How Would Dubai Look In the Future?

via Gizmodo by Jesus Diaz

Ah Dubai, you and your glittery airports and your insane skyscrapers and your Death Star Island. If you don't fall into the desert first, this is how you may look in the future.

For some reason, some production company thought it would be nice to promote themselves using an annoying fake trailer depicting a futuristic version of Dubai. I don't care. I just like the coruscantbladerunnery of it all. I wish they included the one kilometer-high Nakheel Tower, though.

Utopia One: Dubai Tall Emblem Structure

via Designboom - Weblog on 5/25/09


'utopia one', base  by cesar bobonis-zequeira, ivan perez-rossello and teresita del valle
all images courtesy ivan perez-rossello

cesar bobonis-zequeira, ivan perez-rossello and teresita del valle designed 'utopia one'
for the dubai tall emblem structure competition in zaabeel park.

the tower and its elements are composed of materials that resemble a smooth 
sculptural piece that are integrated into the park. the base behaves as a single unit 
housing the programmed spaces, entry areas and existing walkways. form creates 
a courtyard intended for gatherings and general leisure.  conceptually, the structure 
reacts to the gravitational forces that act upon it self and gives the allusion of hovering
above the ground. the tower grows from the base element becoming an extension of 
the sculpture giving way to the observation deck.  the elevator is constructed of glass 
all around and encased inside a shaft with a glass exterior to permit views to the outside 
as one rises.  the observation deck (oculus platform) is formed by a ring that supports
a glass floor intended to give the sensation of flight.

nano-cell technology will be integrated to the exterior skin of the building, providing 
a portion of the energy to run the elevator systems, hvac systems and electrical systems.
nano-cell technology is a thin photovoltaic film bonded to metal surfaces.  heat sensitive 
glass reacts to the sun’s position and controls the heat gain in the glassed surfaces.  
water management features will reuse grey water for irrigation and provide water for 
the hvac systems.


'utopia one', base 


'utopia one' tower


'utopia one' power, through nano technology


inside the viewing platform


bird's eye view of 'utopia one'

Petra Architects: 'Blossoming Dubai'

via Designboom - Weblog on 5/22/09

'blossoming dubai' by petra architects
image courtesy petra architects

greek firm petra architects have designed 'blossoming dubai' for their proposal for
the zaabeel park tall emblem structure competition.

they based their design on the form of a blossoming flower. the tower is equipped 
with two elevators running on spiral rails (spiral of the most simple geometry turning 
135 degrees while ascending 138 meters). these lifts ascend from lower ground floor 
(where the visitors enter) to the cafeteria level and the viewing platform above. 
apart from the previously mentioned elevators that can cover all visitor access 
(including disabled access), there are also two staircases fitted in the spiraling elements 
of the building. the latter can be used on an emergency case.

spaces:
main building access is on the ground floor and through the two symmetrical structures 
located on each side of the tower’s base. one of the structures houses the children’s library 
while providing (through skylights) an excellent view of the tower above. the children have 
the chance to use both the enclosed library as well as part of the park outside. the conference 
rooms are located on the lower ground floor offering a more controlled environment. all this
area is flooded with natural light from skylight-like holes on the ground above while framing 
views of the tower. the building’s cafeteria is located 135 meters above ground and provides 
a 360 degree view of dubai and the surrounding zaabeel park. there are also two staircases 
connecting the cafeteria level with the viewing platform above providing a connection 
between the two.


'blossoming dubai' 
image courtesy petra architects


bird's eye view of 'blossoming dubai' in zaabeel park
image courtesy petra architects


blossoming flower concept
image courtesy petra architects

"Cloud City" Tall Emblem Structure, Zaabeel Park, Dubai

via Designboom - Weblog on 5/15/09

'cloud city', zaabeel park, dubai by architectures david tajchman
image courtesy david tajchman

here is architectures david tajchman's proposal for the tall emblem structure, 
located in the zaabeel park dubai.

standing at 170 meters tall 'cloud city' consists of a three level platform. 
the first level is the children's library which is designed with inclined surfaces. 
at the second level are three auditoriums, which can be configured in various 
ways that rotate around the elevators axis. the upper floor is located above 
the auditorium is a panoramic restaurant also rotating 360 degrees.


'cloud city'
image courtesy david tajchman


'cloud city'
image courtesy david tajchman


'cloud city'
image courtesy david tajchman


'cloud city'
image courtesy david tajchman

an underground park is located in the park, under the pond, prohibiting cars to 
be driven in the park. natural light crosses the water to light up the parking, while 
at night artificial light from the parking lights up the water surface of the pond.
a footbridge at water level crosses the pond, bringing visitors to the elevators core.

four legs made of white perforated concrete surround three elevators and an emergency
staircase leading visitors to a cloud city. each elevator is a transparent capsule that 
provide views of the city through holes in the concrete structure. at night, elevators 
are illuminated displaying their progression in altitude.


interior of 'cloud city'
image courtesy david tajchman







'cloud city' children's library
image courtesy david tajchman

The YAS Hotel, Abu Dhabi

via Designboom - Weblog on 5/14/09

the yas hotel, abu dhabi, uae 2007–2009
by asymptote: hani rashid + lise anne couture
image courtesy asymptote architecture


the yas hotel, abu dhabi, uae 2007–2009
by asymptote: hani rashid + lise anne couture
image courtesy asymptote architecture


the yas hotel, abu dhabi, uae 2007–2009
by asymptote: hani rashid + lise anne couture
image courtesy asymptote architecture

new york based asymptote architecture is nearing completion of their yas hotel project,
in abu dhabi, uae. the yas hotel is a 500-room, 85,000-square-meter complex which is
due to open on october 30, 2009 to coincide with the formula 1 etihad airways,
abu dhabi grand prix.

the yas hotel is part of the ambitious 36-billion-dollar yas marina development 
and accompanying formula 1 raceway circuit, which is also near completion. 

the main feature of the project's design is a 217-meter expanse of sweeping, curvilinear 
forms constructed of steel and 5,800 pivoting diamond-shaped glass panels. this grid 
shell component affords the building an architecture comprised of an atmospheric
like veil that contains two hotel towers and a link bridge constructed as a monocoque 
sculpted steel object passing above the formula 1 track that makes its way through 
the building complex. the grid-shell visually connects and fuses the entire complex 
together while producing optical effects and spectral reflections that play against the 
surrounding sky, sea and desert landscape. the architecture as a whole 'performs' as 
both an environmentallyresponsive solution as well as an architecture of spectacle 
and event. 


the yas hotel, abu dhabi, uae 2007–2009
by asymptote: hani rashid + lise anne couture
image courtesy asymptote architecture


the yas hotel, abu dhabi, uae 2007–2009
by asymptote: hani rashid + lise anne couture
image courtesy asymptote architecture


the yas hotel facade with glass panels
image courtesy asymptote architecture