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The Middle East Architect awards are about recognizing and celebrating the positive things in architecture over the last 12 months. Based on the turnout and feedback received, the 2009 event—held September 30th at the Westin Dubai—achieved that goal.
This year’s jury seemed to want to make a clear statement to the industry, evidenced by its recognition of those projects and people that demonstrated only the most sensitive approach to climate and context. For example, ‘Xeritown’, a brilliant design by Dubai’s X-Architects, beat out multinational firms GAJ, Broadway Malyan, Metropolitan Workshop and KEO in the mixed-use development category.
Attendees also saw the RTA accept a well-deserved award for its vision on the Dubai Metro. Accepting awards on behalf of Dubai Municipality and the RTA, officials were similarly enthused by the success of the event.
“I think it’s a very good award [ceremony] for architecture,” said Rashad M. Bukhas, chairman of Dubai’s Architectural Heritage Society. “It’s nice when companies, consultants and contractors are pushed to work even harder to bring something great to the region.”
Abdul Redha Abu Hassan, director of rail planning & development for the RTA’s Rail Agency added simply and conscisely: “What can I say, it’s perfect.”
The Jury
Mr. Daniel Hajjar, Vice President and Regional Manager (Gulf) at HOK Dubai.
Dr. Aylin Orbasli, International Consultant. Conservation & heritage management.
Dr. Alaa Mandour, Associate Professor of Architecture at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman.
Mr. Jeff Willis, Associate Director for Arup’s Gulf operations.
Mr. Nicholas Bailey, Country Manager for Meinhardt operations in Bahrain, Oman and KSA. KDSAArabia.
Mr. Hisham Youssef, Senior Design Manager of International Projects at Gensler, New York.
Yahya Jan, Vice President and Design Director for NORR Group Consultants International. Limited.
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Architect of the Year
Khalid Alnajjar
The work of the winning architect in this category displays an impressive handling of context which is all too frequently neglected in the region. The jury was particularly impressed by his sensitive response to culture, location and climate, which in turn expresses a kind of quiet environmentalism.
One juror said: “His approach to design is underpinned by an extremely fine attention to detail and to the resolution of the project on site.”
Another said: “His projects showcase a clear sense of design identity, modernism and clean lines that work at all scales.”
Shortlist
Alf Seeling, Director of Design, Woods Bagot
Andrew Bromberg, Design Director, Aedas
Carolyn McLean, Director, Woods Bagot
Enrico G. Botta, Principal, Enrico Botta Architects
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Having an architectural award is an impressive event to receivers, however, the criteria of awarding was not up to the a