The Land of Dubai, What's Next?

The financial crisis of 2008 has left Dubai in limbo, many projects have been halted or suspended, while others completely canceled. It will be interesting to see what's next for this mega-project city. Here is a look at a few projects already in the pipeline, and should see in the next few years.

The Trump International Hotel & Tower, located on The Palm Jumeirah, will be a ultra-luxury mixed-use residence and hotel in Dubai. It was going to be developed by Al Nakhee, one of Dubai's largest developers, who did the Palm Islands, The World, International City and many other projects. Check out Al Nakhee's website for more of their projects. The architectural firm W.S. Atkins is behind the design for the Trump Tower, and other amazing projects can be seen at their website as well, W.S. Atkins!

Another project currently on hold is the Dubai Towers, which is part of a larger design project in the area of Dubai Creek. Architectural firm TVS Design continues to produce amazing works, and hopefully someday Dubai Towers will become a reality. Check out TVS Design's other work at their website, TVSDesign!

And when the tallest and most innovative skyscrapers just aren't enough, there is an underwater hotel! The world's first underwater hotel, the Hydropolis, was scheduled to be built by 2006, but because of delays is scheduled to open sometime by 2013, but who knows if it will ever become a reality. This underwater marvel was designed by German architect Joachim Hauser.

Along with the Burj Dubai and Burj al-Arab detailed in Part 1, Dubai continues to produce some of the World's most amazing structures ever built or at least designed!

The Land of Dubai

Recent financial news has brought Dubai more into the spotlight as one of the world's most innovative and unpredictable architectural hot spots. Check out these photos!

The Burj Dubai is the World's tallest building at 2,684 feet and has an amazing 160 floors.

It was developed by Emaar Properties, a Dubai based company that has grown over the 12 years since it begin in 1997 to one of Dubai's if not one of the World's greatest developers. Architects Skidmore Owings and Merrill continue to pump out amazing designs, check back next week for a more detailed look at their work, or check out their site!

Burj Dubai image atop spire

The Burj al-Arab is claimed to be the most luxurious hotel in the World, with a private chauffeur in a Rolls-Royce transfer service from the airport for those that are afraid of heights and do not want to take the helicopter. Includes private beaches, tennis court pad suspended near the top of the structure and all the amenities you would expect at $2000- $4000 USD a night. Architect Tom Wright's design portrays the sail of a boat and is an iconic structure for Dubai. Check back in two weeks for a more in-depth look at Tom Wright's work, or check out his website!

Stay tuned for part 2 of The Land of Dubai

I'm Back!

Hey everyone, I know I was MIA for a few months, but with good reason. I am applying for a Master's in Urban or City and Regional Planning program for next fall. I have been preparing to apply; taking the GRE, writing statements, researching schools, talking to professors, and finally today I submitted my first application! Now it I just need to fill out a few more applications and send them off in the next month or so. I plan to keep everyone informed and to post information about the schools I am applying to as well. Here is a little sampler from the first school, University of California, Berkeley...

University of California, Berkeley's City and Regional Planning program is ranked second in the United States according to Planetizen 2009 Guide to Graduate Urban Planning Programs. The College of Environmental Design is proud to celebrate its 50th Anniversary this year and under its new direction of Dean Jennifer Wolch. Wolch's background includes urban analysis in looking at homelessness and affordable housing and human services for poor people, as well as connections between city form, physical activity and public health. Berkeley is home to many other world renowned professors and faculty. Stay tuned for more information about what Berkeley is doing to change the way we live...

Mondays Special #3

This tribute goes to one of the greatest architects, at least in my opinion, Bernard Khoury.  I might also be impartial to his work since he was the first architect I saw speak while at ASU.

Khoury talked about project designs for multi-millionaires, billionaires and corporations all around the middle east.  He enjoys his elite clients and his projects show that.

Here are some of his works...

Residence Project

A night club built on an old refuge site in Lebanon

Another night club/restaurant

Check out more of his work at his website.

Cruiser Dos

I haven't decided what to call my second beach cruiser 

i've fixed up and refinished, even though it might just end up being 

"The Project 2"

This bike is modeled after old-school "Bobber" style bikes.... like the one below. 

 

Someday....

Monday's Special #2

Many are familiar with the street graffiti work of Banksy, but here is a little more about him and his movement.  He was born in 1974 in Bristol, England.  His works are often satirical pieces on topics such as politics, culture, and ethics.

As of date he has hundreds of street works and is featured in various art galleries and museums.  Another one of his more famous pieces:

"If you have a statue in the city centre, you could go past it every day on your way to school and never even notice it, right - but as soon as someone puts a traffic cone on its head, you've made your own sculpture."

-Banksy

Check out more of his works at Banksy!

Monday's Special

Each Monday I will be posting a piece about an artist, designer, architect, or just someone doing remarkable things around the world.  This is my way of learning and being inspired by the great minds and artists while giving credit where I feel is due...  

Vernor Panton

(1926–1998)

One of Denmark's most 

influential 20th-century

furniture and interior designers. 

"Most people spend their lives living in dreary, beige conformity, mortally afraid of using colours. The main purpose of my work is to provoke people into using their imagination and make their surroundings more exciting."  - Verner Panton  

To find out more information of his work and life, click here.