It’s said that nothing is impossible. Well, you should be already used to such remarks and try to find them quite realistic, especially when we refer to architecture and design. Technology has developed so much in recent years and will continue to evolve, so that only financial resurses and our mind will establish boundaries. More and more future urbanistic developments impresses through unbelievable structures and sustainable design. Marina + Beach Towers in Dubai is one of that projects that highlights stunning construction and utilisation of green building technology and it does it in an original way. For us it’s clear that through projects like this one, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are fast becoming the new architectural mega-trends of the world, considering that billions of dollars in construction spending are predicted for the city of Dubai during the next decade as skyscrapers multiply in the United Arab Emirates city and nearby Abu Dhabi.
Designed as a mixed-use waterfront development by Miami -based architects Oppenheim Architecture and Design, Marina + Beach Towers should be completed this year, 2012. Besides focusing on self sustainability, the building design also embraces the natural resources. Thus, one of the main aspect to consider on this project is the architects’ capability of beautifully and creatively integrating the structure in the site, making a symbiosis between residential building and landscape. The natural topography between the towers is illuminated with ambient light and cooled with natural breezes, so visitors may stroll through a lush garden oasis revealing retail and dining locations.
The towers’ design displays an elegance derived from simplicity that addresses all of the needs of development without any of the proliferating exuberance. Their fluidity merges sky and water: curving facades, which are comprised of residential unit modules, emerge form the sandy coastline and catch light from the setting sun. This shape was thought to have both inside and outside benefits: the interior would be protected from strong sunlight of the harsh desert climate and visitors can have beach views, and the exterior would attempt to become an inherent wind catcher, a passive device used within the region to generate ventilation.
Photos: Courtesy of Oppenheim Architecture+Design