Architect Awards 2009

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.

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

Swee Leng Lai

Swee Leng Lai was recognised for her understanding of architectural characteristics inherent to the region through projects that genuinely understand, interpret and develop the fundamental constructs without copying them.

One juror said: “This particular young architect has a distinct style and in some of her projects, she demonstrates a confident playfulness that she is able to pull off.”

Another juror said: “The candidate has exhibited an ability to work a variety of scales integrating both aesthetic and practical aspects of building.”

Shortlist

Matthew Gaal, Woods Bagot
Obada Adra, Atkins
Tim Fieldhouse, Pell Frischmann
Bassam Zeino, RMJM

Architecture Firm of the Year - Modern

GAJ

Their submitted projects demonstrate their ability, over a number of years, to produce buildings which respond to the dual requirements of the climate and the function, whilst demonstrating an understanding of the local cultural requirements.

Shortlist

FXFOWLE
Woods Bagot
X-Architects

DSA

Recognised for the way in which it decodes traditions and provides spatial scale experiences in a modern fashion. It works with cutting-edge technology to create architecture that is equal parts modern and Arabian, thus keeping the opulence and feel of history.

Shortlist

Conseco International
Arab Engineering Bureau

Engineering Firm of the Year

Atkins

A submission that convincingly argues the case for this firm. Its commitment to sustainability & research into reducing energy consumption in towers is impressive.

Shortlist

Pell Frischmann
Ramboll Whitby & Bird

Museum of Islamic Art, Doha

A work with traditional design principles that uses indigenous materials and processes, and integrates them with contemporary technology to create familiar, functional and environmentally sustainable architecture that is both timeless and of our time.

Shortlist

Almas Tower, Atkins
Carnegie Mellon, Halcrow Yolles
Coll. of N. Atlantic, Woods Bagot
House .010, dxb lab

Green Project of the Year

Project R

A modest project with a potential to have a high impact where it is most needed. It demonstrates how a simple idea can be developed to respond to local need and conditions. In its modest way the project also demonstrates that sustainability can make economic sense. The winning project is the longest and most advanced system of its kind in the world. It has been written about on every continent and it represents a truly global initiative. It is at once a symbol of iconic innovation and a project with a unique identity.

Shortlist

Tejgadh Tribal Academy

Xeritown

Shows a considered response to climatic conditions whilst utilising a distinctive methodology and rationale for the design. It presents a consistent built form expression and it also explores the idea of social interaction and the serendipity of living in a contained city.

Dubai’s X-Architects and Berlin’s SMAQ collaborated in the design of Xeritown. Buro Happold is the lead engineer while Dutch firm Johannes Grothaus + Partners is in charge of landscaping. Zurich’s Reflexion is handling lighting and the project is being developed by Dubai Properties.

Shortlist

City Centre Towers
Al Reem Mall
Jnan Amar
The Dead Sea Development

Infrastructure Project of the Year

Dubai Metro

The winning project is the longest and most advanced system of its kind in the world. It has been written about on every continent and it represents a truly global initiative. It is at once a symbol of iconic innovation and a project with a unique identity.

Shortlist

Interchange 5.5, Dutco Balfour Beatty

Mohamed Sherif

This project can be appreciated as one of the more sensitive conservation projects, where the essence of the original house is largely captured. Using the house for the offices of the Heritage Department is apropriate and sensitive to the historic character of the place.

Shortlist

Public Spaces in Bastakiya
Sheikh Jumaa Bin Maktoum Bin Hashir House