Rafik Ibrahim is a chartered town planner and urban designer with 15 years of experience working on projects around the world. His portfolio highlights several master planning projects he has led, including developing a master plan for an eco-town expansion in Chelyabinsk, Russia and regenerating urban waterfront areas in Dubai, UAE and Southampton, UK. His focus is on integrating sustainability principles and creating connected, walkable communities.

1. Rafik Ibrahim
Portfolio
Making a profound difference

2. "We are searching for some kind of
harmony between two intangibles: a
form which we have not yet designed
and a context which we cannot properly
describe."
Christopher Alexander
I am a chartered town planner and urban designer with 15 years of experience in master
planning and urban design gathered working on projects around the world – from the
urban regeneration of town centre in Swansea to the development of a master plan for an
expansion to Chelyabinsk, Russia, to house 200,000 people.
My passion is integrating the usually discrete stages of project development from inception
through to delivery - ensuring that from the outset the aim & goals of the project are clear,
it is thoughtfully conceived, and elegantly realized.
Currently I am pursuing exploratory concept of evolutionary development framework
toward sustainable communities which challenge the notion of design as a progressive
expression of schematic intentions and argue for a conception of design as a stepwise,
non-linear evolution in response to a series of contextual urban factors.

3. Thames Gateway
Sub Regional Spatial Strategy
London, UK
The London Thames Gateway provides a unique
opportunity to create an autonomous new development
based on prioritising social and environmental assets
within the region. Economic growth will utilise its location
and access to worldwide communication networks and be
based on developing sustainable technologies. This will
be achieved by promoting entrepreneurial opportunities
and enhanced levels of education and awareness in this
Polycentric urban form Linear development
sector. Urban development of the area will reflect this
economy, creating a distinctive urban character derived
from sustainable patterns of growth, with the capability of Polycentric Development provides an integrated approach for
accommodating equitable regional growth until 2020. improved transport links and equal access to infrastracture and
knowledge. More effecient use of existing infrastructure can be
achieved by strengthening environmentally freindly transport
Key Planning Objectives:
systems and promoting intermodal transport chains
• Develop balanced and polycentric urban system through
Intensifying and activate compact nodes to encourage and
sustain activity and growth. Spatial strategy
• Strengthen flexibility, accessibility, growth and change
through encouraging networking and cooperation at the
local and regional scale,
• Provide Equal access to infrastructure and knowledge.
• Management of natural resources and cultural heritage
• Harmoniously integrate the natural ecology with parklands,
local and neighbourhood green spaces to encourage the
safeguarding of and by the communities natural assets into
Developing ecological
the future.
corridors
• Craft comfortably scaled, attractive and sustainable
communities that are responsive to the context.
Transport improvements across the Thames Gateway Building on the existing assets
R Ibrahim 01

4. Southern Lower Lea Valley
Local Develpment Framework (LDF)
London, UK
Project size: 760 Ha
The Southern Lower Lea Valley acts as one of the
strategic centres within the London Thames Gateway
providing a live and work environment that contributes
to an overall autonomous region. It will capitalise upon
its proximity to central London, drawing on the location
appeal to professionals who can take on managerial
functions of the eco technology business network.
The local connections will also allow it to serve the city
business and international market.
The Southern Lower Lea Valley will be a focus for more
complex eco-technologies that require less manufacturing
space. The local population will be educated and
employed in the production of these goods such as
biomass boilers, at the Green Quarter. The site will be
located next to the larger area of greenway which provides
both a visual and aural buffer and connects education
and employment to the existing and proposed residential
sites. The greenway will reduce the priority on the car Development Framework
and increasing connectivity and access across the main
routes, promoting sustainable and healthy modes of travel;
such as walking and cycling. The greenway will also
provide a pleasant nearby recreation area, encouraging
employees to remain living in the area.
Connections within the site will be based on a strategy
of bringing transport connections down to a human level.
This strategy will be reflected in the reconfiguration of
Canning Town. Key Interventions Hierarchy of urban nodes Conceptual Master plan
R Ibrahim 02

5. Isle of Dogs
Design Charter
London, UK
Project Aims:
• To develop a detailed understanding of the dynamics of
the Isle of Dogs and its wider context.
• To consider the different aspirations and objectives of the
different Island communities.
• To establish a clear vision for the Island looking forward
to 2040 and beyond. Accessibility
• To articulate the vision through a physical and
development framework for the study area in the form of a
Charter for the Isle of Dogs.
Key Principles: Spatial approach
Parkway
INTEGRATED: By conceptualizing the island as
integrated, we will overcome the divisions caused by the
internal waterways and physical barriers, encouraging
movement between currently dislocated areas.
GREEN:Central to our vision is the ‘green’ potential
of the Isle of Dogs. There exists a vital opportunity to
encourage the development of renewable energies and
green industries – that are regarded as a future driver of
economic growth – on the doorstep of one of the world’s
leading financial districts.
ISLAND: Encapsulating the region as an island allows
us to pursue other principles important to the holistic
improvement of urban design in the Isle of Dogs, firmly
linking existing and new communities to initiatives in order Section at the riverfront promenade Conceptual Master plan
to fundamentally reshape the physical environment.
R Ibrahim 03

6. Chelyabinsk Master Plan
Eco Town
Chelyabinsk, Russia
‘Sunny Valley’ Eco-city a sustainability extension for
Chelyabinsk.
The master plan aims to create a model new community
development based on prioritising social, economic,
geographic, ecological and environmental values. It
will offer the residents of Chelyabinsk a choice of a new
lifestyle – one that combines the amenities of urban
environments with benefits of country living - to improve
the living, working and playing conditions of the citizens of
Chelyabinsk, raising standards and expectations.
Sunny Valley will:
• harmoniously integrate the natural ecology with parklands, Spatial strategy Area Planning
local and neighbourhood green spaces to encourage the
safeguarding of and by the communities natural assets into
the future.
• create a new urban centre typology as an example
of globally conscious and ecologically conscientious
community development
• Deliver an ‘edge city’ creating opportunities for Chelyabinsk
to grow and incorporate new opportunities and possibilities.
Central Area District Plan Conceptual Master plan
R Ibrahim 04

7. Al Zora Master plan
Mixed use waterfront
Ajman, UAE
The concept plan for this 1150 hectare site located at
the heart of (Ajman, UAE) introduces many different
types of uses including Residential, Educational, Media
and Technology, Cultural, Recreational and hotels in an
attractive water front setting.
A major feature of the development will be creation of a
lagoon with connections to the gulf. The lagoon will occupy
12% of the total site area and will be excavated to create
significantly more water front for the development and for
the recreational amenities. The lagoon itself will become a
major recreational feature in the overall development.
The master plan evaluated the existing context and physical
environment, determined the land use program and space
requirements, and recommended a logical growth
Development concepts
My Responsibilities included
Leading a multidisciplinary team and coordinating the
technical inputs of Architects, urban planners, economists,
transportation and infrastructure engineers, and landscape
architects, Contributing to deliverables (reports and
drawings) and ensuring the submission on time and to the
highest quality achievable, and Interacting with the Client
representatives and Authorities through meetings and
presentations.
Aerial view Master Plan
R Ibrahim 06

8. Al Reviera Centre
Regional Planning
Red Sea, Egypt
The Project exists on the western coast of the Gulf of Aqaba
about 30 km south of the resort town of Taba, Egypt. It
extends for 9km on the coast with a total area of 7.7 million
square meters.
The considerable size of this tourist facility dictates that
it encompasses a suitable variety of components that
are highly integrated and coordinated, rendering it a
successful destination. Such components are planned to
have a harmonious character that will be incorporated in
their various elements, with a consistent superstructure
building style, and superior quality of services provided
in all aspects of the project. Besides hotel and restaurant
facilities, the project includes apartments and villas, diving
centers, beach sports, recreation areas, shopping arcades,
a golf course and a medical facility with a decompression
chamber. It is also essential to include a marina port for
yacht tourism. Such additional features are important
in ensuring that the Riviera Center project incorporate a Planning strategies and development concepts
mix of features that will allow it the Pull” factors needed to
realize the market potential.
My Responsibilities included
Leading the Developer technical office, reporting
directly to CEO, and working closely with HOK team to
incorporate budget and market considerations, Develop
a logical sequence for orderly development of the project
and produce design guidelines to establish quality and
consistency. Extensive hands-on includes infrastructure
development and zoning regulations, and development of
Lead Hotel Master Plan
environmental action plans and programs.
R Ibrahim 07

9. Swansea, Town Centre
Town Centre Urban Regeneration
Swansea, UK
The proposal envisions a seamless extension of the
existing commercial heart of the city centre. It will embrace
and support new uses for the city and the community, but
most of all it will be the catalyst for a new way of living,
shopping and enjoying the city centre – and its waterfront.
It will address the social, economic and environmental
needs of Swansea.
The redevelopment framework provides a vision and
strategy for the city economic growth over the next twenty
years. The St David’s/Quadrant and Paxton Street/County
Hall areas have been identified as key strategic sites within
the city centre, and will play a crucial role as catalysts in the
regeneration of the city.
Key Development principles:
• Deliver an integrated retail-led mixed use regeneration
scheme of a quality, scale and critical mass appropriate
for a regional city centre with the aim of creating a step
change in retail provision;
• Deliver an iconic mixed use waterfront development
with the critical mass to become a destination in its
own right;
• Connect the core City Centre to its waterfront by
transforming Oystermouth Road into a high quality
‘European Boulevard’;
• Deliver high quality, innovative and sustainable
buildings and public realm.
Analysis Master Plan
R Ibrahim 08

10. Victoria Embankment
Urban Revitalization
London, UK
Victoria Embankment is part of the Thames Embankment,
a 2km road and walkway along the north bank of the
River Thames in London that extends from the City
of Westminster to the City of London, beginning at
Westminster bridge and ending at the north end of
Blackfriars bridge. Victoria Embankment is a key urban
spine of London with connections to the South Bank,
Parliament Square, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square, the
Strand and the City of London.
The project aims to establish long term revitalization
strategy that envisions the potential of the Victoria
embankment and Thames waterfront relationship that sits
in the heart of London city.
The approach begins as a review of the space and Revitalization Strategy
place character and quality along Victoria embankment Master plan
waterfront. Examining its strength and weakness based
on the existing situation and objectives, with the aim of
improving its utility and attraction value.
Key Design Principles:
1- Energize the riverfront with activities and integrate with
the south bank activities.
2- Emphasise the river Thames as a main element and
stitch the city to the water edge.
3-Revitalise and rejuvenate the historical area.
Cross section Conceptual spatial intervention strategy
R Ibrahim 09

11. Prague Urban Village
Mixed use retail
Prague, Czech Republic
The Key Planning Principles
Protect the scale and grain of the existing street grid –
avoid a “superblock” – with view corridors to the river along
the existing street patterns.
•Frontage road linking all parcels to control the traffic
interface along the new boulevard with a reduced number
of curb cuts.
•Combination of an indoor/outdoor retail experience.
•Increased density within 5 minute walk of Metro Station
•Mixed and layered uses in a mid-rise urban form
•Hidden parking managed and operated to provide shared
parking ratios that reduce the total impact on the existing
Development strategy
city street framework.
•A major riverfront plaza as the “people place” that anchors
the development over time. This place is framed by a mix of
uses including the swim centre that will extend the activity
cycle providing an active, self-policing, environment that
will attract the surround communities to the riverfront.
•Riverside promenade (an esplanade), that forms part of
the overall linear riverfront park system of pedestrian and Conceptual Master plan
bike paths throughout the city.
•Sustainable design elements such as orientation of
the main building blocks to take advantage of daylight,
prevailing winds, and view corridors and a system of
“green roof” buildings and terraces to capture water run-off
and to increase the amounts of natural habitat for plants
and bird life.
Retail options View Cross section
R Ibrahim 10

12. Regeneration of the Royal Pier
Urban regeneration
Southampton, UK
Project Aims:
The scheme will support ABP’s policy of good environmental
stewardship by implementing sustainable development
through a range of opportunities across the site.
the key regeneration principles are:
- Integrate Seamlessly with Existing City Fabric
Integrated transport strategy, Connectivity for pedestrian
and cyclists, new rail and road infrastructure, easy public
access to the waterfront, view corridors to the water from
existing street corridors, and compatibility of scale with
adjacent buildings
- Facilitate enhanced and increased water based transport
Utilize existing rail lines and a new spur for passenger rail Development concepts
service. Facilitate internal port traffic between docks.
- Promote sustainable design principles
On-site renewable energy generation – harbour water
source heat pumps, biomass from dock waste
Reduce energy consumption – natural light and ventilation,
high insulation, solar shading.
Green space- landscaped roof terraces above podiums.
Adaptability – flexible building layouts to suit changing uses
Accessibility – pedestrian friendly layout with good public
transport links
View Master Plan
R Ibrahim 11

13. Dubai Creek
Waterfront urban regeneration
Dubai, UAE
Dubai Creek is a unique, complex and essential part of the
city of Dubai. It is the city’s origin and foundation.
ZONE 1D.I
F&B
WATERFRONT PROMENADE
The revitalization of dubai creek builds on the existing
OPEN SPACE - NODE
BUILDING - ACTIVE EDGES
HEALTH &
WELLNESS
PEDESTRIAN NETWORK
character and strengths of the Dubai Creek area – works
PROPOSED CYCLE ROUTE
ACTIVE WATERFRONT ZONE RETAIL
END OF WATERFRONT PROMENADE
PRIVATE WATERFRONT ZONE F&B
with the existing uses and users to build and honest and POTENTIAL CUT-THROUGH POINTS
INTERNAL VIEWS
SITE ACCESS - VEHICULAR & PEDESTRIAN
authentic story for the place, focuses on capturing and SITE ACCESS - PEDESTRIAN
POTENTIAL LANDMARK FEATURE
protecting the UNESCO defined ‘intangible cultural
SITE BOUNDARY
heritage’ of the Creek area. And identify protect and
enhance Dubai’s history, social rituals, arts and built fabric SHINDA
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My responsibility as the overall project manager was PORT RASHID
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to ensure that the project is delivered in an ethical and
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equitable manner, that responds to international best
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practice and community needs and aspirations while AL
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ensuring the economic sustainability of the project.
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Retaining existing built and cultural fabric, encouraging
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expansion of already vital areas such as the souks, abra KHAL
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master plan details
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stations, community, religious and retail hubs are important,
as is retention of open parks and sanctuary spaces that
are free and accessible to all. In addition access to, and
improving the offering throughout the fi ve precincts will
bring much needed value and physical connection to Master Plan
the Creek, increasing visitation by a wider audience and
making the Creek truly a place for all.
Aerial view Elevation
R Ibrahim 13

14. Taba Beach Moevenpick Resort
Tourism Development
Taba, Egypt
Nested in a mountain valley, the Taba Beach Moevenpick
Resort includes luxury 432 Rooms, Suites and Bungalows,
Main Restaurant (400 seats) ,Specialized Restaurants
(French, Chinese, Fish),Indoor Heated Swimming Pool
and Entertainment Hall, Sports’ Center, Diving , Tennis
Courts, Conference Center, and Shopping Mall.
My Responsibilities included:
Design and internal coordination, working with a team of
people of diverse disciplines and cultures to meet project
requirements.
Satelite view
Reconcile the goals and priorities of TTDC with those
of the resort operator while fostering opportunities for
design and technical excellence, Monitor and document
project process, enabling clear communications among
consultants, and client.
Develop and maintain a Project Plan, Monitor the contract
requirements, and identify changes in project scope,
schedule, or service that result in supplemental or additional
services.
Guests wing Master Plan
Aerial view Bungalows
R Ibrahim 14

15. Ideas ...
...The currency of changing world