Alghadeer
Someone else from another forum post asked a few questions regarding defining quality and the status of the Alghadeerr project. I thought it may be useful posted here.
I accept that Quality is always going to be hard to define accurately and in part is an individual judgement. Quality generally can be seen via the vision, location, features, design, construction, finishes, sustainability initiatives (economic, social and economic),developer track record and capability, on-going management and maintenance and so on.
Below is some further information that i have for Alghadeer. I have been in the industry for 25yrs and i genuinely believe that this Sorouh project is of good quality. Set out also is the project status - construction is underway and my advice recived is that Alghadeer is being progressed as per the program (no change).
Abu Dhabi is not Dubai in terms of the market and cycle and Sorouh is wel funded and has very close Government connections. I'd suggest it is one of the better placed companies right now irrespective of ADX general pricing.
Alghadeer at a glance:-
Cultivate Distinctiveness and Quality
Al Ghadeer should stand out within Abu Dhabi and neighboring Dubai while also making it a remarkable, exciting and diverse destination in the market. Establish Al Ghadeer as a focus of local, national and international interest with a memorable impression through quality and proven urban design techniques, principles and finishes.
Create entryways to the development that achieve a sense of arrival. Enhance core areas of more intensive and higher image development to function as key centers in areas of development.
Varied but Unified
The development will be a visually rich, attractive, legible and diverse environment. Development will be coherent in the organization of its site planning and layout, in its relationship with the wider context, in the composition of its component parts and in the use of its materials and details.
Variety in the use of complementary colors, textures, forms, styles, structures and or materials is encouraged. The use of contrast is desirable where it would be appropriate for providing focus and interest to an area.
Be Environmentally Responsible
Development in Al Ghadeer will be environmentally conscious in its planning, form and details, in the execution of its development and in the way it contributes to the achievement of a broader sustainability. Leed accreditation will be sought.
Use of high quality building materials will establish long-term value at Al Ghadeer and act as a precedent for future development in the region. Durable and environmentally responsible building materials and methods may reduce resource and energy consumption, support the regional economy and inspire future sustainable development in the UAE.
Create Mixed Uses
The purpose of mixing land uses is to help broaden and extend the activity of the District Center, to achieve an attractive, safe and more vibrant development. The development will include amenities and attractions that capitalize on the synergy of diverse uses and activities.
Balanced Parking
Each project will provide adequate parking to meet the needs of development while supporting and promoting walking, cycling and the use of public transit. In all cases parking will be integrated in such a way that it does not adversely affect the urban form and character of the area.
Create Continuous Building Frontages where relevant
Development will be placed around the periphery of a site with minimal setbacks, creating an urban streetscape. A crucial aspect of a successful building is its ability to make a strong contribution to the public realm—to face and animate the street with pedestrian activities and ensure that the adjacent space is positively used.
360 Degree Design - Buildings shall relate to all orientation with high quality materials and details. All sides of a building shall have a design approach that makes them worthy to be a primary facade.
Demonstrate a High Level of Architectural Quality
High quality detailing and materials will reinforce the urban character of Al Ghadeer, and create varied, visually interesting and active street frontages. Development must present an attractive and coherent architectural profile. This image should provide identity for each component while also providing a cohesive and understandable overall image.
Create a Lively Density
Density is necessary to create an attractive place that broadens the activity of the development through mixed uses. Density will vary in response to land use, proximity to the District Center and proximity to public transportation.
Changes in density create distinct neighborhoods and edges that define neighborhoods and set them apart in the greater whole.
Create Urban Streets, Routes and Public Realm
The aim of this principle is the design of an urban framework and public realm that is safe, attractive and easy to use. It is achieved with a variety of streets and spaces of different quality, including:
• Site specific issues such as solar orientation, and shading.
• Connecting routes and streets—a comprehensive network serving all significant lines, easy direct access to public transport, links to green spaces and a choice of routes.
• Convenient routes and streets—direct as possible and avoiding unnecessary barriers while providing visual magnets.
• Comfortable Routes and Streets—providing pedestrian comfort, amenity and visual interest.
• The District Center will be an integral part of this pedestrian network of streets, with shaded walkways of a comfortable pedestrian scale, animated with 24 hour spaces of retail and restaurant uses to encourage activities during day and night.
Create a Varied Open Space Network
A network of open spaces, varying in character and scale, will be a special amenity for the residents and visitors of Al Ghadeer. From the smaller scale pocket parks (Fig. 7) and the site’s focal lake park , to the environmental terraces on the roofs of buildings, the development will provide a range of open space alternatives for its users.
Make Open Space Amenities Available to All
The natural environment is complimentary to the development, seeking opportunities to integrate, protect and enhance green space and vegetation. Landscape and open space will be an integral part of the Al Ghadeer overall development, providing recreational space for residents, preserving and enhancing links with areas of open space.
Of its time and place
The goal of the urban design concept is to create a character rich environment that consists of many distinct places that fit within the overall context of the entire district. To that end the urban design process strives to create a place that is ahead of its time, yet mindful of its past.
Management and Maintenance
A maintenance plan, including ongoing tasks and replacement schedules shall be prepared by the overall development manager for all landscape and paving areas that are part of the streetscape behind the curb. This plan shall include all facilities management items, but in particular:
• Litter pickup.
• Cleaning of surfaces.
• Mowing of turf.
• Weeding planting beds.
• Sweeping.
• Replacement of dead or dying plant material.
• Irrigation repair and adjustments.
• Repair and/or replacement of damaged or severely weathered paving, benches, and other streetscape elements, signage and light fixtures
1 Water Supply 7,300 m³
2 Electrical , Substations 220 MVA
3 Gas Tanks & Equipment Procurement
4 Sewage Treatment Plant 6000 m³
5 Telecommunications Network Procurement
6 District Cooling Plant 25,000 tons
7 Dual (3) lane Frontage Road 95,000 sq m
8 (1) Fly Over Detailed Design complete
9 (1) Major Interchange Detailed Design complete
General Site Works
Rough Grading: Cut & Fill Earth Work 3,000,000 sq m
Roads & Right of Ways 815,000 sq m
Electrical Distribution 68,000 m-HV
35,000 m-
Gas Network 92,000 m
Potable Water Network: 150 to 500 dia.
(2) 60,000 cm Tanks 62,450 m
Sewerage Network: 850 Manholes 46,000 m
Storm Water Drainage: 300 to 1,500 mm dia. 55,500 m
Telecommunications Network 32,200 m
Fire Hydrant 380 m
Irrigation network: 150 – 400 dia. 21,060 m
Street Lighting 50,000 m Trench
District Cooling Network 40,000 m
Landscaping Works Open Space, Parks 439,077 sq m
