Stories
International Minds: Javed Raja
The Middle East has been one of our most active markets for years. Many designs are so original that numerous factories are producing their own forms using RECKLI elastomers. Javed Raja is the Managing Director at RECKLI Middle East. He sees the biggest developments in infrastructure projects and in residential and office buildings in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. For years, Saudi Arabia has been indulging in the most expensive projects.
FORMLINER
What characterizes a typical façade?
JAVED RAJA
Almost every building has an individual façade. Decorative glass fiber-reinforced concrete (GFRC) and pre-cast concrete elements definitely set the tone. Glass and aluminum façades are also widespread.
FORMLINER
What types of structures are RECKLI formliners predominantly used for?
JAVED RAJA
GFRC is very popular here, and is suitable for use with RECKLI formliners. As a result, a lot of RECKLI designs can be found as decorative elements on residential buildings. Not including individual designs, the most popular patterns have oriental motifs. In addition, architects for infrastructure projects also rely on our formliners.
FORMLINER
What are the challenges of working with architectural concrete?
JAVED RAJA
Despite all its love for detail, the market is increasingly price-oriented. We convince architects that the quality of our products and service are worth the prices we charge.
FORMLINER
Do you have a favorite project?
JAVED RAJA
My personal favorite is Masdar City. Our formliners were used there for a drape structure with an oriental-style floral motif.
