DuBiotech wins prestigious award for sustainable design

DuBiotech was honoured for the technologically complex 600,000 sq ft headquarters designed by CUH2A, a recognised leader in the designing of facilities for science and technology organizations.

Slated to be one of the world's largest green buildings, the building was chosen for its "new vision" for the region, and its "refreshing and functional design" employing "new moves to address environmental concerns".

Dr. Abdulqader Alkhayat, Executive Director, DuBiotech said:

"DuBiotech's initiative to develop sustainable buildings matches its commitment to be a socially and environmentally responsible organisation."

"Apart from setting best practices in sustainable buildings, we will also encourage our partners to 'build green' by actively providing them with relevant technical support. The design for DuBiotech headquarters complex thoughtfully integrates nature, functionality and sustainability elements."

The DuBiotech headquarters' unique design reflects DNA movement in a gel electrophoresis, a technique commonly used in the life science industry. The slabs running along the sides of the buildings represent DNA strands of different sizes migrating in a gel.

The DuBiotech headquarters complex was the only un-built project to receive the award for 2006. The jury initially planned to review projects in two separate categories: excellence in design and excellence in sustainability. Identifying the fact that projects which scored points for design were also the ones with the strongest sustainability strategies, the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park headquarter complex was selected for meeting both criteria.

DuBiotech's unique environment will also include an animal reserve spread over 500,000 sq ft, where animal species indigenous to the region will roam freely.

The Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park is dedicated to creating an advanced technical and community infrastructure to accelerate the growth of the life sciences industry in the region. It will be the centre of excellence in biotechnology, bridging research, education and industry through national and international collaboration.