Roads & Transport Authority - Mohammed Al-Munji: HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the heritage-inspired design of Al-Ras & Al-Ghubaiba Stations on the Green Line of Dubai Metro. The design, which is derived from the magnificent heritage flavor of the city, mirrors the rich legacy and historical profile of the city in a style synonymous of the heritage nature of the neighbourhood.
While reviewing the designs, HH Sheikh Mohammed was impressed with the heritage-inspired design of both stations which illustrates the history & civilization of the UAE. HH directed to explore the possibility of adopting such designs to more metro stations.
Heritage-inspired design of Al-Ras & Al-Ghubaiba Metro Stations.
H.E. Mattar Al-Tayer, Chairman of the Board & Executive Director of Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) said that conceptual design of the two stations focuses on the traditional architectural ingredients used in antique buildings such wind towers (Brajeel), oriel (mashrabia), alleyways (sukaik), internal arches and others in an advanced setting. Due attention has been given to the aesthetic & technical dimensions of those elements such that the designed stations will look like a natural expansion of old & traditional souks in the locality. They will also be viewed as extension of the Heritage & Diving Village and the existing old control towers in the area. Entrances of stations that will be constructed at the grade will be matching to the heritage architecture fabric of these areas and integrated with the design of Dubai Creek Banks Development Project, which share the same design nature.
"The design of all elevated / at the grade Dubai Metro stations has been modeled on the shape of the seashell, inspired from the diving and pearl-fishing heritage of the UAE, while the interior design depicts the four elements of nature vis-à-vis water, air, earth and fire. By securing the approval of this heritage design model, RTA has combined in this Project both heritage and modern designs.
"Elevated stations of Dubai Metro consist of two types; the first is stations with entrances constructed at the grade with elevated platforms. This design aims to maintain optical communication with the external environment of the station through designing glazed roofs or erecting glazed partitions enabling optical communication with the external environment when passengers are heading towards the station. The second type of stations is supported on pillars, where both the lounge and platform are housed in the upper level. Since these stations are situated in locations parallel to highways, they will be accessed from both sides of the road through entrances at the ground level. Most metro stations are linked with massive air-conditioned footbridges with ample space for the public to cross both sides of Sheikh Zayed Road. These crossings, which are fitted with travelators and top-quality finishing, will revolutionize the culture of pedestrian linking and interacting with the city, and contribute to enhancing the drive towards minimizing the reliance on private vehicles.
"The architectural design of all metro stations has been tailored to comply with the requirements of public safety & security, clarity, simplicity and minimizing travelling distance to the minimum. Entrances of stations at the ground level will be configured with various transport modes. The circular traffic of passenger in stations will flow in a direct and leveled manner within eyesight reach without having to rely much on directional signs. Therefore due consideration has been given to make the inner space of lounge free from distractions and partitioning as much as possible in order to maintain optical communication. Moreover, stations have been designed to be fully equipped with all logistics and facilities needed by mothers with prams, and passengers with shopping bags & other personal belongings.
"The design of stations also responds to the requirements of special needs persons and a complete package of facilities is in place to meet the requirements of all sorts of disability. These include audio-visual aids of direction and display of information for optically & audio-impaired persons. Fittings also include floor markings to ease the mobility of individuals with impaired vision to guide the disabled to gates or places designated for them in carriages. Braille and internal pager systems will also be in use at all locations, as well as escalators and roomy elevators that enable the movement of wheel chairs.
Dubai Metro Project plays an important role in the transit system undertaken by the RTA as part of its strategy to keep pace with the urban development and meet the requirements of the current & projected population growth in the emirate. This merits construction of state-of-the-art rail network to cope with the transition witnessed by Dubai; which is shaping into a reputable cosmopolitan city and a hub for tourists, visitors and businessmen from all over the globe, as well as a premier regional and international center for conventions, forums and expos.
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© Press Release 2008
