Dubai is renowned for its architecture and the unique way in which ultra-modern towers sit alongside traditionally inspired dwellings. Even the newly completed "Old Town" with its courtyards, cobbled streets and locally inspired architecture development lies within the shadow of the record breaking Burj Al Arab.
D1 Tower, Emirates Sunland's 80-storey luxury residential tower currently under construction on Dubai Creek is another development to merge an ultra-modern structure with traditional Middle Eastern culture. Set in Culture Village, and adjacent to the majestic Palazzo Versace, another of Emirates Sunland's signature projects, D1 fuses modern architectural design with the traditional styles and materials found within Culture Village.
The most obvious example of this modern vs. traditional fusion can be found in D1s podium canopy. Rising eight storeys up the building, the timber construction and geometry of the canopy reflects the traditional forms of the regions fishing nets and the deep-sea dhows traditionally associated with the Creek.
The canopy is also reminiscent of the traditional Arabian mushrabiya (latticed screens that filter light while allowing ventilation) and allows light into the building without blocking the views. Just like the traditional burj al hwwa, or wind towers, the canopy funnels cool air down to the base of the tower and provides shade to the alfresco dining areas, gardens and swimming pools surrounding D1.
The use of traditional materials and construction techniques in the shade canopy helps to blend D1's sleek exterior with the more traditional architecture of Culture Village. Additionally, an Arabesque design on the glass curtain walls surrounding the building, similar to those used throughout the Culture Village precinct, complements the mushrabiya design while simultaneously giving reference to the regional context and relating D1 to the surrounding architecture.
Culture Village is a unique project that recognises the important role of the Creek in the cultural landscape of the UAE. Dubai's culture is inextricably linked to the evolution of the creek not only as a catalyst of commerce, but also as a centre of heritage and civilisation. Its modern, sophisticated and yet vibrant ambience is not only aimed at people with refined cultural inclination, but at all its residents and visitors, inspiring everyone with its richness and diversity of culture.
The precinct will feature traditional wind towers, cobblestone walkways and souks, as well as a dockyard where traditional dhow building will be on display. Galleries, museums and exhibition halls will showcase the best of the regions artists, while murals, sculptures and pottery will bring art and culture out of the galleries and into the public recreation areas.
The interior of D1 has been carefully designed to keep continuity with the overall architecture of the building. The sophisticated, modern interior of D1 features intricate detailing inspired by local culture and craftsmanship and interpreted in a contemporary context, while timber cladding has been used in the ground floor foyer to visually reference the external shade canopy design.
In addition to the external shade canopy, custom-designed modern interpretations of mushrabiya will be incorporated around the lobby area to filter natural sunlight and to provide a sense of enclosure and intimacy, particularly in the lounge area.
A key feature in D1's interior design is the 'vertical chandelier'-type lighting fixture that falls through the first and ground floors, evoking an image of hundreds of lit water droplets falling onto the landscape below. A grass landscape lies below the chandelier, while a nine-metre high void above it provides a visual link to the first level.
Other key design elements throughout the lobby, public areas and private residences have been inspired by nature, particularly the concept of 'oasis'; D1 provides a tranquil refuge where people come to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
Floral motifs will be used in the mushrabiya, following the traditional manner, as well as in the interior building fabric, furniture and soft furnishings. This helps tie the floral theme into the overall interior design.
The natural theme continues within the apartments through the use of materials and textures. There will be two apartment finishes offered - a contemporary neutral scheme and a classical palette. Both options include the use of natural timber flooring and stone surfaces in the kitchen and bathrooms.
The contemporary scheme will feature natural finishes in lighter colours, while the classical design will feature richer textures and deeper hues. Apartments in levels 3-39 are all designed in the contemporary theme, with the Skyrise apartments finished in the classical theme.
D1 Tower was designed by Emirates Sunland Group as a sister development to Sunland Group Australia's Q1, the tallest residential tower in the world. Sunland has more than 20 years' experience, and has earned an international reputation for excellence in the development of award-winning properties.
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© Press Release 2007
