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Dubai Design District (d3) has announced the opening of offices by 4 of the world’s leading architecture firms – Zaha Hadid Architects, Santiago Calatrava Architects & Engineers, Foster + Partners and Benoy – marking another step towards the city’s goal of becoming a global design hub.
Since first launching in April 2013, d3 has become the region’s preeminent destination for artists, designers and creative types of all kinds to work and collaborate. So far, d3 has welcomed in over 30 architecture firms of medium to large size, including SSH and Viktor Udzenija, RMJM and Wanders Wagner.
‘We are extremely proud that Santiago Calatrava, Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster + Partners and Benoy have chosen to make d3 their new home,” said Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, Chief Operating Officer at d3. “d3 is fully committed to supporting the development of the region’s design industry and the architecture market is a key component of this. We currently have over 30 architectural practices located at d3 but we are dedicated to ensuring that each and every brand that joins us – ranging from small design start-ups to iconic global brands – is part of a fully-fledged creative community that sits at the heart of our architectural design scene.”
All four firms have ongoing or future projects in Dubai: ZHA’s Opus Office Building and Hotel, currently nearing completion; Benoy’s mixed-use development, The Beach; the Santiago Calatrava-designed future world’s tallest tower at Dubai Creek; and Foster + Partners’ masterplan for Dubai Design District’s stage two.
The news reflects an increased presence of top architecture firms in the Middle East and Islamic regions, as seen in the recent popularity of events such as the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in Al Ain, for which ZHA partner Patrik Schumacher was in attendance.
“A recipient of the 2016 Aga Khan Award for Architecture, ZHA marries concepts of connectivity with the tremendous advancements in design technologies, material development and construction practices. ZHA is working with the many diverse histories and cultures of the region to address important issues in a meaningful way - contributing to the development of more ecologically sustainable and integrated built environments,” said ZHA in a press release.
“Opening on 7 November, 2016 ZHA’s office in Dubai has been established in response to the solid growth in demand from new and existing clients across the region; providing even greater levels of assistance, coordination and communication with our increasing client base throughout the Middle East.”
To learn more about Dubai Design District, check out the 3D video walkthrough of the campus above, or visit their website, here.
News via Zaha Hadid Architects, Dubai Design District.
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