Client: Dubai Cultural Village
Location: Dubai – UAE
Plot Size: 19,700 sq.m
Built-Up Area: 32,800 sq.m
Construction Cost: 127,355,000 USD
Starting Date: 2014
Completion Date: 2014
Services Provided: Design Competition, Urban & Architectural Design
Challenge:
The challenge was to create a luxury hotel and serviced apartment complex that would integrate deeply with Dubai’s cultural identity, evoking the richness of its architectural heritage. The design needed to capture the essence of traditional urban fabric and Islamic values while meeting contemporary hospitality standards. The aim was to craft an experience that transcended mere functionality, immersing guests in a living embodiment of Dubai’s history and cultural significance.
Approach:
Inspired by Dubai’s local architectural traditions and Islamic values, the design concept sought to revive the authentic experience of the old city. By overlaying an urban grid from Dubai’s historic districts onto the project site, the architects established a solid-void relationship reminiscent of the intimate, human-scale environments found in traditional neighborhoods. Pathways and axes defined by this urban grid guided the placement of building masses and open spaces, creating a coherent and immersive experience for visitors.
The project’s evolution prioritized balance, placing equal emphasis on the built environment and the spaces between structures. Pathways extended into the adjacent water areas, transforming into dancing fountains by day and illuminated lines by night, seamlessly linking the site’s visual and spatial narrative. The integration of modern amenities—such as a gym, parking, and shared facilities—ensured that the development maintained a contemporary edge while remaining firmly rooted in its cultural context.
Impact:
This design competition entry successfully demonstrated how traditional values can be adapted to modern urban and architectural settings. By reinterpreting Dubai’s historical architectural language rather than replicating it, the project offered a truly immersive cultural experience. The outcome was a vision that harmonized luxury, functionality, and authenticity, serving as a bridge between Dubai’s past and its future, and leaving visitors with a deep sense of connection to the city’s rich heritage.
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