Andrew Bromberg, Executive Director of Aedas, says Hong Kong architectural talent has contributed to its international image
	Ubora Tower is one example of the innovative architecture that is transforming Dubai’s skyline
	David Pringle, Managing Director of RMJM, says being in Hong Kong gives him the benefit of two-way business between Dubai and China

Hong Kong design expertise is helping to shape the Dubai skyline in one of the most dramatic urban transformations ever undertaken.

International architecture firms with a major presence in Hong Kong agree their strategic location and China expertise have positioned them for emerging business opportunities in the Middle East, where they are increasingly invited to design the cities’ innovative mega-skyscrapers.

Aedas Global Group, the fifth largest architectural practice in the world with 24 offices including 1,600 staff in Asia, Europe and the Americas, has three of Dubai’s tallest buildings among its current works-in-progress. These include the 310m Ocean Heights One tower, the 460m Ocean Tower Two (both for developer Damac Properties), and a 428m tower for Trident.

Andrew Bromberg, Aedas’ Executive Director, says it is exciting to be part of a visionary transformation that is “materialising before our eyes”. Aedas brought its large scale mixed-use expertise to the United Arab Emirates in 2004 and since then has carried out over 1.8 million sq m of adventurous designs in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Young talent
 
A key reason for the firm’s success in the Middle East is the pool of talent from two top Hong Kong universities – Hong Kong University and the Chinese University, Mr Bromberg said. “The graduates are good in both conceptual design skills and technical skills. Beyond that, Hong Kong is such a vibrant city that people enjoy living here, so it’s easy to attract talent from around the world.”

Hong Kong is also “on the doorstep of everything – China, India and of course the Middle East,” Mr Bromberg continued. “Within a seven hour plane ride you are surrounded by some of the most vibrant architectural projects in the world.”

Aedas’ China projects have provided valuable experience for the Middle East, Mr Bromberg said. “China is using architecture as the vehicle for launching itself on the world map. China wants ambitious architectural designs; it wants them over night; and on a large scale. This has prepared us well for the Middle East where we are placing a lot of commercial and mixed-use towers.”

Having an established presence in Hong Kong helps the firm to pitch for business in emerging markets, Mr Bromberg continued.

“The Middle East has a vision, and is using Hong Kong as an example of what it aspires to. They see the vibrancy, the visual beauty of Hong Kong, as the next century urban realm. Manhattan is an exciting city too, but it has a lot of history. Hong Kong, in contrast, is a very modern, cosmopolitan city.”

Another spin-off is that Dubai is looking to invest in China “so our paths cross on both sides,” Mr Bromberg said. “Increasingly, China and the Middle East are starting to integrate, and with Hong Kong in the middle of all that, it’s a pretty exciting place to be.”

China edge

David Pringle, Managing Director of international architectural firm RMJM, concurs that being in Hong Kong positions the firm to benefit from Dubai's outward investment.

“Dubai developers are arranging conferences in Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan with an open invitation for architects to participate in projects they are procuring in Asia,” Mr Pringle said. “They're interested in the experience that consultants in Hong Kong have in complex multi use projects in China."

“The quality of development and construction in China is higher than anywhere in Asia. Its production and fabrication of building components are second to none, and Chinese clients have a regard for design, which does not exist elsewhere. The result of which is that some of the best architecture on earth is being constructed in China. Hong Kong consultants are also learning to design quickly for the China market, adapting to the demand."  

“We ourselves are continually showing our international clients how sophisticated construction in China has become, and it shows no sign of slowing down. With Hong Kong as the gateway to China, this is a fantastic position for any architectural practice to be in.”

Related links
Aedas Global Group
RMJM