30 September 2009
The Zoning Authority/Development Control of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (Tecom) is working on a draft guidelines for building codes for new Dubai schools.
"We have a draft of 60 pages, which can go up to 150 pages, which will detail a set of regulations for new schools in Dubai dealing with air quality, sound insulations, dimensions, safety requirements and so on. It will be a first not just in Dubai but also in the Gulf Co-operation Council," said Issam AlAoui, Senior Architect, Regulations and Compliance, at Zoning Authority/Development Control in an exclusive interview with Emirates Business.
"In future, we will have a section in the book, which deals with how to refurbish existing schools and the kinds of permitted materials and methods. We will get this reviewed by Singapore-based architecture firm CPG Consultant, which has planned more than 90 per cent of the schools."
Meanwhile, the Zoning Authority is cracking down heavily on non-compliance with its codes.
"We are paying particular attention to safety and accessibility. There is a building in Dubai Knowledge Village, which has not yet got a clearance certificate after the fourth inspection. Most buildings don't fulfil the whole criteria and we are having up to three inspections on most buildings today. Many developers are delivering in the market and the pace is picking up. In Business Bay, 15 towers are ready for completion, but only one has got the completion certificate while others are rectifying some issues. Other projects coming on line are in Dubailand (558 villas in one project and 200 in another) and in Mirdif (more than 1,600 units), which are waiting for completion certificates. Issues in villas are small," he added.
AlAoui is seeing a shift in the market. "People are coming to us long before applying for building completion certificates and asking us if their project is compliant with our codes. Earlier, they were not bothered and just went ahead and built the way they wanted without caring for any regulations or codes. Now they are asking beforehand since they know we are tough on fines. It is good for us since it will prevent something before it happens," said AlAoui.
"Recently, we have asked a hotel in the JBR area and another in Dubai Marina to address their accessibility issues though the buildings have been completed. They have understood the priority and are making the changes after getting approval for the design changes."
The Zoning Authority/Development Control of Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (Tecom) is working on a draft guidelines for building codes for new Dubai schools.
"We have a draft of 60 pages, which can go up to 150 pages, which will detail a set of regulations for new schools in Dubai dealing with air quality, sound insulations, dimensions, safety requirements and so on. It will be a first not just in Dubai but also in the Gulf Co-operation Council," said Issam AlAoui, Senior Architect, Regulations and Compliance, at Zoning Authority/Development Control in an exclusive interview with Emirates Business.
"In future, we will have a section in the book, which deals with how to refurbish existing schools and the kinds of permitted materials and methods. We will get this reviewed by Singapore-based architecture firm CPG Consultant, which has planned more than 90 per cent of the schools."
Meanwhile, the Zoning Authority is cracking down heavily on non-compliance with its codes.
"We are paying particular attention to safety and accessibility. There is a building in Dubai Knowledge Village, which has not yet got a clearance certificate after the fourth inspection. Most buildings don't fulfil the whole criteria and we are having up to three inspections on most buildings today. Many developers are delivering in the market and the pace is picking up. In Business Bay, 15 towers are ready for completion, but only one has got the completion certificate while others are rectifying some issues. Other projects coming on line are in Dubailand (558 villas in one project and 200 in another) and in Mirdif (more than 1,600 units), which are waiting for completion certificates. Issues in villas are small," he added.
AlAoui is seeing a shift in the market. "People are coming to us long before applying for building completion certificates and asking us if their project is compliant with our codes. Earlier, they were not bothered and just went ahead and built the way they wanted without caring for any regulations or codes. Now they are asking beforehand since they know we are tough on fines. It is good for us since it will prevent something before it happens," said AlAoui.
"Recently, we have asked a hotel in the JBR area and another in Dubai Marina to address their accessibility issues though the buildings have been completed. They have understood the priority and are making the changes after getting approval for the design changes."
By Sona Nambiar
© Emirates Business 24/7 2009
