Maxwell Connop is the Regional Practice Lead, Architecture for the Middle East at AtkinsRéalis. As part of his role, he brings clients’ visions to life by adopting purposeful design practices to create liveable, sustainable, and adaptable places fit for the future. He brings over 30 years experience across the UK, Asia, and the Middle East, and a broad portfolio of aviation, rail, hospitality, and residential projects. Maxwell’s approach to design and architecture is underpinned by the core values of sustainability and digital tools to drive innovation and the long-term impact on the built environment.

Over the past three decades, the architecture industry has witnessed massive transformation. What once seemed static, has now become so dynamic that we do a lot more with less. Moreover, the performance of REGIONAL PRACTICE LEAD, ARCHITECTURE, MIDDLE EAST/ ATKINSRÉALIS M A X W E L L CONNOP ATHLON, DUBAI’S FIRST ACTIVE LIVING COMMUNITY ©PHOTO CREDIT ALDAR MAXWELL CONNOP, REGIONAL PRACTICE LEAD, ARCHITECTURE, MIDDLE EAST AT ATKINSRÉALIS DESIGN MIDDLE EAST | OCTOBER 2024 design-middleeast.com 37 buildings is increasingly driving a whole moral, social, and sustainable era. Technology advancements have accelerated processes and the latest complimentary aspects of computational, parametric, and generative modes of creation have opened new possibilities, enabling architects to conceive designs that were previously unimaginable.

Maxwell’s inspiration often stems from the natural environment. To him, nature is the greatest library and it’s no surprise that biophilic design is so emergent as a key driver in many designs. As part of his design philosophy, nature is an endless source of creativity, providing lessons in sustainability, efficiency, and beauty that can inform architectural design. By integrating insights from these interests into his architectural practice, he can innovate and contribute to more holistic and impactful solutions.

ATHLON, DUBAI’S FIRST ACTIVE LIVING COMMUNITY ©PHOTO CREDIT ALDA

For Maxwell, sustainability is not a choice, it is rather a necessity. We have a moral duty to ensure our buildings are designed in a way that they promote well-being and ‘touch the world lightly’. At AtkinsRéalis, sustainability experts are integrated into the early stages of each project, ensuring that sustainable principles are ingrained in the very DNA of the design. From commercial places to hospitality venues, residential projects, and beyond, each area presents an opportunity for creativity and innovation. He finds aviation architecture more interesting due to its emotive nature. Designing spaces within airports and aircraft requires a sharp balance of functionality, aesthetics, and passenger experience, making it an exciting area of work. Some of his recent notable work in mixed-use developments in the UAE include flagship projects by Aldar, such as Saadiyat Grove, Athlon, and Grade A office tower in DIFC. Notable features include sustainable design, innovative architecture and amenities tailored to modern living, with an emphasis on wellbeing and human engagement.

Maxwell is particularly passionate about the role he can play in nurturing and guiding young talent to ensure they reach their full potential. By encouraging a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, he believes that AtkinsRéalis will remain at the forefront of the industry, making significant contributions to the built environment and shaping a sustainable and inspiring future for the planet and its people.

In 2024, AtkinsRéalis has expanded its architecture business by appointing seasoned talents from around the world. The Company is also investing in its design capabilities by establishing an architecture studio that brings together top-notch talent and embeds AI tools and people-centric design. The architecture studio is focused on high-profile competitions and its ongoing development of all architectural assets within the New Murabba and Mukaab project.

AtkinsRéalis’ architecture studio also examines what makes architecture and master planning liveable and more attractive to people. This requires designing from a smaller scale outwards in order to create new developments that are human-centric. As the Company grows its talent pool, diverse complimentary skills and areas of specialism will help expand the richness of its architectural offerings.

For the years to come, AtkinsRéalis aims to lead the way in architecture and design by thinking holistically across disciplines and sectors. Their ability to create synergies and deliver value-added solutions to clients sets them apart in the industry. Another key trend that has increased in importance is flexible design that is adaptive enough to guarantee future reuse and thus, mitigates the impact of construction on the environment. Future-proofing designs to allow for flexible adaptation and repurposing is central to the Company’s philosophy and is incorporated from the start in all its projects.

The region is providing an unprecedented forum and creative challenge to the world’s best creative minds, attracting innovation, visioning, and originality to answer the planet’s most pressing questions about our impact on society today and the legacy we will leave for future generations,” shares Maxwell.

GRADE A OFFICE TOWER, DIFC ©PHOTO CREDIT ALDAR