The City of Extremes: Portuguese Architects From RMJM Discuss Living and Working in Dubai

With access to giant development markets like China and the United Arab Emirates, architecture firms based in the Middle East are becoming more diverse and prevalent in the ever-evolving race to making architecture bigger, taller and more impressive as well as more functional and sustainable for future generations. Architects all around the globe are now involved with projects of all scales in this region of the world, prompting many to open branch offices in megacities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Shenzhen, Singapore and more.

RMJM is one of the world’s largest architecture firms, counting nearly 2,000 employees among its 30 transcontinental studios. Two of the firm’s architects, both originally from Portugal and now based in Dubai, discuss the challenges and adaptations of living and working in this city of extremes. The following discussion between Ricardo Porto Ferreira and Bruno Bento was moderated by a third member of RMJM.

Marina Heights, Dubai, 2006

RMJM: Did you ever anticipate working in the Middle East when you set out to become an architect? Can you tell us how it came about?

Ricardo Porto Ferreira: About 10 years ago, traveling to the Middle East was not at all on my horizon. Leaving Portugal was always a possibility but still remain in Europe. The Middle East, and Dubai in particular, became a hypothesis before any concrete opportunity formed and rather came about thanks to contacts from the industry with whom I kept in touch through social media and who gave me a positive idea of life and work in the city. This feedback and my own research led me to look for opportunities, which eventually appeared in August 2013.

Bruno Bento: More than a decade ago, the United Arab Emirates were not mentioned in architecture news and specialty magazines as they are today, which led architects not to see the region as a preferable workplace destination. Throughout the years, as iconic projects began to develop in the region, it quickly captured the attention of architects worldwide. TV documentaries on these mega projects were my first contact with Dubai and the city’s architecture panorama. In 2013, as a birthday gift to myself, I decided to take one month to visit the projects I had seen on the documentaries. During my visit, I was fortunate to receive a position in an architecture studio and have lived and worked in Dubai since.

Dubai World Trade Exhibition & Convention Centre, Dubai, 2003

What was the first contrast you noticed between the Middle East and your home country?

RP: The Middle East is a region of contrasts, but after having visited some countries in Latin America and Europe, it was a very pleasant surprise not to feel any culture shock. On the contrary, I very quickly realized there was great tolerance and effort towards welcoming and respecting all customs and traditions.

BB: I am from a city in Portugal called Coimbra. In spite of being one of the biggest cities in the country, after Lisbon and Oporto, it still retains a human scale. In Dubai, the scale was the first thing I found to be remarkably different to what I was used to. It’s not only a matter of the scale of the buildings, but the way they are clustered and spread along the main arteries. It is very impressive, especially when seen from a distance. On a clear day, while riding the metro along Sheikh Zayed Road, away from the downtown area and the Burj Khalifa, you can get a glimpse of the tallest buildings in the Dubai Marina, even though both areas are 20 kilometers [12 miles] apart. This completely transformed my previous notions of scale.

The Jewels, Dubai, 2008

What sort of influences did you bring with you and how do they coincide with the architectural heritage of the region?

BB: Being from Portugal I am strongly influenced by an architectural heritage that evolved throughout centuries of history and in which Arabic influences are visible, especially in the materials and construction techniques used in the southern part of the country.

RP: Portuguese and the local Dubai architecture have shared roots. In the city of Porto, and in Portugal in general, there is attention given to urban revitalization and valuing heritage for its social and economic value. Dubai is taking the path of development to expand the city with no apparent priority given to its original composition and mainly through the use of technologies that allow for the fastest execution.

Silverene Dubai Marina, Dubai, 2011

Given the international nature of Dubai, what sort of inspiration have you derived from your surroundings in your work?

BB: As an architect, it’s important to be exposed to different cultures and worldviews. Working in Dubai allows for that interaction on a daily basis, given the number of architects of different nationalities living and working here. As a result, every project is an opportunity to experience firsthand how architects from different backgrounds address similar situations, constituting a constant learning experience.

Dubai’s Skyline is world-renowned. What does Dubai represent to you as an architect?

RP: The diversity of architectural styles that live side by side. Architecture becomes a visible element for the exchange of different cultures that have settled here. In this exchange, there is a contrast between curves and straight lines, fullness and emptiness.

BB: The image of Sheikh Zayed Road now and 20 years ago has been widely promoted and acts as a great postcard for architecture. To me, Dubai materializes one of the ultimate ambitions for architects around the world: the idea that if you can imagine it, nothing is impossible, and everything can be built, no matter its form, size or height. Structures such as Burj Khalifa — the world’s tallest building — and Palm Jumeirah — the world’s largest man-made island — have definitely confirmed that idea and pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2010

The recent trend towards the diversification of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies has stimulated many opportunities and created an emphasis on sustainability. How can architecture help drive this diversification?

RP: Architecture is a discipline that can provide very valuable insights in the evaluation and recognition of social development. In Dubai — unlike Europe and its centuries of architectural history — the evolution of many housing clusters still represents the city’s first century of existence. All the activity surrounding the construction sector is visible in GCC countries and derives from a need to create places that fit with the model of the industrialized city.

BB: Architecture has always driven change and Dubai’s case is no different. GCC countries have experienced fast-paced growth, mainly due to their ability to turn outwards and attract the world’s attention. But great exposure also brings demanding challenges. After the boom, the focus is now on maintaining high standards in a sustainable manner. Good architecture practice is playing a huge role in taking the next step. Will notorious landmarks stand the test of time? If the notion of building higher and bigger used to be the norm for recognition, the main concern is now to prove that you can achieve those same results sustainably. In the UAE, we can think of projects such as Expo 2020 as examples of sustainable innovation.

What advice do you have for any architects, aspiring or otherwise, looking to work in the region?

RP: In GCC countries, there exists notorious discrimination between qualified and nonqualified work. Do research and get in touch with fellow countrymen that have experience in the region so that they can provide you with valuable help in understanding the benefits, risks and procedures of living and working here.

BB: Make yourself relevant and never compromise. Good practice will always prevail.

Al Asmariya University, Zliten, Libya, Concept

How do you see Middle East architecture developing in the coming years?

RP: “More, bigger and better … ”

BB: I think the Middle East will become a case study for its ability to always be a step ahead of present times. The amount of highly resourceful professionals moving and working there is sure to contribute to an increasingly challenging environment.

Interview edited for clarity and length; introduction by Chloé Vadot. Cover image via Wikimedia