Our 1,000+ creative minds collaborate across 11 of- fices around the world, providing ser- vices including architecture, planning and urban design, interiors, heritage and conservation, landscape, BIM / Big Data / VR, lifestyle, experiential and lighting design. With over 34 years of growth, we have completed award-winning projects including masterplanning, hospitality, mixed-use and residential, retail and en- tertainment, public realm, cultural, her- itage and conservation developments. LWK + PARTNERS’ work is well re- garded internationally, while its Dubai Studio is leading our MENA expansion. Established in mid 2018, it’s fast becom- ing recognised for its contributions to design and research in the UAE, across MENA and GCC, including in Saudi Ara- bia where it has already won significant commissions throughout 2019. As Dubai studio directors, Kourosh Salehi and myself, are active partici- pants in educational forums, exhibitions and lectures. We are deeply committed to architecture, urbanism and research, lecturing globally and have exhibited at international reputed events such as the Venice Architecture Biennale, Dubai Design Week, CTBUH. What were 2019’s highlights and what are your plans for the future? We were extremely fortunate for a tre- mendously successful 2019, both in se- curing projects but more rewardingly, being embraced by clients and industry peers across the region in our first full operational year. There were several notable highlights, here in the UAE. Working with a pre-eminent developer in Downtown Dubai, a significant re- gional scale masterplan in Saudi Arabia, and having six RTA projects awarded for construction by HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. If you could change one industry is- sue, what would it be and why? Understanding of context is inherent to architectural practice and needs to become central to the design debate. It is expected cities will house over 70 per cent of humanity in the next three dec- ades. If carried out well, densification of our cities can be an extremely effec- tive means to counter urban sprawl for efficient, functioning communities. De- velopers, designers and thinkers need to explore innovative and sustainable means of dealing with urban expansion. Have you launched any new prod- ucts or services this year? There are significant opportunities for LWK + PARTNERS. With Expo 2020 fast approaching, our existing commit- ment to innovation, technology and ex- periential design will be key offerins that we will grow over the next 12 months across the region. How do you plan to capitalise on ma- jor market trends? Architecture is going through an inter- esting phase in the region, transitioning from purely commercial developer-led design to a more focused field with com- ponents like the public realm and sus- tainability given equal importance. The public sector is increasingly investing in the future liveability aspects of cities. We are working on some cutting-edge ideas with the Dubai government and other international agencies, focused on the future of our cities, urban and natu- ral environments, buildings and inhabit- ants, which we are very excited about. Why is supporting the MEA Awards important to you? As a profession we work very hard, often go unrecognised for the contributions that we make to the real estate indus- try, and to the societies and cultures we operate within. LWK + PARTNERS are proud to call ourselves architects and designers. We believe in the importance of recognising and celebrating and shar- ing the creative contributions of our profession at large and those of individ- ual talents to a wider audience. Support- ing such events is a responsibility that we cherish. We look forward to a long as- sociation with the Awards in the future as our profession continues to evolve. LWK + PARTNERS KEREM CENGIZ, DIRECTOR OF LWK+PARTNERS MENA 18 / MEA AWARDS MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT / 01.20 / WWW.MIDDLEEASTARCHITECT.COM Tell us about your company and his- tory in the Middle East? A multinational group with diversified business interests in manufacturing, design and fit outs, plastic, power gen- eration, aluminum coil coatings, health- care, real estate, and solar energy, Mulk Holdings is headquartered in Hamriya Freezone Sharjah, UAE. Our operations span Europe, USA, Africa, Turkey, India and the Middle East. Mulk Holdings’ flagship brand Alubond USA has grown into the world’s largest metal composite brand with operations in 11 countries and market reach of 90 countries. How has 2019 been for your busi- ness in the Middle East? It started off with challenges such as de- layed projects, commercial issues, and unhealthy price wars. However, we have managed to close the year with flying colours due to a visionary management, wise sales strategies and the brand’s rep- utation built over 15 years. If you could change one issue in your industry what would it be and why? The façade industry should focus more on using fire retardant material, while prioritising energy efficiency and sus- tainability. This has been a major in- dustry concern across the globe. Fortu- nately, this is being diligently addressed by all stakeholders with the series of regulations in the recent past. We look forward to strict implementation of fire safety codes for safe environments. Industry experts should undertake the responsibility of conducting workshops, awareness programmes, corrective methods on active and passive firefight- ing in modern buildings. The use of non- combustible ACP and complimentary glazing systems needs to be encouraged. Designers should be dwelling on innova- tive designs, using alternative materials and complex composites. This, coupled with tighter safety and energy regula- tions, will create demand for façades that make buildings energy efficient, safe and sustainable, while making de- sign statements. Have you launched any new prod- ucts or services this year ? We launched new ranges of various shades of brushed colours, exquisite metal finishes such as zinc patina, cop- per, titanium, stainless steel lookalike, textured finishes and new ranges of sparkling colours. What are the major trends in your market and how do you plan to capi- talise on them? The major and most welcoming trend all across the globe, and particularly in the MENA region, is that the majority of property developers, project consult- ants supported by various governments are specifying fire retardant products and systems for building facades. There- by we stand to gain the advantage of be- ing one of the most reputed ACP brand in manufacturing of fire retardant FR A2 and Euroclass B products. This brings in an immediate check on the mushroom- ing low end manufacturers with cheap and unsafe products into the market. This trend propels healthy competition, better prices for manufacturers and good quality products to customers. Why was it important for you to sup- port the MEA Awards? Modernity, innovation and exclusivity in architecture are being awarded, which attracts many stalwarts to the platform. We get to learn more about industry’s requirements in façades and get an op- portunity to discuss strategy and ideas for manufacturing innovative products. We also look forward to leverage the out- standing visibility and recognition MEA Awards provide to our organisation as well as our brand, Alubond. We would like to showcase our com- mitment to celebrating excellence and innovation in architecture. In order to raise our organisation’s profile and en- hance Alubond’s standing with prospec- tive clients and customers, we felt this was the ideal means to reach our target clientele, get connected with top level executives and engage with key decision makers. It is also great exposure by way of shared photos, videos, blogs, tweets etc. by the attendees, resulting in good media coverage. MULK HOLDINGS A.M. Rao Group Director, Alubond Global OperationsWith the Middle East Architect Awards 2019 having just wrapped up, quite a lot about the regional industry moving forward was revealed. For one, the strength of architecture emerging from Iran continues to build year after year, while architects from across the GCC are in the international limelight now. The ceremony itself was an inspiring demonstration of camaraderie as architects, design companies and developers from across the region came together to celebrate their work, as well as individual achievements. One firm that picked up multiple awards this year was Kuwait-based Studio Toggle, which won the Residential Project of the Year for its House in Mishref, as well as the Sustainable Project of the Year for its Unit + pavilion. The most highly anticipated award of the evening, the Middle East Architect of the Year award was won by Iranian architect Behzad Atabak, CEO of Bonnarq Architects. Architects and projects from Iran were a highlight across the board, with Reza Asadzade + Shabnam Khalilpour (White Cube Atelier) winning Young Architect of the Year; their Parnian House in Maku, Iran, was this year’s highly commended Residential Project of the Year. Honar Shahre Aftab Cultural Center in Shira, Iran, by AshariArchitects won the Community and Cultural Project of the Year. Dehnou Agricultural School in Jiroft, central Iran, a project by Khavarian Architecture Studio won the Concept Design of the Year award. Awards across 14 categories were handed out over the course of the evening. The pages ahead bring you highlights from the night and all the winners. MEA AWARDS 2019 THE WINNERS MIDDLE EAST ARCHITECT / 01.20 / WWW.MIDDLEEASTARCHITECT.COM MEA AWARDS / 19Next >