Sustainable architecture in the Middle East and the role of Boutique firms, main topics of our participation at Leaders in Architecture MENA Summit
Joaquin Perez-Goicoechea and Nasser Abulhasan, Principals & Founders of AGi architects, have participated as panelists in the 4th Global edition of the “Leaders in Architecture MENA Summit”, held from 20-21 April in Dubai.
Thus they have had the opportunity to express their opinions and share experiences with other participants on the panel discussions about “Creating Sustainable Architecture And The Challenges Faced In Implementing It In Middle East” and “Does Size Matter? The Role of Boutique Firms in Creating Extra Ordinary Projects”.
According to AGi architects, awarded as Boutique Architecture Firm of the Year at Middle East Architect Awards 2014 and 2012, a Boutique Architecture Firm is defined by addressing all their efforts in one direction: personal and individual attention and dedication to the customer, something possible thanks to the size and structure required to offer high quality and flexible professional services with the highest standards of design and exclusive attention.
In addition, the firm has had the opportunity to share their ideas and expertise about sustainable architecture, based on projects such as Seed House, acknowledged as Concept Design of the Year at 2014 Middle East Architect Awards.
Although it is difficult to discern where sustainable architecture is heading for, AGi architects think there are two clear approaches: the simplification of constructive methods by using the available local resources; and the increasing mechanization of materials and constructive details that enable us to scientifically verify the efficiency of built systems. The firm has been fortunate to be able to work on both aspects from its offices in Kuwait and Spain.
But sustainability is not a mathematical formula that can be applied in identical manner in different countries. It is simply not possible to apply the sustainable architecture criteria established by LEED, PassivHaus, BREEAM certifications on an average single-family house in Kuwait.
Nevertheless, AGi architects had the chance to conceive a highly industrialized design house, with prefabricated wooden structures and using all the required methods for its subsequent certification: Camouflage House.
In every case passive strategies have been used, implementing different criteria such as orientation, thermal insulation, high inertia materials and building’s natural shade, and put in place strategies that aim to improve the higrothermal conditions, in order to develop sustainable architectures maintaining a contemporary language.
“Leaders in Architecture MENA” Summit is dedicated to developing, celebrating and connecting architects, interior designers and senior decision makers from leading international architectural practices, contractors, developers, government officials, engineers and solution providers. Gathering over 300 industry professionals from across the region, the official agenda includes innovative round tables, breakthrough presentations and case studies, controversial panel discussions and hard talk interviews.
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