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Continuing along the foundations of prior years, 2018 saw RMJM continue to win projects and enhance the Network worldwide
2018 has been another year of success, recognition and growth for the RMJM Network. Over the last 12 months, the RMJM Network has expanded, won new projects and received acclamations on both past and present designs.
Europe (and Russia’s) tallest skyscraper, the Lakhta Center, was given its spire in January, allowing the building to reach its final height of 462 metres. In October, the structure was granted permission for commissioning, setting the wheels in motion for companies to take up residence. Oil giant Gazprom is all set to use the Lakhta Center as its official HQ, which has led to global coverage in world-famous publications, such as The New York Times.
Another skyscraper, the St. Regis Zhuhai hotel & office tower (which makes up part of the Shizimen Central Business District), opened its doors in October. The opening received international media recognition and led to the design being crowned Zhuhai’s tallest building, further cementing RMJM’s presence in China. At 328.8 metres high, the tower is now a stand-out sight of the city’s waterfront.
This year also saw the RMJM-designed Sheremetyevo International Airport Terminal B in Moscow welcome its first flight. The airport recently moved up in the ranks of the prestigious Skytrax World Top 100 Airports 2018 list, moving from 81st to a well-respected 68th place, ahead of global institutions like New York JFK and Los Angeles International Airport.
Following on from the success of Sheremetyevo Airport Terminal B, RMJM is now all set to open a studio in Russia. RMJM has over 20 years of experience working within the country and has collaborated with local experts to create some of this century’s most reputable Russian designs. This is an exciting time in the global growth of RMJM, with the studio opening set to be at the forefront of it.
From the present day to the 1960s, April saw RMJM’s Hillingdon Civic Centre named as a listed building by Historic England. The body praised its post-modern style as an important facet of architecture which deserved the protection that comes with listed status. York University’s Central Hall, designed by RMJM in the 1960s, was listed by the body in August 2018, rounding off another successful summer for RMJM.
Whether through new or old designs, 2018 saw RMJM build on the foundations of its rich heritage
Continuing to strengthen RMJM’s Middle Eastern presence, RMJM Dubai is providing full architectural, interior design and lead consultancy services in Phase 2 of the Souq Extra DSO (Dubai Silicon Oasis), a mixed-use development in the city’s free-trade zone. RMJM’s involvement will see an extension of the current community mall, alongside the construction of a new mosque in the neighbouring plot. The studio attended the official opening of Phase 1 earlier this year, before preparing to take the project into its next stages. This multifaceted development calls on RMJM’s ability to comprehend and articulate culture, religion and societal trends in the Middle East — all of which require skills pivotal to succeeding in the industry today.
September saw the announcement of yet another exciting Middle Eastern project, this time a collaboration with RAK Properties on a new tourist destination on the UAE’s Hayat Island. The island is one of the two Mina Al Arab islets, where RAK Properties is expanding its reputable portfolio in residential and hospitality developments. RMJM is designing a public realm area for a mixed-use development in what is set to be a unique fusion of outdoor entertainment and leisure. Similar to the latter, the development is yet another high-end project in the UAE.
In Hong Kong, the team at RMJM RED are continuing to work hard on Zhenjiang’s Suning Plaza mixed-use development. Comprising a 5-star hotel, Grade A office spacing, serviced apartments and luxury retail outlets, the plaza comprises slick design made to enhance the cityscape. This latest project is exemplary of RMJM’s excellent body of work in Asia, which dates all the way back to the late 1950s and will continue into the coming years.
2018 also signified the continued global expansion of the Network. RMJM Prague joined towards the start of the year, bringing with it its well-renowned expertise in industrial architecture, engineering, master planning and concept design, amongst other services. RMJM looks forward to seeing RMJM Prague develop further throughout 2019 and continue to solidify the Network’s presence in Eastern Europe. The end of the year saw RMJM South Africa and RMJM Malta join the Network. With extensive experience in corporate and hospitality architecture, amongst other sectors, the studios are well prepared to take RMJM to the next phase of its global expansion.
All eyes are now set on 2019, with project launches set to take place across the world. In Dubai, RMJM Dubai’s W Hotel and Alef Residences, located near the Palm Jumeirah archipelago, are edging ever-closer to opening their doors. RMJM Dubai’s much-lauded Grand Mosque at Gate Avenue is also getting ready to be unveiled in the Dubai International Finance Centre.
RMJM would like to formally thank everyone involved in 2018’s projects, openings and life within the Network, alongside any collaborators involved. With a globally strengthened, refined and united team behind the Network, 2019 and the challenges it brings will resound as yet another fruitful year in the history of RMJM.