WITH Dubai winning its bid to host the World Expo 2020 – the first to be held in the Menasa (Middle East, North Africa and South Asia) region – the GCC is set for ongoing development which will benefit the construction industry.

Sustainability is now a prerequisite for the construction sector in the region, which is launching ground-breaking projects such as railway networks where billions of dollars will be invested over the next 10 years.

The vision is being driven by the need to think about long-term capabilities and flexibility for future change. Individuality of each railway station design is important, but one detail that is key is the materials used to create the final look to enhance the architectural vision and to ensure future generations will benefit from the facility. The demand for innovative and interesting interiors must be balanced with the use of high performance products.

The design of new transport hubs will need to ensure longevity. It is paramount that materials chosen for the interior fit-out of transport hubs are durable to handle increased crowd pressure forecast in the coming years. If materials are not robust, potential damage can occur when accessing services for essential maintenance.

There is growing demand for higher quality finishes in the region which provide long-term value. Future-proofing is a core theme for building projects around the world and the region has been active in planning ahead for this.

Material choice

One material that is in demand in the region is steel, which is being supplied to projects in the GCC because of its durable and versatile qualities that offer a cost-effective and sustainable solution. In transport environments, this robust material is being used for applications such as cladding, wall panels and ceilings.

Difficulties in maintenance or accessing areas can affect the sustainability of a transportation hub; the upkeep of the interior can dictate how long a building will last and function for future generations. The ability to design in options from the outset for effective ongoing maintenance and ease of access, along with consideration of the increasing number of passengers, provides for time and resource savings in the long term. Being involved at the earliest stage of design and construction enables a manufacturer to ensure performance whilst taking responsibility for delivery.

Metal solutions provide a durable surface that is easy to clean and will allow ease of access for essential ongoing maintenance, without damage. Architectural metalwork solutions can balance visual appeal with enhanced performance qualities to provide a highly functional solution.

The finish is of equal importance and innovative products such as anti-graffiti paint can be used for ceilings and panels to meet stringent standards. It allows the simple and rapid removal of most forms of graffiti and, importantly, provides an incredibly hard-wearing finish that can help reduce overall maintenance costs and keep surfaces looking new and attractive for longer.

Communication

The World Expo is a great benchmark to work from to further excel and deliver sustainable solutions that exceed design briefs.

Communication is of paramount importance and essential for success with large-scale projects. A manufacturer who can offer a design service from the outset can help substantially with evolving design plans and challenges on site. The necessity is to work closely with the architect and engineering firms.

*SAS International is a design-led manufacturer. Understanding that all projects are unique, the company ensures that solutions manufactured and installed provide for the long term whilst meeting environmental credentials and offering greater design flexibility.