Taking Off

by travel-expert José Berrocoso

THE ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS OF DUBAI

In a city known for superlatives, you’ll find eye-popping architecture on every corner. From the world’s tallest tower and most luxurious hotel to space-age structures that defy gravity.

Architectural styles in Dubai have changed significantly in recent years. While architecture was initially traditional, Dubai’s current modernist architecture features innovative exposed-glass walls, stepped ascending spirals and designs that offer subtle nods to traditional Arabic motifs. When the World Trade Centre was erected in 1979, it stood as the sole skyscraper in a mostly empty desert. Many observers scratched their heads, wondering what the point was of a high-rise in the still sleepy town. Even as late as 1990, most of Sheikh Zayed Road remained an empty sandpit. But today, the World Trade Centre appears antiquated next to the sleek high-rises that stretch as far as the eye can see. Building materials used for Dubai skyscrapers are simple, with most structures made of concrete and glass. Most of the taller buildings in Dubai are residential, with some buildings also designated for commercial purposes. The most recent innovation to architecture in Dubai is the 3-printed construction of structures. Dubai is home to the world’s first-ever 3D-printed office and a 3D-printed two-storey building. It’s remarkable how far the architecture in Dubai has come and it looks like the city has plenty of exciting new additions coming soon!

The symbol of Dubai

One of the most prominent displays of Dubai’s modern architecture is the Burj Khalifa. Since its completion in 2008, the Burj Khalifa remains the tallest building in the world with a total height of 2,722 ft. The building was designed to be the symbol of Dubai – unique, progressive and touching new heights. Its design is inspired by Islamic architecture, rising up from a flat desert foundation in a spiral pattern. Each cross-section of the tower is aligned to minimize vibration from the wind. At the top of this grand structure is a 660-foot-high steel spire that houses communication equipment. The symbol of Dubai was designed by Chicagobased firm Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the winners of an invited design competition, and features a triple-lobed footprint inspired by the spider lily flower.

Burj Al Arab

Created by architect Tom Wright to resemble the billowing sail of an Arabian dhow, the massive Burj Al Arab (which translates to "Arabian Tower") extends 321m (1,053 ft.) to the sky. The iconic structure, which rises from its own man-made island, dominates the Jumeirah Beach coastline, eclipsing the wavelike-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel just in front. The Burj is made of a steel frame exterior wrapped around a concrete tower, with white Teflon-coated fiberglass forming the building's white "sail." At night, the Burj is lit up in a spectacular show of changing colors. A helipad and glass-enclosed restaurant extend from the top. The expensive hotel features the world's largest atrium, and the opulent interior design includes 8,000 sq. meters (86,111 sq. ft.) of 22-carat gold leaf.

Dubai Frame

Nowhere in the world is the clash of old and new more apparent than Dubai. In the north of the city, Old Dubai is a maze of alleyways, lively souks and centuries-old fortresses. To the south, the Downtown Dubai skyline looks to have been plucked straight from the script for “Blade Runner.” Perfectly positioned between the two, the Dubai Frame in Zabeel Park captures that juxtaposition, presenting scenes of the “old” from one side, and the “new” from the other. Dubbed the largest picture frame in the world at 492-feet-high and 344-feet-wide, the gold structure opened in January 2018, offering visitors 360-degree views from the glass-bottomed bridge that spans the top of the frame.

Dubai’s home for future innovation

The Museum of the Future will feature interesting displays explaining how technology can evolve in the next 20 years. Founded by the Dubai Future Foundation, the museum will demonstrate how technology can enhance our bodies and minds, as well as manage social and economic solutions. The museum’s framework, comprising 2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members, was completed in November 2018; the facade panels now are being lifted into place. The museum is due to open. The architectural world defines the futuristic shape of the museum as a torus with an elliptical void, but a giant hula hoop might be a more accessible point of reference. Together, the calligraphy and the building’s unconventional shape have made this one of the most complex construction projects ever attempted.

Much more

The largest artificial islands in the world sit off the coast of Dubai in the Gulf. Collectively, the Palm Islands are considered by some to be an Eighth Wonder of the World. The Bluewaters Islands is the latest addition. A new vibrant destination that combines architectural, entertainment and theatrical lighting by neolight. The iconic destination is also home to the tallest Ferris wheel in the world, the Ain Dubai, along with one of the most famous hotels, Caesars Palace and 200 exclusive shops and restaurants. The Meydan Bridge in Dubai is an architectural marvel. Connecting the Meydan hotel to the main road, its undulating wave form and striking construction are seen by millions every year. In order to elevate the prominence of this route and to create an architectural landmark in the city, it was decided that the bridge should be illuminated.