Gensler wins DIFC design work

20 September 2002

US-based Gensler & Associates International has won the contract to design the headquarters building for the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The consultant has already started drawing up the detailed architectural plans for the 15-storey building that will cover an area of 37,000 square metres, on a site adjacent to Emirates Towers (MEED 16:8:02).

Known as the Gatehouse, the building will stand at the entrance to the financial district and house the market's stock exchange and administrative offices. Gensler is also competing for the contract to design the district's masterplan. The other bidders are Skidmore Owings & Merrilland KPF, both US-based. An award is due in late September.

Mobilisation works have already started on the site of the Gatehouse. A tender for the piling package is due out in October, with an award expected to follow in November. The main construction package tender is due out in December, with an award expected in January 2003. The building is scheduled to open in April 2004. The project manager is the US' Turner International.

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