Rafik Ibrahim Portfolio

Making a profound difference

I am a chartered town planner and urban designer with 15 years of experience in master planning and urban design gathered working on projects around the world – from the urban regeneration of town centre in Swansea to the development of a master plan for an expansion to Chelyabinsk, Russia, to house 200,000 people.

My passion is integrating the usually discrete stages of project development from inception through to delivery - ensuring that from the outset the aim & goals of the project are clear, it is thoughtfully conceived, and elegantly realized.

Currently I am pursuing exploratory concept of evolutionary development framework toward sustainable communities which challenge the notion of design as a progressive expression of schematic intentions and argue for a conception of design as a stepwise, non-linear evolution in response to a series of contextual urban factors.

"We are searching for some kind of harmony between two intangibles: a form which we have not yet designed and a context which we cannot properly describe."

Christopher Alexander

The London Thames Gateway provides a unique opportunity to create an autonomous new development based on prioritising social and environmental assets within the region. Economic growth will utilise its location and access to worldwide communication networks and be based on developing sustainable technologies. This will be achieved by promoting entrepreneurial opportunities and enhanced levels of education and awareness in this sector. Urban development of the area will reflect this economy, creating a distinctive urban character derived from sustainable patterns of growth, with the capability of accommodating equitable regional growth until 2020.

Key Planning Objectives:• Develop balanced and polycentric urban system through Intensifying and activate compact nodes to encourage and sustain activity and growth.• Strengthen flexibility, accessibility, growth and change through encouraging networking and cooperation at the local and regional scale, • Provide Equal access to infrastructure and knowledge.• Management of natural resources and cultural heritage• Harmoniously integrate the natural ecology with parklands, local and neighbourhood green spaces to encourage the safeguarding of and by the communities natural assets into the future.• Craft comfortably scaled, attractive and sustainable communities that are responsive to the context.

R Ibrahim 01

Thames GatewaySub Regional Spatial StrategyLondon, UK

Transport improvements across the Thames Gateway

Spatial strategy

Building on the existing assets

Polycentric urban form Linear development

Polycentric Development provides an integrated approach for improved transport links and equal access to infrastracture and knowledge. More effecient use of existing infrastructure can be achieved by strengthening environmentally freindly transport systems and promoting intermodal transport chains

Developing ecological corridors

The Southern Lower Lea Valley acts as one of the strategic centres within the London Thames Gateway providing a live and work environment that contributes to an overall autonomous region. It will capitalise upon its proximity to central London, drawing on the location appeal to professionals who can take on managerial functions of the eco technology business network. The local connections will also allow it to serve the city business and international market.

The Southern Lower Lea Valley will be a focus for more complex eco-technologies that require less manufacturing space. The local population will be educated and employed in the production of these goods such as biomass boilers, at the Green Quarter. The site will be located next to the larger area of greenway which provides both a visual and aural buffer and connects education and employment to the existing and proposed residential sites. The greenway will reduce the priority on the car and increasing connectivity and access across the main routes, promoting sustainable and healthy modes of travel; such as walking and cycling. The greenway will also provide a pleasant nearby recreation area, encouraging employees to remain living in the area.

Connections within the site will be based on a strategy of bringing transport connections down to a human level. This strategy will be reflected in the reconfiguration of Canning Town.

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Southern Lower Lea ValleyLocal Develpment Framework (LDF)London, UK

Project size: 760 Ha

Conceptual Master planKey Interventions

Development Framework

Hierarchy of urban nodes

Project Aims:• To develop a detailed understanding of the dynamics of the Isle of Dogs and its wider context.• To consider the different aspirations and objectives of the different Island communities.• To establish a clear vision for the Island looking forward to 2040 and beyond.• To articulate the vision through a physical and development framework for the study area in the form of a Charter for the Isle of Dogs.

Key Principles:

INTEGRATED: By conceptualizing the island as integrated, we will overcome the divisions caused by the internal waterways and physical barriers, encouraging movement between currently dislocated areas.

GREEN:Central to our vision is the ‘green’ potential of the Isle of Dogs. There exists a vital opportunity to encourage the development of renewable energies and green industries – that are regarded as a future driver of economic growth – on the doorstep of one of the world’s leading financial districts.

ISLAND: Encapsulating the region as an island allows us to pursue other principles important to the holistic improvement of urban design in the Isle of Dogs, firmly linking existing and new communities to initiatives in order to fundamentally reshape the physical environment.

Isle of DogsDesign CharterLondon, UK

Accessibility

Conceptual Master planSection at the riverfront promenade

Spatial approachParkway

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‘Sunny Valley’ Eco-city a sustainability extension for Chelyabinsk.

The master plan aims to create a model new community development based on prioritising social, economic, geographic, ecological and environmental values. It will offer the residents of Chelyabinsk a choice of a new lifestyle – one that combines the amenities of urban environments with benefits of country living - to improve the living, working and playing conditions of the citizens of Chelyabinsk, raising standards and expectations.

Sunny Valley will:

• harmoniously integrate the natural ecology with parklands, local and neighbourhood green spaces to encourage the safeguarding of and by the communities natural assets into the future. • create a new urban centre typology as an example of globally conscious and ecologically conscientious community development• Deliver an ‘edge city’ creating opportunities for Chelyabinsk to grow and incorporate new opportunities and possibilities.

Chelyabinsk Master PlanEco TownChelyabinsk, Russia

Area Planning

Conceptual Master planCentral Area

Spatial strategy

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District Plan

The concept plan for this 1150 hectare site located at the heart of (Ajman, UAE) introduces many different types of uses including Residential, Educational, Media and Technology, Cultural, Recreational and hotels in an attractive water front setting.

A major feature of the development will be creation of a lagoon with connections to the gulf. The lagoon will occupy 12% of the total site area and will be excavated to create significantly more water front for the development and for the recreational amenities. The lagoon itself will become a major recreational feature in the overall development.

The master plan evaluated the existing context and physical environment, determined the land use program and space requirements, and recommended a logical growth

My Responsibilities includedLeading a multidisciplinary team and coordinating the technical inputs of Architects, urban planners, economists, transportation and infrastructure engineers, and landscape architects, Contributing to deliverables (reports and drawings) and ensuring the submission on time and to the highest quality achievable, and Interacting with the Client representatives and Authorities through meetings and presentations.

Al Zora Master planMixed use waterfrontAjman, UAE

Master Plan

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Aerial view

Development concepts

The Project exists on the western coast of the Gulf of Aqaba about 30 km south of the resort town of Taba, Egypt. It extends for 9km on the coast with a total area of 7.7 million square meters.The considerable size of this tourist facility dictates that it encompasses a suitable variety of components that are highly integrated and coordinated, rendering it a successful destination. Such components are planned to have a harmonious character that will be incorporated in their various elements, with a consistent superstructure building style, and superior quality of services provided in all aspects of the project. Besides hotel and restaurant facilities, the project includes apartments and villas, diving centers, beach sports, recreation areas, shopping arcades, a golf course and a medical facility with a decompression chamber. It is also essential to include a marina port for yacht tourism. Such additional features are important in ensuring that the Riviera Center project incorporate a mix of features that will allow it the Pull” factors needed to realize the market potential.

My Responsibilities includedLeading the Developer technical office, reporting directly to CEO, and working closely with HOK team to incorporate budget and market considerations, Develop a logical sequence for orderly development of the project and produce design guidelines to establish quality and consistency. Extensive hands-on includes infrastructure development and zoning regulations, and development of environmental action plans and programs.

Al Reviera CentreRegional PlanningRed Sea, Egypt

Master Plan

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Lead Hotel

Planning strategies and development concepts

The proposal envisions a seamless extension of the existing commercial heart of the city centre. It will embrace and support new uses for the city and the community, but most of all it will be the catalyst for a new way of living, shopping and enjoying the city centre – and its waterfront. It will address the social, economic and environmental needs of Swansea.

The redevelopment framework provides a vision and strategy for the city economic growth over the next twenty years. The St David’s/Quadrant and Paxton Street/County Hall areas have been identified as key strategic sites within the city centre, and will play a crucial role as catalysts in the regeneration of the city.

Key Development principles:• Deliver an integrated retail-led mixed use regeneration

scheme of a quality, scale and critical mass appropriate for a regional city centre with the aim of creating a step change in retail provision;

• Deliver an iconic mixed use waterfront development with the critical mass to become a destination in its own right;

• Connect the core City Centre to its waterfront by transforming Oystermouth Road into a high quality ‘European Boulevard’;

• Deliver high quality, innovative and sustainable buildings and public realm.

R Ibrahim 08

Swansea, Town CentreTown Centre Urban RegenerationSwansea, UK

Analysis Master Plan

Victoria Embankment is part of the Thames Embankment, a 2km road and walkway along the north bank of the River Thames in London that extends from the City of Westminster to the City of London, beginning at Westminster bridge and ending at the north end of Blackfriars bridge. Victoria Embankment is a key urban spine of London with connections to the South Bank, Parliament Square, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, the Strand and the City of London.

The project aims to establish long term revitalization strategy that envisions the potential of the Victoria embankment and Thames waterfront relationship that sits in the heart of London city.

The approach begins as a review of the space and place character and quality along Victoria embankment waterfront. Examining its strength and weakness based on the existing situation and objectives, with the aim of improving its utility and attraction value.

Key Design Principles:1- Energize the riverfront with activities and integrate with the south bank activities.2- Emphasise the river Thames as a main element and stitch the city to the water edge.3-Revitalise and rejuvenate the historical area.

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Victoria EmbankmentUrban Revitalization London, UK

Cross section

Master plan

Conceptual spatial intervention strategy

Revitalization Strategy

The Key Planning Principles

Protect the scale and grain of the existing street grid – avoid a “superblock” – with view corridors to the river along the existing street patterns.•Frontage road linking all parcels to control the traffic interface along the new boulevard with a reduced number of curb cuts.•Combination of an indoor/outdoor retail experience.•Increased density within 5 minute walk of Metro Station•Mixed and layered uses in a mid-rise urban form•Hidden parking managed and operated to provide shared parking ratios that reduce the total impact on the existing city street framework.•A major riverfront plaza as the “people place” that anchors the development over time. This place is framed by a mix of uses including the swim centre that will extend the activity cycle providing an active, self-policing, environment that will attract the surround communities to the riverfront.•Riverside promenade (an esplanade), that forms part of the overall linear riverfront park system of pedestrian and bike paths throughout the city.•Sustainable design elements such as orientation of the main building blocks to take advantage of daylight, prevailing winds, and view corridors and a system of “green roof” buildings and terraces to capture water run-off and to increase the amounts of natural habitat for plants and bird life.

Prague Urban VillageMixed use retailPrague, Czech Republic

Cross section

Development strategy

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Conceptual Master plan

Retail options View

Project Aims:The scheme will support ABP’s policy of good environmental stewardship by implementing sustainable development through a range of opportunities across the site.the key regeneration principles are:

- Integrate Seamlessly with Existing City FabricIntegrated transport strategy, Connectivity for pedestrian and cyclists, new rail and road infrastructure, easy public access to the waterfront, view corridors to the water from existing street corridors, and compatibility of scale with adjacent buildings

- Facilitate enhanced and increased water based transportUtilize existing rail lines and a new spur for passenger rail service. Facilitate internal port traffic between docks.

- Promote sustainable design principlesOn-site renewable energy generation – harbour water source heat pumps, biomass from dock wasteReduce energy consumption – natural light and ventilation, high insulation, solar shading.Green space- landscaped roof terraces above podiums.Adaptability – flexible building layouts to suit changing usesAccessibility – pedestrian friendly layout with good public transport links

Regeneration of the Royal PierUrban regenerationSouthampton, UK

Master Plan

Development concepts

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View

Dubai Creek is a unique, complex and essential part of the city of Dubai. It is the city’s origin and foundation.

The revitalization of dubai creek builds on the existing character and strengths of the Dubai Creek area – works with the existing uses and users to build and honest andauthentic story for the place, focuses on capturing and protecting the UNESCO defined ‘intangible cultural heritage’ of the Creek area. And identify protect andenhance Dubai’s history, social rituals, arts and built fabric

My responsibility as the overall project manager was to ensure that the project is delivered in an ethical and equitable manner, that responds to international best practice and community needs and aspirations while ensuring the economic sustainability of the project. Retaining existing built and cultural fabric, encouraging expansion of already vital areas such as the souks, abra stations, community, religious and retail hubs are important, as is retention of open parks and sanctuary spaces that are free and accessible to all. In addition access to, and improving the offering throughout the fi ve precincts will bring much needed value and physical connection to the Creek, increasing visitation by a wider audience and making the Creek truly a place for all.

Dubai CreekWaterfront urban regenerationDubai, UAE

Master Plan

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Aerial view

master plan details

ZONE 1D.I

WATERFRONT PROMENADE

OPEN SPACE - NODE

PEDESTRIAN NETWORK

PROPOSED CYCLE ROUTE

ACTIVE WATERFRONT ZONE

END OF WATERFRONT PROMENADE

INTERNAL VIEWS

PRIVATE WATERFRONT ZONE

POTENTIAL CUT-THROUGH POINTS

SITE ACCESS - VEHICULAR & PEDESTRIAN

SITE ACCESS - PEDESTRIAN

POTENTIAL LANDMARK FEATURE

SITE BOUNDARY

BUILDING - ACTIVE EDGES

F&B

F&B

RETAIL

HEALTH & WELLNESS

AL K

HALE

EJ R

OAD

BANIYAS ROAD

PORT RASHID

SHINDAGHA TUNNEL

AL GHUBAIBA ROAD

AL M

INA

ROAD

TARIQ BIN ZAYED ROAD

AL FAHADI ROAD

KHALID BIN WELEED ROADMANKHOOL ROAD

AL M

USSA

LA R

OADAL N

AHDA

H ST

REET

AL H

ISN

STRE

ET

AL R

AFFA

STR

EET

AL FAHLAH STREET

AL FAHLAH STREET 0 150 300

METRES

120906030

N

Elevation

Nested in a mountain valley, the Taba Beach Moevenpick Resort includes luxury 432 Rooms, Suites and Bungalows, Main Restaurant (400 seats) ,Specialized Restaurants (French, Chinese, Fish),Indoor Heated Swimming Pool and Entertainment Hall, Sports’ Center, Diving , Tennis Courts, Conference Center, and Shopping Mall.

My Responsibilities included:Design and internal coordination, working with a team of people of diverse disciplines and cultures to meet project requirements.Reconcile the goals and priorities of TTDC with those of the resort operator while fostering opportunities for design and technical excellence, Monitor and document project process, enabling clear communications among consultants, and client.Develop and maintain a Project Plan, Monitor the contract requirements, and identify changes in project scope, schedule, or service that result in supplemental or additional services.

Taba Beach Moevenpick ResortTourism DevelopmentTaba, Egypt

Master Plan

R Ibrahim 14

Aerial view

Satelite view

Bungalows

Guests wing

...The currency of changing world

Ideas ...