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...