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Middle East: The Latest Architecture and News

12 Projects Win Regional Holcim Awards 2014 for Africa Middle East

Teams from Turkey and Lebanon have received top honors in the 2014 regional Holcim Awards for Africa Middle East, an award which recognizes the most innovative and advanced sustainable construction designs. Among the top three winners is an “Eco-Park” sustainable research and technology center embedded within the terraced, industrial landscape of Ankara.

The 12 recognized projects will share over $300,000 in prize money, with the top three projects overall going on to be considered for the global Holcim Awards, to be selected in 2015.

The full list of Africa Middle East winners, after the break…

The Proliferation of "Cultural Genocide" in Areas of Conflict

In an article for the London Evening Standard, Robert Bevan examines one of the many often overlooked consequences of conflict: the destruction of monuments, culture, and heritage. With heightened conflict in the Middle East over the past decade an enormous amount of "cultural genocide" has occurred - something which Bevan notes is "inextricably linked to human genocide and ethnic cleansing." Arguing that "saving historic treasures and saving lives are not mutually exclusive activities," case studies from across the world are employed to make the point that with the loss of cultural heritage, most commonly architectural, the long term ramifications will resonate throughout this century.

AD Interviews: Keith Griffiths, Chairman of Aedas, on Appoaching Densification in London

Following the recent announcement of Aedas' demerger into two separate companies - one retaining the Aedas name and the other now known as AHR - we spoke to Keith Griffiths, Chairman of Aedas' global board and a practicing architect for close to three decades. The company, which was recently ranked by the Architects' Journal as the 5th largest and most influential practice in the world, have now moved their head office to London's Chandos Place and are championing a new approach to urban regeneration in the UK's capital. Alongside discussing how an international practice of Aedas' scale successfully operates, Griffiths offered his insight into how the future looks for European cities based on a tried and tested Asian model of densification.

To find out how Aedas approach sustainability in flourishing Asian markets, as well as the significance of the 'urban hub' typology for London's metropolitan future, read the interview in full after the break.

AD Interviews: Keith Griffiths, Chairman of Aedas, on Appoaching Densification in London - Archdaily InterviewsAD Interviews: Keith Griffiths, Chairman of Aedas, on Appoaching Densification in London - Archdaily InterviewsAD Interviews: Keith Griffiths, Chairman of Aedas, on Appoaching Densification in London - Archdaily InterviewsAD Interviews: Keith Griffiths, Chairman of Aedas, on Appoaching Densification in London - Archdaily InterviewsAD Interviews: Keith Griffiths, Chairman of Aedas, on Appoaching Densification in London - More Images+ 2

REX Designs Conjoined Media Towers with Retractable Facade for Middle East

Two sister Middle Eastern media companies have commissioned REX to design a conjoined headquarters that references traditional Arab iconography. The result, two ultra-thin, stone-clad towers that are shielded from the Middle East’s “unrelenting sun” by an array of retractable sunshades whose shape was inspired by the Arab Mashrabiya pattern.

Measuring nearly 15 meters in diameter, these sunshades can be quickly deployed, transforming the building’s glass facade into a “blossoming” shaded tower within minutes.

“The headquarters’ instantaneous transformation forges a new kind of powerful iconography, one that rejects the tired—and ephemeral—pursuit of being the tallest,” described REX.

Sou Fujimoto Proposes "Mirage-Like" Landmark for Middle East

Sou Fujimoto Proposes "Mirage-Like" Landmark for Middle East - Skyscrapers, Garden, Facade, Arch, Lighting, Cityscape
Water Plaza. Image © Sou Fujimoto Architects

Sou Fujimoto Architects has released details on a conceptual master plan for a commercial complex in a prominent, yet anonymous Middle Eastern city. Situated between an education and financial center, the modular complex reinterprets the “vibrant atmosphere and lively qualities of the traditional market” as well as the “inherent beauty of vernacular Islamic architecture” to create a “timeless” landmark for a currently underused portion of the city.

OMA Announces New Partners

OMA Announces New Partners - Featured Image

Today OMA announced the appointment of Iyad Alsaka and David Gianotten as new partners in the company. Architectural and research projects in North Africa, the Middle East and Asia have been increasing for OMA and this recent appointment signifies their investment to grow and develop projects within these regions.