In 2009, Aedas Architects Ltd. UK, appointed Diar Consult as associate architects to provide services as architect of record and engineer of record responsible for all contract administration, post-contract supervision, design review, code compliance and licensing on Abu Dhabi Investment Council and Al Hilal Bank’s new headquarters. Aedas had secured the project through an international design competition in 2007, by presenting an “inventive, sophisticated, thoughtful and bold” proposal.
The building is aesthetically defined by the world’s largest computerised dynamic facade; a reinterpretation of the traditional Arabian mashrabiya in the form of 2098 adaptive “flowers” that open and close in response to sunlight. This protective skin wraps the east, south and west facing elevations, reducing solar gain by as much as 50% and subsequently reducing air-conditioning load. The adaptive shading also allows for clearer glazing to be used, with the effect of improved visual permeability and greater daylight penetration, resulting in less reliance on artificial light. These factors helped the project to achieve a LEED Silver certification for sustainability, in accordance with the US Green Building Council LEED rating system.
Reference to regional traditions is further reinforced by the geometry of the plan form of the towers; derived from three intersecting circles, connected by three tangential arcs. The circle is traditionally used to reflect the notion of unification and the unity observed in nature.
Innovation was not limited to the design and construction of the building. The design process benefited from the development of bespoke software used to generate simulations and analyse the performance of building elements. This in turn opened up new ways of communicating information through the project team in a more effective manner than previously available.
The successful completion of Al Bahr Towers is testament to a remarkable and coordinated global effort by an international team, sharing expertise and resources, embracing new technologies and hitherto unexplored innovative forms and techniques of construction. The result is one of the most unique and remarkable developments in the Middle East, if not in the world – a project built by a local contractor, with a supply chain and manufacturing sources from Europe, China and the Middle East.
The global architectural community has chosen to recognise the team’s achievement with numerous awards, including the following:
Situated at the entry to the city of Abu Dhabi near Al Maqta Bridge, it comprises state-of-the art showrooms for Rolls Royce, Mini Cooper and BMW, with a total capacity of 80 cars, in addition to supporting workshops, a service centre and repair facilities, a BMW museum and lifestyle centre, and an experience theatre. It is also the headquarters of United Al Saqer Group, the official agent and distributor of the three brands, and of their dealer, Abu Dhabi Motors. It represents the largest BMW group facility outside Munich, and the largest Rolls Royce showroom in the world.
As lead design consultants on the project, Diar Consult’s multidisciplinary role encompassed architectural, structural and interior design, as well as providing complete contract administration in all disciplines. By providing both the architectural and interior elements, the designers were able to produce a harmonious and uncompromised product.
Visitors to the showrooms are led on a dynamic and stimulating journey during which they experience the cars via a parade of displays, a museum and lifestyle centre and a theatre, as if these were pavilions in a park. The cars are displayed in various contexts that reinforce the identity of each brand and the focus of every car, while the spacious environment allows a seamless transition from one brand to another.
The contemporary design of the showrooms’ façades relies on the extensive use of glass. Transparency and visual connectivity are of obvious importance for the display of the cars; and this has been carefully and cleverly combined with shading and tinted glazing in order to reduce heat gain, glare and uncomfortable reflections. The perfect balance of daylight for the showrooms is achieved by the addition of strategically placed roof lights.
Designing world class showrooms for iconic brands requires a great deal of sensitivity to reflect the corporate branding and identity of each brand while attempting to break conventional moulds and norms a contemporary and abstract form, in recognition of the site’s significant location. Functionally, the towers are used to display the featured car of each brand’s current marketing campaign.
Executing the construction of the development presented a particularly challenging scenario. Replacing and expanding the substandard pre-existing BMW and Mini showrooms, as well as adding the Rolls Royce centre, needed meticulous planning and management so as to allow the existing operations to continue unhindered throughout the construction period.
Appointed as lead design architects, programme managers and client representative, Diar Consult put together a high profile international team to ensure that the technical and financial objectives of the investor are safeguarded.
This ambitious tower was designed to accommodate hotel branded serviced furnished apartments and unfurnished apartments, with a total of 488 apartments over 3 floors of offices and a ground floor dedicated to the tower entrances. The roof over the 12 storey detached car park building is a recreation deck, connected to the recreation floors of the tower through a pedestrian bridge. It provides swimming pools and recreation amenities, a spa, food & beverage outlets, sunbathing terraces and a jogging track, all designed to enhance the lifestyle of the residents.
Sama Gardens also features semi-outdoor spaces in the form of dramatic elevated sky gardens on three levels offering residents some breathing spaces within the sky living environment to foster social interaction between neighbours. The residential units and sky gardens become vertical neighbourhoods, efficiently linked together by a vertical transportation system.
A roof garden occupies the crown of the tower, creating a unique setting within a curved framework, to enjoy some of the magnificent views of the city skylines.
It consists of Executive Villas arranged around a central, private, communal garden, providing a safe, secure and sheltered environment for the family.
As is customary, there is an independent men’s quarter, zoned separately from the Villas, to respect privacy issues. It consists of a large formal majlis and dining area for formal receptions as well as a separate majlis dedicated to men’s daily receptions and social events with all entertainment, leisure and sports facilities being private.
In January 2002, Diar Consult was commissioned by Nakheel to provide detailed master planning and design and delivery of luxury detached and semidetached villas for the 736 plots in the unconventional concept master plan by Callison USA. Their appointment encompassed architectural, structural and MEP design plus post-contract administration of the construction packages. Construction was programmed for phased completion, and involved three main contractors and 52 subcontractors, all managed by Diar Consult.
The master plan arranges villa plots in 46 octagonal clusters of 16 villas each. The clusters are nestled in a lush, undulating landscape surrounded by a complex network of lagoons, lakes and canals. Each cluster consists of 10 Canal Cove Villas, four Garden Homes and two Courtyard Villas, ranging in size from four-bedroom (475m²) to five-bedroom (580m²) properties. With the design of the buildings, Diar Consult imparted one of four stylistic themes on each cluster: Arabian, Mediterranean, Oasis or European.
The verdant landscaped topography and serene water bodies of Jumeirah Islands create a unique, almost countryside environment; immersed in the urban centre of Dubai, they provide relief from the high-density, high-rise cityscape.
Individual villas can be seen in Themed Villas.
To reinforce the oasis aspiration, almost 50 per cent of the 2,278,000 m² development area has been designated as open space and landscape, incorporating the golf course. The 863,000 m² signature 18-hole golf course, designed by champion South African golfer, Ernie Els, provides the heart of the development, allowing it to be introspective, with the focus of the residential component being views of the greens, fairways and surrounding sand dunes.
Diar Consult was appointed in 2004 to design and deliver all 961 homes by providing architectural, structural and MEP design services for the individual units, as well as full post-contract administration services during construction. Diar also played a role in urban design and master planning, creating a sense of place within seven territorially defined villages.
The concept of sub-dividing the master plan into villages comes from a desire to define neighbourhoods with a clear sense of territory, thereby instilling a sense of belonging and ownership for residents. Each village has its own children’s playgrounds, and shared linear parks between back-to-back villas create pedestrian permeability and encourage communal interaction.
To cater for the needs of Dubai’s cosmopolitan population and present a wide range of choice for investors, the design brief called for a variety of villa sizes to be provided in terraced, semi-detached and detached combinations, and in three thematic styles, namely, Andalusian, European and Mediterranean. Townhouses range from 194 m² to 241 m², and villas from 307 m² to 638 m². The spacious homes were designed to maximize views to the golf course and gardens, while ensuring privacy for each residence within its neighbourhood.
Individual villas can be seen in Themed Villas.
EXPO 2020 Dubai is testimony to the success and promotion of the city as a centre and destination to learn, experiment and innovate, recognising the importance of collaboration across cultures and regions to drive progress.
It is against this background that the Bridge of Cultural Connectivity evolved, to celebrate Dubai as a centre for tolerance, collaboration and innovation, to recognize the power of man’s creative potential and aspirations and to connect with and care for future generations, the tenets of Dubai, as envisioned through its leadership.
The Bridge of Cultural Connectivity is a striking 175m long, 35m high pedestrian-friendly elevated linear Park across the Dubai Canal. It is a recreation, entertainment and educational destination, featuring a collection of gardens that occupy 5,000 m2, with plant families from East and West, a theatre for concerts and performances, two museums that are experience centres to showcase innovation and talent, past achievements and also looking to future generations and advances in science and technology. The Park also features cycling and running tracks, waterfalls and light shows, information centres, food trucks and shops to enhance the experience of its users and engage the city on a cultural and commercial level. Its 900 m2 of Solar Panels will harvest solar energy to power its water features, light shows etc.
The location and elevation of the Bridge provide spectacular views of the city and two of its most famous landmarks, Burj Khalifa to the West and Dubai Creek Tower to the East. The Bridge provides relief from the high-density, high-rise cityscape and creates a lively extension to its neighbour, the Dubai Design District (d3), where talented designers, artists and creative thinkers collaborate and innovate.
]]>His vision was to create a nucleus for urban renewal, to replace redundant parks along the Tigris and help resurrect the Abu Nuwas Promenade that had once been Baghdad’s favourite destination. It would be a first step and start-up parcel, aiming to trigger a much needed revival of the city and inspire others to participate too.
Darabeen Abu Nuwas consists of two distinct parts, a traditional Eastern Zone and a contemporary Western Zone. Each Zone stretches for 350m along an embankment of the River Tigris on a combined site length of 1km. The Zones comprise waterfront cafés and restaurants, cinemas and theatres, shops, museums, galleries and libraries on two floors and are linked through a main public square and theatre, the aim being to provide a vibrant environment with a sense of identity and unity.
The size and scale of the built-form, its internal streets, alleyways and plazas create an urban fabric that is reminiscent of the traditional urban fabric of old Baghdad. The squares, streets and alleyways are named after prominent and talented Iraqi architects, artists and poets, paying homage to their remarkable contribution to the enrichment of Baghdadi society while providing a nod to Baghdad’s historical richness.
]]>The hotel consists of 233 standard guestrooms and 18 suites, in addition to four food and beverage outlets occupying the podium above two levels of basement car parking.
Diar Consult was responsible for all architectural and interior design as well as post-contract supervision in all disciplines.
The design and planning of the hotel was a complex process due to a contradictory set of design guidelines that had been issued to developers of plots in Business Bay.
The guidelines stipulated that an arcade should be provided on the street and waterfront, connecting each plot in a continuous pedestrian route, with the intention of creating a promenade along the waterfront.
However, it also placed restrictions on what functions could be located at ground level and within the podium.
This would have resulted in a lifeless, uninviting and disconnected ‘promenade’ when coupled with the statutory elements required to be at ground level – including, among others, transformer rooms and waste collection rooms – and the space required for vehicular access.
By challenging the guidelines and acquiring special dispensations and approvals from the master developers, Diar Consult was able to locate parking in the basement and dedicate the ground level and podium to food and beverage outlets, a banquet hall, business centre and health club etc., thereby ensuring transparency and connectivity to the hotel and enlivening the promenade both visually and physically.
The 30 storey mixed-use tower is predominantly residential (a mix of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments) with limited commercial and retail components at the lower levels. Amenities are located at roof level with car parking occupying three levels of basement and two podium levels.
The design aims to create a unique architectural state¬ment on this prominent corner plot that would become a recognized landmark for the residents of Abu Dhabi and also provide an enhanced lifestyle. Given its prime waterfront location, a high degree of transparency is used to capture the stunning views of the sea and the city.
The plan form is typical across many floors, stacking vertically to provide economy of scale while maintaining a simple and economic stacking of building services.
]]>Diar Consult designed Sandoval Gardens in 2006, providing lead consultant services to private developer Bavaria Gulf LLC. Two rows of three-storey townhouses provide lively street façades on each side of a five-storey apartment building containing 64 studios, 76 one-bedroom and 15 two-bedroom apartments, and 10 two-bedroom duplex units. An exclusive and secure central courtyard helps to regulate the influences of a harsh desert climate and provides a point of cultural and social interest, incorporating a fitness centre, a swimming pool, recreation grounds, a children’s playground and games room.
The design aims to break the monotony of typical apartment buildings, which can appear institutional. The geometry breaks down the scale of the development to a sensitive human level and the irregular-shaped courtyard allows for random changes in direction, and provides landscaped terraces and recreation areas that encourage interaction and foster the sense of community for the residents.
In contrast, the approach to modulation of the facades is very disciplined, relying on the use of simple cost effective finishes such as laminated wood wall cladding panels which give a sense of rhythm to the facade.
The contemporary architectural style has proven to be very popular and contributed to the project’s recognition by Ellis Don, a project management company, as one of the top 10 designs in Jumeirah Village.
]]>The competition brief set out Abu Dhabi’s aim to place itself securely on the golfing map of the world. Given this goal, Diar Consult chose to propose a cultural and emotive rather than institutional and rational approach. The proposal envisaged the clubhouse conceptually as a sculptural pavilion in a park.
The stylised sculptural form of the falcon, which is the national bird and emblem of the UAE and principal element of the logo of the Government of Abu Dhabi, relates the club to the UAE’s history and cultural heritage, resulting in an iconic statement building with the potential to become a sporting symbol of the emirate. Few golf clubs in the world can claim a more instantly recognizable clubhouse.
Barely within two years of its opening, the Finest Golf Resorts Collection ranked it in the top 50 golf destinations in the world, describing the clubhouse as ‘a wonder of modern architecture’.
A further international design competition in 1995 invited bids for interior design; and Diar Consult was once again successful and able to augment the architectural design with an interior as spectacular as the exterior. Beneath the 100m wingspan is sophisticated and luxurious accommodation, comprising three floors of restaurants, an executive meeting room and an extensive sports and fitness club – all fully equipped to accommodate any type of corporate or private event in a relaxed club atmosphere. One of the key characteristics of the design was to ensure that all the restaurants as well as the members’ bar would enjoy prominent and unhindered views across the 9th and 18th holes. Functioning almost as a grandstand to the golf course, the clubhouse, in addition to members’ facilities, provides an important social and community centre for residents of the surrounding area.
The inaugural professional event to be held at Abu Dhabi Golf Club was the European Seniors Tour Final in 2000. Feedback was unanimously positive:
“A fantastic golf course and incredible clubhouse…it will soon become known around the world and be recognised as one of the top golfing destinations” – Dennis O’Sullivan, event winner.
“Peter Harradine’s course is superb and Samir Daoud’s falcon-design clubhouse is nothing short of astonishing” – Tommy Horton, European Seniors Tour’s first Euro millionaire.
Since 2006, the National Course has played host to the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, which is one of the biggest events on the European PGA Tour.
Close to the Grand Mosque, the Exhibition Centre and Zayed Sports City, this 10-storey development consists of 103 serviced apartments, predominantly studios and 1 bedroom units as well as some 2 bedroom units, all accommodated within the efficiently planned typical floors. It has limited commercial and retail components at the ground level with amenities accommodated on the top floor. Car parking occupies one basement and one podium level.
The design had to satisfy the development control guidelines of the master developer of the Rawdhat area, M/s. Reem Developers and is also tailored specifically to the design criteria of the operator. The challenge for Diar Consult was to achieve a balance between economic viability and an architectural sense of identity on a corner plot that will become part of the quality urban tissue of the capital city.
]]>Entry at the formal side is through a grand semicircular and domed atrium, which leads guests to the imposing entrance hall. The palace is crowned with a dome over the central formal reception area.
Externally, the uniform precision that characterizes the facades was achieved by cladding the entire building in custom designed, figured and multilayered GRC with a marble chip acid washed aggregate finish.
Its domed silhouette stands proudly on the prestigious Al Sufouh Road, where most of the Dubai royal palaces are located, and it has a commanding location on the beach.
The façades are articulated with traditional architectural vocabulary set against a lush landscape and turquoise sea. The design of the palace is a reflection of Dubai’s unique cultural context: old and new; traditional and contemporary; East and West; simple and complex and optimistic.
In this case the client is an artist and her art gallery, located in a separate quarter, has become a cultural centre where she proudly exhibits her work and interacts with other artists.
The ground and mezzanine floors are dedicated to the reception, public outlets, hotel administration and back-of-house facilities. The 150 standard guestrooms are accommodated within the efficiently planned typical floors, and there are two executive suites on each floor, articulated on the facade through the cylindrical drum-shaped towers. An all-day dining restaurant, business centre, and a health and fitness centre on the top floor enjoy panoramic views of the city.
In the initial master plan of the city of Abu Dhabi, the sub-division policy had limitations and shortcomings that resulted in a disjointed city fabric. The plots of downtown area were all subdivided into three sizes, 50 × 50 feet, 80 × 80 feet and 100 × 100 feet. Vision Hotel’s plot was the smallest of the three, presenting a challenge to the designer to achieve and balance the important factors of economic viability, operational business plan and architectural sense of identity within the confines and limitations of such a small plot.
Within a terrace setting, the townhouse is a compact residential unit of two or three storeys high, usually ranging from 150 to 250m². It provides an economical and very efficient living unit for small expatriate families, and makes a great starter home alternative to an apartment.
Over the years, Diar Consult has designed many fine examples of such dwelling units to the satisfaction of several clients. The Townhouses typically benefit from an open-plan living space on the ground floor that maximizes the perception of space by creating long vistas from the front entrance hall to the rear garden. Balconies at upper levels extend the accommodation and connect to the outside while articulating the envelope and creating a rhythmic facade, emphasised by inspired material choices.
]]>Lusail is Qatar’s largest domestic real estate project occupying 35 km² of coastline just north of Doha. Led by Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, the development is intended to cater for a population of 200,000 people. Sidra occupies a 3.36 km2 site in the northern area of Lusail, and will provide new homes for 23,000 people.
The project had been master planned previously by another consultant. Arcapita’s brief to Diar Consult was to realign the master plan with their updated expectations for greater commercial viability and investment returns and, in so doing, create an enhanced business plan to support Arcapita’s submission to Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company.
Diar Consult replanned the entire master plan around the golf course designed by Greg Norman in the western district, and the pitch and putt course in the eastern district. It incorporated a state-of-the-art clubhouse and country club, a boutique hotel and a traditional Arabian souk into the high-end residential districts. Subsequent to the reimagining of the master plan, Diar Consult was appointed to prepare architectural concept designs for the villas, townhouses, apartments, clubhouse, hotel and souk in a mix of Arabian, contemporary and Mediterranean styles.
]]>The architecture has Western classical origins, reflecting the taste and preferences of the client. The entire facade is clad in sandstone while the domes are clad in GRC in matching colour and texture; a contemporary technique that maintains a sense of visual uniformity. Vertical towers and pavilions are used to punctuate the facades, disguise the horizontal length of the buildings and to celebrate ceremonially the most significant areas and spaces.
Construction began in April 2006 and took two and a half years to complete.
Its rustic sand-coloured painted facades are enriched with the subtle use of glass mosaic friezes and frames, giving an Andalusian spirit.
Although wind towers and domes rarely coexisted traditionally, they have been combined effectively in this palace. The semi-open courtyard planning brings tranquility and is reminiscent of the older forms of courtyard architecture, regulating the family rooms and activities and organizing their adjacencies and connectivity to the outdoors. This allows the formal quarters of the palace to front a more formal and lush landscape garden, with a sequence of covered arcades adding a sense of scale and rhythm to the palace.
The gridiron planning of the city of Abu Dhabi has resulted in a lot of individual plots being developed sporadically, with no design guidelines looking beyond the boundary of the plot, and no development controls for parking, the creation of public squares (or meydans), arcades for control of daylight and setbacks, building heights, etc. considering the streetscape and urban fabric. In this context a building can seldom act beyond its boundaries to enhance the sense of place, urban scale or intimacy of the public realm in the absence of any master plan vision.
In this unpredictable context, architects can only concentrate on making the best of their small frontage and creating a building of singular presence, showcasing its own identity and merits.
]]>Diar Consult was approached by private developer Reef Real Estate in April 2008. The brief was to design a 30-storey twin tower development in the Mizin area of Dubai, comprising a five-star hotel operation of 303 guestrooms and executive suites, food and beverage outlets, and conference facilities, in addition to 163 furnished and serviced apartments of one and two bedrooms in the style of a ‘1930s New York skyscraper’.
The design was prepared with Tange Associates who brought innovative concepts, efficiency and technologically advanced solutions to the project. The proposal is responsive to the brief while satisfying the stringent development control guidelines of the master developer of the Mizin area, namely, Dubai Properties. The challenge for the architects was to resolve their design ethos of responsive regionalism within the imposed New York style. The skyscraper was borne out of a specific time and place in which land was limited and urban economics demanded high density. Neither of these conditions exist in the context of this project. Nevertheless, the application of the aesthetic has produced an imposing and evocative proposal.
It was anticipated that the operator, Rydges, would manage the hotel, so the design was tailored specifically to their design criteria. The general arrangement locates residents’ and guests’ parking in the basement and podium; reception and lounge on the ground level; and spa facilities, including outdoor swimming pool, on the podium roof deck. All accommodation is provided within the two Art Deco influenced towers.
The client’s brief stipulated that the design should respect the traditional architectural heritage and culture of Qatar; so, in line with these aspirations, Diar Consult created a design which conjures up the spirit and silhouette of a small old Arabian desert village with its wind towers, domes and open-air courtyards and terraces. Simplicity of planning is maintained throughout to reflect the simplicity of village architecture.
Internally, there is an exciting volumetric interplay providing the transition from one activity area to another. The entrance lobby/atrium of the clubhouse is an imposing double volume space, transparent to an external courtyard and the golf course beyond. As the heart of the clubhouse it connects and provides circulation into two wings: food and beverage outlets and viewing terraces to the right, and golfers’ facilities to the left. A sculptural staircase leads from the atrium to an upper-level restaurant and viewing terraces.
The clubhouse is located on the most elevated and prominent area of the site which gives it a commanding presence overlooking the golf course. The white façades provide a striking contrast to the surrounding fairways and greens of the 18-hole championship golf course designed by Peter Harradine.
The building was completed in 1996 and, since 1998, has hosted the annual Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, a European PGA Tour Event.
]]>The country club is located along the canal embankment, easily accessible to residents of Dream City by car from the boulevard, by water taxi from the canal, or on foot while enjoying a pleasurable walk from their neigbourhood. The setting offers panoramic views from the various gardens and terraces, and from the interiors of the public function rooms, making this club a central hub for social and cultural interaction for all age groups.
Designed in an eclectic Indian classical/colonial style, the country club offers a fine dining restaurant, library and games room located on the first floor, while the ground floor accommodates a cafe/lounge with reception area, meeting rooms, state-of-the art spa and fitness centre and party room, all set within landscaped recreational grounds, including a swimming pool with a deck area. The club also offers water sports such as canoeing and kayaking.
The classical colonial design of this clubhouse contrasts in architectural style and scale to the otherwise modern and contemporary residential towers forming the various neighbourhoods of Dream City. This emphasizes its role as a destination and focal point of the community.
]]>It is the flagship development of Dubai Properties and comprises replicas of five Middle Eastern cities, namely, Baghdad, Beirut, Damascus, Marrakech and Cairo, all within one large city. The residential component is supported by retail and commercial offices, hotels, restaurants and a golf course.
Having already designed the internationally recognized clubhouses of the Abu Dhabi and Doha Golf Clubs, Dubai Properties selected Diar Consult in September 2006 to design the clubhouse for Mudon Golf Club. The clubhouse was also designed to appeal to non-golfers.
The country club is designed as an Arabian castle elevated on a hill. In addition to the usual amenities, the clubhouse also has a private function room and terraces, a rooftop swimming pool and sunbathing terraces, and a fine dining restaurant.
The clubhouse was designed by Diar Consult in an Arabian style enriched with subtle accents of Andalusian idioms. Internally, the relaxed planning presents effortless flow from the main lobby through the inner lounges to the activity focused facilities, while offering transparency to the breathtaking views across the course to the silhouette of the city. The restaurants and bars on both the ground and first floors extend out onto terraces or private courtyards so that the surrounding environment can be fully enjoyed by all.
]]>In a master planned community with many hundreds of villas, it is necessary to provide some variety in the villa designs in order to aid recognition and navigation, and avoid monotony. It can be sufficient to vary colour and size, but this is often not enough.
Theming the villas stylistically via the adjustment of external detailing is an effective method of creating visual relief while broadening appeal from a marketing perspective. In this manner, it is possible to drastically alter the look of a villa without generating an alternative plan layout. The style can be produced using a selection of interchangeable details and materials while still benefitting from economies of scale.
Diar Consult are specialists in economically producing stylised themed villa designs for developer clients. Diar has applied this approach to a number of large-scale communities in the UAE.
]]>Other than fortifications, only the richest traders or ruling families built more permanent homes from coral and stone. The discovery of oil in the middle of the twentieth century brought about the very rapid economic growth of the UAE and a transformation in the form and construction of dwellings.
Borne of concrete and air-conditioning, this period brought an end to the use of traditional methods of passive climate control that generated much of the form and aesthetic in the early houses.
Unfortunately, the era produced few villas of architectural note in the UAE, and it wasn’t until the very late twentieth century that the influence of expatriate architects moving to the region became evident in new forms and models of villa.
]]>As Project Director and Client Representative, Diar Consult led an international consortium in the design and delivery of this state-of-the-art medical facility. Completed and handed over in March 2021, it is being operated by Mediclinic.
Diar Consult was appointed in February 2013 by a well-established developer, namely D.S. Kulkarni Developers Ltd., to undertake concept and detailed master planning, urban design and landscape design, as well as the full architectural design and interior design of the buildings.
Dream City comprises four distinct elements: education/knowledge village, sports village, residential neighbourhoods and a cultural village all interconnected by an efficient transportation system that includes trams, cycle paths, water taxis and battery-powered shuttle buses.
Publicly accessible parks, theme parks, linear gardens and botanical gardens provide breathing spaces within the communities. These open spaces are complemented by a series of canals and lagoons, which provide opportunities for boating and water sports, ultimately leading to the dancing fountain lagoon in the cultural and social heart of Dream City. Here the fountains will provide entertainment for the public who will frequent the shopping centre, hotels, museum, sports centre, offices, artists’ park and the bay view bridge overlooking the lagoon.
The mandatory green spaces of the township will be offered as sports fields for cricket, hockey and football. Aimed ultimately at preparing future Olympians, the sports village will foster 38 sporting activities for the residents of Pune and beyond.
Construction work related to roads, landscape and sports grounds started in May 2014 and on the first residential parcel, the Waterfall Residences in Feb. 2015. As a precursor of future communities in Dream City this parcel is setting trends. For the Indian subcontinent it is set to establish a new benchmark standard in terms of the quality of both the architectural product and the cultural and socio-economic sense of balance and harmony in the community.
This project was one of the earliest successes in the development renaissance of Dubai and, although diminutive in itself, it signalled the birth of Palm Jumeirah, one of the most ambitious and now iconic development projects ever undertaken.
Continuing the theme of firsts, this was Diar Consult’s earliest collaboration with international consultants venturing into the Gulf market. Diar Consult offered its capabilities and knowledge of the local environment and practice while sharing the expertise and knowhow of HHCP Design International Inc. from Florida. HHCP provided the architectural concept design, which was then developed by Diar Consult through a series of design reviews to ensure code compliance of the final design. Diar provided complementary MEP and structural engineering services through the design process as well as, during construction, post-contract administration and construction supervision in all disciplines, and procurement of contractors and suppliers.
The building creates an ideal environment for the exhibition of architectural models of the Palm, presentation panels of projects undertaken, marketing videos and animations in a state-of-the-art theatre. It also includes hospitality pavilions for customers, dignitaries and VIPs, sales and marketing offices, and administrative quarters. As the first of its type, it provided a benchmark for what such facilities could be, and how such unprecedented projects could be marketed, all the while forming the physical gateway to Palm Jumeirah.
In 2014, the project won the Gold ARDY Award for Sales centres from the American Resort Development Association (ARDA).
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It was constructed under a design and build contract. Diar Consult was appointed by The Developers to provide interior design for the common areas, post contract administration and supervision and tenants’ coordination services.
In 2000, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), one of the largest petroleum companies in the Gulf, set about establishing a nationwide network of petrol and service stations, thereby representing a first for the region. Recognising the importance and influence that a fully serviced road infrastructure would have on the country’s future, ADNOC Distribution enlisted the services of Diar Consult as designers, project managers and contract administrators.
Throughout the period of 2000 to 2008, Diar Consult delivered 55 new image petrol and service stations for ADNOC, incorporating an improved corporate identity and developing a range of variants suitable for every location from small local petrol stations to motorway mega service and rest stations.
The integration of convenience stores, food and beverage outlets, oil and tyre change facilities and car washes represented a breakthrough in the region in terms of catering to the evolving needs of residents. These new service stations not only responded to the demands of modern motoring, but embodied the necessities to become the new heart of small communities, and were a catalyst for further growth and development in the country.
]]>Diar Consult’s design team paid particular attention to compliance with BMW’s design guidelines and commercial branding. As stipulated by BMW, customer-facing operations and especially the service reception are designed to give the impression of a five-star hotel reception, while respecting the industrial operational characteristics and utilitarian needs of this facility.
Crisp and clinical finishes are used in the workshop interiors, aiding the staff to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
In support of the showroom, the project also comprised the ancillary facilities of repair workshops, stores and related industrial units as well as the management offices of the entire operation. The showroom is accommodated within a large, double height volume with the support services planned at the rear of the showroom on two levels.
It is a low-rise building of five storeys over one basement, and is designed around a central courtyard, which allows daylight into the public outlets and recreational areas of the hotel.
Located on Al Mina dual carriageway which is flanked by low-rise buildings on both sides, the design’s main objective was to emphasise hospitality. It is designed in a grand European style, with Arabian accents in its modulation and facade vocabulary.
Canal Residence West is a collection of five residential apartment buildings which, as the name suggests, are arranged along a landscaped promenade overlooking a manmade canal. The five buildings contain a total of 987 apartments in a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units. Shared retail and recreational facilities are located on the ground and first floors.
Each of the 12 to 20 storey towers is designed in a theme reflecting the style of great canal and waterfront cities: Venice, Naples, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Dubai. The design challenge was to take the style of five geographically, climatically and culturally diverse cities and bring them together in a cohesive and coherent whole in a completely new context. Unified by the canal while retaining their own identity, each apartment building is compatible in spirit to the Victory Heights villas.
]]>The project integrates 200 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with a retail component at street level, including a supermarket, bank and car dealership, as well as other community amenities and a hospital, all within five storeys above two basements.
Al Mada apartments are grouped into individual houses of residence which enjoy shared communal spaces, driveways, parking and community facilities while retaining a high degree of privacy, security and shelter.
Diar Consult undertook the architecture, structure, building services design and interior design as well as complete post-contract administration in all disciplines. The development was built in two phases,with both being completed in 2005. The simplicity of construction techniques and materials used, which do not go beyond the use of bricks, mortar and paint, individual windows and glazing, have contributed to its success, being robust and timeless.
]]>Designed in contemporary style, the articulated facades use composite aluminium cladding panels in two colours: silver grey and cream white. Ample glazing has been incorporated into the facade to ensure maximum penetration of light into the leased office space. The buildings are grounded on a granite clad plinth. The main entrance and all openings are protected by silver blades and fins, providing shade from direct sunlight.
The main entrance at ground level provides access to shared amenities, a full height atrium and the core, which includes two panoramic lifts. The ground floor accommodates a cafe, a bookshop, some office space and supporting service areas. Parking for visitors and tenants is provided in the
basement.
Typical office floors are designed to be highly practical and provide a degree of flexibility and freedom to subdivide the space into various sizes of commercial space. Circulation around the lift core and toilets is kept to a minimum to ensure maximum efficiency of the floor plate.
]]>The tower massing is characterised by a vertically curved facade with a high degree of transparency to capture the sea views. The plan form that results from the curve varies from one floor to the other, allowing a range of incrementally sized floor spaces to be offered for rent.
]]>Al Muften Group, a leading private property developer in Baghdad, appointed Diar Consult in April 2013 to design a mixed-use development in the upmarket Al Jadriya District, one of the prime locations in Baghdad within close proximity to the Tigris River. The design comprises 18-storey residential and commercial towers in addition to a retail component organized around a spacious central atrium in a three-level podium. Each component is separately accessible at the ground-floor level.
The residential tower offers one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments on typical floors, plus duplex apartments on the upper floors enjoying panoramic views of the city. The top floor accommodates leisure and entertainment amenities for the residents, including an indoor swimming pool and spa, gymnasium, games room and children’s playroom. The office tower comprises state-of-the art office space, designed to offer flexibility to tenants.
The objective of the design was to create a distinct and articulate contemporary architectural statement of optimism.
Construction started in August 2013; however, after completion of the shoring contract, the project was put on hold due to the current security issues in Iraq.
]]>Erbil Trade Fair appointed Diar Consult to prepare a concept master plan for this development, with the objective of creating a world-class integrated business and trade environment that would become a hub for international and regional trading.
The master plan is designed on axial relationships that define the positioning of all components of the project along with the entry and exit gateways. Two distinct yet symbiotic zones have been created: Zone A, which is the institutional trading and business environment, including: exhibition halls; a conference and business centre, and a five-star hotel; Zone B, which incorporates the support services of social, cultural, commercial and residential areas, including: a shopping mall; three- and four-star hotels; an office tower and buildings; residential buildings, and a public central promenade.
The two zones are linked through a pedestrianized public central promenade as well as via peripheral roads. Drop-off and collection points and on-grade parking at each component ensures easy access for visitors and gives them a clear sense of orientation. The overall result is a truly mixed-use sustainable community.
The completed Concept Master Plan design has been submitted to the Kurdistan Ministerial Council for preliminary approval. A positive outcome will enable the investment plan and necessary funding to be progressed in collaboration with the Board of Directors of Erbil International Fair in liaison with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
]]>NIC invited a number of prominent local architectural practices to submit conceptual creative solutions for the four precincts within their already established master plan. Diar Consult’s winning proposal comprises six residential towers designed in ascending building heights, from 22 to 35 storeys, all resting on a singular semi-circular podium. The successful proposal envisioned the unifying of the four precincts into an interconnected community, including retail, food and beverage outlets and offices.
The towers are designed in a predominantly Mediterranean style, but with nostalgic hints of local Arabic heritage, such as the crowning domes and layered façades, which present residents with views and vistas of the sea and the city. The articulation of the massing successfully translated the NIC’s requirements for maximum connectivity between the community of the precinct and the city context, while defining a strong sense of place, community and territory at the local level.
]]>Ajman Souk is a single-storey building designed in Arabian style on a linear site, emulating the older forms of Arabian souks of ancient Arab towns, with tight streets and squares and barrel-vaulted roofs. The internal bazaar streets ultimately lead to the bazaar squares (or meydans) which are transitional public spaces. It is the free-standing version of what would otherwise have been an integrated structure within the old town fabric.
Construction was in fact under way and on hold prior to Diar Consult’s involvement. It was a designand- build project that was being executed on a fast track basis, but that had run into problems due to hasty and inadequate preparation. The client requested Diar’s assistance to resolve the issues. The solution was to construct using modular prefabricated elements for façades and roofing, which included barrel vaulting and domes. The domes were precast in one piece and hoisted to the roof by crane, in one lift. In the late 1980s, these were very progressive construction techniques.
]]>Master planning, architecture, interior design and landscape design was carried out by the Diar Consult as well as post contract administration service.
The towers are designed in a contemporary style, with house community amenities and support services at ground floor level as well as activity centres for senior citizens. Two separate clubs are provided for children within this community, one for those aged under 12 and the other for teenagers. Hence all age groups are catered for within the territory of the neighbourhood.
The 2.6km of canals in Dream City terminate at Waterfall Residences ensuring connectivity for residents throughout the township.
Efficiency, spatial economy and the use of modern methods of construction contribute to ensuring the affordability of the accommodation. As a precursor of future communities in Dream City this project is setting trends. For the Indian subcontinent it is set to establish a new benchmark standard in terms of the quality of both the architectural product and the cultural and socio-economic sense of balance and harmony in the community.
]]>Diar Consult was retained by Tameer in association with Surbana, acting as global master planners, to prepare the detailed physical master planning, provide urban design concepts and architectural studies for the various districts and residential precincts. The master plan’s residential component comprises detached and semi-detached villas, townhouses and clusters of apartment buildings which were intended to be the start-up parcels undertaken by the developer to ignite and initiate the first sales campaigns of Al Salam City. They provide economic sustainability and viability for the project in a market and location that was distinctly deprived of good quality residential offerings.
Hence the designs evolved with total cost awareness, focusing on economies of scale and variations on the same theme approach, to generate variety and interest from investors. The clusters were planned with a fair degree of standardization throughout the pedestrian spine, interrupted by community parks and community hubs repeated in a variety of configurations between the clusters. The variety of the six, seven and 16 storey building clusters establishes the scale and dynamics of the neighbourhoods, such that they can become self-contained communities at the initial stages of the city development, but capable of expanding to embrace further components of the city as it develops over a planned 15-year development programme.
]]>In April 2007, Diar Consult was appointed by a private developer, Al Zahra Properties, as lead consultants to master plan their residential sector comprising five lots in Jumeirah Village Circle, with a site area of 15,479m²; and to design all elements of the master plan over two parcels (A and B), including three-storey townhouses, five-storey apartment buildings and such shared amenities as a fitness centre, swimming pools and recreation grounds.
The grain of the master plan suggests organic growth, in preference to structured urban architectural scale and discipline. The result is a Mediterranean-style living environment that conjures up a Spanish-vibe with intimate landscaped semi-private community gathering and recreational spaces between the townhouses and houses of residence. These open and closed courtyards include swimming pools, piazzas and alleyways.
The façades are uniformly finished in a sand-coloured, textured rustic stucco and brought to life by the use of randomly placed idioms and elements, such as balconies, buttressing structures, projected wooden bay windows (mashrabiyas), terraces and roof gardens.
]]>Diar Consult’s scope of services included architecture, interior design and landscape design.
The design of the individual palaces generally aimed to create a sense of individuality of lifestyles and the feel of a secluded private resort or holiday home and sanctuary amid the impressive natural assets of Sir Baniyas Island, without compromising issues of privacy, culture and traditional values.
Diar Consult’s designs focused on the connectivity between the internal and external spaces, maximizing the use of gardens, terraces, patios and pool decks through exotic transition spaces, such as pavilions, covered walkways and shading structures.
]]>Situated in Al Taweelah area, near the highway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, this palace was intended to become a museum for Islamic art. The entrance portico has a sculptural wall, with Islamic Quranic texts and calligraphy, as well as some of the client’s favourite proverbs carved in stone.
]]>Each villa comprises spacious open-plan living and dining areas, an enclosed kitchen, four bedrooms, a two-car garage, maid’s room and bathroom. They also have a private terrace at the rear, giving direct access to the secure communal garden and swimming pool.
]]>Diar Consult was appointed in 2000 to provide extensive design services, including master planning, full architecture and engineering services, as well as interior design. In addition, Diar Consult provided complete post-contract administration in all disciplines. The construction was programmed in two phases, the first of which was completed in 2003 and the second in 2004.
The master-planning strategy creates a dense urban environment that provides shelter and shading to the streetscape in a similar way to that of a traditional Arabian village. The residential accommodation takes the form of spacious three-, four- and five-bedroom villas presented in a modern Mediterranean style in detached and semi-detached layouts. Different construction methodologies were applied to the two phases: phase 1 was built traditionally, while phase 2 employed precast technology. The project demonstrates the effective integration of precast modules through a design and management approach, embracing the technology while controlling production, assembly and impact on the aesthetic.
To facilitate this goal, the client invited Diar Consult to submit design proposals for the Erbil Stock Exchange, set to be the first exchange in the northern Kurdish enclave housing stock exchange offices, a trading floor, rental offices, an area for technical operations and ancillary services.
The project is immersed in both the ancient history of the city and the progressive, optimistic modernity of the stock exchange function, making the development a very diverse environment with a strong duality between the old and the new.
The design concept features three main elements:
— The wall: representing the traditional and historical layers of the city of Erbil
— The floating box: representing the modernity of the function
— The tower: accommodating the offices and representing growth and status.
The three elements are arranged on a raised platform, mimicking the artificial mound of Erbil’s historic Citadel, and are unified by a single water body reflecting the fluidity and speculative nature of the stock market.
The wall is given character by irregular openings derived from the architecture of the traditional houses in the Citadel. As a reflection of the city’s history, it has irregular stone courses and is engraved with ancient calligraphy.
The floating box is a transparent building that uses high-tech building materials, such as translucent, fibre-optic embedded concrete which makes the exterior look solid during daytime yet translucent and glowing at night. The language of the box is inspired by the stock price indices, ever changing and fluctuating, and is intended to project current activity. The façade crevices can be lit indirectly from the inside with a colour that matches the status of the market: red for a decrease, green for an increase and white for a stable market.
Unfortunately the optimism that generated the brief for the project has been undermined by instability in the region, which has put all development on hold.
The apartment buildings designed for the neighbourhoods of Al Salam City provide medium- to high-density residential accommodation in a compact arrangement of building footprints that increases efficiency of land use. These clusters have been planned to accommodate four to six mediumrise buildings, ranging from 6 to 16 storeys, in a consolidated and yet physically well-defined building form. They are stylistically themed in Mediterranean architectural style, with interest provided by the use of Mediterranean colour palettes and architectural vocabulary. Shared community facilities and parking are located in the podium above one single basement. The roof of the podium is used to encourage social interaction between members of the cluster’s community and to provide a safe, well-controlled and stimulating environment, offering the residents of each cluster a rich landscape of pools and pool decks, carved out terraces and gardens which accommodate children’s playgrounds as well as tranquil landscaped spaces.
]]>Ranj Company approached Diar Consult in June 2012, which, subsequently, was appointed to provide consultancy services, including master planning, architectural design, project management and sales and marketing strategy. The scope of work included the entire process of building and infrastructure design in addition to the supervision of construction for Phase 2.
Insightfully designed in a contemporary style using high quality materials, Phase 2 features a shopping mall, a four-star business hotel (with 250 rooms), a commercial office tower, a multiplex and seven residential towers of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments with podium parking.
]]>The proposed design aimed at respecting the segregation of the various components of the project while defining the territorial integrity of each, together with their required privacy levels.
Diar Consult’s submission reached the final two selected entries.
]]>In April 2014, Diar Consult was invited to participate in a competition for the design of four prototypical villas (two waterfront villas and two garden villas) suitable for the development. The scope of services included master planning the two islands and undertaking the architectural design of the buildings as well as the full interior design and furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) for all four villas, to be constructed as precursors to the main development.
Given Qatar’s successful bid for the FIFA 2022 World Cup and Doha’s aim to embrace this tournament, and having considered the project’s location within the wider context of the city, country and region, Diar Consult elected to submit contemporary and technologically advanced design solutions (as opposed to traditional models). Offering new modern lifestyles and vibrant living environments within the community was felt to be compatible with the spirit of the future development of Doha.
]]>In April 2014, Diar Consult was invited to participate in a competition for the design of four prototypical villas (two waterfront villas and two garden villas) suitable for the development. The scope of services included master planning the two islands and undertaking the architectural design of the buildings as well as the full interior design and furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) for all four villas, to be constructed as precursors to the main development.
Given Qatar’s successful bid for the FIFA 2022 World Cup and Doha’s aim to embrace this tournament, and having considered the project’s location within the wider context of the city, country and region, Diar Consult elected to submit contemporary and technologically advanced design solutions (as opposed to traditional models). Offering new modern lifestyles and vibrant living environments within the community was felt to be compatible with the spirit of the future development of Doha.
]]>The first option is a geometrically articulated tower with a series of stepped sky gardens created through a shifting of the floor plates. These elevated terraces and gardens are cut out of the facade planes, alternating on all four facades of the tower.
]]>The project comprised five elements: a 38-storey commercial office tower, a 47-storey residential tower that cascades down to a 23-storey residential tower, a 17-storey building of serviced apartments and a seven-storey five-star hotel. Magnificent views of both the Arabian Gulf and the manmade canal are maximized.
Diar Consult had already established a strategic alliance with Tange Associates of Japan, so that they could partner on significant projects in the UAE and the Middle East. Due to the size and scale of this project, it presented an ideal opportunity to use the arrangement. Tange Associates led the concept design, and Diar Consult acted as associate architects. The design aimed to create a unique destination and vibrant environment with a sense of identity and unity, giving the residents, workers and visitors a sense of belonging. Sustainability and respect for nature were major drivers of the design, using natural energy sources of wind, water, sunlight and greenery to create a human architecture.
The concept design was completed in May 2008 when the developer had intended to launch the project on the real estate market. However the project was not developed further due to the worldwide financial downturn.
]]>Diar Consult was appointed by Al Yamama Company in 2012 to prepare the concept master plan for the proposed development for submission to the Ministry of Tourism. The aim was to create an attractive recreation, family entertainment and leisure destination for the people of Baghdad and Iraq in the form of a self-sustainable and commercially viable adventure park.
The 450,000 m² site in Baghdad stretches for 2 km along an embankment of the River Tigris, bordered to the north by the Tigris and to the south by Baghdad University of Al Jadriya. Historically, the showpiece and entertainment centre of the city, “Abu Nuwas”, is in desperate need of the regeneration that a project of this type would bring to the district.
]]>The concept design, led by SOM, has a triangulated footprint that dynamically changes from concave to convex along the facade on each side of the triangle. Dramatic elevated sky gardens are created through which the residential units and the gardens become vertical neighbourhoods, efficiently linked together by a vertical transportation system. The form and geometry reflects fluidity, and the dynamic form emulates the free shapes of a sand dune. The triangulated form captures stunning views of city skylines and the sea. The design did not progress beyond concept stage because of the client’s changing development strategy.
]]>The proposal takes advantage of the deep rectangular plot to create a duality of character in the landscape, providing both lush structured water gardens and a pristine natural beach. Building elements are arranged in linear strips along three boundaries of the site, designed to maximize views of the gardens, beach and the sea beyond. Vehicular circulation is limited to the road frontage and side boundaries, thereby providing convenient and efficient access to the hotel chalets and beach bar and grill on one side, and to the executive hotel villas and beachside VIP retreat on the other. Infinity pools and exotic islands occupy the heart of the site and provide an enclave of tranquility and serenity that can be enjoyed by all guests.
]]>Diar Consult was appointed by Nakheel in June 2008 to prepare feasibility concept proposals for this mixed-use project. Due to the project size, Diar Consult partnered with Tange Associates Japan which led the pre-concept feasibility proposals, while Diar Consult acted as associate architects. With its wave-like curved podium, the design aims to create a resort image and feel. The staggered layers of the buildings create a dramatic appearance. The promenade front of the podium integrates duplex townhouses, situated above the retail floor.
While the proposals were completed in August 2008, the Palm Jebel Ali project was put on hold owing to the global financial downturn.
]]>Appointed in 2007 by Gensler UK, the internationally renowned lead design architects, Diar Consult was the architect of record responsible for design review and code compliance (all disciplines) as well as all permitting and local authority licensing for this iconic project.
Construction started on the first phase of the residential component in 2010, but is currently on hold.
]]>The master plan comprises a private residential community of 170 units (townhouses and villas), creating secure defined neighbourhoods structured around a cul-de-sac system. All the residents enjoy access to the connected linear parks and recreation areas of the development directly from their lots. A manmade internal water creek was introduced into the development to demarcate clearly the territory of the residential zone, separating it from the commercial and public zones; and to create a dramatic and organic integration of land and water bodies. The separately accessible public domain includes retail, a hypermarket and cineplex, a four-star hotel and boutique offices as well as a country club for the residents and the general public.
The project was cancelled in July 2005 due to a complex legal issue related to land ownership. However, it provided a recognised benchmark and standards for this client to build on for their subsequent projects.
]]>In addition to being responsive to the brief, Diar Consult also had to satisfy the stringent fit-out guidelines of the developer, M/s Omniyat.
The contemporary interior is zoned into three main areas: