Perkins+Will, the international multidisciplinary architectural and design practice, has won coveted design awards for high and low rise developments at the 2015 Arabian Property Awards, held in Dubai, UAE, recently.

The awards aimed at celebrating the outstanding achievements of the regional property and real estate industry.
 
Dubai-based Perkins+Will won recognition in the ‘Best Residential High-Rise’ category for Ellington Group’s DT1 tower in Dubai, and ‘Best Hotel Architecture’ for the Marriott-branded Diplomatic Quarter Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

According to the judge’s panel, Perkins+Will were praised for their ability to embody the philosophy of their clients with the use of 21st century solutions to create unique community spaces combining functionality and aesthetics.

Commenting on their high-rise win for the 20-storey DT1 tower, Steven Charlton, the principal managing director, Perkins+Will Middle East, said: “We were inspired by our client the Ellington Group, when briefed to design from the inside out, focusing on interior design differentials, wrapped with an elegant but understated façade. We created a louvered crown design that acts as a beacon on the building, giving tenants a sense of place both inside and outside of the building’s skin.”

The innovative residential project which is situated in Downtown Dubai, covers approximately 20,000 sq m and rises to 72m. The tower rests on a podium which will accommodate luxurious amenities and residences that feature private gardens. Apartments of varying bedroom configurations, run up the tower, with generous four-bedroom penthouses occupying the uppermost floors.      

After the highs came the lows in the form of another award, this time it was the Best Hotel Architecture’ for the low-rise design of the five-star Marriott-branded Diplomatic Quarter Hotel in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.   

Owned by Saudi-based Dur Hospitality, the meandering three-storey structure, covers over 40,000 sq m and was inspired by the beauty of the country’s wadis and oases. The hotel design takes its inspiration from a variety of local influences including the natural environment and Saudi culture.

“The building’s façade reflects the local landscape of the region, providing an opportunity for us to take advantage of its layered exterior by creating internal spaces that are lit with filtered natural sunlight creating grand, yet welcoming spaces,” stated Charlton.

According to him, the centre of the hotel has been designed as an oasis-like sanctuary that creates a natural microclimate.

Gentle ribbon-like curves in hues reminiscent of the desert environment are blended and created in bands of colour tinted render, timber and stainless steel creating shaded areas that allow the hotel to extend its dining and recreational activities into the external landscape.

“This high profile project, underscores our creative design capabilities within the regional hospitality sector just as the city is nourished by nearby Wadi Hanifa, the heart of the development with its oasis motif, feeds the interior spaces throughout the building, with nature permeating every aspect of the design,” added Charlton.-TradeArabia News Service