| Category | Urban Planning | Retail | Hospitality | Residential |
|---|---|
| Year | 2020 |
| Size | 235,600sqm |
Projects
Deira Waterfront
The Living Gallery
Strategically located in close proximity to the breath-taking Dubai Creek and historic Gold Souq, the waterfront project is a mixed-use development spanning across eight plots of prime land. Deira Waterfront is a gateway between the old and the new. Conceptualised as a Living Gallery from the onset, the design focuses on crafting a myriad of experiences through a curated plethora of connected, vibrant and diverse spaces.
The eight plots of land are characterised into three key precincts, each adjacent to a different context – the Gold Souq and adjacent future developments, the Deira Wharfage, and the business hotels cityscapes. Informed by the unique spatial context, distinct design characteristics are articulated within each precinct through varying roof features, fenestration expressions, materiality and ornamental details.
Details
The organising principle of the architectural forms within each plot is derived from the Traditional Dubai Design Morphology. Through this response, building volumes are distributed to the periphery of the plot and arranged around an open courtyard, which serves as flexible and multivalent plaza spaces that encourage social gatherings and outdoor events. The urban grain of the old city is retained and extended into the development with all plots remaining connected via narrow alleys, forming sikkas. These shaded sikkas are consciously designed to the human scale and carefully positioned to improve walkability; ensuring a clear line of sight to the internal courtyards while permitting prevailing air to pass through. Such a hierarchy of space between the narrow sikka, open courtyards, and retail and dining spaces come together creating an inviting and comfortable environment.
Paying homage to the rich traditions with a modern interpretation, we introduce traditional textures and materiality through modern material. The combined design result is a spatial and architectural language that is at once unique and reminiscent of the Dubai culture while tailoring to the local climatic conditions.
Resonating consistently within all plots is the inspiration drawn from traditional Dubai architecture while interweaving contemporary nuances to create a new urban fabric. The aesthetics of the cylindrical forms derived from landmark towers of the past, are translated in the design to address strategic junctions along the main boulevard through the introduction of multimedia walls and displays at the corners of the buildings. This creates interest and fosters a sense of identity; and at the same time serves as recognisable nodal points for intuitive wayfinding and social place-making.
Cultural influences are further translated into the façade aesthetics including the building crowns, ornaments and decorative motifs to achieve a corrugated skyline that is representative of heritage buildings in Dubai. The design is fundamentally a modern interpretation abstracted from the elements of traditional architecture in Dubai.
Through the creation of a lively community built on traditions and historicity, the Deira Enrichment Project will provide a holistic Living Gallery engaging the five senses, piquing interest through a harmonious blend of exciting activities.
Specialist Services
Integrated services provided for this project.
AWARDS
| 2020 |
SGBuild Awards 2020, Consultant Category, Winner Deira Waterfront Development Phase 1 |
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