Functionality key to Middle East's Waterfront Developments

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), the voice of the boating industry worldwide, has cautioned that functionality versus form is a vital issue in the development of the Middle East’s waterfront projects.

Dan Natchez, ICOMIA’s First Vice Chairman, said keen attention to functionality will be the key element in the success of regional waterfront projects.

“Without function, the expectations of users will not only go unfulfilled, but they will eventually move to and support facilities that better meet their expectations,” he warned.

“Developers should ensure their projects avoid becoming a missed opportunity – a development that, while it may look nice, has neither achieved functionality, desirability or cost effectiveness.”

Natchez was speaking ahead of his planned address at Waterfront 2005 Dubai – the conference and exhibition being held in Dubai this May to give participants a glimpse of the future of regional coastline development.

Natchez said in light of such huge waterfront development, particularly in the Persian Gulf, designers had to contemplate the needs of the marine leisure industry.

“Waterfront developments are selected, used and desired because of the water and what images it conjures,” he said. “Yet most designers design from the upland into water, rather from the water into the upland. The latter approach provides for better site lines, aesthetics, comfort of use and functionality.”

Natchez said the regional marine leisure market has the biggest potential for growth in terms of housing and in-water facilities.

“As the population and waterfront communities grow, other aspects of marine industries growth include mixed uses, commercial and industrial. As the area grows in popularity, so the tourism portion of the marine industry will likewise grow.”

Natchez is among a powerful Waterfront 2005 Dubai speaker line-up , to be held at the Al Bustan Rotana Hotel from May 9-10. The event will probe a host of waterfront issues, including environmental impact.

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