Plot 62 by TAEP/AAP, located within the Shuwaikh Industrial area in Kuwait, is a thoughtful commercial space that bridges the local urban landscape with the demands of modern retail and office spaces. Positioned at a chamfered corner plot intersecting 21st and 26th streets, this project redefines the area by filling a notable “urban volumetric gap” in Shuwaikh’s industrial and commercial hub. The designers aimed to craft a building harmonizing with its industrial surroundings while introducing a forward-thinking, contemporary identity.
Plot 62 Technical Information
- Architects1-5: TAEP/AAP
- Location: Shuwaikh Industrial, Kuwait
- Area: 11,923 m2 | 128,338 Sq. Ft.
- Year of Completion: 2024
- Photographs: © Mohammad Taqi Ashkanani
The building is organized around an open flexible central courtyard, suitable for several different types of use, where to is directed all the human flux.
– TAEP/AAP Architects
Plot 62 Photographs
Structural and Functional Layout
TAEP/AAP approached this project with an architectural philosophy that balances simplicity with functionality. The building’s rectangular volumes and neutral-toned facades create a calm, composed visual presence that complements the rugged industrial fabric of Shuwaikh. Despite its minimalist facade, the building establishes a striking identity in the area through refined design choices, such as expansive glazing and dynamic facades that interact with the streetscape. This fusion of form and context is emblematic of TAEP/AAP’s sensitivity to urban integration, allowing Plot 62 to emerge as a new architectural landmark in the area.
The internal structure and organization of Plot 62 are tailored to support a diverse array of commercial activities, achieving a flexible yet efficient spatial hierarchy. With three above-ground levels and one underground level, the building offers a variety of spaces, including retail outlets, offices, workshops, and warehouses. This careful layering of functions allows for a seamless coexistence of different commercial entities within a single structure, each occupying its designated space while benefiting from shared amenities and infrastructure.
At the heart of the building lies a spacious, open-air courtyard designed to serve as the central social hub of Plot 62. This courtyard not only enhances the visual permeability of the structure but also facilitates human flow between the different areas. The central square is flexible and adaptable, serving as a dynamic focal point where users can gather, interact, or simply pass through, seamlessly connecting the various levels and functions. The project’s three street-facing facades further engage with the urban environment, allowing visibility into the retail and commercial spaces while showcasing branding and advertisements that energize the street-facing elevation.
Technical Aspects and Infrastructure
Plot 62’s infrastructure exemplifies technical rigor, accommodating complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) requirements and addressing the high demands of a mixed-use commercial building. The MEP design, directed by Ruben Gonçalves and João Catrapona, integrates innovative solutions that support the building’s diverse activities, from high-capacity retail areas to flexible office spaces. Each floor has been engineered to meet energy requirements, optimize ventilation, and enhance climate control, ensuring comfort and efficiency for occupants and visitors alike.
Accessibility is another crucial component of Plot 62’s design, with carefully considered circulation paths and mobility solutions. Multiple access cores, exterior stairs, and partial connections—such as car elevators—enable fluid movement across the building’s levels, accommodating the demands of high-traffic commercial use. The technical roof and specialized compartments throughout the building demonstrate a commitment to meeting infrastructural needs without compromising the aesthetic integrity of the structure. The design achieves a balance between functionality and visual impact, creating a streamlined yet highly functional commercial environment.
Architectural Impact and Contribution to the Urban Landscape
Plot 62’s architectural identity lies in its simplicity and functionality, achieved through an understated palette of neutral tones and raw materials that align with the industrial character of Shuwaikh. This restrained aesthetic not only respects the surrounding urban fabric but also introduces a contemporary elegance that distinguishes it as a modern commercial hub. TAEP/AAP’s approach to design reinforces the building’s presence as a refined addition to the urban landscape, inviting interaction and encouraging foot traffic through its open facades and engaging street-level design.
Beyond its architectural form, Plot 62 contributes to the social and commercial vibrancy of Shuwaikh. Its central courtyard fosters a sense of community among users, creating a shared space where various commercial activities can converge. This design strategy positions Plot 62 as a catalyst for economic activity, inviting businesses, workers, and customers to engage in an interconnected urban environment.
Plot 62 Plans
Plot 62 Image Gallery
About TAEP/AAP
TAEP / AAP is a multidisciplinary architecture and design firm with studios in Kuwait, Portugal, and France, known for its innovative and context-sensitive approach to urban and commercial projects. Led by a diverse team of architects and designers, TAEP / AAP blends local cultural influences with contemporary design principles, crafting spaces that enhance urban interaction and meet complex infrastructural demands. Their projects, like Plot 62 in Kuwait’s Shuwaikh Industrial area, reflect a commitment to flexible, functional spaces that integrate seamlessly into the urban fabric, fostering community engagement and responding to the evolving needs of modern cities.
Notes & Additional Credits
- Lead Architects and Designers: Abdulatif Almishari, Rui Vargas, Carla Barroso, Telmo Rodrigues, João Costa, António Brigas, Elvino Domingos, Gonçalo Silva, Nuno Roque, Mariana Gouveia, Abdul Aziz, Lionel Estriga, Pedro Miranda, Bruno Alves, Tiago Brito, Tiago Lopes, Duarte Correia, Hassan Javed.
MEP Engineers: Ruben Gonçalves, João Catrapona, Mohamed Hassan, Ahmed Shawqi Sadeeq, Ron Favor, Bruno Simões.
Graphic Design: Fábio Dimas, Aquilino Sotero.
Site Supervision: Mohammed Shata, Marwa Marzouq, Ahmed M.Quotab, Roderick Mangampo, Shoaib Mujahid, Ahmed Abdulaziz, Hassan Javed.
Structural Consultant: R5 Engineers.
