Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Tini selected as competition judge: BDP Marks Abu Dhabi Debut with Schools Competition

BDP Marks Abu Dhabi Debut with Schools Competition

BDP displays shortlisted student design competition entries at Cityscape Abu Dhabi.


BDP marked the opening of its new office in Abu Dhabi with a student design competition.

BDP launched the competition called ‘Places for People”, last month, to challenge students of all ages from schools in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Kuwait to illustrate what they believe are the essential ingredients needed to create special places for people.

Students have submitted entries using a wide range of materials, including ceramics, paint, watercolour, coloured pastels, pencil and ink together with a brief written description of thoughts behind the artistic impressions.

The shortlisted entries were chosen by a panel of judges and are displayed at BDP’s ‘Places for People’ lounge area (2B20) and delegates at Cityscape are encouraged to vote for their favourite entry. The exhibition displaying the shortlisted entries was designed by BDP from card board boxes and was constructed by architectural students of AlHosn University. The competition winners will be announced on 22 April at the Aloft Hotel. Abu Dhabi.

Nadine Nackasha, head of BDP’s Abu Dhabi office comments: “BDP has worked on flagship projects across many international regions and are now delighted to be launching a Middle East and North Africa practice at Cityscape Abu Dhabi.

“Our mission is to create special places for people to live, work, shop, learn and enjoy culture. We believe in involving communities, wherever we operate, to better understand local needs, the environment, culture and future aspirations in order to design sustainable communities that meet the needs of future generations.

“So what better place to start than with the youth of today who will use and enjoy the buildings and places that we hope to create. They will be the citizens and inhabitants of the towns and cities of tomorrow that are being planned today. To do this successfully, we must understand what young people think are the essential elements that contribute to the lifestyles of the people who work, live and play in them.”

The competition judges included Dr Badraya Ahmed Al Dhahiri, Division Manager for Community Service at Abu Dhabi Municipality; John Thomas, Executive Director of Mubadala Real Estate & Hospitality; Dr Naima Benkari, Head of Architectural Engineering at Al Hosn University; local artists Wasel Saswan and Tini Meyer; Nadine Nackasha, Managing Director of BDP’s Abu Dhabi office and Gary Dicken, director, BDP.