flydubai, the dynamic and young airline, has soared to new heights with its modern headquarters in its home in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The headquarters spans an impressive 900,000 square feet, reflecting the airline's agility and commitment to innovation and embodying its forward-thinking vision.
Recognizing the important role a workspace plays in fostering creativity, collaboration and wellbeing, flydubai partnered with Dewan Architects + Engineers; renowned for their visionary designs and forward-thinking approach. Together, they embarked on a mission to create a headquarters that not only encapsulates the essence of the flydubai brand but also cultivates an environment that is conducive to increasing employee productivity. This architectural landmark was born from a singular mission: to seamlessly integrate flydubai's philosophies of operational efficiency, agility and reliability into the very fabric of the workspace.
Strategically located on Emirates Road, flydubai's headquarters is equidistant to both major airports: Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). This underscores the airline's unwavering commitment to convenience and efficiency. The project’s design also factors in the possibility of future expansion through its additional office space, further emphasizing flydubai's dedication to facilitating essential services and nurturing a collaborative work environment for its employees.
Architectural Concept
Dewan Architects + Engineers drew inspiration from historical architectural concepts, merging urban and architectural scales in their design. On the urban scale, the design pays homage to the ancient Greek Agora and Roman Forum, creating a central gathering place that fosters community and connection.
At the architectural scale, courtyards take center stage, recognizing their potential for social, cultural and environmental impact. Courtyards are thoughtfully utilized to provide privacy, safety and a thermally comfortable micro-climate, seamlessly integrated into the headquarters' design.
The core philosophy driving the design mirrors the forward-thinking nature of flydubai. Within the L-shaped headquarters, open-plan workspaces promote collaboration and interaction while maintaining an uncluttered environment to enhance employee productivity.
Approaching the project holistically, Dewan Architects + Engineers ensured that functionality, aesthetics, sustainability and energy efficiency were harmoniously blended to create a futuristic, flexible, scalable and future-proofed office space.
Guided by a set framework of principles, architectural decisions were carefully curated to create a cohesive and harmonious appearance. An innovative and modern aesthetic resonates throughout the design, reflecting the airline's efficiency and community. The construction adheres to the United Arab Emirates Universal Design Code, ensuring independent, equitable and dignified evacuation from the headquarters.
Engineering Concepts
The architectural design showcases the latest technological advancements, exuding an energetic and vibrant ambience. Cutting-edge features serve as a testament to the airline's innovative spirit, fostering a modern, fresh, healthy and friendly work environment.
The design embraces the 'Golden Ratio' concept, with proportions adhering to this mathematical principle, reinforcing the building's harmony and visual appeal. Simple geometry combines with corporate office elements in a single-block structure accommodating various functions, from offices and training facilities to recreation areas and employee service centers.
Sustainable development adheres to the Dubai Green Building Code, promoting a greener future without compromising occupant health. The building prioritizes occupants' well-being, offering natural daylight and high fresh air circulation rates.
The headquarters has also received a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, reflecting its commitment to a sustainable working environment for its employees through energy-efficient features and green building practices.
Interior Design
The interior design tackled the challenge of inter-departmental connectivity and future expansion needs. The workspace distribution, developed after extensive stakeholder input and departmental staff interviews, creates modular nodes that form teams of various sizes with hierarchy of offices, open-plan desks, breakout areas and meeting spaces. These modular workgroups can easily double in size while maintaining communal elements.
The open-space interiors prioritize employee well-being and creativity, providing a comfortable and naturally lit environment. Sustainability features and extensive use of recycled materials enhance the work environment's green credentials.
The comprehensive headquarters houses office spaces, food and beverage outlets, training facilities, a fitness gym as well as a recreation area, complemented by a standalone warehouse, outdoor fitness areas and ample onsite parking facilities, offering multiple charging points for electric vehicles. flydubai's headquarters truly embodies the airline's commitment to innovation, collaboration, energy efficiency, resilience and excellence. It stands as a beacon of success and a testament to its continued growth.
