Written by Barry H. Norwood, Associate Professor/Director, Student Services/Service Learning
As we traveled through Dubai and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) March 12-21, our students focused on a number of topics in Architecture, including construction and preservation techniques. Students researched and documented the materials and procedures used to build the following buildings in Dubai:
- Burj Khalifa: The world’s tallest building, at 828 meters
high. Its cladding provides an interesting contrast with
the traditional Dubai architecture around it. Well worth
seeing as the sun rises and strikes the reflective surface.
- Emirates Towers: A favorite with Dubai architecture
enthusiasts; observe the way the towers’ relationship
constantly changes according to the angle from which
you look at them.
- World Trade Centre: Very forward thinking for its
time, both in terms of its ground-breaking scale and its
structural and environmental sensitivity. It now stands as
a reminder of Dubai’s growth, a contrast to the flashier
buildings around it.
- National Bank of Dubai: While practically speaking, this
design perhaps doesn’t make the most efficient use of
space, yet, as a project designed to make a statement,
this building is a roaring success. Its convex glass front
captures and reflects the comings and goings of life
along Dubai Creek, and it has become one of the most
recognizable structures in Dubai.
- Dubai Marina: Especially beautiful at night, but well
worth a visit on Friday afternoons, with the Marina Market
selling all manner of clothes, gifts, and jewelry. There is
an impressive array of waterfront restaurants, too.
- Mall of the Emirates: An overnight success, popular with
residents and visitors alike. Home to an enormous variety
of high street and designer shops, cinemas, and many
fine restaurants. It also contains the incredible Ski Dubai.
- Burj Al-Arab: The world’s only ‘seven-star’ hotel,
standing 320 meters tall on its own artificial island just off
Dubai’s coastline. An extraordinary sail-shaped exterior,
with dancing fountains, vast aquaria, and a startling blue
atrium on the inside.
In Abu Dhabi, we visited two major buildings – Louvre Abu Dhabi, an art and civilization museum. The museum was established November 8, 2017, as part of a 30-year agreement between the city of Abu Dhabi and the French government. We also visited the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, named after the UAE’s first president. It’s home to the world’s largest chandelier, and 7,000 worshippers can fit inside the main prayer hall. In conclusion, we toured 41 buildings, collaborated with the American University of Sharjah – College of Architecture, Art & Design, and met with the vice presidents of two Architectural Firms, HKS and HOK. Each student was able to submit their portfolio and resume.
In the future, we are planning a collaboration with American University of Sharjah and Project Locus, a nonprofit corporation, to design and build community structures in areas of need.