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by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Monday, 23 July 2007Posted on Saturday, 28 August 2010
Glass Facades in Middle East – how great thou art
Posted by ROMI SEBASTIAN at 11:07 UAE time
Edited by ArabianBusiness.com
Particularly in the last few decades, Architectural language has given more importance to the ‘transparency’ and ‘lightness’ of building spaces- driving the world towards a flattering glazed built environment.
The question I then pose is this; to what extent fully glazed buildings, in particular the ones that claim to be ‘green’ and ‘sustainable’, are actually concerned about the environment?
Glazed facades were initially possible only due to the development of powerful cooling systems; otherwise these buildings would have been inhabitable, especially in regions such as the Middle East. Forgive me for not elaborating on the enormous amount of energy required to run the air-conditioning to compensate for the added heat loads through glass. A building enveloped with glass acts like a solar cooker. Remember, that the property of glass is to allow in heat (short waves) and not allow reflected heat (long waves) back out. For this very property, Glass has been used in the western world (cold regions) to allow passive solar heating. In this part of the world, where methods of keeping the heat out and preventing its transfer are required, architects instead celebrate with glass.
Architects have freed themselves from any kind of environmental constraint in the design of glazing and consider the engineering body of men to assume responsibility for maintaining the internal conditions desired for habitation. Ferraris are beautiful cars- a perfect balance between beauty and technology, but do not claim to be ecological or environmental friendly while they are sold. The same analogy – some glass facades are outstanding in terms of beauty and innovation, but we need to think twice before calling them environmentally friendly.
I wonder why Glass is considered to be a material that symbolises ‘progress’ in the Middle East whereas traditional and practical materials like mud, clay, limestone are often related to concepts of backwardness and poverty. This impractical dissociation between materials and the environmental context of a region causes a slow degradation of the architectural expression prevalent in the Islamic world. Even the local builders often ignore simple concepts of how they can make their lives more comfortable within a living space. Consider the circumstances of walking out at midday. The first move of ours is to place our hands in a natural but strategic way above our eyes to cut off the direct harsh sunlight and reflected heat from the hard landscape we walk on. Our eye is the only transparent part of our body and the most fragile. We take measures to protect it. Glass in the similar manner, is the most transparent and fragile part of any building. Why don’t we protect it and shade it from the sun in the similar manner?
One can also imagine the amount of water, equipment and manpower required to just clean off all the settled dust on the thousands of square metres of glass and solar panels on all buildings in the Middle East! Nowadays, tenants spend a lot of money on the interior layouts, in order to cut down the harsh light and heat coming in through the huge pans of un-shaded exterior glass.
Some Architects have justified the use of glazing facades for ventilation purposes in the Middle East by their use of colourful sketches showing red and blue arrowed air movements. Unless properly analysed and calculated, these sketched arrows of air movements make no sense at all. Architects assume that laws of physics must obey architecture’s will, i.e, air will force itself magically through glass openings as sketched on paper. Glazing designs for ventilation purposes must be designed only after Stack and Coanda effects of air have been carefully studied and simulated through measured data in a particular built setting. There have been reports of Sick-building syndrome, where occurrences of unexpected buoyancy and reverse air movements have taken place.
I agree that the invention of Glass, after the fire; has been the most important technological innovation in mankind’s history. I would even attest to the fact that the Chinese lagged in scientific finding and advancement just because it was satisfied with its ceramic and clay – glass was not manufactured and found useful by the Chinese till much after the Egyptians and Mesopotamians. It drastically reduced their scientific enquiry; with the absence of microscopes, magnifiers, refractors, beakers, spectacles, tubes, mirrors etc.
Glass is indeed important- but we need to interpret its usage logically and with an understanding of ecological imperatives, especially in the building industry. The requirement for architecture to contribute to the social and environmental sustainability now charges architects with a responsibility that goes beyond a simple design brief. I call upon architects to avoid creating these unwanted Glass monsters, in terms of comfort and energy usage.
Beautiful; but Architects speak with their buildings, not with their words.
ROMI SEBASTIAN
Architect and Environmental Designer
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Management approaches of the Arab world- something to learn from?
Posted by ROMI SEBASTIAN at 10:18 UAE time
Have people noticed there is a conspicuous neglect in the study of the Arab world on issues such as project and knowledge management?
I consider the Arab world a very interesting case for studying economical growth. Its fuel resources provide power to most of the world and acts as a magnet not merely for highly rewarded expatriates from the west, but also workers from much of the underdeveloped world. This region contains the world poorest and richest countries. So, why is it that approaches in management by Arabs are not given focus even though their economies are prominent and fast growing? Is there a different way of looking at marketing and business in the Arab world?
Efforts to study and develop Arab management techniques are neglected mainly because its economical growth is considered temporary, by the west and other developed nations. There is a notion that a product like crude oil represents an unusual case of temporary prosperity. Somehow, the Arab techniques and traditions of knowledge are considered’ undeveloped’ and not stable enough to be learnt from.
Unlike during the industrial age where the operating styles of the western world made them winners, the information age certainly seems to be demanding otherwise. Unlike the west in the past, the Arab world openly welcomes foreign capital, foreign enterprises and world class expertise that in turn create high-quality jobs. It primarily aims at an integrated, harmonious regional prosperity unlike the western industrial concept of functioning where countries are sensitive to its borders and prefers domestic capital and growth. One also has to remember that the private capital drives this part of the world unlike nation-state governments. Entrepreneurial initiatives are very much encouraged than any direct government initiatives.
Very few Arab clients are ultimately happy with western paradigms of management and business. Often managers from the west are forced to mould themselves away from the standard western guidelines, as they simply fail to function in the Arabic context of accomplishing any kind of business or work. Their capitalistic and individualistic approach of dealing is diminished by the Arabic context of nurturing business through interpersonal relationships and social networking.
One possible barrier to efficient management in this part of the world is due to the fact that knowledge sharing is almost nil. Due to the over-reliance on foreign workforces- professionals are not given long-term contracts leading to job insecurity and in turn lack of willingness to share information and inculcate team-spirit. Foreign professionals of all grades, refrain from knowledge sharing mainly because of feeble training sessions, less rewards for spreading awareness, discrimination in the work place. There exists negativity between Arab and non-Arab workers. Also, the most regular knowledge sharing activities among the elite are one to one discussions, informal gatherings that are based on mere verbal communication. The Arab culture does not prefer a formalized and documented knowledge sharing approach.
Will there come a time where the Arab management approach will precede this multi-national arena of guidelines? I may not be wrong in assuming that the Arab world has always yearned for unity in governance while enjoying the benefits and drawbacks of a common language and religion. Known for their authoritarian, consultative and familial style of management - it will be interesting to see whether other countries evolve a similar approach to management in the future. In fact, current leading textbooks on management have already added another extra dimension to the importance of social networking and relationships to allow business to thrive. After all, management is a social activity.
ROMI SEBASTIAN
Architect
Doha,
Qatar
00974 33299314
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Posted on Saturday, 29 May 2010
Gulg Air giving stranded passengers free air ticket as gesture of goodwill
Posted by Linda Moor at 07:37 UAE time
Edited by ArabianBusiness.com
Dear Sir
With reference to your article "Gulf Air offers free ticket to stranded passengers" by Andy Sambidge 19 April 2010, I would like to know where, and from whom, he obtained this information of a goodwill gesture. As one of those passengers stranded I have written to Gulf Air only to receive a reply that this is not the case. I sent a copy of your e mail but this was not commented on. I am sure that I am not the only passenger who has queried this.
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Posted on Sunday, 28 March 2010
Missing of Prince in a plane crash.
Posted by Liaquat Khan at 08:54 UAE time
Deeply grieved over the sad missing of Prince. Pray and sympathy to the family.
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Posted on Tuesday, 2 February 2010
School timing during winter Season
Posted by agnes at 11:38 UAE time
My kids are in their very early age of school and they really find it very difficult to wake in the winter season , to add that waking up @ 5:30 am it is still very dark and cold and school bus will pick them up around 6:10 am. I hope that schools can see how difficult this is for the kids and impliment a strategy to help kids cope up. I believe "day light saving time" will somehow help. Take note that not every family lives next to their schools.
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Posted on Wednesday, 21 October 2009
More Indian Schools in Abu Dhabi
Posted by Zulfikhar Ahmed at 22:30 UAE time
As one Big grioup of Indian School is about to close down in next 2 years in Abu Dhabi, request Delhi Public school or Gems grioup or any other group to start here since there is less choice of Indian schools compare to Dubai.
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Posted on Saturday, 18 July 2009
No Refunds Paid
Posted by Sal at 10:59 UAE time
Security Deposit is not returned by the Property Management Company
I had stayed in a villa for 4 years. Upon vacating the villa my security deposit refund was held by Betterhomes who were the managing the property on behalf of the owner. All the contracts and final documentation stated that after acceptance security deposit will be refunded. I vacated 13 days ahead of end of tenancy date and returned all keys in good faith to the property manager of Betterhomes. Now more than a month has passed and no refund yet.
Surprisingly, Betterhomes corresponded with me saying that owner did not received any deposit from the previous owner whom he bought the property, which was not mentioned earlier. If though it is landlords mistake and not mine? Since I moved in the property were transacted twice (changed hands).
As a well known property company Betterhomes know this very well.
Can you please publish my letter in order for people to aware and not to trust anyone, not even a reputed firm in terms of any deposit or refunds.
Thank you.
Sal
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Posted on Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Where are the user comments gone?
Posted by DAG at 17:40 UAE time
Dear Editor,
What's happened to the user comments today 15th July - the only comments published were for Etisalat BB problem.
Best regards
DAG
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Posted on Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Sticking 2 The Point
Posted by Dr. Madichie at 03:19 UAE time
It is rather worrying that such a big issue as restricting women entrepreneurship through unjustifiable government instruments and policies should only get a brief commentary of no more than four paragraphs as reported on p. 16 of Arabian Business, May 10-16, 2009. I would personally like to follow the news story on what has become of the Saudi IT firm "2 The Point" which is run and staffed exclusively by women.
It behoves me how an industry worth over $15.9bn - the combined capital investment of the 20,000 women businesses in Saudi Arabia - can be dismissed by one circular from the Ministry of Commerce. Lest we forget this industry is worth the combined GDP of The Bahamas and Barbados going by estimates from the CIA Worldfactbook 2009.
Please keep us posted on the developments over government policy and women entrepreneurship in the Arabian Gulf - lets stick 2 The Point.
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Posted on Wednesday, 13 May 2009
National bonds are NO more attractive.
Posted by Ramesh at 16:46 UAE time
I got a mail from Natioanl Bonds saying
"Now Bondholders have the chance to be Millionaires every week, that's one Millionaire per week !!!!
To be eligible for the Millionaire draw, the minimum bond holding should be AED 10,000 at the time of the draw"
The second statement is IMPORTANT, it means if you have bonds worth say AED 500 or 2000, you are not eligible for the big prize. It is like riches for the rich. If some one has AED 10000 worth of bonds, they already have a better chance of winning because of higher number of bonds.
Seems this move is aimed at expatriates from South Asia and Africa, who have dreamt of becoming millionaires just by investing AED 100. Now they have been made ineligible just by a single decision. On the top of it, profits made with small investors money will go to rich investors in the form of prizes.
This move is clearly discriminatory towards small investors. No where in the world are such stupid rules. Premium bonds of UK, Prize bonds of Ireland, Lottery bonds in New zealand. they don't have such rules.
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Posted on Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Dubai International Boat Show
Posted by Barbara Edney at 13:54 UAE time
In your report No.4 of 7, you state "American yacht manufacturer,
"Sunseeker". Sunseeker is a wholly owned British manufacturer and has no connection to the USA.
I wondered why people were asking me if we had been taken over by an American company and now I know the reason why.
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Posted on Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Rumours of Dubai’s demise are greatly exaggerated
Posted by Jeeja Kishan at 10:46 UAE time
I googled to find the truth in the article and located the below explanation on one dubai blogspot. I am surprised that the author did not do his home work before including such news in the article; even if there was a mistake in the press release given, he could have clarified it through his article - see the below note.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
There's a grave mistake in the article, or you can call it lack of research, but a mistake nonetheless.
"last week the federal constitution was pointedly amended to bar the prime minister (Dubai's Sheik Mohammed), his deputies and federal ministers from "any professional or commercial job" and to prohibit them from any business transactions with the federal or local governments."
Barred from any professional or commercial job?
For those who could read Arabic, the next excerpt from Al Sharq Al Awsat website shows that the new amendment to the constitution HAS GIVEN THE PRIME MINISTER MORE AUTHORITIES!
كما نص التعديل الذي اقره المجلس الاعلى للاتحاد للمادة 62 من الدستور على انه لا يجوز لرئيس مجلس الوزراء او نوابه او لأي وزير اتحادي اثناء توليه منصبه ان يزاول اي عمل مهني او تجاري او مالي او ان يدخل في معاملة تجارية مع حكومة الاتحاد او حكومات الإمارات او ان يجمع الى منصبه اكثر من منصب رسمى واحد في حكومة احدى الإمارات.
ومنع رئيس الوزراء ووزراء الحكومة من ممارسة الأعمال التجارية أثناء أدائهم لأعمالهم، ليس مادة جديدة في الدستور الإماراتي، وإنما هي من المواد الأساسية في الدستور الحالي، وما تم هو فقط حذف فقرة في المادة ذاتها تتحدث عن «أو أن يجمع بين منصبه والعضوية في مجلس إدارة شركة تجارية أو مالية». وبالتالي يفتح التعديل الدستوري الباب أمام الجمع بين الوزارة والعضوية بمجالس إدارات الشركات. ويمتلك كثير من الوزراء في الإمارات بعضا من اكبر الشركات واكثرها ربحية في البلاد ويشغلون مقاعد في مجالس ادارة العديد من الشركات في نفس وقت شغلهم مناصبهم الرسمية.
http://www.asharqalawsat.com/details.asp?section=4&article=497407&issueno=10963
Let me explain, the item barring the prime minister from professional or commercial job was ALREADY in the UAE's constitution. What happened is that the amendment had omitted a part barring the prime minister from holding a board membership in commercial companies. i.e. giving him more power. Or more maneuverability.
" How this can be enforced is an open question—to a large extent, Dubai is Mohammed Al Maktoum—but the message was clear enough: Abu Dhabi is now in charge."
Notice how the writer of the article had dramatized the conclusion drawn from this amendment.
If only journalist who report false and misleading info about Dubai would end up laid of
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Posted on Wednesday, 31 December 2008
Animal Welfare Petition
Posted by Elizabeth Krammer at 08:20 UAE time
I would just like the readers to know that there is an online petition for a Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare, that can be accessed by visiting the World Society for the Protection of Animals website at wspa.org.uk
Ten million signatures are required worldwide to introduce this Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare to end extremely cruel acts such as bear-baiting in Pakistan, bear farming in Asia, battery hen farming in New Zealand, and the live exportation of animals from Australia to England etcetera.
This Universal Declaration on Animal Welfare will also bring to an end numerous other extremely cruel acts towards animals that are happening on a daily basis worldwide. Approximately 1.3 million or more people worldwide have signed the petition so therefore many, many more signatures are needed.
Thank you very much
Sincerely
Elizabeth Krammer.
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Posted on Monday, 22 December 2008
Need Financial Helps
Posted by Ayesha at 11:10 UAE time
financial help For the Muslim girls working for their families and can't marry, which is a must, not only for living in this world, but also as strong Islamic advice, only for the reason that their family's financial survival is not possible even if they will not earn for them.
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Posted on Monday, 24 November 2008
Thaksin Shinawatra
Posted by Peter Williams at 12:14 UAE time
I understand that you are to broadcast an interview with Thaksin. I am also led to believe that he is to be offered a home, perhaps asylum, in Dubai.
It is reported that "Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra lashed out at the British authorities for withdrawing his UK visa"
I hope the authorities are aware of how he will respond when Dubai does not grant him a visa. How dare he expect a Muslim country to treat him favourably when such things as the Tak Bai massacre of Muslims occurred whilst he was the Prime Minister of Thaiiland. Dubai does not need someone like him.
