Placemaking Designer - Masterplanning & Architecture

Dar, the founding member of the Sidara group, is an international multidisciplinary consulting organization specializing in engineering, architecture, planning, environment, project management, facilities management, and economics. Sidara operates in 60 countries with 20,500 professionals, Dar connects people, places, and communities through innovative solutions to the world&aposs most complex challenges. We deliver projects from inception through completion, embracing challenges to empower communities worldwide. Learn more at www.dar.com.

About the Unit

Placemaking is a dynamic, holistic endeavour that melds environmental insight with economic revitalisation and social engagement. It begins by understanding the unique environmental context, ensuring developments are sustainable and in harmony with nature. Economically, it breathes new life into areas, transforming them into bustling hubs of activity, boosting business, and enhancing property values. Socially, it thoroughly considers the needs and profiles of both existing communities and potential visitors, fostering vibrant, inclusive spaces. This multifaceted approach not only shapes inviting and functional areas but also nurtures thriving communities, striking a balance between environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and social well-being.

Overview

The ideal Candidate will be working within the multi-disciplinary placemaking team to delve into the human aspects of urban design and masterplanning project. The role is centred on leading the Placemaking strategies, in coordination with the Landscape, Masterplanning and Economics Teams, translating the social and cultural dimensions into design guidelines for public realm and spatial frameworks. This role requires a unique blend of Design, Research and problem-solving insight, creative thinking, and technological savvy to explore how urban spaces are experienced and can be improved for diverse communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Understanding of the design/masterplan processes and revise a research methodology appropriate to the project scope and timescale;

• Conducting research and analysis into relevant social and cultural dimensions of the project context;

• Coordinating with other design disciplines to ensure a comprehensive masterplan strategy is achieved.

• Developing strategies on building/public realm and urban scale with a particular focus on adding social value and engaging different user groups;

• Collaborating with colleagues to translate evidence-based strategies into spatial interventions and non-spatial engagement initiatives;

• Actively engaging with the design team throughout the process from brief development, through visioning and analysis of design options.

• Handling new project proposals, drafting methodologies, highlighting scopes, and calculating budgets.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, Landscape Architecture, or Urban Planning and Design from an accredited university. A master’s degree is a plus. |

• A Minor in Anthropology, Sociology or equivalent is a plus.

• Minimum 5 years’ work experience in landscape and urban design / masterplanning practice. • Experience in user-centred design principles and projects.

• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.

• Excellent verbal and graphical presentation skills. Freehand sketching skills are beneficial.

• Experience in Client meetings, workshops and presentations.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

• High proficiency in spoken and written English is a must.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

• Experience in working on projects in the MENA Region is advantageous.

• Willing to travel in the region when needed, depending on the project requirements.