The new Siemens headquarters for the Middle East region currently being built in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi, has been named winner of the MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Awards 2012 in the Offices category.
The MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Award in the office category recognizes the contribution that the new building will make to its context in terms of urban design and its human qualities, as well as the attributes of the building, particularly in enhancing workplace productivity.
The jury explained their decision: "This is a thorough investigation of the design of large floorplate space in an extreme climate, with a well-explained proposition emerging.
“The ambition for a LEED Platinum rating means the project will be followed by many designers and clients with great interest."
The new headquarters building is part of a long-term strategic partnership between Siemens and Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multifaceted renewable energy company, to develop key energy-efficient technologies. The building, commissioned by Masdar and designed by Sheppard Robson with strong oversight by Siemens Real Estate, will meet the highest requirements in terms of architecture, energy efficiency and equipment – potentially resulting in a 45 percent reduction in energy consumption and a 50 percent reduction in water consumption, compared with the international acknowledged ASHRAE standard.
Mark Kowal, Partner and Head of Offices at Sheppard Robson, said the building was designed from the inside out. “Led by the ambition to achieve efficiency, rather than a predetermined aesthetic, the resulting building is both commercially successful and environmentally sound: a truly sustainable solution aligned with Masdar’s vision for the low carbon city.”
Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Masdar, saw the award as “a testament to the innovative and sustainable architectural design that Masdar promotes”.
“Sustainability is an integral part of Masdar’s core values as we seek to help transform Abu Dhabi from a fossil-fuel based economy to a knowledge-based one … This building will serve as a model for sustainable cities across the world, pioneering best practices in sustainable urban planning, design and development.”
