British firm bags design contract for Dubai’s Al Maktoum airport
Leslie Jones Architecture to undertake design work at Dubai World Central as second air hub undergoes $32bn expansion
The UK-based Leslie Jones Architecture has been commissioned to carry out design work at Al Maktoum International Airport as it undergoes a $32 billion expansion.
The firm has been commissioned by Dubai Airports to “support the commercial design strategy for the future” of the project at the wider Dubai World Central (DWC) development, which is set to become home to the world’s largest air hub.
Leslie Jones’ design strategy aims to ensure that the airport is well-positioned to accommodate high passenger volumes, the firm said in a statement.
IN PICTURES: How Dubai’s expanded Al Maktoum airport will look
Al Maktoum International Airport, the emirate’s second international commercial airport, opened its doors to passengers in October 2013. It was announced in September 2014 that Dubai would spend AED120 billion ($32 billion) to expand the airport to accommodate 200 million passengers a year.
The design project will be headed by Simon Scott, head of international business at Leslie Jones Architecture. Scott has 25 years of airport design experience under his belt, with involvement in projects like Heathrow Terminal 5 and Dubai International Airport’s Concourse A.
“Leslie Jones’ appointment reflects the firms’ technical skill and experience in delivering leading mixed-use design solutions for specialist global projects,” Scott said.
“A profound understanding of operators’ challenges, within an aviation context, is critical when designing such an environment. Our design strategy will address this by supporting the creation of an integrated commercial environment that will elevate consumer engagement and optimise space intelligently.”
IN PICTURES: How Dubai’s expanded Al Maktoum airport will look
Eugene Barry, executive vice president of the Commercial Group at Dubai Airports, said the new airport at DWC will “create a travel environment which is customer-focused and space-efficient,” according to a statement issued by the architecture firm.
“Leslie Jones has been appointed to bring their expertise in specialist mixed-use schemes to our newest development project,” Barry added.
Al Maktoum International is set to be larger than the emirate’s primary airport, Dubai International, which is currently the world’s busiest having recorded 70.4 million passengers last year.
IN PICTURES: How Dubai’s expanded Al Maktoum airport will look
