Collaborative design: A new edge for Media City

Words by BSBG Media Team, Monday 25 August 2014

With Dubai again seeing an upswing of development, the ever important need to complete projects before the competition is arguably resulting in rushed or unresolved schemes taking foothold once more. But history tellas us that allowing enough time for design to be explored and thoroughly considered by the right people and the right ideals during the inception stages is the only manner in which a great design can truly launch.

Design development and process

Sweid and Sweid is a client of BSBG, and a developer that has proactively taken a different approach to the creative process of design. Mr. Maher Sweid (Managing Director of Sweid & Sweid) hailing from a design oriented background and family, has consistently pushed the exploration process of design. This approach has resulted in suitable time provision and the workshopping of many options with the designers, in order to resolve not only the typology requirements of a modern day commercial building, but also to develop the unique qualities which separate one building from a neighbourhood of competing identities.

This detailed, exhaustive exploration has resulted in The Edge being extremely well refined, from its outer fenestration to the selection and application of internal materials, and the associated modulation of all. This process is applied typically by BSBG during the project design phase by both our architects and interior designers, however collaboration with the owner, in this instance, was key to the success of The Edge.

Building identity and address

With tenants becoming increasingly more educated, not only with their personal requirements for space and service, but also appreciating how an address can reinforce the solidity of one’s business, The Edge has recognised this catalyst as a design driver. People align themselves with locations and spaces that not only function in the best possible manner, but also fuel an emotion that will see them return again. Important criteria seemingly often overlooked with the design of both of the exterior and interior building surfaces as a result of inadequate design thought or application.

The oversized structural ribs which frame all sides of the development in a regular and highly arranged manner reinforce the strength of the design, a theme which many international businesses also reflect within their operations.

In capping the building and closing the skeletal framing structure, we find the the building’s crown, again distinctive and proportionally applied to ensure the structural ribs close purposefully, thus completing the exposed frame. Contrasting the weight of the frame, the infill glazing pieces have been designed with architectural blades which will deliberately catch the light as one passes along the curvature of the main fronting road, resulting in a movement which is both deliberate and subtle.

At night, a fully integrated lighting system will reinforce the external ribs while also illuminating the entry and lobby areas. A prominence during the day and also at night. Sweid & Sweid engaged in a truly collaborative design approach to ensure the full creative process of design is not bypassed, resulting in a product which, when completed, will offer as much to the public realm and streetscape as it does to those who utilise it and recognise it as a wonderful home for their business.

Construction status

The Edge is an extremely exciting development currently under construction in Dubai Media City, United Arab Emirates, and is scheduled for completion at the end of 2015.

dusk Credits

Structural Design - Brewer Smith Brewer Group

Interior Design - Brewer Smith Brewer Group

MEP Design - Clarke Samadhin

Lighting Design - Nouran

Cost Consultancy (Design) - Sweett

Project Manager - Arcan

Enabling Works Contractor - NSCC

Client - Sweid & Sweid

Lead Consultant/Architect - Brewer Smith Brewer Group

BIM (REVIT) Creation and Management - Brewer Smith Brewer Group

BSBG Media Team

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