Cyberhawk has signed an agreement with Shamal Technologies to digitally transform the way major construction projects are managed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Shamal Technologies is a leading geospatial company that delivers end-to-end data acquisition, visualization and analytics solutions that can reduce operational risk. The company is the first in Saudi Arabia to develop solutions that integrate artificial intelligence technology with unmanned systems.  Cyberhawk is a world leader in visual data solutions for energy infrastructure and capital projects. The UK firm captures images of critical infrastructure using drone technology, which is analyzed using Cyberhawk’s cloud-based visualization software, iHawk. As part of the agreement, both parties will combine data acquisition and analytics expertise to launch a powerful Visual Intelligence solution for major capital projects in Saudi Arabia. Shamal Online, the name given to the new data management and visualization platform, will be powered by iHawk. Cyberhawk will also provide technical knowledge transfer support and scale up drone surveying operations for planned construction projects within the region. The construction monitoring solution will support project managers to track milestones, coordinate vendor activities, and schedule future onsite work. The fully enabled IoT solution will empower project managers to make evidence-based decisions by integrating seamlessly with third-party sensors and APIs. Geospatial information, including imagery acquired from ground cameras, CCTV, drones, and autonomous technologies will form data layers for analysis on an unprecedented scale. The agreement was signed during a ceremony held at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) which is an institute focused on driving innovation, economic development, and social prosperity in Saudi Arabia. The partnership is aligned with the Saudi 2030 vision to form strong international alliances and invest in a highly trained Saudi workforce to develop progressive industries and futureproof the economy. Building, Design and Construction Magazine | The Home of Construction and Property News

Home staging is a trend from the United States that is now becoming more and more widespread. It involves decorating properties for sale to make them look more appealing. Individual rooms are staged, meaning they are furnished in a homely manner. Hence, it is possible in many cases to sell the house quickly and at a high price. However, the question arises whether such techniques are necessary when demand clearly exceeds supply. In this article, we explain why home staging is useful and what needs to be considered. Why is home staging advantageous? In most cases, the previous owners leave the house completely cleared out and empty. As a result, many brokers face a problem with the sale. According to experts, most potential buyers lack the necessary imagination to see their fully furnished and comfortable home in front of them instead of a bare room. Furthermore, potential buyers often have difficulties imagining whether their own furniture will fit in the rooms. CNN.com has an article on what to expect when you buy a home in 2022. Another problem is that apartments often look very dilapidated, for instance, due to a yellowed ceiling or wallpaper in disrepair. Hardly anyone can imagine such properties as an ideal new home. For this reason, home staging is mainly used for older, smaller properties or properties in need of renovation. With the help of the furnished and handcrafted rooms, it can be seen whether a large bed, sofa, or wardrobe would fit in the room and what a potential layout of the room would look like. Moreover, colorful wallpapers, pictures, cozy blankets, and a few plants create a feel-good atmosphere that makes visitors immediately want to curl up on the couch in order to watch a good movie or play games on a console. Those who don’t want an Xbox or PlayStation in their setup can also switch to online games, which can now be conveniently played on a smartphone, such as casino games. There are comparison portals that help players find reputable casinos and discover the best bonus offers. There are lots of European providers, but there are also South African casinos. If you have some South African rand (ZAR), there are operators that accept them, and the best of them can be found on Casinos.co.za. There’s an overview of each operator and their most important features in brief. This way, users can make a solid choice and get to the selected provider with one click. The comparison platform is free of charge. And who knows – maybe you’ll win something that will make the new apartment much more affordable. Even though real estate prices are currently very high and apartments are usually sold quickly, home staging is still a useful method. It speeds up the buying process, as sellers decide more quickly to buy an apartment or house in which they feel comfortable and in which they can better imagine a cozy interior. The fast sales process saves costs for the real estate agent. Additionally, older buildings with a few flaws can hardly be sold any other way. What are the costs of home staging and how do experts work? Home staging increases the attractiveness of the property, which also means a higher purchase price. That’s why more and more real estate agents worldwide are turning to professional decorators to stage the property and create the ideal home with the help of homely elements such as pictures, comfortable sofas, and pleasant lighting. In order to achieve this, agents are also willing to spend some money. For staging an apartment with 1000 square feet, 2500 to 3000 pounds are estimated, plus the cost of renovation work by craftsmen. Home stagers are most often hired by real estate agents prior to a showing in order to make a quicker sale for their clients. But more and more private sellers are also turning to home stagers and hiring experts to remodel living spaces to promote sales. Depending on the clientele and the property, they adapt the kitchen, bathroom, and other living spaces in consultation with the client. The optimal staging of the property follows the design and aesthetic rules. Home stagers work specifically with laws of perception and spatial illusions to fully use the potential of the property. Particular attention must be paid to the cut of the room as well as light and color effects. According to the effort, a home stager needs about three to five days for a job. Since the concept is very promising and the purchase price rises by the decoration, such investments are made by the brokers ever more frequently.

A New York-style skyscraper has been planned to replace the Grand Casino in Southport after renovation plans have been put forward by the Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group. The plan is to transform the Grade II listed building into a 48 storey skyscraper called the Tower of Hope, making it one of the tallest buildings in the north of the country. The building will house 140 apartments, ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedrooms, 109 five-star hotel rooms, a restaurant, a wedding venue, and a car park for visitors.  The project will also boast a health and wellbeing centre, a gym, a spa, and a green space for the surrounding community to use. The hotel group is keen to ensure that the community is behind their project, and has confirmed that all profits from the sale of the building’s apartments will go to charity. The Grand Casino has been unoccupied since 2007 and has housed a variety of different businesses over the years. Starting out as a car showroom in 1923 before being converted into the Grand Cinema in 1938, it remained a luxury cinema for several decades before being converted once again to a bingo hall in 1966. Just before the turn of the millennium, it was closed again and re-opened as the Grand Casino. It’s no surprise that the casino lasted only a few short years before being closed down, as this was the same time that online gambling was taking off in a big way. For the first time, people could gamble from their own homes and not have to worry about getting their winnings home safely from the casino. Since then, hundreds of online casinos have sprung up, all with a large variety of different games on offer. There are trusted review sites that have compiled a comprehensive list of the best real-money slots available, with hundreds of slots to offer. The site also has a page for free slots if you miss playing but don’t want to gamble. Furthermore, they have all the information you need to get started, along with security information, customer service, bonus offers, and how to claim them. This transformation killed a great number of brick-and-mortar casinos, though it’s particularly sad to see a building as beautiful as the Grand Casino sit empty for so long. The beauty of the original building was a big influence in the hotel group choosing it for its latest project. Andrew Mikhail, chairman of the leisure group, said of the project “Bringing fabulous buildings back to life is such a rewarding feeling, and a building as stunning as The Grand Casino deserves to be enjoyed by the people of Southport and beyond”. He also spoke of the need to “cherish the past and build the future”, which perfectly encapsulates the mixture of old and new he is aiming to achieve with this building. The collective has already invested millions of pounds into the surrounding area, with ownership in The Bold Hotel, Lord Street Hotel, Lord Street Sports Bar, and a variety of other businesses in Southport’s Northern Quarter. This slew of recent investments represents an upturn in the fortunes for the Southport area, and can in part be attributed to the Town Regeneration Fund Schemes introduced by the government for struggling towns. Sefton Council is estimating nearly £400m of private investment could be on its way to the seaside town, with The Tower of Hope being a major part of that. The council also anticipates this will have a positive impact on the surrounding community. The tower will bring in a large tourist trade, giving a huge boost to small businesses around the area and the local economy as a whole. Not only that, personal and commercial property prices are expected to increase due to the increase in demand for the area. Building work on the new tower has already begun, creating close to 100 new jobs in the area, with more anticipated upon the completion of the building. It is hoped that landmark investment such as this will draw in other private investors and create a bustling metropolitan area to rival that of its close neighbour, Manchester. This 48-storey behemoth isn’t likely to be a one-off, with the investment group already floating ideas for a sky bar to join this grand hotel. The Tower of Hope isn’t an arbitrary name, chairman Andrew Mikhail has been quoted as saying “I hope that people will look up, see the Tower of Hope and realise, that anything is possible”. If the tower is able to live up to the grand expectations that Andrew has laid out for Sefton Council and the people of Stockport, it will surely achieve its aim.

Paris-based architecture design studio, Cutwork has devised the full interior concept for a groundbreaking new coliving company launched in 2021 by leading French developer, Bouygues Immobilier. Committed to rethinking the next urban era, Cutwork designs pioneering spaces that reflect new ways to live and work. With the first modular unit, ‘PolyRoom’, showcased in Paris until March 2022, and the initial completed site due to open in 2023, Bouygues Immobilier Coliving is dedicated to simplifying the way in which we rent, use, and share living spaces. Cutwork was commissioned by Bouygues Immobilier to reinvent today’s residential model, presenting a versatile living space that operates beyond the standard conventions of the contemporary home. This new company is designed to make it easier for working people, between 25 and 40 years old, to access high-quality, affordable living and a socially connected life, addressing the widespread epidemic of loneliness within this generation. The brand offers all-inclusive services and accommodates both short and long stays. The project incorporates prefab architecture conceived and designed by Cutwork, then fabricated by DMD Modular. These prefab bedroom modules can be produced in bulk and stacked like LEGO bricks to construct the complete residential building in significantly less time than conventional construction methods. The units help define the distinct brand experience with high-end materials and could accelerate construction and expansion across France, vastly improving the quality control of the finished building. Bouygues Immobilier plans to open up to 15 sites by 2025, providing 2,500 bedrooms. A first site for the full modular construction is in early discussions and planning. Cutwork is a Paris-based architecture design studio focused on new ways to live and work. They design prefab architecture, interior spaces, and custom furniture for pioneering companies who are reimagining our next urban era. Projects include Xavier Niel’s Station F, the world’s largest start-up campus, Flatmates, the first large-scale coliving space in Paris, and Cortex Shelter, an innovative just-add-water refugee housing solution. The company was among the top 30 “CleanTech” companies in Europe in 2018. In 2019, TEDx asked the studio cofounders to deliver a talk on ‘the future of shared architecture and urbanization.’ In 2020, Cutwork received a FRAME Award for Societal Innovation of the Year, becoming the youngest studio to ever win a FRAME

It’s launch time for the landmark in the Frankfurt financial district designed by KSP Enge for the “central business tower” on Neue Mainzer Strasse. This paves the way for construction of a new high-rise according to plans by the Frankfurt-based architects. According to the plans by KSP Engel, the 205-meter-high new build create an appropriate counterpart to the Deutsche Bank towers opposite. At the same time, the high-rise denotes the northern end of the cluster of skyscrapers along the former city ramparts and creates the necessary counterweight to the future towers of FOUR, as well as for the Commerzbank Tower and the Main Tower, Helaba’s headquarters, both of them in the immediate vicinity. Following the approval of the preliminary building application, the signing of contracts is the next and initial milestone in the “central business tower” project in Frankfurt. It marks the next project phase for the high-rise, whose name alludes to its prime location in the Central Business District of Frankfurt, the financial metropolis. In the new-build on Neuer Mainzer Strasse, the architects are combining public and cultural uses with an office high-rise. With this unusual and at the same time very balanced concept, the tower will in future fulfil a key role as the interface between the green space of Frankfurt’s old ramparts and the high-rise group along Neue Mainzer Strasse. In terms of sustainability, KSP Engel again applies an innovative concept that has been the subject of lengthy prior research: With photovoltaic modules integrated into the façade, an unprecedented “solar power plant” the size of a high-rise is created, which supports power supplies to the building. The box-window façade also boasts an external solar shading system that is protected from wind and weather by the rear-ventilated impact pane and is therefore highly effective. The basis of KSP Engel’s high-rise design goes back to the winning competition entry from 2001 and has since been newly devised and advanced. Building permission will presumably be issued in 2022 and demolition of the existing buildings on the construction site on Neue Mainzer Strasse are scheduled to start in November 2021. The first tenants are set to move in in 2027 and completion of the overall project is scheduled for 2028.

Considered safer than other cities in Texas and home to over nine hundred thousand people, Fort Worth is an incredible place to live. With plenty of job opportunities, significant hospitals, and reputed educational institutions, the city regularly welcomes an influx of residents from other Texas cities. In such a scenario, condos Fort Worth are becoming a popular choice for housing among people. There are several different condos (also known as condominiums) in the city that one can choose from. If you wish to invest in one, consider the type, cost, and other critical aspects before making the final purchase decision. Below are the points to keep in mind before buying these spectacular homes better and buying the best one for you. Condo styles A condominium is a form of house in Fort Worth that combines individual apartments or homeownership with shared ownership of other common structures or facilities in the residential community. For instance, you may own a separate condo in a community while sharing ownership of the community pool, gym, canteen, and other elements. The following are some standard condos you will get to see in Fort Worth. Pick the one that best suits your needs. Rowhouses or Townhouses – These are the best options in Fort Worth for families or individuals looking for a bit of outdoor recreational space. Typically, the exterior is a common property owned and maintained by the condominium association with traditional townhouses. In contrast, owners of Rowhouses have complete property ownership right up to the fence in bare land townhouses. Lofts – These are stylish condos in Fort Worth often converted out of warehouses, industrial buildings, and commercial structures. Several of them are available as resale or new ones in the city, with the number and quality of amenities determined by the property value, space, and other details. High-rises – Several high-rise condos are often conversion properties sold as commercial condo units at the lower levels, mainly for retail use. Most of the upper floors are given for residential purposes, with individuals and families investing in them alike. Low-rises – Less expensive than high-rise condos, low-rise ones are an affordable option in Fort Worth for home buyers on a budget. So, you can either rent or buy them, depending on your finances and the length of your stay. Detached homes – Detached condos are part of a larger complex occasionally in the city. A gated community with multiple separate housing units is a good example. Common property elements would include sidewalks, roads, pools, recreation areas, and other facilities used by all homeowners. Price As per 2019 statistics, the average value of a Fort Worth condo is around $209,000 or more. This estimate can increase or decrease depending on the type and model of the structure. This cost estimate increases for detached structures, townhouses, and other independent housing. Therefore, people can invest in any property they want in the city, as many architectural designs are available. Furthermore, several people who come down just for jobs rely on rented apartments and condos. Insurance coverage Whether insurance covers any damage to your Fort Worth property depends on your ownership rights and extent. For instance, suppose a colossal hail storm (quite common in Texas) knocks out a fence, some walls, and a couple of railings. You will need to find out who owns the damaged structures to figure out if your homeowner’s insurance covers it or if it is an issue that must be dealt with by the association’s insurance. Similarly, if you want to remodel some part of your house, check beforehand if there are any parts of the unit that you do not have ownership of. For this reason, it is advisable to have signed association agreements that detail all aspects of your Fort Worth condo ownership.

The Russian city of Norilsk, located in the Arctic, has the status of the most populous city in this climatic zone in the world. However, the city does not have points of attraction for the international community. The city authorities took care of this issue and announced a competition for the redevelopment of the urban space and functional environment. What will help Norilsk get the title of the global center of the Arctic? Kees Donkers is a leading urban designer in the city of Eindhoven (Netherlands). A person known far beyond the borders of his country. At the scientific-practical conference “Development of the Arctic: nature, city, people”, which took place in Norilsk, he spoke with a sore subject for an industrial city: he told how to turn abandoned factory buildings and non-residential buildings into actual public spaces. Kees Donkers himself is known for the fact that he and his team managed to give a second life to the city of Eindhoven. Earlier the giant Philips left the city. Like Norilsk and many other Russian monocities, Eindhoven was the city of one city-forming company. But in the 1990s, Philips moved production to China, and managing team to Amsterdam. “When the industrialists left, our city became one of the ugliest in Holland,” recalls Kees Donkers. – What is called a crisis happened. It was in the nineties. We lost the industry, but started developing design. And already in 2012 they competed with Helsinki for the title of the world design capital ”. With the support of the Mayor of Eindhoven, it was possible to unite the efforts of the municipality, business, the Technical University and all interested citizens in order to find new ways of developing the city. Under the leadership of Case Donkers, a plan was developed to revitalize the five industrial spaces on which Philips was based. In particular, the project brought together the De Witte Dame (White Lady) lamp factory, the most famous building previously owned by Philips, with the city center. Now the former factory building is a popular and visited place. The Municipal Library, Eindhoven Design Academy and shopping districts are located inside. To finance a large-scale “reboot” of the entire look of Eindhoven, Kees Donkers created a special fund. In 2010, the city authorities stopped subsidizing it, but Donkers continued the business on his own.Eindhoven today has an ultra-modern look. The city, which depended on the one company, has transformed in literally 20 years, turning into a beautiful independent place. On tourist sites, former abandoned buildings are now included in the list of city attractions. At the conference held in Norilsk, another foreign expert, soil scientist Graham Spiers, clearly showed how it is possible to restore nature after anthropogenic destruction. He shared his experience in reclamation of the Canadian city of Sudbury, which is also in many ways similar to Norilsk. The experience of two foreign cities, Eindhoven and Sudbury, is consonant with what Norilsk is already doing, says Maxim Mironov, a representative of the city development organization. “In April, together with the Urbanika Institute for Spatial Planning, we presented the Norilsk master plan. Along with other conclusions and suggestions, the analysis of the situation showed the lack of high-quality closed public spaces. To solve this problem, the agency, with the support of the city and the production company Norilsk Nickel, is working to create an urban public space in the building of the former technical library. The second project is the opening of a modern digital education center. The future “IT-club” will create a basis for solving urgent technological problems of the territory, will contribute to high-quality digital education for children and youth, ”said Maxim Mironov.

Real estate in the UAE has experienced its strongest two years since the early 2000s, with factors such as the global COVID-19 pandemic and low USD interest rates transforming the market. Prices have been rising dramatically and supply has been unable to keep pace with demand. As the vaccine rollout continues and measures such as lockdowns are being eased, prices in the UAE property market will continue to rise; according to Reuters, residential property prices in Dubai rose in April-June 2021 for a second straight quarter. Ryan Mahoney (Dubai, UAE) is the CEO of Better Homes and the CEO and owner of CenCorp, both property-related businesses operating within Dubai. Tourism Dubai is one of the most visited international destinations in the world; therefore, COVID-19 related disruptions to travel impacted the market as it did in other cities around the world. Lockdowns, social distancing and travel restrictions over the past 18 months have inevitably caused a slowdown in tourism. However, as restrictions begin to be lifted and travel becomes a possibility once more, tourists are starting to return to the emirate. This is good news for the hotel industry, which has been operating back up to full capacity since the middle of May 2021. Pent-up demand has resulted in tourism numbers increasing more than expected since the end of lockdown. Many investors are now seeking prime properties at a time when demand is outweighing supply. Business Travelers In 2019 alone, more than 2.3 million people visited Dubai for business purposes. The rise of flexible working, which began as a response to the pandemic, is also potentially good news for the hotel industry. With employees and employers alike recognizing the benefits of remote working, hotels offering business hubs and facilities may find themselves busier than ever before. Short-Term Rental Growth Increased numbers of visitors for both business and leisure purposes are forecast to drive sustainable growth in the short-term rental sector in Dubai. The implementation of new technologies will help to push this growth forward as people emerge from lockdown. Technologies such as online self-check-in and virtual viewings help travelers feel safer as their contact with others is minimized. Increase in First-Time Buyers In the first two months of 2021, first-time buyer sales across the UAE increased by 62% year-on-year. The rental market has also seen an influx of new contracts. While it remains to be seen how the recovery phase post-vaccine will pan out, the signs look promising for the Dubai property market.

As more and more companies offer remote work, and thanks to the advantages offered for new residents by certain countries, many Brits are deciding to leave the United Kingdom. Today, Brits are choosing Spain as their country of residence – attracted by the excellent climate, accessible cost of living and various facilities on offer for their relocation. Spain as a country of residence for Brits Life in the United Kingdom can be very exciting, but also draining. That’s why many Brits are deciding to move to Spain, whether it’s to work from the country or retire in a warmer and more accessible location. As a result of the country’s many kilometres of sunny coastline, great prices when compared to other European countries, and the various cultural advantages it has to offer – such as its delicious cuisine – Spain is a particularly attractive choice. In the last few years, there has been a huge increase in British residents in this country, hoping to improve their quality of life in every way possible – simply by moving. What’s more, various facilities are available to help with this relocation. Spanish residency visa Brits looking to move to this country can opt for the Golden Visa for Spain. This is a permit for foreign nationals looking to enter the country to make a significant capital investment and is valid for residents of the United Kingdom. In these cases, British nationals can apply for a temporary visa or – if applicable – a residency visa for investors, offering some excellent advantages. This residency permit can be obtained by meeting certain requirements and allows applicants to obtain a residency visa to live in the country for at least one year, and authorisation to stay for two years – with the option to renew if the investment made is maintained and at least one trip to Spain has been made during the residency period. Advantages of this excellent change Brits who choose to move to Spain with this visa can enjoy various benefits. The price of living is generally less than in the United Kingdom, which usually implies an improvement in the quality of properties available. With affordable prices, Brits can purchase larger homes in safe locations, with all the social benefits they need and an exceptional climate in which to enjoy the outdoors, all year round. Carrying out the formalities To carry out the formalities and make this change, we recommend turning to experts, who can also help you apply for a resident’s visa. One great choice is My Spain Visa: a team of lawyers specialised in these matters who have helped dozens of Brits to start their new lives in Spain. The company is well acquainted with the necessary protocols for a change of residency – ensuring all documents are in order and offering you the greatest benefits possible – taking the burden of paperwork off the shoulders of interested investors and guaranteeing total peace of mind throughout the process.