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NEWS, DATA, ANALYSIS AND STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FOR ARCHITECTS IN THE GCC MARCH 2009 |VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 3
MARCH 2009 | VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 3
NEWS, DATA, ANALYSIS AND STRATEGIC INSIGHTS FOR ARCHITECTS IN THE GCC
GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY
UNITING CULTURES SHOULD PROVE LUCRATIVE FOR FUJAIRAH’S GOLDEN BEACH
The who, what, why & how A look at some of the world’s
much of architectural glass best architecture universities
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Draw Link Architecture, the fulcrum organization of the Draw Link Group of companies is ably supported by divisions
such as Draw Link Interior for interior design, Draw Link Technical Works for project management, 90One Projects for IT
and media based marketing tools, and a dedicated furniture line. Our approach to architecture differentiates us from the
competition. Extensive research on topography, climate, expected return on investment, marketability and innovation
2008
sets the tone for our concepts. We offer end to end solutions for residential, commercial and hospitality projects in the
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14
12 18
07 REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS
X-architects sets benchmarks, KEO simplifies
sustainability and Cairo is being transformed. All
that plus the latest news from around the globe
21
21TOP OF THE CLASS
A brief look at 10 of the world’s top
postgraduate architecture universities
30 STUDENT UNION
Princeton graduate students work with dxb.lab
and Jesse Reiser through pr0gress design studio
48ARCHITECTURAL GLASS
Architects and LEED APs talk to Jeff Roberts about
the who, what, when & why of glass for buildings
56BATTLE OF THE...
Guggenheim Museums: Frank Lloyd Wright
(New York City) vs. Frank Gehry (Bilbao, Spain)
STZ
Partners for better light.
1 2 3 4
Beijing, National Centre for the Performing Arts. Natural daylight gradually fills the interior spaces as morning
breaks, seeping in through the huge glass dome. Later it blends harmoniously with artificial light, engineered to take
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architects and lighting designers (as well, of course, as clients sensitive to this issue) to give the world better light.
Architectural design: Paul Andreu 2 associated with ADPi and BIAD. Concept & Schematic lighting design for
Dome Interior: Lighting Planners Associates Inc. 4 . Client: The Grand National Theatre Committee,
Wan Siquan 3 . iGuzzini Partner Assistance: 1 . Product design: Le Perroquet, by Piano Design; Light Up, by Jean
Michel Wilmotte; Zoom, by Bruno Gecchelin. iguzzini.com, iGuzzini illuminazione spa, Italy.
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BPA Worldwide Business Publication Audit Membership Applied for Jeff Roberts, Group Editor
August 2008.
jeff.roberts@itp.com
Emirates Glass, L.L.C., P.O. Box 29769, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 7094700 Fax: + 971 4 3471440
E - m a i l : e m i g l a s s @ e m i r a t e s . n e t . a e W e b s i t e : w w w. e m i r a t e s g l a s s . c o m
REGIONAL
NEWS
$10.4 MILLION
sessment tool.
Considered a very strin-
gent set of guidelines for US
achieving environmental, The cost of design and construction of Metito’s
social, cultural and economic state-of-the-art water treatment plant, which is to
sustainability, Estidama was residents while maintaining technology, society and con- be built in the Jebel Ali Power Complex. Metito’s
designed by Abu Dhabi’s a community-based identity text,” explained X-architects’ first water treatment plant in Jebel Ali is one of the
Urban Planning Council to and low-density architecture. founder and CEO, Ahmed Al UAE’s only LEED Gold building.
address the specific chal- “In Al Ain, you cannot Ali. “Starting from scratch,
20.7 BILLION
lenges facing the region’s build higher than approxi- we considered the wind and
built environment. mately 20m, which is only how it shapes the dunes
“The basic environmental G+3 or G+4,” explained around the original site. AED
elements – sun, wind, sand Esmaeil. “[Al Naseem] is a Then, we looked at the sun Value of Emaar Misr’s total development portfolio
– are very specific for this compact city and hence it is and orientation. We also had in Egypt, which includes several smaller, smarter
part of the world,” explained more sustainable.” to address the lack of water and cost-competitive mixed-use developments.
X-architects’ founding part- Due to north/south-facing and the need for water-sav-
3
ner, Farid Esmaeli. “For ex- facades, the windows of the ing strategies. We considered
ample, how can you use wind buildings will be exposed to climate, energy and soil.”
to reduce the use of energy? less direct sunlight. Likewise, Al Naseem – cur-
How can you use the sun to the east/west-facing facades rently entering the detailed The number of masterplans currently breaking
do the same? These are the will take advantage of vast masterplanning stage – is ground in Cairo’s ‘New Cairo City’ district. The
things we’re focusing on.” expanses to control thermal one of the first projects to masterplans include Marassi, Uptown Cairo &
Al Naseem is a mixed-used bridging, increase energy-ef- have successfully met all Mivida.
development that incorpo- ficiency and control light. requirements for Estidama
8.48 BILLION
rates all of the necessary Orientation is just one approval. Providing every-
amenities to allow residents of many considerations thing runs smoothly, the
to live, work, stay, play considered by X-architects development will serve as AED
and pray. The masterplan to maximise the level of a functioning benchmark Value of Dubai’s non-oil trade with Singapore
addresses the needs of its sustainability of Al Naseem. against which other projects including free zone and customs warehouse trade at
“[Al Naseem] is sustainable seeking Estidama approval the end of 2008.
from the perspectives of will be measured.
3500
that simply do not exist elsewhere. What is
becoming clear in the new global economic
The official – but presumed to be understated
climate is that Abu Dhabi is fast establishing – number of jobs lost in the region’s building sec-
tor since the onset of the financial downturn
itself as a beacon of cultural renaissance as well.
ROHAN MARWAHA, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CITYSCAPE EVENTS
16 MILLION
Reported population of Cairo in 1997
We believe that the fundamentals of the [Egyptian]
market are robust and continue to present an attractive
SOROUH CITY TO HELP investment opportunity for both local and international
MEET SPACE SHORTAGE markets. By offering well-designed units that suit
CAIRO, EGYPT // To meet the its design plan, which features smaller families we are offering customers quality
growing demand for residen-
tial and office space in the
an integrated mixed-use
development that holds 30.7
homes in an integrated community.
greater Cairo area, UAE- million ft² of residential units SAMEH MUHTADI, CEO OF EMAAR MISR ON EXTENSIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN EGYPT
based developer Sorouh has including town houses and
appointed Callison to master apartments, 4.3 million ft²
plan and design Sorouh City.
The 42.3 million ft² devel-
of office space and 1.85 ft² of
space designated for retail. EMAAR FINDS FUTURE IN EGYPT
opment – sited just outside
the Cairo city centre and a
central part of the develop-
Sorouh City will be located
along the banks of a large,
man-made lake and is
WITH AED 20.7 BILLION INVESTMENT
ing New Cairo City – will be surrounded by lush parks, CAIRO, EGYPT // The Spanish throughout the master plan. community atmosphere.
in close proximity to schools, public squares and tree-lined colonial architecture that Introducing smaller, more Following the EGP 12
hospitals and the Cairo Inter- boulevards; providing a dra- typifies Santa Barbara, Cali- technologically advanced billion (AED 7.9 billion) Up
national Airport. matic green respite from the fornia (USA) is the design housing that suits smaller Town Cairo, and the EGP
Callison recently released bustling Cairo city centre. inspiration behind Emaar families, the project is intro- 9.92 billion (AED 6.5 billion)
Misr’s Mivida masterplan ducing a suburban lifestyle Marassi currently under con-
in Cairo’s ‘New Cairo City’ into an urban setting, and struction, Emaar Misr’s Mivi-
district. the Santa Barbara-inspired da raises the firms investment
Moving away from the design style is set to be trans- portfolio by EGP 5.75 billion
vernacular architecture of lated throughout the built (AED 3.8 billion); cementing
Cairo and driven by the environment and outdoor the developer’s confidence in
overpopulation of the city, the space, providing a relaxed- the growth of the real estate
Emaar Misr has launched the yet-lavish, Mediterranean, industry in Egypt.
sprawling, Mediterranean-fla-
voured mixed-use develop-
ment Mivida.
“The construction of the
Business Park and other
infrastructure work is already
underway, and the master-
planning has been complet-
ed… sales of homes within the
community will start shortly,”
said Sameh Muhtadi, CEO of
Emaar Misr.
A 3.8 million m²
masterplan, Mivida en-
compasses an integrated
neighbourhood of 5000
apartments, townhouses,
villas, office and retail space,
as well as healthcare facili-
46 MILLION
ties, schools and hospitality
venues. Landscaped parks
and community complexes
are to create public meeting Estimated population of Cairo in 2009
points that infuse continuity
ABU DHABI, UAE // The Moham- developers and end-users by shaded pedestrian walk-
med Bin Zayed City Towers
designed by KEO as part of
will very little effort.
“The completed develop-
ways and parks. District
cooling and double glazing TWIN ELEVATORS TO
Mohammed Bin Zayed City
is an example of working
ment will cater to the mid-
dle-income tenant market,
have been employed to
maximise energy efficiency,
REVOLUTIONISE LIFTS
sustainability in the region. which is currently highly Nienstedt continues.
This is according to Uwe underserved in Abu Dhabi… The AED 25 billion DUBAI, UAE // ThyssenKrupp’s
Nienstedt, the Managing the development has been Mohammed Bin Zayed City new TWIN elevator system
Director of KEO Interna- designed taking many of the development is at once is a revolutionary compact
tional Consultants’ Urban principles of Estidama into addressing the significant vertical transport system
Development Division in account,” said Nienstedt. shortage of residential that offers greater capacity
Abu Dhabi, who insists The residential tow- space in Abu Dhabi while than traditional systems.
that KEO’s masterplan for ers will encourage a more also providing end-users With a total of four cabs
sustainability can be fol- pedestrian lifestyle as the and investors with afford- and 17 conventional eleva-
lowed and implemented by development is surrounded able, sustainable housing. tors, TK’s TWIN is set to be
used in the 210-metre-high
mixed-use Latifa Tower in Arabia and the UK, and is
AUTODESK LOOKS TO EGYPT IN Dubai, which is scheduled
for completion in 2010.
now being used in the UAE.
“The increasing number
BID FOR REGIONAL SUPREMACY As one of the latest
innovations in vertical
of TWINs around the world
shows that architects and
CAIRO, EGYPT // As the building a largely untapped market. to the stable atmosphere transport technology, the developers have been won
industry begins to boom in Managing Autodesk’s and solid economic status TWIN system comprises over by the elevator system
Egypt, Autodesk appointed Cairo office, Khaled is enveloping the country... two or more independent- and its advantages – in-
Hazem Nabil Khaled to grow looking to offer new cus- Egypt is an attractive zone ly-operable elevator cars cluding reductions in build-
the company’s position in the tomer-oriented divisions for IT and communication within one elevator shaft. ing volume and greater
burgeoning market. and enhance technical industries,” said Khaled. The TWIN design has been capacity,” said Monica
Autodesk products have support and implement an embraced by architects and Soffriti, communications
long been the software of educational division in con- developers in Germany, the manager for ThyssenKrupp
choice for architects looking junction with the Egyptian Netherlands, Spain, Saudi Elevator AG.
to visualize and simulate Government.
the performance of their “Despite the global
designs, and Khaled’s man- financial crisis, I am very
date is to focus specifically optimistic about the future
on growing the business in of the Egyptian market due
TODAY, COMPUTERS THINK FOR initely. Venice? Absolutely. Milan? Not so tion supply chain planning, construction
much...until now. IT, worksite equipment/technologies and
US, AND THEY THINK TOO FAST…. Upon arriving at Milan’s 2nd Edition sports facilities/fitness/urban finishings.
of the Milano Architettura Design Edilizia The four-day event saw 200,126 visitors
NOWADAYS, FORM SWALLOWS (MADEexpo), held from February 4-7, from 118 different countries. For readers
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK// Perkins+Will are revolu- a space from which scien- York has long been known
Lehman College’s new sci- tionising the classroom tists can conduct ecological, for its rich architectural
ence building, designed by experience by going beyond life science research, and heritage, with architects
Perkins+Will, is the first just housing academic pro- will also feature displays like David Todd and Jan
groundbreaking in the City grammes, and using the new that provide real-time Pokorny shaping the college
University of New York’s ‘De- building itself to facilitate information on building and surrounding landscape,
cade of the Sciences’ initiative. teaching and research. operations, including energy and the new Lehman College
Embracing the concept Dubbed an ‘urban wet- and water usage. building aims to be a striking
of ‘living classrooms’, land’, the building provides City University of New addition to the campus.
13th May 2009, Jeddah 4th June 2009, Doha 15th June 2009, Amman
Standard delegate rate: $995 Standard delegate rate: $995 Standard delegate rate: $995
REGISTRATION HOTLINE
Tel: +971 4 4356125 or +971 4 4356893
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GLOBAL
NEWS
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN// the one million m2 develop- is designed to be a sustain- from Bjarke Ingels Group. biotopes and eco-niches, it
After the award-winning ment resembles an illumi- able urban environment “This new architecture channels water and stores
Mountain Dwelling project, nated mountain range from that creates a striking not only recreates the iconic heat, it provides viewpoints
the Bjarke Ingels Group a distance, however up close skyline that is recognisable silhouettes of the seven and valleys, access points
are reaching new peaks in the development functions along the city’s coastline. peaks, but more importantly and shelter space.
manmade mountain designs as a fully inhabited space “What we propose for the creates an autonomous eco- The Seven Peaks of
with their Seven Peaks of for residential, cultural and Zira Zero Island is an archi- system where the flow of air, Azerbaijan are not only
Azerbaijan masterplan. recreational living. tectural landscape based on water, heat and energy are metaphors, but actual living
As Central Asia’s first Located within a crescent the natural landscape of Azer- channeled in almost natural models of the mountainous
carbon neutral master plan, shaped bay, the masterplan baijan,” said a spokesperson ways. A mountain creates ecosystems of Azerbaijan.”
Tim Askew has over 30 Jim Carless, AILA, Joe Tabet is design Simon Crispe was Shaun Killa has over
years or practice in the manages a dynamic Director in Abu Dhabi recently appointed the 16 years experience, sev-
construction industry landscape design team, and has over ten years first Ambassador for en in the Middle East,
and has been Manag- bringing over 15 years design experience across RIBA’s newly formed and specialises in urban
ing Director for Atkins experience in outdoor the gamut of building Gulf Chapter. Currently design projects. He has
in the Middle East and design to projects sectors, specializing Commercial Director for won many awards for
India Region, since including Durrat Al in hotel design and is the Middle East, he has his designs including
1999, overseeing all op- Bahrain, Iris Bay and currently overseeing the been involved in several Bahrain World Trade
erations as well as staff The Wave in Oman. design of Al Ajlan Tower projects including the Center and DIFC Light-
across nine offices. in Riyadh. Jumeirah Beach Resort. house tower.
END OF THE 1980S
1985
1994
1960S
1999
1992
Lee Morris is a Design Nicholas Lander spe- Paula Hirst brings over
Director in Dubai. He cialises in Sustainable a decade of experience
has worked on global Design and Building working on large scale
projects including the Physics. As Regional mixed use regenera-
2009
Sales Centre in Business Head of Sustainabil- tion projects and now
Bay, Museum of Sydney, ity, he brings extensive oversees the regional
the Royal Hong Kong experience in passive Masterplanning and
Jockey Club and Dubai’s design, operation and urban design business.
Trump Hotel & Tower. master planning.
2006
2002
2004
A plethora of proj-
ects set for comple-
Atkins’ opens its office Nakheel appoints Atkins tion across the region
in Doha, Qatar. This Atkins first major job to undertake compre- including Dubai Metro
is closely followed by out of the Bahrain office hensive masterplanning, red line, Doha Dukhan
a major infrastructure is to masterplan and design and delivery Highway, Al Mas, The
commission when provide design consul- of ‘Coral Island’ a Address, DSEC Tower,
the Qatar Ministry of tancy services for Durrat 270,000sq m luxury Indigo Tower, Tiffany
Municipal Affairs and Al Bahrain, a 20km2 resort on The World. Towers, and the Bah-
Agriculture appoints sustainable residential, rain World Trade Center
2007
2009
2005
light
& ambience
The Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Chicago Beach Resort, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority · Bldg. 6 West A – Office 731 · P.O. Box 54744, Dubai – UAE
Tel. +971 4 609 1033 · Fax +971 4 609 1016 · operations@targettipoulsenme.ae
FEATURE
TOP ARCHITECTURE
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
UNIVERSITIES
Speciality: Speciality:
Sustainable design Spatial information architecture
Featured postgraduate course: through computer aided design
Master of Science, Sustainable Featured courses:
Design of the Built Environment Short courses in computer aided design
Head of department: Head of department:
Professor Bassam Abu-Hijleh, head of Sustain- Melanie Dodd, Professor of Practice Coordina-
able Design of the Built Environment tor and Senior Lecturer of design and social
context
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY, WALES
The Welsh School of Architecture (WSA) UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE, UK
was voted as the UK’s top school of archi- Architecture has been studied at Cam-
tecture in the Times Higher Education bridge University since 1912, and the Fac-
Supplement, and its holistic approach to ulty of Architecture is respected for push-
design embraces all aspects of architecture. ing boundaries and diversifying to address
WSA is currently expanding its taught issues within the built environment.
Masters programme, offering course The university’s Master of Philosophy
options in Environmental Design of Build- in Engineering for Sustainable Develop-
ings, Theory and Practice of Sustainable ment was launched in 2002 and now, in
Design, Urban Design, Sustainable Energy its seventh year, this course has been aid-
and Environment, Building Energy and ing architects and engineers to find the
Environmental Performance Modelling. best possible sustainable solutions.
The Design Research Unit within the Especially designed to attract topflight
WSA is a nurturing space where design and engineers early in their careers, the course
research come together to produce innova- enables professionals to engineer build-
tive and sustainable built solutions. Real, ings for sustainable development through
workable design projects are carried out, enhanced technical skills and a holistic un-
producing buildings designs that can are derstanding of a sustainable development.
pushing the envelope in practical solutions. Similarly, a part-time Masters in Inter-
disciplinary Design, built especially for
Speciality: architects, is a course for design, strategy,
Sustainable design leadership and sustainability in architec-
Featured postgraduate course: ture, ensuring a multiple-voiced approach
Master of Science, Sustainable to built solutions.
Energy and Environment
Head of Department: Speciality:
Professor Phil Jones, chair of Architectural Sci- Sustainable engineering and
ence and Head of School at the Welsh School interdisciplinary design
of Architecture, Cardiff University. Featured course:
Master of Studies, Interdisciplinary
ROYAL MELBOURNE INSTITUTE OF Design for the Built Environment
TECHNOLOGY (RMIT), AUSTRALIA Head of department:
RMIT focuses on exploring the emergence Sebastian Macmillan, Course Director of Inter-
of innovative practices in the context of disciplinary Design for the Built Environment.
international architectural debate, promot-
ing a constructive environment for learning UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LONDON, UK
through project-based research and critique. The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Envi-
What differentiates RMIT’s Masters ronment was opened at the University
programme from other universities is the College of London (UCL) in 1841, and
Urban Architecture Laboratory in which has since then been a prominent force
students undertake urban architectural elec- in international architectural debate.
tives in conjunction with spatial information Students, staff and alumni contribute to
architecture electives. The RMIT mission is architecture around the globe through
“to provide a rich and challenging scholar- designs, buildings and books.
ship environment for students, academics Through a stimulating teaching environ-
and creative practitioners engaged in the ment, new waves of architecture have been
activity of designing.” explored throughout the years; “This is a
RMIT also offers short courses in 3D school where people constantly design,
Max, AutoCAD, Photoshop and Rinoceros invent, explore, write, draw, teach, specu-
to keep architects’ computer aided design late, theorise, map, film, critique, analyse
skills at the forefront. and imagine,” says Professor Iain Borden,
the Director of the Bartlett School of which was America’s first, continues
Architecture, UCL. to train professionals in the under-
The Masters programmes include standing of historic architecture, arte-
Master of Architecture, Master of facts and landscape.
Architectural Design, Master of “The architect’s buildings are
Architectural History, Master of Ar- placed in the city like the books of a
chitecture Urban Design and Master thoughtful novelist might be placed in
of Science Urban Studies. a news stand in a railway station, em-
The Master of Architecture, Urban bedding the possibility of a rewarding
Design employs a programme of detour amongst all the routines... the
design-based research that brings architect crafts an invitation to think
together the latest theoretical re- and act differently,” says Mark Wigley
search on the spatial structure of the the dean of GSAPP.
urban environment in conjunction GSAPP offers Master of Architec-
with the built form. ture, Master of Advanced Architectural
Design, Master of Architecture and
Speciality: Urban Design, Master of Historic Pres-
Urban design ervation, Certificate in Conservation of
Featured course: Historic Buildings among others.
Master of Architecture, Urban Design
Head of department: Speciality:
Professor Iain Borden, the Director of Restoration and conservation
the Bartlett School of Architecture Featured courses:
Master of Science, Historic Preservation
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, Head of Department:
NEW YORK, USA Mark Wigley, Dean of the
The Graduate School of Architecture, School of Architecture
Preserving and Planning (GSAPP)
of Columbia University has offered MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF
a number of specialised architecture TECHNOLOGY, BOSTON, USA
programmes since it opened in 1881. MIT’s School of Architecture + Plan-
All programmes stress the need for ning (SA+P) is recognised as a top
analysing and understanding histori- school of architecture and design in the
cal trends in architecture in order to USA; pushing boundaries in the built
move forward with new ideas. The environment through its graduate and
school’s preservation programme, postgraduate courses.
There are many masters programmes University of Sharjah and is committed George Katodrytis, Associate Professor,
available at MIT, including the Master of to ensuring that graduates have the skills Director of Scholarship and Outreach
Architecture and the Master of Science in and design philosophy to make significant
Architecture Studies; which includes courses contributions to the Gulf region within a WASEDA UNIVERSITY, JAPAN
Architecture and Urbanism, Building Stud- broader global context. Waseda boasts the oldest Architecture De-
ies, Design and Computation and the Aga “Good design results from a combina- partment of all the private universities in
Khan Programme for Islamic Architecture. tion of a deep understanding of culture, an Japan, and each year the Waseda alumni
The programme was established in ethical engagement in society and respect contribute to the talent within large design
1978 at both MIT and Harvard University for the creative skills needed to establish firms such as Nikken Sekei, NTT Facilities
and the course is recognised as being at a sustainable built environment,” states and the Ishimoto Design Office.
the forefront of urbanism in the Islamic SA+D within its design philosophy. Through a variety of postgraduate pro-
world. The course is dedicated to the study The Master of Urban Planning is an grammes, Waseda deals with the relation-
of Islamic architecture, urbanism, visual interdisciplinary course that is rooted in ship between architecture, urban design
culture and conservation. architecture, engineering, public health, and engineering, providing specialised
law and social sciences, enabling urban courses that enable architects to reach
Speciality: planners to combine design, analytical and expertise in seismic design, vibration engi-
Islamic Architecture communication skills to manage a sustain- neering, seismology/wind engineering and
Featured course: able development. advanced disaster prevention planning,
The Aga Khan Programme for The MUP seeks to empower students among many other specialisations.
Islamic Architecture with the application of multidisciplinary
Head of department: knowledge in the field of architecture and Speciality:
Nasser Rabbat, Aga Khan Professor urban planning. Seismic architecture and engineering
of Islamic Architecture, MIT Featured course:
Speciality: Postgraduate studies in
THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY Urban planning seismology/wind engineering
OF SHARJAH, UAE Featured course: Head of department:
The School of Architecture and Design Master of Urban Planning Shigeru Satoh, Professor of
(SA+D) forms part of the American University representative: Urban Design and Planning
ROOM FOR
THOUGHT
room before you go to the bedroom and one trend out there as there are many
the first room you enter when you start ideas and products available for differ-
your day; it is a very important space. ent settings. When I started working in
this profession it was not usual to have a
Do you think that architects and series of sanitary ware; we would design
developers consider the bathroom individual units and the customers would
as an important space? combine the elements themselves.
Kook: I do think that they recognise that What we have developed is a range of
the bathroom is an important living space, different design styles to complement any
but often they might be restricted because development; a series gives the develop-
of a client’s budget or the space con- ers one design language. For example our
straints. But architects are most definitely new PuraVida range is curved and femi-
concerned with designing a good shape for nine, and before this Duravit has devel-
the bathroom, giving enough space for a oped many strong, rectangular minimal-
shower and bath, a nice wash basin area ist shapes; for example, our rectangular
with a mirror and cabinet. However, there design of Vero still is very successful. The
can be limitations; if an apartment is only designs of Starck 1, 2 and 3 moved away Early concept designs
100 metres2 you have to be clever with from the rectangular shapes. for a prefabricated
how you utilise the space. bathroom
In the competitive market what
Do architects communicate with do you think your company offers
Duravit with regards to their bath- to architects and developers?
room design intent? Kook: Our strength at Duravit, which Duravit products have been
Kook: Yes, if you look at our guest list for appeals to architects, is that we are not just specified for the Burj Dubai, can
the Duravit Design Days, we have many selling bathrooms, we are selling design. you tell me more about this?
architects from all over the world coming The architect or interior designer wants to Kook: The architects have specified
to view our latest products and to discuss have a good bathroom that will enhance products from the Starck 1 series pre-
the latest trends. For Duravit Design Days the design, but often they don’t have a dominantly, with a special focus on the so
2009 I have spoken with architects from deep knowledge of the bathroom. We have called “barrel”, a vanity unit designed for
Scandinavia, Tunisia, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, so many different series and different op- Duravit by Philippe Starck. We have deliv-
the UK and Belgium. tions that the architect can specify some- ered more than 1,000 barrels to Dubai, as
Architects are interested in collabora- thing that will complement a project. well as almost 4,000 WCs and bidets and
tion and they profit from the discussions Every design series has its own more than 1,600 baths and whirlpools.
as they can see what designs are available philosophy and personality, so you can
and how they can be installed in there create a certain identity and theme in How has collaboration with
own projects. Duravit has had great line with what an architect desires. We architects benefited Duravit?
success working with different architects have strong competition, but we have Kook: We profit from the contact with
who will specify products for their proj- an advantage because of our ‘designed’ architects; we discuss their needs. Some
ects, or even develop their own range as concepts and the fact that we can offer products are developed after a specific
Norman Foster and Philippe Starck did. full solutions for bathroom - ceramics, requirement from an architect. When you
bathtubs and fittings - so we can give one talk about bowls, that is the wash basins
How has bathroom design design language to a developer. and the plate, and they can be cylindrical
changed in the last 20 years? or conic and we have several forms. These
Kook: Bathroom design is more liberal What do you see as the future designs first came about with of the archi-
today; you cannot say that there is just of bathroom design? tecture for hotels, as it suited the structure,
Kook: The bathroom, as an increasingly and we developed them accordingly for
Bathroom designers important living space, will move towards other projects.
require as much creative greater use of technology. Electron- Architects might want to have a dif-
inspiration as architects ics, light and sound, electronic pictures ferent approach to the bathroom design
and engineers and cleaning systems will advance the of their project, and we try to listen and
bathrooms. The technological advance- come up with the best possible solu-
ment will need to be incorporated into the tion; it is a win-win situation because we
design; the bathroom needs to look good are pushed to create innovative designs
and function well. and the end product is something that
complements the architecture.
Is water conservation an impor- Duravit was one of the first bathroom
tant element of bathroom design? companies to collaborate with design-
Kook: Yes. Especially in the Middle ers; We have collaborated with Sieger
East, where water is expensive and it goes Design, Norman Foster, Philippe Starck,
through a long process to get clean. On the Phoenix Design, Michael Graves, Mas-
other hand, people are willing to invest in simo Iosa Ghini, James Irvine, Frank
water when it helps to revitalise the body. Huster, Jochen Schmiddem, EOOS,
You mustn’t use water when it is unneces- Andreas Struppler and Herbert Schultes.
sary, but with a water-saving shower you We profit greatly from this collaboration.
can use less water and still feel refreshed. Absolutely!
STUDENT UNION
CREATING CONNECTIONS BETWEEN DESIGN PROFESSIONALS
AND THE GULF’S ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS WITH POTENTIAL
The following projects are two of coastline, city, desert or mountains) and sion. Pr0gress recently evolved out of a
many done by graduate students from were asked to develop alternative design public forum for emerging voices and cul-
Princeton University, New Jersey in 2007. strategies challenging the classical model tural dialogue, and has since determined
The studio was hosted in Dubai by archi- of over-arching zoning in Dubai. the need for an independent research
tecture firm dxb.lab and taught by Jesse Assisting students like these to share institute and platform aiming to support
Reiser, who designed the O14 Tower cur- their fantastic concepts with the public cross-cultural education in the gulf region
rently under construction in Business Bay. in Dubai is part of the mission of the and compliment the intellectual discourse
Under the title “Islands” the students pr0gress initiative, a newly-founded edu- with a new range of activities. For more
were asked to chose from 5 potential cational project in the Emirates striving to info please contact Adina Hempel and
geographical sites in Dubai (offshore, create content for exhibition and discus- Richard Wagner (info@pr0gress.com).
H IG H TID E (0.00m)
LO W TID E (-4.00m)
GREEN SPACE
DIVE AREA
PRT TRA N SI T H UB
Frank Lloyd Wright intended his housed inside hollow cantilevered beams. The folklore surrounding classic sky-
Mile High Illinois skyscraper to be To reach the building’s upper floors, Wright scrapers that never saw completion tells us
the focal point of Broadacre City—a proposed atomic-powered elevators that much about what motivates both architects
theoretical city he began planning in the could carry 100 people per trip. and their clients. These tales beg the ques-
1920s. While a one-mile-high skyscraper Wright believed that it would have been tion, what is it about working in the tall
might have seemed fantastically out of place technically possible to construct such a building genre that compels architects to
in Wright’s era, The Illinois skyscraper proj- building even at the time it was proposed. produce such interesting work?
ect was an exploration of horizontal space At the time, the tallest skyscraper in the My hypothesis is this: Perhaps that which
because, as he put it, some cities are simply world was New York’s Empire State Build- motivates architects to go taller and taller is
“incorrigible” and Broadacre could use a tall ing, which stood at less than a quarter of a fantastic wish to be free of gravity’s limita-
building to act as a cultural and social hub, the proposed height for The Illinois. It tions and to build something that inspires
1/
which would address some of the sprawl is- probably would have been possible to erect clients, investors and other architects as it
sues associated with growing urban spaces. a self-supporting steel structure of the seems to soar into the sky. Another, albeit
The foundation of Wright’s building was required height, but, of course, steel comes more down-to-earth theory, is an appeal to
a massive column, shaped like an inverted with a host of strength-to-weight challenges rationality: Perhaps architects design tall
tripod, sunk deeply into the ground. This that arise when building structures of such buildings simply to create cities that make
supported a slender, tapering tower with great heights. logical use of available land.
cantilevered floors. In keeping with his Not surprisingly, Dubai’s Burj Dubai If The Illinois had been built in Chicago
belief that architecture ought to be organic, clearly resembles the original design of 50 years ago, would SOM still have had to
Wright likened this system to a tree trunk Frank Lloyd Wright’s ‘The Illinois’—the blaze new trails in terms of technology in
with branches. only difference being is that The Illinois construction, MEP works, HVAC and even
He planned to use gold-tinted metal on was designed 50 years earlier. Architecture window cleaning mechanisms—all of which
the facade to highlight angular surfaces critics always cite a handful of stories of were designed and tailored specifically for
along balconies and parapets and specified unbuilt skyscrapers as the best of the style this tower—in the Burj Dubai?
Plexiglas for window glazing. Inside the and, in doing so, completely neglect the vast Fifty years ago, would Frank Lloyd
building, mechanical systems were to be majority of completed projects. Wright be faced with the same challenges
that existed for SOM in its quest for the ship between iconography and financial
world’s tallest tower? Would his solutions feasibility: Those with money, build high.
have differed significantly? Would they A similar situation occurred when the
have differed at all? wealthy Guggenheim Foundation hired
From its inception, The Illinois was Frank Gehry to design a museum for
designed to stand 1,609 meters (5,280 ft) the architectural playground of Bilbao,
and aimed to provide solutions to the ever- Spain. While their exterior forms differed
sprawling city of Chicago. Had it been built, somewhat, the interior architecture of Gug-
The Illinois would have incorporated 528 genheim Bilbao was designed to be almost
stories and a gross area of 18.46 million ft² a carbon copy of that of the Solomon R.
(1.71 million m²/171 hectares). Guggenheim museum in New York City.
Wright’s is arguably the most famous This is not a criticism of the buildings,
of the visionary buildings that never came but instead a celebration of the designer’s
to fruition. All of them aimed at address- aim and the relationship between himself NOT SURPRISINGLY, DUBAI’S BURJ
ing the increasing urban sprawl occurring and his building. For great architects, that
in cities throughout the world. Before relationship has never been a commercial DUBAI CLEARLY RESEMBLES THE
mile-high towers projects were launched in one, but instead a relationship built on a
Kuwait, KSA and Dubai, the very concept mastery of art, design, building and style. ORIGINAL DESIGN OF FRANK LLOYD
was never considered financially viable. With regard to any of these relationships,
But now, however, as Burj Dubai and considering that for over 60 years his WRIGHT’S ‘THE ILLINOIS’—THE
becomes simply a symbol of luxury with work has been recreated, regurgitated and
little concern for reason or the challenges downright copied, Frank Lloyd Wright ONLY DIFFERENCE BEING IS THAT
of urban sprawl, it is the project that has proved it then as he continues to prove it
come to most closely resemble Frank Lloyd today with the inspiration he provides to THE ILLINOIS WAS DESIGNED 50
Wright’s concept of a vertical city. It pro- contemporary students and architects, he is
vides yet another example of the relation- still the master. YEARS EARLIER.
GOLDEN
OPPORTUNITY Some travel to escape life, oth- architect’s design and vision that ulti-
BURT HILL’S BEACH RESORT ers to invigorate it and still others mately create the inspiring, eye-opening
INTERIORS
UAE
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY:
A UNIQUE INTERNATIONAL TRADE EXHIBITION
DESIGN LED HALLS – incorporating the Decorex International Pavilion
PRODUCT LED HALLS – kitchens, bathrooms, floor & wall coverings, furniture,
lighting, fabric and accessories
www.interiorsuae.com
CASE STUDY
GOLDEN BEACH
tion to the emirate and we infused it with still using wood to represent the lattice
modern features so as to bring lavishness work, as well as keeping its original func-
into the interior space. tion as a shading device.
While aiming to strike a balance be-
tween modern and vernacular design, the CHALLENGES: DESIGNING FOR DIF-
modern aspects of the design concentrate FERENT LIFESTYLES
on the type of local materials used, con- Resort design is unique in that the needs
verting exterior design elements such as of the local population must be met as well
pergolas, niches and archways into a sim- as those of the hundreds of nationalities
pler edition that is more representative of that will inevitably visit the resort. In the
Fujairah’s vernacular. On the other hand, case of Golden Beach, there was an added
for the interiors, luxurious and contem- challenge in that the nationals are divided
porary elements that are more commonly into two very different groups: residents of
associated with modern design—including Fujairah and residents of Sharjah.
the use of marble, chandeliers and stylistic In Fujairah, for example, the local
frosted glass for most of the handrails— residents enjoy a very private lifestyle.
would be more appropriate. Natives of Fujairah are oriented towards
The design must retain the essence of large families and are committed to family
Fujairah’s traditions, yet it should deliver life from an early age. Hence, they prefer
a contemporary feel that maintains a dis- to spend the weekends with a larger group
tinct character. For instance, we simplified of relatives rather than with friends. In
and ‘modernized’ the traditional screens, addition, Burt Hill had to consider that the
Investors Developers
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Exhibition
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Conference
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19 – 22 April 2009
FAST TRACK!
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Germany
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29 - 31 MARCH 2009
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
ORGANISER
www.alu-scout.com
www.aluminium-dubai.com
FEATURE
ARCHITECTURAL GLASS
LIVING IN A
GLASS HOUSE Architecture is about creating WHO’S MAKING THE DECISION?
EXAMINING WHO, WHAT, space. Whether its space to live, work
or play, architects design structures to be
Richard Wagner, architect at dxb lab and
former vice president of the Architecture
WHY AND HOW MUCH OF experienced. To remove the experiential
element from a structure is to render it a
Association of the UAE (aaUAE), describes
an ideal scenario. “In an ideal nutshell, the
GLASS IN ARCHITECTURE sculpture rather than a piece of architec-
ture. Few materials are as directly respon-
architect specifies the type of glass, the en-
gineer verifies that choice, the contractor
Words: Jeff Roberts sible for influencing the way in which users builds it, and the developer sells a quality
experience a structure than the glass used project as desired by the clients.”
in its facade. Whether its intent is form It doesn’t take an astrophysicist to know
or function – and especially if it’s being that in Gulf architecture, things don’t often
combined with cutting-edge technology work that way. In a region where quality
– the versatility of glass is unparalleled. can quickly be supplanted by quantity,
But none of this is new information. architects often struggle with contractors
There’s an ancient Chinese proverb that and value engineers convincing clients that
says: “You want your horse to look good, using a less advanced product will have
but you also don’t want him to have to eat little influence on how the building looks
grass.” In an architectural context, this or performs.
simply means that a pretty building may Thom Bohlen, (AIA, NCARB) chief
look nice, but a building that functions technical officer at the Middle East Centre
efficiently is equally important. for Sustainable Development (MECSD),
While state-of-the-art materials, understands the importance of consulting
including glass, may be more expensive with qualified professionals when consid-
initially, contractors, developers and value ering glass.
engineers would do well to approve those “Architects normally specify glazing for
higher glass budgets, especially if they their buildings, but typically they get input
want a building that considers the comfort from structural engineers, glazing contrac-
of its users. tors, glazing suppliers and, of course,
ARCHITECT caught up with building from the green building consultant,” says
professionals around the world to talk Bohlen. “The appropriateness of the U-
about the importance of using the ‘right’ values of the system, transmittance factors
glass for the right project in the Gulf. and shading coefficients can all greatly
SOMFY
Somfy’s internal blinds allow users to alter
the look and feel of any setting. The blinds
help control heat transfer, reduce glare
and help protect your furniture and floor
coverings from fading – all at the touch of
a button. Somfy’s internal blinds come in
several styles including: aluminium/wood-
en venetian blinds, pleated blind, roller
blind, fabric Roman blind, nets or curtains.
For the full range of products/services,
check out www.somfy.com.
SCHÜCO
Schüco’s fully integrated PV systems turn
sunlight into electricity, delivering free
electricity to your home. It’s third-genera-
tion, highly integrated thermal systems
captures heat from the sun, uses it to heat
water and then stores the water in a high-
efficiency tank for use in the home. For the
full range of products/services, check out
www.schueco.com. affect energy consumption in buildings.” James Law, chairman and founder of
All too often, however, developers or Hong Kong-based James Law Cybertec-
SCHEUTEN contractors in the Gulf decide on a type ture International (JLCI).
By applying advanced coating technology, of glass or facade system depending on Having designed several projects for the
Scheuten can now develop and produce budget or preference of origin. Specialty Middle East and India – and employing a
coatings which combine ample light engineers are consulted only in the most highly futuristic brand of architecture that
penetration with effective solar control. complex scenarios and architects are left melds the form and function of a build-
Scheuten Glass offers a combination of voiceless in the great debate about money. ing with cutting-edge technology – using
solar and efficient heat reflecting properties glass that does what it promises is crucial
with Isolide Brilliant glazing, representing HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ‘RIGHT’ for JLCI. “Using the wrong glass can have
the latest in technology in this area. Every GLASS FOR THE RIGHT PROJECT? disastrous outcomes, including making the
combination of Isolide Brilliant possesses Matching the glass system with the style building inefficient and unpleasant as well
a U-value equal to that of the superior of the building and the context in which as using unnecessary levels of energy to
Low-E categories. Isolide Brilliant affords it sits is extremely important. The quality keep occupants cool,” adds Law.
architects almost unlimited possibilities of the glass, in terms of structural/physi- Because glass can range from fully
for designing transparent facades without cal/thermal properties, is paramount to transparent to fully opaque or reflective,
making concessions to interior climate achieving a building that looks and func- and can be specified in virtually any tint
control. The colour of this insulating glass tions properly. or colour, aesthetics is less of an initial
product appears neutral from the outside. “Especially in hot regions like the Gulf, concern than function. As Kareem Negm,
For the full range of products and services, the energy performance and comfort levels LEED AP and architect at Dar Al-Han-
check out www.scheuten.com. of a building clothed in glass are totally dasah (Shair and Partners), points out,
dominated by the choice of glass,” explains ‘function’ in the Middle East means more
So, the obvious question remains, is which in return has hampered construc-
SAINT-GOBAIN glass a liability in the Gulf? The architects, tion of avant-garde designs.... At the same
Be it thermal insulation, acoustics, safety/security, self-cleaning or engineers and LEED APs interviewed for time we have to consider the environmen-
solar control, Saint-Gobain Glass has an extensive range of high this article suggest it just might be. tal aspect of shipping tonnes of products
performance solutions for the construction market. Products directly “I think any material can be a ‘liability’ if halfway around the globe, which adds
related to solar control include: Planitherm Total, Planitherm 45, used improperly or unwisely, or where all another great liability,” adds Wagner.
Cool-Lite, Bioclean Cool-Lite and Priva-Lite. For a complete list of considerations in the use of that material
products and services, check out www.saint-gobain-glass.com. are not considered,” says Bohlen. “Well if THE FINAL WORD
you look at it from an environmental point It seems clear that the key to using glass
EnergyGlass of view then yes. We’re creating glass box- correctly and responsibly lies in the ability
Specialists in building integrated photovoltaics (BiPV), EnergyGlass es that are heat magnets. They look nice of architects, contractors, developers and
uses poly vinyl butyral (PVB) for its PV modules. PVB is typically but often trap the heat inside and thus cost engineers to be collectively mindful of its
used for layering the safety glass in curtain walls, glazing for roofs, a lot of money to cool. This cooling process climatic challenges and specify the product
parapets/balconies, shading windows, greenhouses and noise bar- harms the environment in a tremendous in conscientious ways.
riers. EnergyGlass products have been researched, developed and way,” agrees Negm. “Just like any where else, glass can be
supported by the Universities of Milan and Turin. For a complete list Wagner takes the argument a step a versatile material in the Middle East,
of products and services, check out www.energyglass.eu. further to suggest that the ‘liability’ aspect but it must be used in conjunction with
of glass doesn’t rest wholly with the mate- the correct application and specification
ROMAG rial itself. “There is always an element of to meet the specific requirements of the
Romag is a UK-based manufacturer of specialist transparent com- liability in glass, no matter where you are region,” Bohlen insists. “The [challenges]
posites to the security, renewable energy, architectural and specialist located,” he explains. include high heat and humidity, blowing
transportation markets. Romag’s key areas of activity are the supply “The reason that there appears to be sand particulates and plenty of solar gain.
of PV solar panels and glass and glazing products to the renewable a lack of versatility in this market can be Anytime you can avoid the sun’s rays from
energy, architectural, safety/security and transportation markets. For largely attributed to the fact that the local directly striking the glass you have gone a
a complete list of products and services, check out www.romag. manufacturing industry has not developed long way towards making the facade and
a diverse and feasible enough repertoire, interior more efficient.”
ARCHITECTURE IS CONSTANTLY
EVOLVING AND BOUNDARIES ARE
ALWAYS BEING PUSHED SO THERE IS NO
LIMIT TO OUR CREATIVE POTENTIAL.
ON INTERIOR DESIGN
Salma Aloulu & Fahda Barrak
Senior Interior Designers
Draw Link Group
What inspires you in your work? a comprehensive service provider
Our main inspiration comes from nature like the Draw Link Group?
and history, we also draw from that which The work we do in our teams allows us to
we see or learn or know. Everything we exchange thoughts and share experiences
see and experience has the potential to – ultimately it helps all of us do our jobs
inspire us. And, the best way to derive new better. As architects and designers, we can
inspirations is by travelling. switch from working with design teams to
architecture teams quite seamlessly. At the
Have you worked on anything our end of the day, we all work very closely; it
readers would recognize? is a very creative atmosphere.
For example, we did Mosque Abu Manara
in Jumeirah as well as series of local res- Do you think the economic slow-
taurants – one of which won a Commercial down with create fewer projects
Interior Design award. We’re also doing and thus, better quality?
the JAL Hotel in Dubai and several luxury The slowdown will allow us to provide bet-
villas around the city. ter service to our clients and spend more
time elaborating concepts. While other re-
With the tight timelines, how gions are seeing slowdowns, in the Middle
sophisticated is interior design in East, it simply allows us to work at normal
the ME? Are you always able to do speed and achieve the best quality. So the
your best work? slowdown might actually be beneficial for
Here is the challenge: doing your best the market and the client.
despite such a timeline; working fast and
reaching perfection. We always do every- What is your favourite interior that
thing to protect and define the concept. We you didn’t design?
treat every project as the biggest and most The best interiors are those that make
important. Above all, the most important people feel good. Perhaps they come in
element is to ensure the integrity of the the form of an old coffee shop in Tunis
concept and the quality of the project. or an apartment in Paris. Projects like
these might be done without professional
Are there benefits to working so designers but with a lot of human intel-
closely with project managers, ligence. In projects likes these, there is
graphic designers and architects at poetry and sophistication.
aterman
NORR WATERMAN INTERNATIONAL
A multi-disciplinary team of architects, engineers The Waterman Group is a multi-disciplinary engi-
and consultants, Norr has built an expansive client neering and environmental consultancy, delivering
base since 1938, and is trusted throughout the globe small and large projects around the world. Over the
to deliver creative, integrated building solutions. course of half a century, Waterman’s successfully
Norr design, deliver and manage strategic and engineered projects and ingenious design solutions
complex solutions, ensuring that the right combina- have been based on providing practical and cost-
tion of the firm’s resources is applied to solve the effective solutions to clients. Waterman’s regional
demands of each project. Norr’s regional offices are offices are in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
+971.4330.4400 +971.4351.7077
www.noor.com www.waterman-int.com
+965.461.6000 +44.1793.816253
www.keoic.com www.noor-international.com
+971.2443.4608 +971.4886.1322
www.mottmac.co.ae www.beyondesigns.com
054
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SHOWCASE
CLASSIFIEDS
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ARCHITECTURE
COMPARE & CONTRAST
BATTLE OF
OF...
...
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUMS
SOLOMON R. GUGGENHEIM
GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM MUSEUM BILBAO
Location: New York City, USA Location: Bilbao, Spain
Type of building: Museum of modern art Type of building: Museum of modern art
Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright Architect: Frank Gehry
Design style: Modernist Design style: De-constructivist, expressionist modern
Construction system: Concrete Construction system: Steel frame, titanium sheathing
Inspiration: Inspiration:
Overlooking Central Park, New York’s only natural respite, Wright drew The radically sculptured, organic curves of the building have been designed
inspiration from nature and wished to create a building evocative of the to appear random, and Gehry has expressed that “the randomness of the
plasticity of the organic form in contrast the built environment of New York. curves are designed to catch the light.”
Construction timeline: 1956 to 1959 Construction timeline: 1997
Fact: Fact:
Wright was against Solomon R. Guggenheim’s choice of location for the The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao can be seen in the opening sequence
museum, believing that New York was overbuilt and lacking architectural of the 1999 James Bond film, The World is not Enough, where Bond
merit. “I can think of several more desirable places in the world to build his steals money from a corrupt Swiss banker affiliated with the villain
great museum… but we will have to try New York,” Wright wrote in 1949. Renard’s terrorist network.