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The "Dubai Urban Elements Design Challenge" is an international architectural competition launched by Buildner in partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Government. This initiative aims to shape Dubai's urban identity by focusing on human-scale architectural details that contribute to the city's character and soul. The competition seeks innovative and cohesive design visions for seven distinct zones across Dubai , each with its own unique identity, density, and character.
The project's core concept, "The Symbol of the Heart," aims to unify Dubai's multifaceted identity by amplifying its inherent qualities and telling its authentic story. Each of the seven zones; Residential (Tents), Suburban (Reflection/Arches), Comprehensive (Palm Tree), Industrial (Sanctuary/Flamingo), Historical & Art (Dhow Boats), and High-end (Falcon); embodies a specific chapter or defining characteristic of Dubai's evolution. The designs are expected to integrate functionality, safety, comfort, and sustainability, while contributing to a unified urban language that respects the uniqueness of each area.
Project Location: Dubai, UAE
Area: 7 Zones
Status: Competition Entry
Site Locations
Site Locations
The proposal focuses on seven distinct zones, each embodying a unique aspect of Dubai's evolution and identity. Zone 1 and Zone 2, designated as Residential, represent the foundational story of Dubai with the arrival of the Bedouin people and the establishment of tents as the initial form of habitation. Zone 6, the Historical & Art zone, is prominently located near the creek and sea, reflecting Dubai's sea-trading heritage and pearl diving history, particularly in the Deira district. Zone 5, the Industrial zone, is characterized by its significant wildlife, especially flamingos, symbolizing migration, growth, and stability. Zone 4, the Comprehensive zone, is primarily focused on working life with numerous high-rise office buildings, representing Dubai's growth and resilience, symbolized by the Palm Tree. Zone 7, the High-end zone, is recognized as a global destination with iconic structures like the Burj Khalifa, embodying Dubai's ambition and pride, symbolized by the Falcon. Finally, Zone 3, the Suburban zone, encompasses large desert areas and the city's outskirts, serving as an epilogue to Dubai's story and prompting reflection on its journey, symbolized by the Arch.
Design Concept
Design Concept
The design concept, "The Symbol of the Heart," aims to unify Dubai's identity by amplifying its inherent qualities and significant features rather than imposing new ones. This overarching theme serves as the central concept for the entire project, binding every aspect of Dubai's story together. Dubai is envisioned as a living narrative expressed through seven distinct urban zones, each meticulously crafted to embody a specific chapter or defining characteristic of its journey. These individual zone identities are intricately connected, forming a continuous narrative arc that traces Dubai's timeline from its origins to its future aspirations. The concept ensures that while each part of Dubai celebrates its unique contribution, the entire city collectively declares its ultimate identity as a vibrant, ambitious civilization built from the heart of its people.
The concept unifies Dubai's identity by presenting its evolution as a living narrative across seven distinct zones. Beginning with the foundational "TENTS (Habitation)" in Zones 1 and 2, which represent the Bedouin origins and community , the story progresses to "DHOW BOATS (Sea Trading)" in Zone 6, highlighting historical trade and development. This leads to "SANCTUARY (Thrive & Flourish)" in Zone 5, symbolizing industrial growth and migration , and then to "PALM TREE (Growth & Resilience)" in Zone 4, signifying the city's robust expansion and workforce contributions. The narrative culminates in "FALCON (Pride)" in Zone 7, reflecting Dubai's boundless ambition and global stature with iconic structures , before concluding with "ARCH (Reflection)" in Zone 3, which encourages contemplation of Dubai's journey and mindful future expansion into the desert while honoring its heritage.
Design Process
Design Process
Sketches
Illustrating design concepts for elements within the zones, particularly focusing on lighting and canopies that serve as gathering spaces and landmarks. The sketches show structures resembling tents or arches, with lighting elements that act as guides and create a sense of place at night. These designs directly support the "Symbol of the Heart" concept by emphasizing community, connectivity, and wayfinding, aligning with the idea that each urban element contributes to Dubai's living narrative and guides people through its story, from its foundational Bedouin heritage to its future aspirations. The "lamp poles" are depicted as "remaining alive at nights, becoming a soft beacon," a nod to the concept of cultural landmarks and an inviting urban fabric.
Detailing architectural forms and urban planning ideas, heavily featuring the "Arch" symbol. The sketches explore Islamic tessellations, domes, and archways, which are presented as key elements in Roman, Islamic, and Gothic architecture, symbolizing cultural identity, historical continuity, enduring strength, and meaningful transition. The "Arch" is specifically linked to Zone 3 (Suburban) representing "reflection" and serving as a gateway between the city and the desert, encouraging contemplation of Dubai's journey and future. The presence of "green buffer, and "pedestrian walkways" alongside "interactive plazas" and "community engagement" further demonstrates the concept's focus on enhancing urban life and psychological well-being, providing spaces for social interaction and reflection.
Sketches
Sketches
Showcasing design elements related to public spaces, green infrastructure, and narrative pathways. "Pocket Gardens" are depicted as multi-functional spaces for rest and gatherings, contributing to community engagement and addressing the need for comfort and greenery in the urban environment. The "Wing" concept for structures and paths, along with "spirals" symbolizing "life path growth evolution" and a "timeline history of Dubai," illustrates the narrative approach of the overall concept, guiding users through Dubai's evolution. The "Interactive Parks Plaza" and reinforce the idea of a cohesive urban fabric that tells Dubai's story, ensuring that every element contributes to the city's collective identity and fosters a deeper understanding of its journey.
Proposed Design Elements
For the Residential Zones (1 & 2), the design focuses on community and connectivity, using a human-centric approach inspired by traditional tent life to enhance urban spaces, amenities, and pedestrian comfort and safety. In the Historical & Art Zone (6), the design draws from sea travel and navigation, with urban elements and public amenities inspired by compasses and stars, creating themed routes and landmarks to celebrate heritage and aid wayfinding.
The Industrial Zone (5) balances growth and nature, integrating wildlife like flamingos and existing art warehouses to enhance living conditions and psychological well-being, while the Comprehensive Zone (4) celebrates the "fruits of labor" through memorials, green spaces, fitness programs, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, aiming to improve mental stimulation and community life.
The High-end Zone (7) embodies Dubai's ambition with falcon-inspired designs, including peak viewing decks, smart technology in urban furniture, and the "RING," an elevated walkway with passive cooling, promoting sustainable mobility and a lively environment. Lastly, the Suburban Zone (3) uses the "Arch" as a symbol for reflection and as a gateway to the desert, with pocket oases and smart urban elements designed to foster contemplation and reconnect people to their heritage as the city expands mindfully.
From fostering community in residential areas to celebrating heritage through artistic integration, promoting well-being in industrial and comprehensive zones, and embodying ambition in high-end areas, all while encouraging reflection on future expansion, the urban fabric becomes a cohesive story. This integrated approach ensures that Dubai's identity is not static but a dynamic, living story that constantly unfolds, inviting both residents and visitors to experience its evolution and profound spirit firsthand
Boards
Presentation Boards
Zone 1 & 2 - Residential Zone
Dubai's growth through trade has transformed it into aa thriving city. Zone 5 is known for its unique mix of industry and wildlife, symbolizes its evolution. Flamingos, seen in the area, represent migration, growth, and the balance between nature and urban life.
The design approach embraces this harmony, integrating nature into the industrial zone to enhance well-being and highlight Dubai's hidden wildlife. Art and culture, especially through existing warehouses, are celebrated to reflect Dubai's identity as a city that blends progress with nature.
At the core of the concept is a contextual approach that reinterprets zoning and circulation based on community and climate factors. The diagram emphasizes reallocation of road space to pedestrian-friendly zones, increasing walkability and safety. Modular elements like hammocks, community benches, and community gardening nodes are introduced to support public interaction and physical activity. These installations are flexible and scalable, reinforcing shared spaces and encouraging community engagement within residential areas.
The proposal introduces multi-functional circular structures that serve various purposes from fitness and walking loops to shaded gathering areas.
Zone 5 - Industrial Zone
Dubai's growth through trade has transformed it into aa thriving city. Zone 5 is known for its unique mix of industry and wildlife, symbolizes its evolution. Flamingos, seen in the area, represent migration, growth, and the balance between nature and urban life.
The design approach embraces this harmony, integrating nature into the industrial zone to enhance well-being and highlight Dubai's hidden wildlife. Art and culture, especially through existing warehouses, are celebrated to reflect Dubai's identity as a city that blends progress with nature.
Design elements include shelters with urban edges, bus stops that merge function with art, and modular bicycle hubs that serve as mobility anchors and resting points for daily commuters and migratory patterns. These spaces not only offer protection from Dubai’s intense climate but also integrate social and ecological functions. The concept of “fun pathways” and shading features transforms underutilized road space into engaging community zones that connect nature and city life.
The design impact is centered on comfort, mobility, and community cohesion. By encouraging non-motorized transport, integrating urban leisure spaces, and creating identity-rich zones, the strategy fosters a more inclusive and adaptive urban fabric.
"A Tapestry of Evolution, Woven from Heritage, Ambition, and the Enduring Spirit of its People"
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