Michel Abboud

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Michel Abboud
Born(1977-12-21)December 21, 1977
Beirut, Lebanon
Alma materColumbia University, GSAPP, New York
OccupationArtist & Architect
Notable workAVA, One At Palm, Wave, 45 Park Place, 50 Lispenard, One at Palm, Park51

Michel Abboud is an architect and artist based in New York. He is the founder of SOMA Architects, an architectural firm established in 2004 in New York City. For his sculptures, paintings, he is represented by Opera Gallery.

Abboud has won several prizes and awards in the field of architecture, including the AIA Gold Medal and the James Beard award in 2015,[1] and is a two-time winner of the Architizer A+ award.[2]He is credited with being the first architect to introduce Parametric Design to Beirut.[3][4]

Some of his well known projects include  One At Palm Jumeirah, which was one of the most expensive structures ever built in Dubai[5] and AVA, a residential building in the United Arab Emirates.

Style and method[edit]

He is known  for projects crossing cultures, including Islamic Middle-Eastern and Western cultural elements,[6] which he merges to develop contemporary designs, as seen in his design for the Shaza Hotel in Doha, Qatar.[7]

Select Projects[edit]

AVA[edit]

Abboud is credited with the design for the residential building known as the AVA in the United Arab Emirates.[8]The AVA Palm Jumeirah  is OMNIYAT's second project at Palm Jumeirah, following the  One at Palm Jumeirah Dorchester Collection and Dubai.[9]

45 Park Place[edit]

In 2010, he was awarded the Park51 Islamic Cultural Center project, infamously dubbed the “Ground Zero Mosque”, with one journalist calling him ‘the most controversial architect the US has known'.[10] The project was ultimately shelved in favor of 45 Park Place, a 665-foot condominium tower also designed by Abboud.[11][12][13]

Located in Tribeca, New York City, the 667-foot-tall (203 m) tower earned Abboud the distinction of being among the youngest architects to have ever designed a skyscraper in New York at the age of 36.[14] The building's design is characterized by an "inside-out" process which uplifts the neighborhood's traditional loft into a vertical modern glass structure, and re-uses the full-floor units, including lofted 16-foot (4.9 m) ceilings, and an in-unit elevator. It has full-height glass windows which provide unobstructed, 360-degree views of the city.[15]

CALYPSO[edit]

CALYPSO is situated entirely in the sea along the coast of Jounieh Bay in North Lebanon. With only a lateral connection to land, the residential structure is able to withstand continuous wave impacts with heights of up to 18 feet (5.5 m) without incurring breakage. The structure's unique glass envelope is the first ever to be designed as wave-proof. The design received a World Architecture Design Award in 2019.[16]

Unilux[edit]

Hailed as a “marvel of both contemporary design and ingenious problem solving",[17] the Beirut-based showroom project was commissioned by Unilux Group. Given the challenge of working with a 7,000-square-foot (650 m2) space that was mostly underground. Abboud used the showroom's basement space to showcase lighting fixtures housed in individual niche-like wall displays from floor to ceiling. On the upper floor, Abboud used digital modeling software and a parametric design script to create an array of 1000 cubes, positioning them to create the impression of a rippling dynamic floor, walls and ceiling. The continuous, non-linear surfaces allow the ground floor space to appear larger than its originally shallow confines, while the interaction of light on the reflective cubes metaphorically reinforces the showroom's function as a provider of light.[18][19]

WAVE[edit]

Due to its location on the corner of Beirut's Ashrafieh Mar Mitr quarter, the WAVE residential site faced a series of challenges due to sun exposure, solar overheating and privacy concerns. To mitigate these problems, Abboud and his team created a type of “second skin” for the structure, which acts as a screening mechanism by utilizing a horizontal louvered system. The structure's interactive parametric design allows the depth of the louvers to be controlled by an interior program based on the level of shading and privacy required. The louver becomes thinner with the need for less privacy or more sunlight, or deeper when more privacy or shading is desired. The effect of these dynamic, parametrically generated mechanisms gives the building exterior the appearance of having organic waves. The design for WAVE, also nicknamed “The W Residences” won Abboud an Architizer A+ award in 2017.[20]

One at Palm Jumeirah[edit]

Abboud broke records in the Middle East for his design of the most expensive structure ever to be built in Dubai.[21]

Other selected projects[edit]

Building/Project Location Date
Amchit Bay Resort[22] Lebanon 2013
The Carlton Hotel[23]


Beirut, Lebanon 2008
Wave[24] Beirut, Lebanon 2010
Nikki Beach Resort[25] Dammour, Lebanon 2012
Bobo[26] Beirut, Lebanon 2011
The Gate[27] Beirut, Lebanon 2011
Castor[28] Beirut, Lebanon 2011
Batrun Annex I & II[29] Batroun, Lebanon 2005
Workshop Kitchen + Bar[30] Los Angeles, CA, US 2019
Tartinery[31] New York, NY, US    2009
Yazuzu[32] Washington, DC, US 2006
Naya[33] New York, NY, US    2007
Aura[34] Erbil, Kurdistan 2011
50 Lispenard[35] New York, NY, US 2012
93 Crosby Lofts[36] New York, NY, US 2006
Gemini[37] Dubai, UAE
King Road Mall[38] Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 2007
One at DIFC[39] Dubai, UAE 2016
Dubai Creek Harbor Dubai, UAE 2018
7 Times Square New York, NY, US   
Shaza Hotel Doha[40] Doha, Qatar 2013
Langham Place Dubai[41] Dubai, UAE 2013
Mayasem[42] Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 2018
Marassi Marassi, Egypt 2018
Beverly Hills private residence Beverly Hills, California 2019
Veli Athiri private resort Qatar 2018

Art Exhibitions[edit]

  • “For Beirut, With Love” - Opera Gallery Beirut - Beirut, Lebanon - Oct. 30, 2020 - Nov. 20, 2020[43]
  • “Michel Abboud: Impressions” - Opera Gallery Beirut - Beirut, Lebanon - Sep. 17, 2019 - Oct. 01, 2019[44]
  • “Michel Abboud: Unfolded” - HG Contemporary New York - Chelsea, New York - Sep. 27, 2018 - Oct. 06, 2018[45]

Live performances[edit]

  • “Michel Abboud: Impressions” - Opera Gallery Beirut - Beirut, Lebanon - Sep. 17, 2019[44]
  • “Michel Abboud: Live at the Box, La Traviata, Verdi - The Box - New York - April 13, 2018[46]

Awards and recognition[edit]

Organization Award or Recognition Project Date
Architizer A+ Award[47] WAVE 2017
Architizer A+ Award[48] Unilux 2016
James Beard Foundation Restaurant Design Award[49][50] Workshop Kitchen + Bar 2015
Middle East Architect Shortlist - Principal of the Year Award[51] 2015
Dwell Magazine Top 10 Best-Designed Restaurants in America[52] Workshop Kitchen + Bar 2015
Bisnow Top 10 Cutting-Edge Architects[53] 2015
International Property Awards Best Mixed Use Architecture in Arabia[54] Aura 2012
International Property Awards Best Mixed Use Architecture in Iraq[54] Aura 2012
International Property Awards Highly Commended Architecture Multiple Residence[54] Nikki Beach 2012
Restaurant and Bar Design Awards Category Winner[55] Workshop Kitchen + Bar 2014
IAIR Awards Best Company for Leadership, Architectural Design 2014
REAL Estate Awards Finest Specialized Project[56] Amchit Bay 2014
World Interior News Awards Shortlist - Best Design Award[57] Unilux 2015
World Interior News Awards Shortlist - Best Design Award[58] Workshop Kitchen + Bar 2013
APR World Architecture & Design Award[59] CALYPSO

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Congratulations to the Two Winners of the 2015 James Beard Foundation Restaurant Design Awards". Architectural Digest. Retrieved 2019-03-31.
  2. ^ "Winners – Architizer A+ Awards". Retrieved 2019-03-31.
  3. ^ "Signés Michel Abboud, deux bâtiments à Beyrouth couronnés Architizer A+". L'Orient-Le Jour. July 25, 2017. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  4. ^ "Cedar Wings magazine. Design & Architecture. December 2018 - January 2019 by creaz - Issuu". issuu.com. 2018-12-03. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  5. ^ "A look inside Dubai's 'most expensive apartment' building - in pictures". The National. 2018-02-23. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  6. ^ "The Architectural Language of Park51: Understanding Cultural and Historical Connections by Sam Sudy - Issuu". issuu.com. 2014-09-02. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  7. ^ "Construction work begins on Shaza hotel in Doha - Construction Week Online". Construction Week Online. 2015-01-28. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  8. ^ "The second edition of DIFC Sculpture Park: Tales Under the Gate". Selections Arts Magazine. 2023-02-08. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  9. ^ "OMNIYAT reveals AVA Palm Jumeirah 17 palaces". Construction Week Online. 2022-03-23. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  10. ^ Raidey, Mary-Joe (January 2019). "Architectural Visions". Cedar Wings Magazine.
  11. ^ "Park51 Soma Architects Rendering | Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building". Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building | Green design & innovation for a better world. 2010-10-01. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  12. ^ "On paper, N.Y. Islamic center looks modern, secular". NBC News. 2010-10-03. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  13. ^ "The Architect of the Ground Zero 'Mosque' is a Lebanese Christian". Observer. 2010-10-11. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  14. ^ "Michel Abboud - Artists - HG Contemporary". hgcontemporary.com. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  15. ^ "45 Park Place Soho Properties". architectmagazine.com. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  16. ^ "A quirky hotel in Spain, a futuristic residence in Russia, and a slick Toyota showroom in Japan are among the World Architecture & Design Awards 2019 winners". Archinect. Retrieved 2019-03-31.
  17. ^ "SOMA Architects | Unilux Group Lighting Showroom in Beirut". arthitectural.com. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  18. ^ SOMA Architects (2015-01-16). Unilux by Michel Abboud for SOMA Architects (video). Retrieved 2019-03-31.
  19. ^ "UNILUX | SOMA Architects". Archinect. Retrieved 2019-03-31.
  20. ^ "Winners – Architizer A+ Awards". Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  21. ^ "A look inside Dubai's 'most expensive apartment' building - in pictures". The National. Retrieved 2019-03-31.
  22. ^ "Amchit Bay Construction". soma.us. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  23. ^ "Carlton Hotel | SOMA Architects". Archinect. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  24. ^ "WAVE". Architizer. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  25. ^ "Nikki Beach | SOMA architects". Archello. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  26. ^ "Bobo | SOMA Architects". Archinect. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  27. ^ "The Gate | SOMA Architects". Archinect. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  28. ^ "Castor | SOMA Architects". Archinect. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  29. ^ "BATRUN ANNEX-1". Architizer. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  30. ^ Workshop Kitchen & Bar, Palm Springs | We Heart; Lifestyle & Design Magazine[permanent dead link]
  31. ^ "Modern Restaurant Design : Tartinery Nolita by Michel Abboud | Home Design and Decor". Archived from the original on 2016-03-05. Retrieved 2017-05-11.
  32. ^ Uffelen, Chris (2012). Light in architecture (1st ed.). Salenstein, Switzerland: Braun. ISBN 9783037680926.
  33. ^ IDine® - Naya - Reviews, Hours, Menu, Map - New York, New York 10022
  34. ^ Urban Lab Global Cities Post • Aura Erbil Animation | SOMA Architects Aura[permanent dead link]
  35. ^ "50 Lispenard | SOMA architects". Archello. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  36. ^ 93 Crosby Street Unit 5 Manhattan NY | Douglas Elliman
  37. ^ "Business Bay PLOT23 | SOMA Architects". Archinect. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  38. ^ "SOMA". Architizer. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  39. ^ "The One at Palm Jumeirah - Project Highlight". LUXHABITAT. Retrieved 2019-03-31.
  40. ^ "SHAZA HOTEL DOHA | SOMA architects". Archello. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  41. ^ "Langham Place Hotel & Residences". www.protenders.com. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  42. ^ "Mayasem Masterplan | SOMA Architects". Archinect. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  43. ^ ""For Beirut With Love": the Opera Gallery of Beirut comes back to life". lorientlejour.com. November 10, 2020.
  44. ^ a b "Michel Abboud, a work of art in itself". lorientlejour.com. September 27, 2019.
  45. ^ "This Lebanese Artist Is Reshaping The World Of Architecture In The U.S And Beyond". www.the961.com. 2022-09-24. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  46. ^ "Galas, anniversaries, and tributes". New York Social Diary. 2019-04-24. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  47. ^ "Architizer A+ Awards honor best new buildings". CNN Style. 2017-05-11. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  48. ^ "UNILUX". Architizer. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  49. ^ "Workshop Kitchen + Bar Soma". architectmagazine.com. Retrieved 4 April 2019.
  50. ^ "Palm Springs - architecture | Workshop Kitchen + Bar Becomes Palm Springs' 1st James Beard Award Winner for Design". Palm Springs Life. 2015-05-17. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  51. ^ "Shortlist announced for Middle East Architect Awards 2015". Commercial Interior Design. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  52. ^ Hopping, Luke (2015). "The 10 Best-Designed Restaurants in America". Dwell.com. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 4 April 2019. Alt URL
  53. ^ Wong, Kathleen. "Starchitect Fever: Top 10 Cutting-Edge Architects You Should Know About". bisnow.com. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  54. ^ a b c "Arabia 2012 | The International Property Awards". The International Property Awards. 2012-10-19. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  55. ^ Wiedemann, Julius (2014). The Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. Taschen. pp. 75–76. ISBN 383654668X.
  56. ^ "Soma's beach project wins top Lebanese award". www.tradearabia.com. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  57. ^ "Shortlist announced for the World Interiors News Awards 2015". Dezign Ark (Beta). 2019-01-12. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  58. ^ "Winners of the 2013 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards". Archinect. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  59. ^ "A quirky hotel in Spain, a futuristic residence in Russia, and a slick Toyota showroom in Japan are among the World Architecture & Design Awards 2019 winners". Archinect. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
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