D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 6 N e w s l e t t e r

The CommiTTee members

The committee was elected to serve and would love to hear what you have to say or what you would like it to address. Contact them on: riba.gulf@riba.org

The committee members are:

Chloe sadler, London RIBA Chapters Regional Coordinatorsumaya Dabbagh, Dubai Honorary Chair rasha Al Khatib, Dubai Honorary Secretary Andrew mowat, Dubai Honorary Treasurer William Grime, Dubai Education Coordinator - Part III Vishal sawlani, Dubai Social Media Representative may Al hinai, Oman Magazine and Media Editor Fiona shields, Abu Dhabi, UAE Chapter Representative - Abu Dhabi, UAE Nezar Ahmadi, Bahrain Chapter Representative - Bahrain omar Khattab, Kuwait Chapter Representative - Kuwait Amy Lam, Jeddah, KSA Chapter Representative - Jeddah, KSA CT bien, Riyadh, KSA Chapter Representative - Riyadh, KSA rohan Thotabaduge, Oman Chapter Representative - Oman Dr. hasim Altan, Dubai Education Representative - AUS Nigel eckersall, Dubai Jonathan Ashmore, Dubai mohammed el Arabi, Dubaisimon Crispe, Dubai

Chair’s NotePeoPLe: One on One with: Senora D’MelloProJeCTs: Mleiha Archaeological CentreProJeCTs: Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation CentreeVeNTs: RIBA President Visit UAE: Cityscape eVeNTs: RIBA president visit: OmaneVeNTs: MEAP Seminar Oman: 12/13 Oct Dubai: 14/15 OcteVeNTs: Open City: An Exploration of Connectivity within a City eVeNTs: Upcoming Events eVeNTs: Facade Design & Engineering Exchange Middle East

CoNTeNTs

Dear members,

We have had a very busy, eventful and productive few months since our last newsletter. I was happy to see that many of you were able to attend our recent events, the highlights of which were our Presidents visit in September together with RIBA’s participation in Cityscape. President Jane Duncan’s 10-day visit to UAE and Oman, featured in this issue, reflects the regions importance for The RIBA. The visit showed a readiness for the RIBA HQ to understand the region better, in order to be more relevant in its support of its existing members and potential new members. The RIBA’s commitment is demonstrated through other tangible means: its target to be more inclusive through its introduction earlier this year of the MEAP ACCESS course which is gaining popularity and momentum. In addition, RIBA have been looking into introducing the Chartered Practice Membership to the region through a small pilot scheme. This scheme is aimed at understanding how the UK model can be adapted to fit the Gulf practices best in order to be part of the regional Chapter’s offering in the future.

Our second major event, was our participation at the Dubai Design Week, a major Design event in the Middle East. The Exhibition and Talk held late last month was a product of an extremely fruitful collaboration between RIBA, The British Council and the Department of International Trade (formerly UKTI). It was very well received and attended, and as a result, we are now planning further events together for 2017.

I am also delighted to share with you 2 Award Winning Projects commissioned in Sharjah. The first is a personal project, The Mleiha Centre for Archaeology, which was completed earlier this year by my practice and won the Cityscape Global and Middle East Architects Awards for Cultural and Community Building Award for 2016. The second is Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre. These are examples of some of the smaller contextual projects that are emerging in the Emirate of Sharjah in the UAE.

Our One-on-One feature interviews Senora D’Mello. She is a candidate of our first MEAP Access course to be held in the region. Senora is an exemplary of an outstanding architect who has directly benefited from the education provided by RIBA in the region. At the same time, she

demonstrates the potential value the RIBA will gain from inclusion of a broader section of architects to the Chartership through this new course. We owe the success of our recent events to those who helped organize them and all those who attended. Particular thanks to our sponsors Mapei and Arabian Profile and Interface for their invaluable support without which many of our events would not be possible. To add to that, a big THANK YOU to Militza and Jonathan Ashmore of Anarchitect, for their commitment and time in helping with the Dubai Design Week event set up.

Feel free to connect with us on our emails listed on the front cover. Your feedback, suggestions and contribution to the chapter are vital for its continued growth and success.

Wishing you all a fantastic end of year and I look forward to working together with you all in 2017.

Warm wishes,

sumaya Dabbagh Chair, RIBA Gulf Chapter sumaya@dabbagharchitects.

ChAir’s NoTe

oNe oN oNe WiTh:seNorA D’meLLo Will Grime: Senora D’Mello is a graduate architect who worked in my design group as an intern for a year prior to qualifying with distinction in May 2016. At that point we managed to entice her to work with us on a full-time basis. She’s now engaged in the RIBA MEAP Access Course, as well as driving forward a number of small projects of her own both in the design studio and on site. She’s an outstanding young architect.

Q1: What drives you in your work?

A1: Architecture as a profession is very dynamic. There are constantly evolving materials and construction methods out there. For me, the curiosity to learn more so as to keep up with this dynamism is what drives me. Besides, every day at an architecture studio is buzzing, with something new to look forward to in the form of design challenges, team work and so on. I enjoy the different experiences that my work offers me each day and that keeps me going.

Q2: how would you label your design approach?

A2: I would describe it as very rational and straightforward. I like simple, functional design solutions, without having to compromise on the aesthetics and innovation. In my little experience, I have realised that simple, logical designs in fact create classier and more effective user experiences.

Q3: Who are your Architectural heroes?

A3: I have my favourites among different eras and styles. Mies Van Der Rohe’s work never fails to inspire. I was first introduced to his projects in university while working on a physical model of the Farnsworth House. I like his minimalist approach that gives his structures the illusion of floating in air. For traditional architecture, it would have to be Laurie Baker. Apart from his sustainable approach, I don’t think any other architect has so indigenously explored the use of earth brick. Among the contemporaries, I think Moshe Safdie’s work is pretty intriguing, after my recent visit to the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

Q4: What makes a project most rewarding for you?

A4: The best part about a creative profession such as architecture is that there are tangible results. Seeing your ideas and hours of effort come to life, being able to point at your work to say ‘I did this’, and feel a sense of belonging to your project, is a reward in itself.

Q5: What is your greatest architectural achievement to date?

A5: One of my recent assignments was the interior design of an entrance lobby to a luxurious high-rise residential building on an artificial island. It was quite a challenge as the client was very specific about providing a ‘coastal’ yet luxurious experience. After numerous design attempts, we were finally able to produce some successful designs within the stipulated timeframe. It was all worth it at the end especially because I had attempted something never done before.

Q6: Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? What do you wish for in the future?

A6: Since I am at the start of my career, I have a steep learning curve ahead of me. I am excited about the projects I am currently working on, but at the same time want to take on new challenges so as to explore my strengths and specific interests. In five years’ time, I’d like to assume more management responsibilities, be able to lead a team, and hopefully inspire them in some way or the other.

by: Dabbagh Architects

What was the concept behind the form of the building?

Context and settings are the starting points for any project at Dabbagh Architects. The settings’ most striking elements were the Bronze Age Tomb and the spectacular setting of the Fossil Rock mountains. These inspired the design and generated the architects’ objectives which were;

Firstly, the building must respect the existing Bronze Age Tomb and not over-power it. The earlier existing setting of the Tomb within the municipal park created

an un-ceremonial and flat experience. Dabbagh Architects felt that the building must celebrate the Tomb and give it back its dignity and value as well as enhance the Visitors’ experience. The geometry and form of the building were carefully generated with the Tomb at its centre. This resulted in a rich experience and approach to the Tomb as well as to the building.

Secondly, the Landscape and site setting of Fossil Rock is spectacular. particularly with the changes of colours in the sand with the light throughout the day. Dabbagh Architects felt that the building must not take away from that natural splendor, but must enhance it.

ProJeCTs: mLeihA ArChAeoLoGiCAL CeNTreWinner for best Cultural and Community Project 2016, for Cityscape emerging markets Award and middle east Architects Awards.

A Visitor’s Centre by definition, offers its audience the “live” attraction rather then fragments or replicas as in a Museum. For the MLEIHA ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTRE the surroundings are rich with many archeological findings. This provided an opportunity to design the building in a way that would enhance this relationship and maximize the interaction between the Visitor and the attraction, which is in this case a Bronze Age Tomb.

The building is sensitively placed respecting the historic nature of the site as well as its setting into a potential World Heritage Site.The building grows out of the ground organically and subtly, with a ramp that

allows visitors to view the Tomb and the surroundings from a roof terrace.

The form of the building, generated from the circular Tomb, is a series of concentric sandstone walls that blend into the red sands landscape, lead the visitor to the Tomb as well as into the building’s entrance.

Internally, the fluid layout and curved walls, guide the visitor through the three main spaces, the Lobby, the Exhibition hall and the Café. These spaces offer connection and glimpses into the surroundings thus maintaining a constant reference to place and time.

The experience culminates at the Café where the space opens out, like a desert rose, into the magnificent view of “Fossil Rock” and the desert beyond.

The result is a design that is environmentally, and historically sensitive to its setting, it is elegantly designed and promises the visitors and community a rewarding and rich experience.

What are the materials used for the building and why?

The building’s careful choice of materials: the sandstone which blends with the colours of the sand and the copper that reflected the ancient copper use at the time of the Tomb, were all selected to further add to the cohesion of the building, so that it truly belongs to its setting.

has the building been designed to be sustainable in terms of location, orientation, material selection, form etc.? if so, kindly explain.

Sustainability was a main consideration for this site. Given the context of a 3500 yr. old monument, the building needed to be sustainable and durable. Orientation, form and material selections were all carefully considered from the outset.

materials: Environmentally responsible Materials were selected for the building, these are as follows:

exterior finishs: recyclable Copper for roof cladding: A natural copper is used where the material will weather organically. Transforming from bronzed coloured copper to aged copper colour with time, thus enhancing the materials’ natural beauty.

sandstone: Contextual use of regionally sourced Sandstone cladding. These materials also take into consideration the harsh desert environment and are durable and low maintenance

interior Finishes: Recyclable Linoleum flooring with low VO. Reduced noise pollution is achieved by having the MEP services in a standalone service block adjacent to the main building.energy: Passive solar shading: Shaded mechanism employed for south west facing glazing to reduce external heat gain on the building translating to lower cooling loads.

Passive Cooling: Correct building orientation with respect to sun and wind direction greatly reduces the internal and external heat gain on the building translating to lower energy consumption.

Small window openings placed where natural light is needed reduces heat gain and translates to lower cooling loads.

LeD Lighting: provided in all areas, to reduce heat gain and energy consumption.

Energy Saving through Solar panel powered water heaters installed over service block roof.

Water: Water efficient systems in all wet areas to reduce water consumption.

Underground Water Tank to avoid heat gain if water tank was exposed on roof or above ground.

Landscaping: Indigenous plants used in landscaping require less watering and are more suited to this desert environment.Nature Sensitive Design: respects existing plant life: trees transplanted or retained or even accommodated within the building as in the Courtyard.

how do you think the building has impacted the mlieha area?

The project was born out of a vision by HH the Ruler of Sharjah to showcase the wealth of the ancient archeological sites in the Emirate of Sharjah which were uncovered, as a result of years of investigation by the Sharjah Department of Antiquities. It is part of a large master plan and an Eco Tourism project which aims at protecting the Archaeology, the environment and wildlife in the Mleiha region.

Since its opening in January 2016 it has attracted a lot of interest and attention regionally. It is still early days and the full impact of the larger project is yet to be realized.

Since its completion, the project has won The Cityscape Global Award for Community and Cultural Building of the year, as well as being finalists for Identity Design Awards and Middle East Architects Awards.

Client: Shurooq / HH Rulers Officemain Consultant: Dabbagh Architects Quantity surveyors: Blair Andersonexhibition Design: Shaboury& AssociatesLandscape Design: Waho Designmain Contractor: Al Dhaid Contractingsteel Contractor: Kelly SteelCopper roof supplier: Arabin Profile Total built up Area: 2500m2

Concept Sketch

by: Peter Jackson

Client: Sharjah Environment & Protected Areas Authority (EPAA)opened: March 2016Design Architect & Client representative: Peter Jackson RIBA, HH Ruler’s Office SharjahArchitects & structural engineers: URS, later Arbema DesignmeP engineers: Mott MacDonald Quantity surveyors: Blair Anderson exhibition Design: Sophy Cave DesignCivil Contractors: Hardco Building Contracting LLCmeP Contractors: GECO Mechanical & Electrical LtdCopper roofs: Arabian Profile Company Ltdreed beds: Reed Bed Contracting LLCLandscaping: Desert Landscape LLCFenced animal enclosures: 10 Ha.GAF enclosed area: 4,725 sq.m. GAF animal holdings: 1,725 sq.m.GAF viewing hides: 775 sq.m.

The idea for the conservation and education centre was conceived by the Ruler of Sharjah, HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, for the recently established Al Hefaiyah Protected Area at Kalba, as one of three interpretive centres within the Protected Area, including the Birds of Prey Centre opened in 2014, and a centre for mangroves and turtles due for completion in 2018. The project has won the Educational category in the 2016 the Middle East Architect Awards.

The Ruler’s brief was to provide a natural setting for a number of carnivore species originally indigenous to the region, in particular the Arabian Leopard, Caracal, Arabian Wolf, and Striped Hyena, as well as Mountain Gazelle and the endangered Arabian Tahr. These are all now being bred successfully at the Sharjah Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife (BCEAW). The project also includes internal nocturnal displays of reptiles and fish, foxes, wildcats and mongooses, with outdoor aviaries for owls and ravens. Other accommodation includes EPAA’s administrative offices,

BCEAW animal management facilities, workshops and a full veterinary and surgical suite.

These complex animal facilities are designed to operate effectively in the background, largely invisible and without disruption to the visitor experience, with the exception of animal food preparation, which can be viewed by the public. For the visitor, whether tourist or a school party, there are prayer rooms, an education room/lecture theatre, a coffee bar at the entrance, and shop by the exit. A cafeteria exploits a beautiful view to the Gulf of Oman, with gazelle at their watering hole and across acacia woodland. A series of externally accessible viewing hides allows visitors to enjoy the animals from close quarters. The design sought to sensitively blend into and celebrate its place within the dramatic natural environment of the coastal gravel plain, where it intersects the dramatic foothills of the Hajar Mountains. It is an architecture dominated by simply rendered walls, with colours carefully selected from the rocks and mountains around.

Aerial view of the centre from the west

ProJeCTs: AL heFAiyAh mouNTAiN CoNserVATioN CeNTre

An unorthodox plan of long-curving circulation offers extensive clear views of animals in 10 enclosed hectares of natural habitat, from within a safe and comfortable air-conditioned exhibition environment. This wraps the visitor experience between and around two hilly outcrops, one high, one lower. It respects the irregular natural contours with minimum excavation or modification of the Protected Area. The floor rises and falls with the land. The buildings therefore touch the ground as lightly as possible (and with minimal scaring of natural surfaces in constructing its high animal fences across sometimes very steep terrain).

Curved copper roofs and cladding highlight the main entrance and exit to the building. Copper is of special significance in this, the ancient land of Magan, from where copper was mined and shipped to Mesopotamia. A few kilometers away at Wadi Al Helo, workshops, furnaces, copper slag, and an ingot of raw copper have all been found, over 4,000 years old.

Internally, floating and undulating plaster ceilings in key public areas reflect the irregular mountain skyline. Through the circulation areas, ceilings are omitted, with services and fabric air ducts exposed against a black soffit, to provide robust exhibition areas from which to view animals against their harsh natural environment. Fibonacci-sequenced diagonal patterns to the linoleum floors provide scale to the 300m long visitor walk-through.

The landscaping of external public areas subtly integrates the man-made world with its natural environment, with different grasses planted in rows between naturally patinated gravels, following the line of paths. Electric buggies transport visitors around the external enclosures, where pergola’d viewing hides support shading creepers, with detailed information on the individual species.

The buildings accord with Government of Sharjah & EPAA policies for sustainable building. Reed-beds recycle all foul

Aerial view of the centre from the westTypical shaded animal viewing hide Top-lit main entrance & coffee bar

water from low consumption sanitary fittings for irrigation. The use of natural daylight has been maximised, through courtyard and perimeter glazing. Solar tubes provide natural light to deep interior spaces, significantly reducing the need for artificial lighting. High levels of insulation in cavity walls and roofs reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss in summer. Projecting overhangs shade low-emission glazing in the extensive viewing windows, while their sloped glazing reduces the chance of fatal bird strikes.

The exhibition is bright and lively, illustrated with fine drawings and species data, and integrating contemporary fine artworks from local and foreign artists, to impart a strong public message of the importance of wildlife conservation.

This design is entirely of its place, and integral with its environment.

Cafeteria with long views across acacia woodland to the seaTypical viewing corridor with exhibition & artwork

shop at the exit

Nocturnal species viewing & exhibition

exit & shaded electric buggy waiting area high leopard viewing hide

reCeNT eVeNTs: ribA PresiDeNT VisiT uAe:CiTysCAPe

by: Chloe sadler

As part of the RIBA’s increased engagement with members in the Gulf region, RIBA President Jane Duncan attended Cityscape Global Dubai in September together with a team from RIBA membership and RIBA International. The RIBA team negotiated a stand at the event to promote and raise awareness about the RIBA which attracted a steady stream of visitors including local and international practices and developers.

Participation at Cityscape was the focal point for a series of events that took place during the RIBA President’s visit to Dubai and the RIBA’s representation at this prestigious real estate trade show provided a fantastic opportunity to put the Institute firmly in the spotlight.

Cityscape Global Conference 2016

As part of Cityscape Global, the programme included a Conference aimed at construction industry professionals and with a strong emphasis on architecture. RIBA President Jane Duncan gave a keynote address at the Cityscape Global conference, Looking Back to Design Tomorrow: How the past can inform the future of Architecture in the Dubai. She spoke about how by looking back into Dubai’s history we can help design better buildings in the future by adapting to new technologies and innovative thinking Dubai can become a better more livable, sustainable and efficient city for the 21st century. The Conference was aimed at construction industry professionals with a strong emphasis on architecture. The subject matter and content was well received by the audience as evidenced by the panel discussion that followed referencing many parts of her talk with questions from the audience.

Cityscape Talks

In addition to the Conference the RIBA participated in ‘Cityscape talks’ and included the following speakers: Lynne Sullivan, RIBA Ambassador for Climate Change, Richard Waterhouse, Chief Executive, RIBA Enterprises, on Management Information-BIM, and John Avery, Director, LOM Architecture and Design, whose talk was entitled ‘Landmarks with Value maximising Return On Investment through good design’.

richard Waterhouse, Chief executive, ribA enterprises,

‘management information-bim’

by: may Al hinai

The president of the prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) has visited Oman for the first time in the organisation’s history.

Jane Duncan’s visit to Oman comes as the Sultanate recorded the highest number of local nationals participating in the RIBA Part 3 course in the Middle East. Due to the high uptake the RIBA course has been running permanently in Oman since January 2016

There are currently 15 Omani students undergoing the RIBA examination process in Oman. A total of ten of the students are from the Atkins Oman office, which this year saw its first student successfully complete the RIBA examination – May Al Hinai, a design architect at Atkins Oman and editor of the RIBA Gulf Magazine.

During Jane’s visit she awarded May with her professional certificate.

“I am extremely honoured to be the first Omani to be able to take the exam in Oman, and I look forward to mentoring the future generation of young Omani architects to be part of this prestigious organisation,” said May Al Hinai.

reCeNT eVeNTs: ribA PresiDeNT VisiT: omAN

The President’s visit was organised by Rohan Thotabaduge, RIBA Oman Representative and Associate Architect at Atkins Oman.

The first night saw the British Ambassador in Muscat, Jon Wilks, hosting a dinner reception in the honour of the RIBA President’s visit and this was attended by former and current RIBA students of Oman, Marcus Deeley (Head of RIBA International) and Chloe Sadler (Head of International Chapters).

The following day, Rohan escorted the president and the RIBA team to different ministries and educational institutions to discuss RIBA’s prospects in Oman.

“RIBA has a strong presence in Oman because of the strong Anglo-Omani relationship, and as the Oman Representative of the Gulf Chapter I look forward to seeing this continuous growth over the next couple of years when we will have over 20 RIBA Chartered Omani Architects,” said Mr Thotabaduge.

Jane Duncan and the RIBA International team also visited the Atkins Oman architectural department and discussed the RIBA with future Atkins RIBA candidates.

RIBA ROUTES TO MEMBERSHIP – MEAP ACCESS COURSE

Following RIBA Council’s approval of new routes to RIBA Chartered Membership in March, the RIBA has delivered the start of their new MEAP Access Course in both oman and Dubai.

The course is aimed primarily for young graduates who have completed five years of architectural education and who want to expand their knowledge of professional practice and work towards Chartered Membership of the RIBA.

The new course has attracted 9 candidates in Oman and a further 7 in Dubai and it is to be hoped that they will all be awarded the RIBA Certificate in Professional Practice in Architecture, once they have completed the course in October and successfully submitted their assignments.

The RIBA intend to run the course annually and anyone wishing to receive further information or find out if they are eligible should email meapaccess@riba.org

Further information on the RIBA Routes to Membership can be found at www.architecture.com/meAP

reCeNT eVeNTs: meAP semiNAromAN: 12/13 oCTDubAi: 14/15 oCT

reCeNT eVeNTs oPeN CiTy:AN exPLorATioN oF CoNNeCTiViTy WiThiN A CiTyA great panel discussion was held on Monday 24th October, between our panelists and guests . The themes of Expo 2020 was discussed with a focus on The Open City exhibition, showcasing the work produced by The Unlimited Doha Prize Competition held earlier in the year with the same name. The event was co - hosted by RIBA, The British Council and The Department of International Trade, and supported by Allies and Morrison, and Anarchitect.

The event was very well received, thanks to all who attended and contributed to its success

Panelists included: • Sultan Al Qassimi : Columnist and Co-founder of Barjeel

Art Foundation • Sumaya Dabbagh: Principal Dabbagh Architects and

Chair of RIBA Gulf• Alex Scott Whitby: Director Scott Whitby Studio • Waseem Khotoub: Head of Arts and Creativity British

Council, Qatar

uPComiNG eVeNTsPartner event: Design meNA summit Dubai 7 December

CPD event – hosted by mapei ‘sustainable Architecture - mapei is Green’ Dubai 1 March 2017

President’s medals Touring exhibition riyadh Al Faisal university, riyadh, KsA 5-26 Mar 2017Dar Al hekma Women university, Jeddah, KsA 22-26 Jan 2017 effat university, Jeddah, KsA TBCKing Abdulaziz university (KAu), Jeddah, KsA TBCAl Faisal university, riyadh KsA 5-26 Mar 2017 King Fahd university, Dhahran, KsA TBC American university of sharjah, sharjah, uAe TBCGerman university of Technology, muscat, oman TBC ribA Part 3 Dubai 21-24 April 2017 19 -21 May 2017

meAPDubai 21 and 22 April 2017muscat 5 and 6 May and 22 May 2017

Prospectus: Facade Design & Engineering Exchange

Middle East Series Advancing specifications through exchanging ideas,

solutions and best practice to develop more sustainable, smart and culturally relevant façades

Facade Design & Engineering Exchange Bahrain 5 December 2016, Manama, Bahrain

Facade Design & Engineering Exchange Qatar

27 March 2017, Doha, Qatar

Facade Design & Engineering Egypt 22 May, Cairo, Egypt

Facade Design & Engineering Exchange UAE

18 September, Dubai, UAE

Facade Design & Engineering Exchange Middle East Series

What is it all about?

An industry first, the Facade Design & Engineering Exchange series is a series of one day events designed and setup to maximise the exchange of ideas, the exchange of business cards and the exchange of best practice. With a one day agenda built around the ‘need of the hour’, each forum will hear from only the most influential architects, consultants and developers on their latest ideas and innovation. This will be

coupled with interactive panel discussions and increased networking time.

What sets the event apart is not only the content but the dedicated business exchange sessions and specifications sessions.

Business exchange session – What is it and how does it work?

Use this session to meet and exchange cards and ideas in a setting that encourages maximum networking. Set in the conference room, sponsors will have an opportunity to meet delegates one-to-one to exchange

cards and make introductions. The room will rotate every 10 minutes to enable you to meet as many of the participants as possible.

Specifications sessions – What is it and how does it work?

Each forum will dedicate one hour in the afternoon where selected suppliers will have 10minutes to present their latest developments to a group of architects who are currently specifying for their upcoming projects.

T h A N K y o uRIBA Gulf wishes to thank our sponsors for their support.

Greetings from the RIBA Gulf Chapter for the festive season - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.