Culture

Guy recently spent less than 48 hours in Baku to make a presentation to a client. Luckily, he made some time to jot down a few reflections from his trip for us.

9 February 2012

It's a cold, grey day here in Baku but at least it stopped snowing.  We had a bit of a wild ride on the flight into Baku last night as it was very windy, but overall, given the distances involved in getting here, and the long layover in Istanbul, the trip went well.  A number of cars were off the side of the road on the way into town from the airport, although I was riding in a 4WD SUV and had no problem.  We stopped and helped one driver in a Volvo who had spun out and ended up straddling a concrete median strip.  Contrary to what would happen in the States, about 10 cars stopped along the busy road to help, the good Samaritans literally lifting the car up and placing it back on the road.  I checked into the Excelsior Hotel, which is located across the main road from Zaha Hadid's Performing Arts Center now under construction–a year late and significantly over budget.  It also looks like they are having a difficult time figuring out some of the construction details.  I was told that the entire glass curtain wall was rejected.   A new high-rise office tower and shopping mall is planned for the site adjacent to the hotel and we (FXFOWLE) have been told that we will design them.  Hopefully, that work will start soon but I would be happy to wait until warmer weather.

Our presentation of the interior design for the Qalaalti Spa went well.  The building design is inspired by the rugged mountain terrain of the site, and modern in its form and materials. On the interiors, we are attempting to balance the modern aesthetic with a more eclectic and somewhat residential feel.  It is not a design direction that is typical in Azerbaijan but we are making progress.  Our client is very appreciative and supportive of what we are trying to do.

 10 February 2012

I woke up at 5:00 AM to get ready to depart for the airport.  It is snowing lightly again but Turkish Airlines shows the flight to be on time.  After a short drive to the airport and checking in, I settled into the Business Class lounge to await boarding.  After a bit of a delay, and de-icing of the plane, we departed about an hour late from Baku on our way to Istanbul.  The flight was uneventful but nerve racking because of the delay.  After landing and having to wait for a gate to open, I ended up with 20 minutes to make the flight to New York.  I was the first one out of the jetway, and thankfully Turkish Airlines was waiting with an agent ready to escort me directly to the departure gate.  We cleared security without stopping longer than to show my passport and boarding pass, and then proceeding through the x-ray screening at the gate.

The journey to Baku is long, especially being there for only one day of meetings but it is worth it.  Azerbaijan is an emerging country with many of the issues that come with growth and development.  There is concern about a "build it and they will come" approach as evidenced in the many high-rise buildings under construction, but as opposed to places like Dubai, there is a more palpable fabric and history to Baku that provides it with a strong foundation.  I look forward to returning.