Keynote address

Dubai: 50 Years and Beyond by Jamil Yousef Mohammed Jadallah, Managing Director/Partner at National Engineering Bureau (NEB)

Answering the Call of the New Normal

Several existing issues, as well as fresh expectations from authorities, organisations and individuals following the outbreak of COVID-19, have added new factors for architects and other industry stakeholders to consider, when it comes to the design and use of structures. This hour-long panel discussion seeks to explore:

• What drivers and trends are guiding current, as well as future architecture design approaches in a post COVID-19 world. How can new stellar new designs also achieve sustainability and wellness goals?
• Client requirements, the availability of new materials, local governance and laws (sustainability/NetZero etc.) and their impact on design
• Regional design challenges and how they can be overcome. What should the industry come together around and what should be added/changed from a policy standpoint?
• Supporting future architects through engagement with education institutions and the continual development of up-to-date quality education programmes and internships

Moderator: Tim Martin, Principal, Managing Director at Gensler Middle East

Confirmed Panellists:

• Ewa Juszczyk, Project Director at U+A
• Fernando Freitas, Dubai Branch Director at Omnium International
• Marina Kindelan, Associate Facades Director, AESG
• Ralf Steinhauer, Director at RSP
• Tony Abi Gebrayel, Managing Partner at MZ Architects

Presentation with Q&A

Trends in IT and Security Design by Jonathan Keith, Managing Director, K Tech Consulting

Jonathan will discuss current trends in IT and Security design, and will share insights on what effect these technologies will have, and what will be needed within buildings in the near future.

Function, Form and Everything in Between

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, interior spaces must be more functional and resilient than ever before. What does this mean for the design and specifications of interior spaces and can fit-out and interior design firms transform existing spaces or is new build the only answer? Our panel of speakers will look to cover the following and more:

• Building future-proof spaces that are resilient. Is there a higher demand for flexible spaces and how can these still provide a great user experience?
• Interior design/interior fit-out requirements and challenges in a post COVID-19 world. Can existing spaces be refurbished effectively or is new build the only answer?
• Influence of sustainable guidelines and materials on interior design/fit-out. Are clients more conscious and/or aware or willing to use sustainable products and how does this impact delivery
• Designing interior spaces for occupant health and wellbeing. Has there been a positive impact in terms of the focus on these two elements, as a result of the outbreak of COVID-19?

Moderator: Malini Karani, Director of Studies for Interior Design at Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Confirmed Panellists:

• Hamed Parnian, Associate Director, Compass Project Consulting
• Nathan Cartwright, Executive Director, NV5 Limited
• Nikki Bisiker, Founder and Principal, Nikki Bisiker Interior Design
• Tom Gilmartin, Business Development Manager, ALEC FITOUT

Presentation with Q&A

Prevention of Fire Spread Through Design by Craig Murphy, Lead Consultant, Socotec Consultancy

Craig will talk about preventing the spread of fire and smoke through design and design innovations, and how these control factors are impacted through poor maintenance, poor refurbishment programs and sub-standard modifications.

Cities of the Future

What will future cities look like? What trends and requirements will shape these metropolises into environments that attract, nurture and build sustainable societal and economic growth? The hour long session will see our panel of speakers cover the following and more:

• What environmental, social, governance (ESG) objectives and trends are shaping the blueprint for regional Cities of the Future? How can we move to Net Zero Carbon Emissions and what key elements should cities and urban environments be planned around?
• What are some of the issues that must be tackled in existing regional urban environments and what can we learn from them to develop future cities?
• What role can data, IoT and other smart city technologies play in the planning, operation and expansion of current and future smart cities. How can planners and engineers get the most out of data and smart city technologies?
• What success stories and experiences can planners leverage for evidence-based urban design?
• Ease of mobility and availability of robust transportation is key for cities to thrive. What do Future Cities need to incorporate within their masterplans?
• How can planners ensure urban environments and critical infrastructure remains resilient? What can be done when it comes to aging infrastructure?

Moderator: Amer Mneimneh, Vice President, Urbanism + Planning, Middle East & Africa at AECOM Middle East

Confirmed Panellists:

• Darryl Custer, Executive Director, Design Division at KEO International Consultants
• Dr. Harpreet Seth, Head of Architecture, Heriot Watt University Dubai
• Joe Tabet, Founder/Managing Director, JT+Partners
• Kourosh Salehi, Design Director – MENA, LWK + PARTNERS
• Lee French, Partner, Cundall