Nikken Sekkei, the top architectural practice and global leader in sustainable design, will showcase a series of selected 'green' designs from its extensive regional and international portfolio at the upcoming Cityscape Dubai.

The company will be highlighting its key regional projects - The Dubai Maritime City Landmark Tower - the centerpiece of the new Dubai Maritime City as well as their stunning mixed-use design Andalusia Gardens in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

"These projects, together with the JAL Resort & Spa project in Bahrain, will cover over 360,000 sq m with a development cost of $3.25 billion alone," said Nakamura Mitsuo, chairman of Nikken Sekkei.

"Initially, the sustainable aspects of the regional real estate market were mainly related to specific individual projects. However due to the increased awareness of the benefits of sustainable development, Nikken Sekkei is now consolidating its position as market leader in sustainable design throughout the region and especially in the UAE," he noted.

"Cityscape Dubai this year will provide us with an appropriate platform to demonstrate our sustainable design excellence for high density, compact development on an urban scale, capable of delivering substantial energy savings," he remarked.

In addition, along with a host of international partners, technically advanced projects in South Korea, China, Vietnam, Japan, Russia, Taiwan and Kazakstan will also be showcased.

"Utilising technology that is both accessible and cost-effective, we create innovative designs aimed at maintaining optimum performance levels in energy consumption and water conservation, with a minimal carbon footprint," commented Dr Fadi Jabri, general manager of Nikken Sekkei's representative office in the UAE.

Recognised as the world's largest architectural and engineering practice, with in excess of 2,300 professional staff and annual fee income over $400 million, Nikken Sekkei was the first Japanese architect to exhibit in the Middle East, when it debuted at Cityscape Dubai in 2006.

To highlight their commitment to sustainable development throughout the region, Nikken Sekkei also played an integral role leading the SDCJ consortium of top Japanese companies during two exclusive symposiums last year.-TradeArabia News Service