Dubai, November 18 2012- Tarek Qaddumi, a UAE-based architect, has been awarded the design and project management of a AED 40 million research and production facility for Pharmax Pharmaceuticals, subsidiary of Ittihad Drug Store (IDS), at the Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park. The 90,000 square foot project is expected to be completed over the next two years and will become the regional headquarters for Pharmax. The project will be one of a handful of such facilities in the UAE.  

Mr. Ahmad Tabari, CEO of Pharmax Pharmaceuticals commented: "Tarek's design combines a comprehensive sense of urban, functional, aesthetic and sustainable architecture and it appealed to us because of its simplicity and iconic nature. It solved key functional concerns in a rational and elegant way, while creating something beautiful.  He took a simple rectangular box which houses the process equipment and transformed it into something light, airy and visually interesting."

"We've enjoyed working on this project because it combines many of the elements that we seek to address in our work," said Tarek Qaddumi. "Functionally, the building is designed to meet the highest levels of international standards.  A seamless flow of people and goods, combined with very sophisticated building materials are aimed to achieve local approvals and USFDA certification.  Environmentally, the architecture responds to the desert plane by juxtaposing it with a North facing, translucent glass prism which hovers above and in contrast with the sand surface below."  

As a socially responsible architect, Tarek believes that architecture is a reflection of a society's culture, and civilization. His aim is to design buildings that serve a purpose and can make a positive contribution to the social fabric of a city. Tarek continues, "The building aims to break from the traditional black box of pharmaceutical plants.  In the case of Pharmax, silhouettes of people and goods along the glass wall, back lit with 400 lux of production level lighting set the scene for the life, activity and energy on the inside."

Pharmax is one of Tarek Qaddumi's most recent wins. His work can be seen across the Emirates and spans across a variety of sectors including the Al Manara Building on Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, home to the flagship store Jones the Grocer, and Park Corner, a modern residential building in Jumeirah Village, Dubai.

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Tarek N Qaddumi is a Dubai-based architect, who received his undergraduate and Master of Architecture degrees from The College of Architecture and Urban Planning at The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Tarek's work was recently recognized at the 2011 Middle East Architecture Awards with his Al Manara building being nominated for 'Best Overall Building of the Year'. Al Manara is home to the flagship store of Jones the Grocer and Brookfield Multiplex regional offices on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Today, Tarek Nader Qaddumi PM FZ-LLZ manages and designs projects regionally and internationally.

© Press Release 2012