Bahraini.TV

@bahrain accelerates master planning with appointment of Aedas

by mahmood on 21/06/09 at 7:34 pm · email  · print  

@bahrain, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s ambitious mix of world-class commerce, entertainment and education facilities announced that they have appointed the award-winning international architectural firm Aedas as master planner of the project.

Adjacent to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), @bahrain will offer a state-of-the-art Exhibition & Convention facility, a choice of Hotel accommodation ranging from mid-market to luxury, the region’s first Multi-Purpose Event Center, an Automotive Club & Engineering facility, a Lifestyle Plaza including Food & Beverage, Retail & Leisure and TechTainment (technology/interactive entertainment), a Research Institute, a TechnoPark, Light Industry and a focus on Education and Training.

When combined with the BICBICLoading…, these components will support each other to provide rich, cutting-edge experiences for local, regional and international visitors.

Aedas has been appointed to develop the masterplan and infrastructure concept for @bahrain. With offices throughout the world including the Middle East, Aedas is one of the world’s largest architectural firms with years of experience designing some of the most well-known sports, entertainment and exhibition destinations. Projects designed by Aedas Design Partner Dan Meis include the Beijing Olympic masterplan and National Stadium, as well as the Staples Center, the new NFL Stadium and the original masterplan for LA Live in Los Angeles.

“@bahrain is a dynamic and very different architectural delivery. To help us meet our holistic sustainability goals and embrace the objective of interconnectivity between sport, commerce, entertainment and education, we needed an extraordinary partner and we’ve found one with Aedas, one of the world’s most creative and innovative planning teams,” said Nicola Pero, Chief Executive Officer of @bahrain. “These are the people behind countless successful architectural feats including masterplans and economically viable designs in the sectors @bahrain is all about.”

The planning team will be led by Aedas Design Partner Dan Meis, Fellow of American Institute of Architects (FAIA), widely regarded as one of the most influential designers of events venues in the world. Commenting on the appointment, Meis said, “We look forward to working with the team of @bahrain to create a year-round entertainment destination capable of hosting some of the most demanding and exciting businesses and events. @bahrain will draw an incredibly diverse mix of international travellers and should quickly become a highly unique and desirable destination for visitors from the Gulf as well as Bahrainis of all ages.”

As part of the master plan design team, Aedas has partnered with Mohamed Salahuddin Consulting Engineering Bureau (MSCEB) to provide consultancy services. MSCEB is one of the foremost architects and engineers in the Kingdom of Bahrain, and are involved in designing, supervising and managing a number of the Kingdom’s leading edge projects including Banader Hotel, Medical University of Bahrain and Raffles City.

In addition to MSCEB, @bahrain’s design team will utilise the services and expertise of a global leader in civil engineering, Scott Wilson, who will act as consultants in the areas of transport and infrastructure.

@bahrain will be a benchmark globally for environmentally sustainable design. Leading this effort as part of the Aedas team is Matthias Schuler, founding partner of Transsolar. Mr. Schuler is the Adjunct Professor of Environmental Technology at Harvard University and is considered one of the world’s foremost experts in sustainable design.

Part of the Mumtalakat Group, @bahrain has dedicated more than 1 million square meters of commerce, entertainment and educational space, making it one of the largest projects to take place in Bahrain in the past five years. The announcement underscores the fundamental stability and strategic focus of Bahrain amid a general trend in the region away from large projects.

-Ends-

About @bahrain:
Part of the Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Co. B.S.C. (C) and established in 2008, @bahrain is groundbreaking and progressive, creating a new template for industry growth and expansion with a focus on environmental advocacy and innovative technologies. The project will support future business and employment strategies being driven by the Economic Development Board of Bahrain and Tamkeen (Bahrain Labour Fund).

www.atbahrain.com.bh

About Aedas:
Aedas is the world’s second largest architectural practice with over 2,500 architects in more than 40 offices across the globe. Specializing in a variety of sectors including leisure and hospitality, transportation, residential and commercial buildings, Aedas has a significant presence in the Middle East with offices in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai, and Qatar. Aedas is currently responsible for some of the most complex projects on the planet including Macao’s Venetian Resort, Pentominium (the world’s tallest condominium tower) in Dubai, and the World Trade Center Memorial Museum in New York. In 2008, Aedas added a world-class mixed-use, sports and entertainment design practice to its capabilities when it merged with MEIS Architects to form Aedas Los Angeles.

Perhaps best known as the Designer of Los Angeles’ Staples Center, Aedas LA Managing Partner Dan Meis, FAIA, has over 25 years of experience and a distinguished career of practice building and design recognition with a particular market focus in the sectors of mixed-use, sports, entertainment, resorts, and exhibition centers. He has practiced in Los Angeles for over 14 years and his work has twice been awarded the prestigious Business Week/Architectural Record Award, recognizing the value of design to a client’s business. Aedas LA is currently designing a wide range of buildings including the new state-of-the-art Los Angeles NFL Stadium.

The office recently relocated to a 4,000 square foot space in Venice, CA, currently employing 20 staff. The office evokes the feel of a boutique design firm while possessing the depth and resources of one of the world’s largest architecture practices.