Smart washroom technology specialist VERTECO introduces latest cutting-edge offering in the MENA region
VERTECO, the forward-thinking specialist in smart washroom technologies, smart water management ,and water conservation solutions, introduces the region to LooLights, the company’s latest cutting-edge offering. The revolutionary new product is designed to help ease congestion in busy washrooms and direct customers to vacant cubicles.
By utilising VERTECO’s smart technologies, LooLights can accurately determine cubicle occupancies within washrooms at airports, stadiums, malls and other busy public spaces that experience high footfall.
The system is similar to the way a car park shows visitors where the available parking spaces are. Fitted above each washroom cubicle door, LooLightsTM help manage people flow by showing green for vacant cubicles, red for engaged and blue for People of Determination.
The occupancy data can also be displayed on a screen outside the washroom showing users if there is any availability. The system is connected to all washrooms in the building, so if all cubicles are occupied, the screen can direct the user to the nearest alternative washroom.
Real-time occupancy data that the system collects using VERTECO’s sensor-driven 3D IoT solutions can then be easily viewed and analysed on a desktop or mobile device, and business owners can use these insights to improve their operational efficiencies.
LooLights are already widely used in airports and shopping malls across the USA and Europe. Now, with the support of VERTECO, MENA businesses from across a whole range of sectors can reap the benefits of this ingenious solution.
David King, managing director of VERTECO for the MENA Region, commented: “As the world recovers from COVID-19, washroom cleanliness and social distancing remains key. It’s now more important than ever to monitor washroom occupancy levels and make sure they remain hygienic, safe, and uncrowded environments.
“Introducing LooLights to businesses across the MENA region is a step forward to help organisations achieve the best possible hygiene levels. This solution has a modern design and a simple installation process. The carefully thought out LooLightsTM system doesn’t require locks, latches or deadbolts to be able to identify when a cubicle is occupied or not. This means that it gathers exceptionally accurate data and is less likely to break down”.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Bauporte: Demand for threat-resistant entrances and security doors has increased across the region
Bauporte Gulf has reported an increasing demand for burglary resistance class, RC3 entrance systems and doors from building owners and designers across MENA, in particular Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
Threat-resistant doors have always been the benchmark standard for banks and financial institutions throughout the world, however a more recent trend has emerged where architects and designers of five-star hotels and an increasing number of government buildings are also enquiring about RC3-rated entrance systems. Other security features such as night shutters for refurbishment and new build projects across the MENA region are also seeing an upswing in demand.
The internationally recognised RC3 certification ensures the majority of burglars using a variety of tools such as drills, knives, saws, screwdrivers, crowbars or hammers, will encounter greater difficulty in trying to enact a break-in. Bauporte designs and manufactures doors to these specifications at its factory in Germany which are then shipped to the Middle East and installed by its local team. The company custom designs and manufactures automatic RC3-rated doors in a range of options including swing revolving, sliding and pivot doors, together with higher specification bullet and ballistic-resistant options also currently available.
“Installing RC3 doors can help hotel and exhibition centres win major government contracts, such as G7 summits, because organising officials are often required to choose venues with the highest level of security features.
Paul Haslam, partner at Bauporte Gulf, said: “When you start talking about high-security doors, people often immediately think of thick steel doors with unbreakable locks. However, modern security doors are nothing like that. Next-generation security doors generally come in an all-glass finish so the doors look inviting and seamlessly blend into the modern all-glass entrance façades, creating that all-important first and last impression when entering or exiting a building.”
He added: “Egypt, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are currently generating the greatest demand for automatic RC3-rated doors which could be due to a higher perceived risk in those countries. This is less the case in the UAE, where most RC3-rated door enquiries are for bank and financial institution buildings, as well as some government building work.”
Haslam also explained recent advances in glass technology and manufacturing techniques have enabled these all-glass next-generation security doors to be produced. The strength-to-weight ratios of glass has been improved allowing thinner, more resistant glass for use in automatic doors with transparent laminated cores to further increase strength at various levels up to bullet and ballistic-resistant standard. Fire-resistant doors are also possible.”
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
With a weight of 120 tonnes, this sculpture is the largest in the region
Mbaye, expected to be the largest and certainly one of the most striking statues is on display during a 60-day art exhibition at Sunset Mall, Jumeirah 3 from August 18, 2021. The gigantic lioness head and feet, centrepiece of the African-themed mega sculpture is designed and built in Dubai.
The entire project has so far taken seven years of design, engineering, and fabrication. Expected to tower at 13m high and weigh a colossal 120 tonne upon completion, Mbaye the Lioness is aptly named after Captain Mbaye Diagne, the slain UN peacekeeping soldier who was killed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide while he was protecting innocent civilians.
According to Inox Arabia, the creators of the one-of-a-kind art exhibition, Mbaye the Lioness is a commemoration of the selfless act of caring demonstrated by the fallen soldier.
“We are delighted and honoured to unveil the ongoing sculpting of Mbaye the Lioness – a work of art that epitomises the love and care that Captain Mbaye Diagne showed to thousands of innocent people that were caught up in the tribal war. The objective of this unique art showcase is to inspire people not only in the UAE, but all over the world to care for others regardless of where they come from,” said Lawton Loraine, the chief artist and creator.
The meticulously carved feet of Mbaye the Lioness are crafted using specially imported marble from Carrara, Italy and mined from a quarry in the Tuscan mountains (the same that was used by Michelangelo), while the giant head is made using 2 tonnes of stainless steel and a type of jade – Aventurine (a rare quartz stone from Brazil) – for its green eyes and Obsidian. These stones are revered in mythology for luck and healing properties.
To show solidarity with people of all nationalities and races, Mbaye the Lioness is being built by people from all over the world including the Philippines, Bangladesh, India, Nigeria, Cameroon, Kenya, China, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the UAE.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
GAJ’s Arcadia High School designed project is first in the region to achieve LEED Gold
The Arcadia High School, designed by Godwin Austen Johnson (GAJ), is the first school in the Middle East to be awarded the LEED V4 (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Gold certification.
It was awarded 62 points by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) making it the fourth highest ranking school outside of the USA.
Completed in 2020, The Arcadia High School, located in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle, covers a total teaching space of 7500sqm including classrooms, shared learning and labs. The ancillary facilities which includes the library, music and dance rooms cover an area of 1500sqm.
Drawing inspiration from Arcadia School, the primary school completed by GAJ in 2016, the secondary school’s reception is bright and airy opening out into a large casual seating zone with a unique 12 metre high indoor climbing wall feature. The inclusion of the wall was designed to reinforce the school’s ethos of transparency and its desire to ensure students play a highly visible and interactive role in their education.
“The Arcadia High School is a prime example of sustainable design and construction and we are thrilled the project has been awarded LEED Gold certification,” said Jason Burnside, partner at Godwin Austen Johnson. “Throughout the project our aim was to put in place a whole raft of sustainable measures including a thermally insulated building envelope, LED lighting with daylight/motion sensor controls and a high performance water cooled oil-free magnetic bearings chillers.”
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Dar Al Arkan introduces first 3D Construction Printing Technology in the region
Dar Al Arkan has marked a regional first with the introduction of the first 3D Construction Printing (3DCP) technology that will accelerate the speed of construction while enhancing safety and reducing wastage and errors.
Launched in collaboration with the Construction of Buildings on Demand (COBOD), Dar Al Arkan is leading the transition of the industry toward advanced and sustainable building practices, and complementing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to support economic diversification and digitisation.
Unlike traditional home-building methods, 3DCP cuts the construction time by more than half, is more flexible and requires less manpower since it takes only three workers to build one house. This, in turn, also contributes to decreased Lost Time Injury, creating a safer workplace. Additionally, less concrete is needed to complete a building making the technology more sustainable and a viable solution for a low-carbon construction industry of the future. For consumers, the combination of these advantages ensures lower costs and more affordability compared to traditional construction.
As 3DCP increases the accuracy of construction, there will be less repairs and rework too, helping save long-term costs and adding to the value of the property. The technology is also very important in insulation and reduces the cost of electricity bills. A combination of reduced waste of construction materials, less need for repair or rework and low on-site LTI incidents will enable highly cost-efficient project management than traditional construction.
The first 3D construction printed house will be ready by Q4 2021, and will be located in the Shams Ar Riyadh project.
Ziad El Chaar, Vice Chairman, Dar Al Arkan Properties, said: “Our goal is to develop the Kingdom’s real estate sector by integrating the latest trends and technologies, drawn from global best practices to enhance our industry locally and deliver on the objectives of Vision 2030 at many levels. The introduction of 3D construction printing will revolutionise our approach to construction and enable us to focus on greater flexibility of design, strengthen productivity and achieve higher cost efficiency. This will raise the industry standards, achieve excellence and position the Kingdom as a leader in this sector, while making us highly competitive in 3DCP technology.”
Capable of printing three-story large scale residential units, 3DCP is based on the Gantry System, which consists of an agile large scale frame structure that supports the printhead, along an X/Y axis. The printhead can move in various directions to lay a special strong and sustainable concrete formula in a specific pattern based on a predetermined digital design of a home or a building directly on site.
of different sizes, further making it extremely effective and efficient building method for the construction sector.
The technology will revolutionise how customers buy their homes in the near future given that very soon they will be able to select from various digital building designs and simply authorise the printing of their home with a click of a button.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Five key trends in building net-zero cities in the MENA region
CallisonRTKL (CRTKL) reveals five key trends for the development of net-zero cities in the Middle East and North Africa region. Experts highlight the need to ensure sustainable construction materials, use design processes and tools to enable sustainable construction, implement smart cooling systems, and foster wider industry collaboration as key pillars of further net-zero development in the region.
The five key trends for enabling net-zero cities in the region are:
1. Zero embodied carbon
One of the central barriers to net-zero development can be in the selection of construction materials that developers are using. Mining, transportation, and manufacturing building products have significant environmental costs: concrete, iron, and steel production produce around 9% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Not only do materials have environmental costs created solely in their production. They may be inefficient in helping a building optimise its energy consumption, and can also be environmentally costly to dispose of.
Net-zero developers in the region have to take into consideration a significant range of factors when designing buildings, choosing materials which are not environmentally costly to produce, transport, or dispose of. While in other regions, materials such as timber are to enable net-zero development, the Middle East has to be innovative in adapting and reinventing products to be able to offset carbon emissions during manufacture.
2. Performance driven design
Not only do regional designers have to consider a range of environmental performance factors when assessing building materials. The whole process of design has to be driven by enabling social, economic, and environmental impact throughout the design phase. When designing a net-zero city, architects cannot neglect one aspect for the benefit of another: no-one wants to live in a sustainable city that has no community spirit, or reside in an economic powerhouse that has no concern for green space.
Using smart, digital design tools to able to foster performance driven design is a critical enabler of wider sustainable development across the Middle East region. Using computational models to be able to assess building’s lifetime energy consumption and development’s construction requirements can enable wider environmental savings in the future while meeting community’s needs today. Fostering and enabling design based on environmental performance is an additional central aspect of wider net-zero development.
3. Availability of digital design tools
Any design or architecture project requires careful planning and consultation to be able to bring it to reality. When designing for net-zero, the requirement for careful planning is compounded, as designers not only have to consider the energy required to construct a building, but also for its operation, alongside its eventual decommissioning. Such a level of planning for the entire lifecycle of a building requires thousands of individual data points to be conceptualised, creating significant challenges for any planner.
Advanced digital and computational tools can help ease the pressure on architects, with modern software now able to match the complex planning requirements of a net-zero project.
4. Keeping the Middle East cool
As a region with extreme temperatures, the Middle East has long been reliant on air conditioning to be able to sustain day-to-day life. Analysts have predicted that, by 2050, air conditioning will use around 13% of global electricity and produce 2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. For regional planners, being able to innovate new ways to keep cool is a key aspect of designing the net-zero city.
When considering this, there is a key solution embedded in the region’s past. The iconic wind towers of the Gulf region have been tools used for the past three thousand years to increase ventilation into buildings and keep homes cool. By updating traditional structures to match 21st century requirements, CallisonRTKL’s Xylem Pods leverage technology to use wind to cool water, which then circulates through pads in buildings to keep areas cool compared to external temperatures.
Combined with other construction techniques that can enable cooler climates, including solar responsive windows and filtered daylight, these cooling systems can create net-zero climate control in the Middle East. While the technology still needs to be developed further before being able to replace conventional air conditioning, it nevertheless represents an exciting opportunity for sustainable based climate control in the MENA region.
5. Industry wide collaboration
Enabling both regional and global net-zero development is a task that is greater than any design and architecture firm, both in its ethical imperative and its scale of technological and logistical co-ordination. Planners and architects from across the region have been, and will be, coming in closer cooperation with one another to solve key challenges that presented in the task of net-zero development.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
SNC-Lavalin Group makes appointment of new president for Asia Pacific and Middle East region
SNC-Lavalin Group announces the appointment of Steve Morriss, a seasoned engineering services executive, as the new President for Asia Pacific and Middle East, important and high potential growth areas for the Company. This is yet another important milestone in continuing to leverage global opportunities as a leading integrated professional services and project management company.
“The Asia Pacific and Middle East represent a significant growth opportunity for SNC Lavalin’s diversified engineering services offering, including in the infrastructure, transportation and clean energy segments. To further harness that potential and drive growth, we are creating a new senior leadership role with a dedicated regional focus,” said Ian L. Edwards, President and CEO of SNC-Lavalin. “We are extremely pleased to welcome Steve Morriss in this new leadership role. Steve brings decades of global experience and a recognised track of delivering operational excellence and new business growth. I look forward to working with him as we continue to
fulfill our commitment to deliver the best solutions to meet the most pressing global challenges of our time.’’
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
The biggest and most advanced digital art gallery is coming to the GCC region
InfinityArt and Culturespaces Digital have announced their partnership in bringing to Dubai the future of art, at the Infinity des Lumières – the biggest and most advanced digital art gallery in the GCC region, in the heart of Downtown Dubai, and located in its iconic landmark, The Dubai Mall.
In collaboration with Culturespaces Digital – the most renowned pioneers in creating digital art centres and immersive digital exhibitions – InfinityArt will introduce to Dubai a completely innovative, technology-driven art and cultural platform, thus contributing to Dubai’s profile as the City of the Future.
As a ground-breaking concept, spread over an impressive 2,700 sq. metres within The Dubai Mall, Infinity des Lumières will bring to life iconic and contemporary art through 130 projectors, 58 speakers and an incredible 3,000 HD digital moving images. With the largest digital facade within The Dubai Mall – a magnificent art projection with a total display area of 200sqm – all visitors will be transformed by the concept of living dynamic art. The Infinity des Lumières’ Boutique, an experience in its own right, will be accessible directly from The Dubai Mall and open to everyone.
An internationally renowned digital art pioneer, Culturespaces Digital has produced immersive exhibitions since 2012, offering the public a truly 21st century experience. Their four immersive venues established a landmark breakthrough in the way people experience and feel art. Received with enormous acclaim, at the Atelier des Lumières in Paris, as well as the Carrières de Lumières in Provence, the Bassins de Lumières in Bordeaux and the Bunker des Lumières in South Korea, over 2 million visitors have been captivated by fine art painters such as Van Gogh, Monet, Chagall, Dalí or Japan’s 19th-century art, and moreover contemporary artists creating digital journeys especially for these art venues.
Luc Archambeaud, Head of Business Development of Culturespaces, commented: “We are delighted to bring these impressive immersive digital art exhibitions to the most visionary, vibrant and future-oriented city of the GCC. For the first time in this region residents and tourists alike will have the opportunity to experience an unforgettable multi-sensory journey, as they watch art come to life all around them – a feeling that is enchanting, entertaining, and educational.”
Van Gogh, Dreamed Japan and Verse exhibitions, will run simultaneously at the Infinity des Lumières, guiding visitors through diverse imaginative worlds, where images come to life as a wondrous animated symphony of light, colour, sound, movement and rhythm.
Catherine Oriol, Director of Infinity des Lumières, explained: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with Culturespaces Digital in establishing our technology-driven, engaging, and transformative platform. Visitors will have infinite possibilities to be at the centre of art, fully immersed and connected to it. The inspiring exhibitions speak universally to different audiences, of all ages and cultural backgrounds.”
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
VX STUDIO joins forces with major Maldives-based architectural firm to become the leading resort and hospitality designers in the MENA region
VX STUDIO signs an exclusive agreement with the leading design and architectural firm in the Maldives – GX Associates, ensuring their mutual growth in the MENA region. GX Associates are based in the Maldives and excel in hospitality and resorts with many stunning and revered resorts under their belt already such as Anantara Dhigu, Anantara Kihavah Villas, The Four Seasons, Hilton Irufushi, Niyama, Naladhu, Aarah, and Baros to name just a few.
The combination of the two companies guarantees maximum reach of global developers looking to create a signature and world-class resort and hospitality assets. VX STUDIO is part of the Ayana Holding group of companies and is renowned for successfully delivering iconic projects both locally and internationally. Their value-driven, developer-led designs continue to turn heads and prove successful from concept to execution. Opaal, the sister company of VX STUDIO will collaborate for exciting interiors utilising their resort skillsets to provide a unique lifestyle and a one-stop-shop exclusive service experience.
During the signing ceremony, CEO of VX Studio/Ayana Holding and the leading force behind the group’s strategic growth, Hamid Kerayechian, said: “We will be strengthening our position within the market through this partnership with the leading designers based in the Maldives. Their wealth of knowledge in creating world-class resorts only adds to our portfolios mutually and ensures we continue to bring the best from around the world and make it available here in the region.”
Picture caption: At the signing ceremony the meeting was attended by the Partner of GX Associates Mohamed Shafeeq (L) and the CEO Of VX Studio/Ayana Holding, Hamid Kerayechian (R)
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));