Perkins Eastman To Lead International Team in Design of New University Campus in Kuwait
Perkins Eastman in a joint venture with SSH Design and Soor Engineering Bureau is proud to announce that it was recently awarded the master plan and design of the Technology, Business, Health Sciences and Education Complex by the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) in Kuwait. The 12,000-student campus will comprise four colleges: Technology, Business, Health Sciences, and Education. Strategically located in the Jahra Governorate approximately 24 miles (39 km) from Kuwait’s capital, the 2,476,000 sf (230,000 sm) campus will be a landmark within the greater metropolitan Kuwait City.
Steven Gifford AIA, Principal and Board Director of Perkins Eastman, says: “Our international design team is excited to collaborate with PAAET to create unique learning environments and memorable architecture at the Al Jahra Campus. The design will help PAAET be recognized in the international community as a leader in educating students to fulfill the future workforce needs in Kuwait and the global marketplace.”
The design team’s approach for the campus is a synthesis of three main objectives:
• Create a cohesive campus and center of excellence within Kuwait that will prepare PAAET’s graduates for the increasingly diversified Kuwait workforce and global economy
• Create an identity for each of the four colleges that will expand and advance their discrete studies and recruitment while overall examining the interrelationships to provide a state-of-the-art academic and university life experience—in concert with the cultural heritage and values of Kuwait
• Create a memorable and responsible campus that showcases environmentally sustainable building and operating practices that sets new standards in Kuwait
The overall design for the campus will balance the visionary with the practical in order to set a sustainable standard for applied and vocational education in the region that raises the profile for education and learning in Kuwait.
“SSH is very proud to be appointed by PAAET on an educational project which contributes to the social development of Kuwait,” says George Abi-Hanna, SSH Kuwait Resident Director. “This project is very much in line with our vision and mission, reinforcing SSH’s strategic partnerships and consultant of choice object.”
About Perkins Eastman
Perkins Eastman is among the top design and architecture firms in the world. With almost 900 employees in 14 locations around the globe, Perkins Eastman practices at every scale of the built environment. From niche buildings to complex projects that enrich whole communities, the firm’s portfolio reflects a dedication to inventive and compassionate design that enhances the quality of the human experience. With work in 46 states and more than 40 countries, the firm’s portfolio includes education, science, housing, healthcare, senior living, corporate interiors, cultural institutions, public sector facilities, retail, office buildings, and urban design. Perkins Eastman provides award-winning design through its offices in North America (New York, NY; Boston, MA; Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA; Pittsburgh, PA; San Francisco, CA; Stamford, CT; Toronto, Canada; and Washington, DC); South America (Guayaquil, Ecuador); North Africa and Middle East (Dubai, UAE); and Asia (Mumbai, India, and Shanghai, China).
About SSH
SSH is one of the leading master planning, infrastructure, building design, construction supervision and project management firms in the Middle East, with a reputation for design integrity and a portfolio that includes landmark projects throughout the region. The firm maintains offices in Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Bahrain, Algeria, South African and London. Founded in 1961, SSH has completed more than 1,000 projects, is ranked 3rd architecture company in the Middle East and amongst the top 100 Architects in the World by World Architecture Magazine. SSH’s multifaceted practices include: architecture, urban design and planning, structural and civil engineering, MEP building services, interior design, highway and bridge engineering, storm water drainage, utility design, sanitary engineering, marine engineering and district cooling, in addition to high-profile project management and construction supervision services. SSH has vast experience in a wide range of building types from residential and commercial, retail and leisure, healthcare, education, high-rise, convention and cultural centres, to theatres and opera houses.
About Soor Engineering Bureau
Founded in 1983, Soor Engineering Bureau is recognized as one of Kuwait’s leading planning, architectural and graphic design firms. Soor has significant experience in both public and private sectors throughout the Middle East in several disciplines, including commercial, industrial, government, education, transportation, environmental, healthcare, and multi-family residential projects. Soor’s professional services include: comprehensive engineering studies, pre-design studies, master planning and urban design, architecture, landscape design, infrastructure design, interior design, site supervision, and project management.
