This panel talk focused on the large scale urban developments that have been made in the region in the last 10 years and those that are being planned for the future. The panel discussed how the world is changing and how designers can best approach designing cities for a more sustainable future, with the ongoing changes in technology, mobility and culture.

This talk was broadcasted on the d3 Architecture Festival website on 9 November, Monday 5pm

Moderated by Andy Shaw

About the Speakers


Andy Shaw
Andy Shaw was elected as Chair of RIBA Gulf Chapter in January 2020, and is a partner in Dubai based boutique design firm AMA whose ‘Harbour Master’ project is featured in the D3 architecture festival exhibition. He has over 12 years of experience building in the Middle East, on many landmark projects. He is also an educator and Visiting Professor at Heriot Watt University, Dubai.

Christos Passas
Design Director at Zaha Hadid Architects, Christos co-authored and led the design of the Opus project In Dubai, UAE and has served as Design and Project director for a large number of projects. Since his arrival at the company, he has worked closely with Zaha Hadid and is one of the practice’s Design Leaders. He has been a key member in the evolution of the overall artistic direction of the Studio.

Arjan Pit
Arjan Pit has extensive international experience in complex projects in Europe, China and the Middle East. Having lived and worked in multiple parts of the world, he has a broad interest and understanding of cultural diversity, shaping cities in intrinsically different ways. Arjan leads UNStudio Middle East as the local liaison for developments in the region.

Frans van Vuure
Frans van Vuure, Director and Senior Architect at UNStudio, joined the company in 2008, bringing a wealth of experience translating design concepts into technical and feasible construction processes. He is responsible for some of UNStudio’s vital Middle East projects like Wasl Tower, The Island MGM resort and the new Dubai Financial Center; all projects that are currently in construction.

Ewa Juszczyk
Ewa is an experienced architect with significant skills in the design, procurement and delivery processes. Ewa’s notable works include master planning, residential, hospitality, commercial, retail, transport, education and mixed-use projects. In the Middle East, she has worked on City Walk in Dubai, an iconic landmark of the city; The Beach in Dubai a waterfront destination and Riyadh Park Mall, one of Saudi Arabia’s most exciting lifestyle destinations.

Mouaz Abouzaid
Mouaz Abouzaid is a Cairo-born architect Founder and design principal of Verform Studio. He strives to create designs that both simplify and enhance the interaction of people and the built environment with a key focus on simple and functional buildings which also emphasize context and aesthetics. He embraces the challenges and individual complexities which attach themselves to each project.