Gerard Evenden

British architect Gerard Evenden studied architecture at the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology, graduating in 1985. He joined Foster + Partners in 1991 and is now a head of studio and part of the Design Board. Gerard has been responsible for a number of schemes in the United Arab Emirates, including the masterplan for the Reem Island Residences, The Index, World Trade Center Souk and Masdar City, where he was design director for the 640-hectare masterplan that explores sustainable technologies and the planning principals of the traditional walled city, to create a desert community that is set to be carbon neutral and zero waste. He is currently working on the Zayed National

Museum in Abu Dhabi which is the centre piece of the Saadiyat Island Cultural District that will showcase the history, culture and social and economic transformation of the

Emirates. Foster + Partners has long been involved in a number of notable projects across the region, including countries such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. Currently, the firm is engaged in several projects along the Red Sea, including a number of eco resorts.

Among the projects completing later this year, are the ICD Brookfield Place in Dubai and the House of Wisdom, the practice’s first project in Sharjah. Reflecting the importance of the region to the Lodon-based practice, Foster + Partners has established offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, along with a significant presence in Kuwait and Jeddah.

WE CAN ALL LEARN FROM THE MIDDLE EAST’S FORESIGHT AND FORWARDTHINKING AS WE DESIGN FOR AN INCREASINGLY URBAN FUTURE.