Strong foundations

Architecture is heading towards a more sustainable future in the Middle East, with design and service placed in parallel. Laura Warne highlights some of the latest trends and upcoming hotel developments.

In recent years, the Middle East's dramatic architecture and visionary, if at times controversial, hotel projects have attracted thousands of tourists.

Dubai in particular is famous for having the courage (and investment dollars) to take architectural dreamscapes and turn them into realities.

However, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Ras Al Khaimah all boast current and upcoming projects that go beyond the simplistic notions of ‘tallest, fastest, best' and instead offer genuinely unique design elements, blended with a practical consideration for mixed-use functionality.

Hotel owners and operators are increasingly working with designers, architects and facilities management professionals to create efficient and sustainable projects, while still wowing their global audiences.

Dusit International regional vice president Sam-Erik Ruttmann believes that architecture offers hotel brands the opportunity to showcase how service and quality is translated into an iconic landmark.

"It is our rule of thumb to ensure partnership exists between the extension of service and design," he says.

"As times change, hotels are becoming more involved in creating synergy at the conceptual stage and interior designs to enliven the extension of hospitality."

Architectonics International designer Dinesh Doshi, who is based in New York, is currently developing an ambitious new project on Dana Island in Ras Al Khaimah.

"The Middle East has seen tremendous growth in recent years and will continue to do so because of its attitude towards architecture, design and aesthetics," says Doshi.

"The understanding that design gives the client a competitive edge allowing for greater returns on investments is essential in their growth as the economy slows and the availability of investors and money dwindles."

However, Doshi explains that as a firm, his company must look beyond aesthetic values to consider environmental concerns.

"We continue to encounter clients with grand visions and ideas for their projects and it has become our responsibility to explore renewable, recycled green products and incorporate sustainability into their vision," he says.

"Attaining sustainability is how these new projects will stay on the cutting-edge," adds Doshi.

He says the architects of the future must become more innovative, creative and have greater intellectual prowess than their predecessors in order to set projects apart for their clients while ensuring they remain financially successful.

Over the next few pages, Hotelier Middle East highlights some of the more ambitious recent and upcoming projects.

The W way

Starwood's W brand, the "New York wonder", has arrived in the Middle East with the opening of W Doha in Qatar.

United Designers of London took inspiration from local art, architecture and culture during the year-long conceptual design process.

"This unique framework led to the creation of a W that is architecturally unlike any other," says United Designers supreme leader Keith Hobbs. "It is architecturally pure, clever and experimental."

W Doha's general manager Safak Guvenc says modern guests have very definite ideas about what they need and want from a hotel, both in terms of service and design.

"They need the design elements and design philosophy of their hotel rooms to really work for them," says Guvenc.

"All hotels strive to provide a superior guest experience, but at the W we are more creative and imaginative, concept-wise, regarding our rooms and their design."

Lean on me

The Capital Gate tower project in Abu Dhabi was recently awarded the 2009 Cityscape Middle East Commercial and Retail Development ‘Future' of the Year Award - and is now on course for a Guinness World Record for "most inclined tower".

The project is an Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) development and was designed by RMJM architects.

Upon completion, the 160-metre, 35-storey-tall Capital Gate will act as an iconic ‘gateway' into Abu Dhabi, reflecting the national identity and values of the country through its unique past and futuristic design.

The tower will be connected to the grandstand at ADNEC and will form a vital part of the planned AED 8 billion (US $2.2 billion) Capital Centre development; the world's first exhibition lifestyle destination.

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