Khaled Nahhas wins first Cityscape Young Architect Award

Initiated by the Institute for International Research (IIR), the award was presented by Essam Galadari, Executive Director of Projects, EMAAR Properties on behalf of Mohammed Al Abbar, Director General, Department of Economic Development, Government of Dubai and Chairman EMAAR Properties, at a VIP ceremony, at the Montgomerie Golf Club.

'It is a great honour to be chosen as the first Cityscape Young Architect Award winner. I would like to thank IIR for launching this award. I am sure it will fire the imagination and creativity of the region's young and highly talented architects,' said Nahhas.

'By recognising excellence in architecture, and celebrating the very best in building design, this award will contribute significantly to the debate about the future development of the region.'

After studying in Vancouver, Canada, Nahhas set up his own practice, Symbios Architecture, in Jordan's capital Amman, in 1999. It specialises in commercial high tech buildings, restaurants and cafes and is currently involved in the prestigious Downtown Amman scheme.

Nahhas, who won the award for his Blue Fig cafe project, said Symbios's philosophy is based on timeless architecture. 'We strive to ensure our designs affect people either emotionally or visually,' he added.

Opened in 2000, in Amman's prestigious Abdoun neighbourhood, the Blue Fig is a casual cultural theme cafe and bar, targeting both young and old. Its concept leisurely introduces patrons to art, books, food and music that correspond with the culture, festivals and countries celebrated by the cafe.

Congratulating Nahhas on his award, Galadari said architecture had a vital role to play in helping people find their roots and to remain true to their identity.

'Almost every architectural structure addresses, in a direct sense, cultural identity and philosophy, within a physical context,' Galadari said.

'If we want to understand, appreciate and evaluate the architectural quality of a building, we need to develop a sense of dimension, topography, climate material, structure and proportion.'

Praising the role of modern architecture in the development of the region, Galadari added: 'The Middle East is undergoing a transformation unprecedented in its history. Modernity, new-found wealth, along with social and political change, are readily apparent in architectural design.

'These changes are intrinsic to Dubai's march forward and the Middle East's recognition as a place where tradition and modernity blends in harmony. Modern architecture has contributed significantly to the evolving patterns of the built environment.'

Nahhas was chosen by a five-man jury of experts, from a shortlist of three regional architects, that also included Dubai's Khalid Al Najjar and Feby Kuriakose.

The award jury comprised Dr Suha Ozkan, Secretary General, Aga Khan Award for Architecture; Dr Rasem Badran, Aga Khan Award-winning architect; Dr John Alexander Smith, Professor and Programme Chairman, Department of Interior Design, American University of Dubai; Rashad Muhammed Bukhash, Head of the Historical Building Section, General Projects Department, Dubai Municipality and Rashid Taqui, Managing Director, Architecture + magazine.

'It is our hope that this unique initiative will encourage a new, sustainable style of architecture for the region - one that will be a visible and permanent reflection of communities and their lifestyles in the 21st century,' said Christopher Hudson, Project Manager, IIR.

'It will act as a catalyst, showcasing Middle East architects who develop alternative and creative solutions that improve the quality of the built environment for all users.'

The Cityscape Young Architect Award will be presented annually during Cityscape - the region's only international commercial architecture, property design and development sectors exhibition held in association with the International Property Investment and Management Conference (IPIC).

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