Aug 15, 07:15 pm
Gulf News interview: Architectural wonders can be a burden for businesses
George was interviewed by Derek Baldwin, Business Features Editor of the Dubai based Gulf News, August 2010: Architectural wonders can be a burden for businesses
Excerpt
George Katodrytis, Associate Professor of Architecture at the American University of Sharjah, said Burj Khalifa-type landmark buildings can inspire market-client confidence in tenants.
“Like other aspects of the Gulf but also of global business practices, branding comes before content. As such, a prestigious business address in an iconic building signifies a certain client assurance and company confidence,” Katodrytis told Gulf News. “The visual impact of the iconic architecture has equal impact on the image of the business that occupies it. This trend started in early 20th century New York and Chicago corporations housed in skyscrapers aiming for height as an expression of power and global domination.”
Yet, the higher the office, the greater the difficulties that can arise for tenants in angled buildings, he said.
“Office space needs to be horizontal to plan for workspaces, circulation, communication and interaction. Vertical buildings have to stack office floors which usually are small in area because of vertical services and shafts. As such the contemporary office space needs to be designed for a specific image as well as use. Most of this design is cosy and user-friendly to counterbalance verticality.”
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