GALLIVANT

Saturday, 28 December 2013

Masdar, Future City! Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has held a place close to my heart for many years since I had the privilege of working on two major projects in the Emirate during my time at Foster and Partners. En route to my hotel from Dubai, I stopped by the first phase of Masdar City. This project had the aspiration to be the worlds first zero carbon city.

With many technical and physical design elements contributing to low energy consumption, it is truly well on it's way. From dense building areas, to a wind tower which creates "natural" air conditioning in the streets, it's great to see an example of how we can build better low carbon communities.

Desert-Living creates a huge strain on traditional electrical supplies,
even when oil is in abundance! Masdar aims to be at the
forefront of low-carbon energy solutions.

Model of the Development

Automated Personal Rapid Transport (aka PRT)

No tracks, the mini-cars charge at the docking stations,
and take you to your chosen destination.

Narrow streets create shade, reducing the amount of
air-conditioning needed.

Terracotta Screens with Arabic Patterns create a beautiful
new vernacular for the city.

Striking Buildings, beautiful textures and patterns
are characteristic of the development.

Wind Towers are an integral part of traditional Abu Dhabi houses.
Here they have created a large scale version, which catches
the wind and channels it through the streets, in the same
way air is moved around the house.

It's a bit amazing over there! Dubai

In November I went to have a look around the Middle East and Far East..... and I feel like I'm just coming back to earth! It was such a fabulous opportunity to see how it's done on the other side of the world.

First up some pictures of Dubai. The home of my most favourite Sky-scraper, the Burj Khalifa, the Architecture in Dubai is Eclectic and could be seen as befitting of it's position as the melting pot of so many different cultures from around the globe.

I checked out quite a few hotels, including the new Oberoi and the design classic for the UAE, the Park Hyatt at Dubai Creek. Just beautiful detailing in an Arabic style, pictures below. Further afield is Bab al Shams, built in the Bedouin style, by the same designers from the Hyatt. Really magical and atmospheric, well worth the trip out to the desert for a meal or to use the facilities for the day.

Other favourite hotels include the new JW Marriott with it's fabulous Vaults Bar at the top! Great view and great design. A hotel worth checking out.

The malls are so stupendous here, as shopping could be seen as one of the primary "hobbies" of locals, visitors and ex-pats. As everything in Dubai is Supersized, it's not surprising to see the worlds largest aquarium tank in the midst of all the shops at Dubai Mall. The lux stores leave nothing to be desired, and the proximity to the Burj Khalifa and all the stunning fountains make Dubai Mall a premier destination.

DIFC, the financial heart of Dubai boasts some stellar buildings, not to mention the Financial Centre itself, which was reportedly modelled on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris .... (Or La Defense, more like?!). A few galleries here, as well as the Rug Company and Andrew Martin. Top tip, pop into Zuma for a fab business lunch. Great restaurant, great value.

Burj Khalifa, Foster's Index Tower, and Damac's new development

DIFC Building and other more eclectic Financial Buildings make the
architectural atmosphere a bit more interesting than your bog-standard city

Business Lunch at Zuma

Beirut/London based designers exhibiting here, great Contemporary Arabic art

Finally I have to say, the friendliness and hospitality in Dubai is second to none. A truly welcoming atmosphere, it was a real pleasure to visit this Emirate for the second time.

Friday, 4 October 2013

London Open House

Open House Weekend was here again year, and instead of seeing some landmark buildings, I took the opportunity to check out some newly renovated or completed residences in my new neighbourhood, Hackney.

The ques were immense, so we only got around 2 places, Ginger Bread House, and 71 Greenwood Road.

Both designed by the architects who now live in the space, they are designed to an exacting specification to suit their lifestyles.

Gingerbread house was constructed with what is essentially construction-grade plywood, but on a massive scale. All the walls were manufactured off-site and slotted together in a day, the technique leading it's name to the building! Lovely detailing throughout, no space was wasted, making the most of this small plot.

I really loved the wet room, and the stone lighting detail. So chic!

71 Greenwood Road was a retrofit of a subdivided Victorian Townhouse, into a family home for 5.

The architect stayed true to most of the materials that the Victorian builder would use, but in some rooms, using a fresh modern take on the cornicing.

The void and double height space is reminiscent of what we are trying to achieve at Church Road, connecting the main living-areas together spatially.

Wet Room at Ginger Bread House

Honest Detailing

Simple decorative elements let timber speak for itself.

External Cladding

Long queues.. get there early!

Double Height Space at Greenwood Road

View to the Garden from Ground Floor

Rectilinear Detailing

Original Features

http://www.londonopenhouse.org/

Room with a View

A lucky lady, I got treated to a trip to the viewing platform of the Shard! Pics below.

And we missed the fog.. this was about 3 hours later!!

London Design Week

Last week was Design Week in London, and as usual, there was lots to see. I made it to the stalwarts TENT and 100% Design and caught up on lots of new Trends. Beautiful Pieces from Laura Smith, and Annik at TENT, and some really interesting materials at 100%. Some pics below!