Shereen Shabnam
When GTM explored the idea of featuring Boubker Benjelloun in the magazine, it quickly became clear we were going to meet a visionary who sees architecture as far more than a skyline-defining pursuit. Known for shaping landmark projects like Como Tower, Solara Tower, and the record-breaking Meta Stadium, Boubker has redefined what it means to create with purpose. Yet beyond the shimmering glass facades and bold geometries lies a deeper mission: building communities and transforming lives through The B. Foundation, his humanitarian platform active across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. In this conversation, we explore how Benjelloun is weaving social impact into luxury real estate, and why he believes that great design should always serve a higher calling.
With Benjelloun & Partners, you have helped shape iconic skylines across Dubai and beyond. What drives your creative vision when conceptualizing such monumental structures?
For me, architecture is never just about height or form. It is about meaning. I am drawn to ideas that evoke emotion and create a sense of place. That’s the starting point for everything I design.
With COMO Residences, we took inspiration from nature – the curves of the sea, the openness of the sky, the movement of wind. Each level is distinct, creating a dynamic vertical form that evolves as it rises. The vertical greenery, which earned it the nickname Waterfall of the Greens, reflects our belief that buildings should not just exist in a city, but grow with it. It’s a building that offers privacy, panoramic views, and a connection to the natural world — all in one.
Solara Tower came from a very different energy. In the heart of the city, we wanted to create stillness. The design blends soft textures and muted tones with open layouts and indoor greenery, bringing Zen-like calm to urban living. We rethought the typical high-rise layout by starting with smaller units and expanding upward — so the sense of space grows with the building itself.
Then there’s Meta Stadium, which looks to the future. Its elevated circular form represents strength, possibility, and progress. The vibrant bands that wrap around the façade express creativity and unity, while the lighting gives the building a presence that constantly shifts. From sustainable materials to inclusive design features, the stadium reflects Dubai’s forward-thinking spirit — bold, diverse, and optimistic. In all these projects, the goal is the same: to design spaces that don’t just serve a function, but stir something deeper.
How do you balance luxury and functionality in your designs, particularly in projects like Solara Tower, where aesthetics must meet the demands of modern urban living?
For us, luxury isn’t about excess. It is about intentional design that supports how people actually live. In Solara Tower, we focused on creating a calm, elegant environment within the energy of the city. Natural materials, open layouts, and integrated greenery all contribute to a sense of serenity, while still delivering high performance in terms of space, flow, and light. That balance between visual simplicity and functional depth is what earned Solara the Innovation in Architecture Award. It proves that true luxury lies in thoughtful design – where form, feeling, and livability come together seamlessly.
Through The B. Foundation, you have launched impactful projects across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. What inspired you to embed humanitarian work into your architectural journey?
The B. Foundation was never a side project. It is a core part of how I define impact.
Transforming lives is not an act of charity but a commitment to humanity. From the very beginning, I believed that the discipline and creativity we bring to architecture could be applied to much deeper challenges. The foundation was created to channel that same thinking toward communities that are often overlooked — places that don’t need temporary aid, but long-term, sustainable solutions. Rooted in the principles of equity, sustainability, and empowerment, the foundation focuses on creating meaningful change through innovative and community-driven projects, particularly across Africa and other parts of Asia. One of our earliest projects involved rebuilding a rural village from the ground up, implementing clean water systems, education infrastructure, safe housing, and agricultural support. That experience shaped our approach: listen first, build responsibly, and create systems that support dignity and self-reliance. This work is not separate from architecture but an extension of it. We are still building. We are still designing. But instead of glass towers, we are creating foundations for a better future.
Can you share a specific project led by The B. Foundation that you feel best represents your mission to build not just structures, but communities?
One of the meaningful projects we have led was in Ethiopia, where we developed self-sufficient schools that go far beyond traditional education. These schools integrate agricultural and vocational training into the curriculum — teaching children practical life skills while also supporting the broader community.
The idea wasn’t just to build classrooms, but to create a sustainable ecosystem — where students learn, families benefit, and the entire village becomes more resilient over time. Alongside this, we launched reforestation efforts to combat soil erosion and improve environmental conditions, as well as food distribution programs to serve remote and underserved areas like Mond. This project reflects the foundation’s mission to design with purpose, empower communities, and create long-term systems that people can sustain on their own. It is about building more than structures — it’s about shaping lives.
In an age where architecture is often commodified, how do you ensure your work remains rooted in cultural authenticity and social purpose?
By starting with listening. Every place has its own story, and I believe architecture should reflect that, not erase it. Whether it’s a tower in Dubai or a rural community project, we design with sensitivity to context, culture, and the people who will experience it. We also focus on purpose. What impact will this space have? Who does it serve? Asking those questions keeps our work grounded — not just in design, but in meaning. In a fast-moving industry, we choose depth over speed. That is what makes the work lasting.
Dubai is a city known for pushing architectural boundaries. In what ways have the city’s energy and ambition influenced your approach to design and community development?
Dubai’s pace and ambition encourage bold thinking. It is a place where new ideas are not only welcomed, but expected. That kind of environment gave me the freedom to pursue projects like COMO Residences and Solara Tower, where innovation, scale, and expressive design are embraced. At the same time, the city’s diversity and rapid growth have made me more conscious of the responsibility we carry as designers. We are not just shaping skylines — we are shaping how people live, connect, and experience the city. That is why community and context are always at the heart of what we build. Dubai has taught me that innovation and responsibility must go hand in hand and that great design should serve both ambition and humanity.
Sustainability is a growing conversation in architecture. How do your projects reflect environmental responsibility—both in luxury builds and your foundation’s initiatives?
For us, sustainability isn’t an afterthought — it’s considered from the earliest stages of design. In COMO Residences, for example, we integrated vertical greenery not only as a visual statement, but as a way to soften the urban environment and promote a stronger connection to nature. It reflects our belief that even high-end developments should contribute positively to their surroundings. Through The B. Foundation, sustainability means working with local materials, empowering local communities, and building systems that are designed to last. Whether it’s reforestation efforts, agricultural support, or self-sufficient schools, our focus is always on creating long-term environmental and social resilience.
Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave through both your architectural achievements and your philanthropic efforts with The B. Foundation?
I would like my legacy to reflect a simple idea: that design, when guided by conscience, can create real, lasting change.
The work we do through The B. Foundation is grounded in that belief. We focus on practical solutions — building schools that teach life skills, planting trees that restore land, creating infrastructure that supports independence. It’s not about large gestures, but quiet, sustained efforts that allow communities to stand on their own.
This philosophy mirrors the essence of Architecture for Humanity, using architecture not as a symbol of status, but as a tool for progress. I don’t separate design from purpose; to me, they are one and the same. If the work I have done helps shift that conversation — from architecture as product to architecture as service, then that’s the legacy I would be proud to leave behind.
