INSIGHT: Integrated design and the opportunity in the Middle East

By Ray Upjohn, Chief Executive Officer, chapmanbdsp.

Creating ever more efficient buildings that can respond to the threats of pandemics and climate change is a challenge that has given building services and environmental engineering a higher profile than ever before.

But that drive for greater building efficiency with 'new normal' considerations is really just extension of the great work we have been doing at chapmanbdsp for decades and lends itself to our integrated design approach.

Integrated design allows us to bring together architecture, structure and MEP systems in a way that reduces energy consumption, while improving indoor and outdoor comfort.

By using powerful analysis and parametric modelling tools we can 'design-in' post-pandemic and net zero carbon considerations while still optimising solutions for building performance.

The benefits of this approach in the Middle East, where sustainability ambitions and expectations are growing, is huge and an integrated design approach is something we have used to great effect on some of the region's best known projects, including on the UAE Pavilion, the World Trade Centre Souk in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Creek Tower. 

We have been established in the United Arab Emirates for more than 15 years now, and, over the last three years, have complemented our offering through a strong alliance with House of Consulting Office (HCO) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

This unique partnership gives clients the complete engineering services design offer, from project inception to completion, with international experience and local knowledge.

Our approach to sustainability, carbon reduction and energy challenges are being well received by clients in the region and we are supplementing this through an increased focus on modern methods of construction and a greater understanding of how to deliver projects that better support local communities.

It is a very interesting time in the MEP and environmental engineering community as we respond to the many current challenges, but we are very excited about the future in the Middle East and the opportunity to use our integrated design approach to benefit some of the world's most forward-thinking and visionary schemes.

Our Middle East team will be outlining more of our thinking on a wide range of subjects over the next few weeks, and we we would welcome the opportunity to talk to you about integrated design approach, our wider design ethos and the value it can offer to you.

 

PHOTOS: Ray Upjohn (top) The World Trade Centre Souk in Abu Dhabi (bottom left) and the UAE Pavilion.