Tameer hosts competition for design of new tower

Dubai: Tameer is hosting an internal design competition within global architect firm Atkins to choose a design for its new Dh5 billion mixed-use project, slated to rise 125 floors, on Shaikh Zayed Road.

John Zwets, development director at the Dubai developer, said the brief was to design a mixed-use, super-high rise project, comprising 125 floors, a 5-star boutique hotel, serviced apartments, 60 high-end penthouses, and a small retail area. The project will eventually house Tameer's global headquarters.

Architects from Atkins' Dubai, London and China offices have submitted three designs each. Construction on the final design will begin by mid-July.

K.Y. Cheung, urban planning and design director at Atkins China, said designing for China and Dubai is different. "China is booming faster than Dubai. But the quality is not quite at the same level. Relatively speaking, it's a poor man's requirement," Cheung said.

The China team said they are working on how to generate a form that is self-shading. Cheung said they have three building designs and are considering options of self-parking or using robots for the purpose.

Shaun Killa, Atkins design director for the Middle East and India and designer of the Bahrain World Trade Centre, said harnessing wind energy would be the key.

However, Tom Wright, head of architecture at Atkins headquarters in London and designer of the Burj Al Arab, said his team was focusing on solar power.

The winning design will become the Tameer prototype to be replicated in all major cities of the GCC.

Features: Focus on renewables