Dubai, United Arab Emirates project

X–Architects of Dubai have designed an urban complex called Xeritown that aims to be a more sustainable
mode of development than recent projects in the emirate.

The development, proposed for the emerging Dubailand urban district, aims to encourage a pedestrian-orientat ed lifestyle and minimise energy consumption.

The following information is from X–Architects:

Xeritown
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Xeritown is located in Dubailand, a new extension of the city towards the inland desert. Instead of considering the site as a Tabula Rasa “Xeritown” takes the desert and local climate as a con********* ********* ********* ***** within which the urban form emerges by working with the natural environment instead of against it.

The project Xeritown aims are:

* to consider environmental conditions (wind, sun, humidity) as generators of the urban form,
* to integrate landscape, architecture and infrastructure in one system where all the parts collaborate to create a socially rich environment,
* to consider sustainable design as an approach that permeates the entire design process, and not as simply finding technical solutions in the final phases,
* to encourage a pedestrian-orientat ed lifestyle in a city which is strongly car-oriented and minimize energy consumption through active and passive means at an urban level as well as user level,
* to conserve ecological resources like water, soil, flora and fauna to enhance the bio-diversity.

Dubai International Terminal

Atlantis Hotel in Dubai

Michael Schumacher World Champion Tower in Dubai

Construction For The Rotating Tower In Dubai To Begin This Month

A new look for Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates project

Dubai – pyramids city

hotel in Ras Al khaimah, United Arab Emirates

Dubai Museum of Middle East Modern Art

Dubai Opera House by Zaha Hadid

Several New Super Tower in Dubai Being Planned

The monumental Museum of Egypt is taking shape

The Grand Museum of Egypt’s design team, consisting of international multi disciplinary engineering consultancy Buro Happold, architects Hparc and Arup, has completed the submission of 5000 drawings to form the construction documentation for this major Egyptian artefact conservation project.
With this stage now completed, the client, the Egyptian Ministry of Culture is ready to announce the international tender for the construction of the buildings and the site.
The museum which has been personally sponsored by the President of Egypt, Hosny Mubarak and his wife, will preserve the heritage of its extensive collection for future generations; it will house 50,000 exhibits including the whole of Carter’s Tutankhamen collection, with the total number of exhibits rising to 100,000 in the future. To house the collection the gallery floor area will take up 25,000 sq m out of a total of 100,000 sq m built area.
The chosen site for the Museum is at the junction between dry desert and the fertile floodplain on the outskirts of Cairo nested between the ancient Great Pyramids and the modern city of Cairo. The concept behind the monumental project is to unite the modernity of this thriving modern city with the antiquities of the nearby pyramids. This is echoed in the designs for the museum which integrate engineering with architecture in every component of the building to reflect this great civilisation.
The bulk excavation of the earthworks necessary to create the clear site for the construction is well underway with thousands of truck movements planned over the coming months.

First glimpse of Guggenheim
 
 

  
  
Final phase of renovation external reveal fresh face for the “Temple of the Spirit”
In 1959, a monumental “Temple of the Spirit”, as named by the Guggenheim art adviser, Hilla Rebay, was born in the Solomon Guggenheim Museum in New York. Nearly half a century later, the Guggenheim in east towards a renaissance in the restoration of the exterior by architects Wank Adams Slavin Associates (WASA).
The original iconic building was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright seamless, a circular entity free of links to structural limitations. But over time this is the intention insouciance that has met the need to renovate the outside after the expansion and contraction have had serious consequences on the concrete encasement. WASA has worked on the restoration which includes the upgrading and analysis of the energy efficiency of windows and skylights in the building and sidewalk replacement.
As the concrete is poured for the last sidewalk replacement, the building took shape and the Guggenheim is actually restored. The levels of circular concrete outside the Museum offers a different perspective in Manhattan lively and encourage the eye up. The museum remained open during its semi-centennial, but soon the renovation of the building can reopen as a whole, free once more of the structural constraints of borders.

Grand Canal Square by
Martha Schwartz Partners
  

Landscape architects Martha Schwartz Partners have completed the Grand Canal Square project in Dublin, Ireland.

It is situated at the western end of Grand Canal Dock, 10000 square meters of public space is overlooked by the Grand Canal Theatre, designed by Daniel Libeskind and due for completion next year.

The € 8 million project consists of red resin-glass paving that extends into the water, dotted with red illuminated poles. Planted sections are arranged diagonally across the square.

The following information is from Martha Schwartz Partners:

Martha Schwartz Partners completes “Ireland is the first 21st Century village square”

Renowned landscape designer Martha Schwartz, Martha Schwartz Partners, has completed the Grand Canal Square project in Dublin. At 10000 square meters, this is one of the largest paved public spaces in Dublin, a city that is renowned for all the regenerative design.

This is a rare project, which is in the public space is itself the focus of € 8 million project, rather than individual buildings, and is widely considered the most innovative landscape design project ever taken in the country.

Square, which is located on the western end of Grand Canal Dock, is the house of shops, restaurants, The Grand Canal Theatre designed by Daniel Libeskind and Le Meridien 5-star hotel. On the square has proven itself to be in the center of town on a special Redevelopment of the city docklands.

Martha Schwartz, president of the company, said: “The use of light and space in luring the public, creating an interactive space that functions as a social magnet day and night.

“This is really a crucial function in the design, considering the regenerative purposes of development itself. In addition, the fact that the opening of a large, non-boćate body of water makes a unique space for Ireland, as such places have traditionally only occurred in Mediterranean cities, For example, Trieste and Venice. ”

The design is characterized by an unusual composition of red “carpet”. It extends from the theatre both in and beyond the dock, and then he moved to lush “green carpet” planters with lawns and vegetation. Red carpet is made from a light pitch-glass paving, covered with red glowing light angled bats. The green carpet of the polygon in the form of planters offers plenty of seating, and connects the new hotel, office development over the square. The planters feature marsh vegetation, which softens the space, and acts as a reminder to the historic wetland nature of the site.

Grand Canal Square is Criss-crossed by granite-paved path allows movement through space can be any direction, while also enabling the square in the army of large public events such as festivals and performances.

Even on his own, in the absence of performers and party-goers, the area becomes very theatrical in the dusk, when illuminated by colored lights, lighting designed by designers Speirs & Major Associates.

Research on the Grand Canal Square is initiated by assessing the history of the area, with the inspiration for the design, which stems from the existing landscape. From this premise, the use of granite – which was used on the original square – replicates the gray architecture Dublin, while in combination with green to play and lush, rural landscape, Ireland

About Martha Schwartz Partners Ltd.:

Martha Schwartz Partners (MSP) was founded in 1990 to provide a full range of services landscape design conceived and executed at the highest artistic level possible. Over the years, our practice has evolved from the countryside to provide services primarily for the private sector in urban areas of large public projects, the clearing of land and planning study on the complex web sites.

Along with the considerable talent and experience, MSP brings balance between environmental practices and aesthetics of national and international projects ranging in scale and scope of public plazas, parks, master plans, clearing, mixed-use development of art commissions and private residences.

Emphasizes projects:
Arts Centre-Mesa, Arizona, USA
– Grand Canal Square, Dublin, Ireland
Wood-mole, London, UK
– Exchange Square, Manchester, UK

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Secretary of State approves major mixed use development on London’s South Bank

Master-planned by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, the Doon Street scheme is set to stand adjacent to the National Theatre on Upper Ground London SE1. The mixed use development includes a 144.3 m, 48 storey slender residential tower of 329 flats with public uses at ground level, a new town square with lift and stairs to Waterloo Bridge, a public swimming and indoor leisure centre, Rambert Dance Company’s new headquarters and studios (designed by Allies & Morrison Architects) and an educational/ office building.

Despite receiving planning approval from Lambeth Council and the Mayor of London in 2007, objections relating to the size of the tower, the lack of affordable housing and the impacts on the views of London from St James’s Park and Somerset House were lodged by English Heritage and Westminster Council.

Following a public inquiry in March Secretary of State Hazel Blears issued an approval yesterday. Taking into account the high quality design of the building and technical virtuosity, Blears concluded that the delicate balance between landscape and buildings would not be seriously damaged by the appearance of the Doon Street tower despite agreeing that the proposed development fails to preserve a setting appropriate to Somerset House. However, she considered that the harm is somewhat mitigated by the non-visibility of the tower from the courtyard, and the variation in its visibility from the terrace, as well as by the fact that other more intrusive buildings are visible above the north range.

With regards to not providing affordable housing it was concluded that the inclusion of a sports centre and swimming pool at no public cost negated this necessity and that the increase in resident population would assist in local regeneration.

English Heritage are appalled by the decision stating: “The Secretary of State has not only overturned the advice of English Heritage as her expert advisors, but she has also chosen to decline the opinion of an independent Inspector. English Heritage finds it incomprehensible that her reason for doing so was because she considered that community benefits outweigh harm to the historic environment as though one must be at the sacrifice of the other. There are alternative options that would have provided the same community benefits but would have been more sensitive, without causing serious damage to historic buildings spaces and views. Obviously we do not consider this matter closed and we are considering our next steps and the options open to us.”

The decision is now subject to a six weeks period when appeals can be made to the High Court to overturn the decision. To be successful any appeal would have to show that the Secretary of State had not followed the proper legal process rather than on the merits of the case.

GS&P Nissan complex completes in Tennessee

Gresham, Smith and Partners have celebrated the grand opening of Nissan Americas’ corporate facility in Franklin, Tennessee. The striking 460,000 sq ft building was designed by GS&P to enhance Nissan’s employee efficiency while incorporating sustainability in both interior and exterior environments.

“Nissan Americas new facility is a wonderful work environment for the Nissan employees and a proud addition to the Middle Tennessee landscape,” stated Rob Traynham, director of Corporate Services for Nissan North America, Inc. “With the functional and creative design of the interior spaces and the sustainability elements such as sun shades and low-E glass, which give the facility a distinctive appearance, Nissan employees are thrilled to occupy this new building.”

The building incorporates many sustainable elements, most noticeable is the inclusion of 6 ft deep aluminum sunshade outriggers which extend around the perimeter of each floor to reduce solar heat gain and improve energy efficiency. Additional energy efficient details include the design of a green roof system, digital lighting controls, a chilled water plant and an under-floor air distribution system that provides a more comfortable and controllable environment for employees. Building materials, finishes and furnishings contain high quantities of recycled content and/or low VOC’s for improved indoor air quality.

Existing on-site wetlands were improved and will add a unique natural amenity to be enjoyed by employees and visitors to the 50-acre site. More than 50,000 plantings were also added to the wetlands area. Rain gardens and ponds are integrated into the overall site and landscape design and outdoor gathering spaces were created for company and public use.

The 10-story structure is one of the largest office buildings in Franklin and will serve the needs of more than 1,500 Nissan employees.

In addition to architectural services, GS&P provided site master planning, conceptual design, workplace strategy, interior design, environmental graphics, landscape architecture, structural engineering and civil engineering services.

Dutch architect Erick van Egeraat has completed the new City Hall at Grave in the Netherlands.

Here’s the lowdown from the Erick van Egeraat Associated Architects:

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Erick van Egeraat designs for unity and diversity

Rotterdam, 25 August 2008 – The new building for the City Hall in Grave, designed by Erick van Egeraat, was officially opened this summer. The municipality shares the building with housing corporation Maasland and the regional historic archive of the Province of North Brabant, BHIC.

Seen from a distance, the building presents itself as a singular ensemble. Up close, however, specific identities of the users become
apparent. The three parties present themselves to the public in the main entrance hall, an open environment on the ground floor, thereby
stimulating interaction among the tenants and between tenants and visitors.

The building is part of a masterplan developed by EEA for Grave in 1998. The masterplan distinguishes between two zones; the historic centre of Grave and the green space surrounding the old fortress. The new city hall is situated on the border between these two zones, on the exact location of the former fortification. The city hall’s design refers to both, the historic centre and the surrounding landscape.

According to Erick van Egeraat, this urban transition influenced his design significantly: “I wanted the building to blend into its
environment unobtrusively, while making it very accessible to the public. We mainly used natural materials, such as wood, natural stone and a grass roof. The design is sturdy and subtle at the same time. In this manner, the city hall opens itself towards the entrance of the town
and invites the public to enter.”

The surroundings were not only an inspiration for the building’s materials, but also influenced its shape. The fluent form of the complex refers to the former city walls, the interior structure of the building integrates the town’s characteristic alleyways as a theme into its
layout: “At the front, the building establishes itself as a city wall, with the office of housing corporation Maasland marking the highest and
most prominent point; the back side, where the building encloses a public square, has a smaller-scale appearance.”

“Typical for this design is the unity and diversity,” says Erick van Egeraat. “The complex unites three very different tenants under one
roof, it has an open character and it blends into its historic surroundings.”

The future of the skyscraper?

New York-based eVolo Architecture has published a book on the future of the skyscraper, presenting the best 60 projects arising from an ideas competition the firm has been running annually since 2006.

The idea behind the competition, which has received nearly 1,000 entries from around the world, is to speculate about the reality and future of the skyscraper, exploring new ideas and concepts for vertical density, eVolo said.

The brief calls for designs that take into consideration the historical and social context, the existing human scale and the environment. There is no restriction of height or shape in a bid to give architects the freedom to produce creative and innovative design.

2008’s winner (pictured above) was Elie Gamburg who designed a 270m tower sited above the existing Belaruskia train station in Moscow.