African Design Magazine August 2015 | Page 64

Emaar, as one of the world’s largest property developers, wanted to reinvigorate their team and have a new vibrant workplace. The relocation of their entire team to Emaar Square in Downtown Dubai involved dwp | design worldwide partnership working to provide a new dynamic workplace – one that translated their vision for the future into an extraordinary design aesthetic, as a clear reflection of the Emaar brand, spread over three levels and 6 250 square metres. T he project, led by Mohammed Alabbar, Emaar Chairman, was not an ordinary relocation project. It was to be an honest reflection of the company’s vision, future and its ever-increasing role in the framework of a growing Dubai. Emaar’s previous office was located in Emaar Business Park and spread over six floors. With fragmented departments and limited shared facilities, the interior was uninspiring and detached from the company’s forward-thinking conceptual foundation. George Kahler, dwp Design Director, explains: “There are many drivers for change in a company’s decision to refurbish their offices or relocate. Emaar’s corporate values were not reflected in its previous property. Its dynamic, collaborative business process was being hindered by the cellularised spaces. Emaar is at the leading edge of local and global real estate development. It is a market leader, making waves and setting new standards. Its interiors needed to reflect this and to attract and retain the best possible personnel.” The client brief required plenty of natural daylight, long worktables, an open-plan Click images to enlarge 64 africandesignmagazine.com