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29 March 2024

Designs for iconic structure sought

Published
By Joseph George
 

(KHAMEIS AL HEFAITY)   


 

Architects from around the world were on Tuesday invited to present designs for an iconic structure intended to become a new symbol of Dubai. The landmark in Zabeel Park would represent the city in the way the Eiffel Tower epitomises Paris or the Opera House is an integral part of Sydney, Australia.

 

Dubai Municipality, in association with ThyssenKrupp Elevator, is asking architects to take part in a competition to find a design.

 

“The new structure will be a unique project in the world and will become the face of Dubai Municipality and the city,” Hussain Nasser Lootah, Acting Director-General of the municipality, told Emirates Business.

 

“The creation of an emblematic building will promote tourism, recreational and cultural activities.”

 

“Paris has the Eiffel Tower, Sydney has the Opera House and it’s about time we had a new iconic structure. I am hoping the architects will come up with a brilliant design. We will decide whether or not to build it after reviewing the winning design.”

 

The maximum height of the structure will be 170m due to regulations imposed by civil aviation officials.

 

The winner of the competition will receive the ThyssenKrupp Elevator Architecture Award, which is to be staged in Dubai under the auspices of the International Union of Architects.

 

The lift manufacturer has been organising the event since it was established in 1988. This will be the first time the competition has been held in the Middle East.

 

“Dubai has one of the most impressive skylines in the world and is already an extraordinary destination for global business, commerce and travel,” said Javier del Pozo, CEO of ThyssenKrupp Elevator Southern Europe, Africa and Middle East. “There is no better place to organise the event.”

 

“The award gives an overview of the current direction of today’s commercial, corporate, institutional, and community architecture work at an international level. In addition it provides insights into the contemporary directions of architecture and design relative to environment, ecology and sustainability.”

 

The registration period for the competition starts on Wednesday and the winner will be selected in May 2009 by a jury of leading architects from seven countries plus business professionals.

 

“We look forward to receiving a broad range of concepts for the structure,” added del Pozo. “We are seeking a unique state-of-the-art design that will provide a return on investment for the public good and attend to issues of green building and the local climate.”

 

 

Essentials

 

- The proposed structure will not exceed 170m.

- A designer may consider any appropriate innovative forms, construction technique and materials and may consider green building principles.

- The structure will contain a podium of up to two storeys for cultural and conference facilities, including a children’s library and a conference space for 100 people. The floor area of these will be about 800 sqm.
- It will have a café (150sqm) at higher altitude with outdoor viewing platforms.
- It will not include commercial offices or residential premises.