This International Architecture Competition is called in order to select the Architect who will be entrusted with the architectural design idea of a Tall Emblem Structure to promote the new face of Dubai located in Za’abeel Park in the centre of the city, with views over the main transport artery Sheikh Zayed Road and surrounding skyscrapers as well as other relevant areas of the city. The winning design may be built by the Dubai Municipality subject to the approval and adoption of H.H. the Ruler of Dubai.
- The same structure should serve to promote tourism and other recreational, scientific and cultural activities.
- Its architectural conception must endeavour to create spaces suitable for achieving these aims under optimal ambient and functional conditions.
- It should have a unique state of the art design suited to Dubai’s socio-cultural reality and urban contexts.
Providing guidance with regard to the Competition’s aims while maintaining a high degree of freedom of design, as well guaranteeing absolute anonymity, are deemed to be indispensable conditions of this competition.
Basic Concept:
Indicative development program
The competitors shall design a tall emblem structure and consider the following aspects:
- It shall be a tall and unique landmark. The maximum total height of the Structure shall not exceed 170m DMD. It should be noted that the Competition Site is located adjacent to the parameter of Dubai International Airport Aviation Corridor (map available showing indicative height constraints).
- The built form should provide a meaning and symbolizing the significant new face of Dubai and/or refer to its historical development.
- The Structure shall not include commercial offices and residential premises.
- The existing buildings (restaurant, public toilets, and services building) adjacent to the Competition Site must be preserved and incorporated in the vision of the proposal.
- The proposal must preserve, consider and incorporate the landscape elements adjacent to the Competition Site.
- The proposal shall contain up to 2 storey podium for cultural and conference facilities. The latter shall include local children library; and a conference space for a total of 100 persons that can be divided into 3 conference rooms where required. The total floor area for such facilities shall be approximately 800 sq.m. A basement parking for 30 car may be considered as well.
- The proposal shall contain a café (total floor area 150 sq.m) at higher appropriate altitude with additional viewing outdoor platforms as per the designer suggestion. The café can be on 2 levels.
- The design of the library and café shall be conceptual at this stage (shell and core- showing entrance, major circulation and spaces).
- The designer may consider any appropriate innovative forms, construction technique, and materials.
- The proposal shall be responsive to local climate condition and the green building principles where appropriate; townscape and scenic aspects; and wind-force and seismic aspects in the region (we shall provide more info about the wind and codes….etc).
The floor areas are indicative. It is our intention not to provide further details to the participants in order not to limit the design flair of the participants in the competition.
The following mapping and photos are available on the Competition website as well:
Related Structural Guidelines:
In accordance with the current Dubai Municipality document 'Building Regulations and Specifications' the following data shall be observed:
- Wind Load: according to British Standards: BS6399, Part 2, 1995; or CP3: Chapter V: Part 2, 1972. And the basic wind speed in the Emirate of Dubai is taken as 45m/s.
- Seismic Load: according to (UBC) Uniform Building Code – USA - Chapter 16: Division lll to V, 1997. Intensity factor for Zone (2A). Soil factor (Se) for coastal area; and (Sa to Sd) for rocky and mountain areas.
- At future detail design stages of the proposal, the Site shall be subject to geotechnical investigation.